Caleb Foster
Toenails are made of a protein-rich tissue called keratin. As new cells grow, old ones are pushed forward, harden, and become nails. While nails are replaceable, certain factors can cause them to harden and stop growing. This condition is called onychomadesis, and it can be caused by peripheral artery disease, physical damage to the nail matrix, fungal infections, or other underlying conditions such as psoriasis or congenital disorders. Maintaining proper nail care, such as keeping nails short and moisturized, can help prevent nail damage and infections.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Peripheral artery disease
The build-up of fatty deposits in PAD is composed of substances such as calcium, cholesterol, fat, and other waste products. Over time, this material accumulates along the walls of the arteries, a process called atherosclerosis. PAD can lead to more severe complications if not treated early, as the reduced blood flow to the legs and feet can affect wound healing and increase the risk of gangrene.
While many people with PAD have no symptoms, some may experience a painful ache in their legs when walking, known as intermittent claudication. This pain typically disappears after a few minutes of rest. PAD can also cause changes in the skin colour of the legs, such as turning paler or blue, although these changes may be harder to notice on brown or black skin.
The risk factors for developing PAD include high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, diabetes, and a family history of PAD, stroke, heart disease, or heart attack. It is important to see a doctor if you suspect you have PAD, as vascular testing and other diagnostic methods can help determine the presence of the condition. Treatment for PAD focuses on lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and smoking cessation, as well as addressing the underlying causes.
In addition to PAD, other factors can contribute to slowed or stopped toenail growth. These include fungal infections, radiation treatments, nail bed injuries, and physical damage to the nail matrix. Onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nail plate and/or nail bed, can cause toenails to thicken and change colour. Prompt treatment is crucial to resolve thick toenails and prevent further complications.
Vertical Ridges: Why Your Nails Develop Lines
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Physical damage to the nail matrix
Mechanical injuries can cause damage to the nail matrix. This includes various types of injuries, such as hitting or pinching a finger, or a heavy object falling on a toe. These situations create micro-injuries that disrupt the process of healthy nail growth. The nail plate becomes thinner, deformed, and deeper grooves and ridges begin to appear. In the case of very severe mechanical trauma, the damaged nail matrix can present symptoms such as a hematoma under the nail plate and oozing pus.
Improperly performed nail care procedures can also damage the nail matrix. This includes cuticle picking, which can cause a wavy nail plate due to too much pressure in the lunula area where the nail is still soft. Improper use of a drill or cuticle cutting with a cuticle pusher can also lead to nail plate distortion and matrix damage.
Additionally, wearing tight shoes can cause microtrauma, a type of damage to the nail matrix that results from repetitive irritation. This can lead to stunted nail growth through gradual disruption to the matrix. Chronic inflammation and the growth of calluses can limit the supply of nutrients necessary for proper nail growth.
It is important to identify and treat damage to the nail matrix as early as possible to prevent further complications. Treatment methods depend on the cause and extent of the damage and can include protective dressings, regenerative preparations, ointments, or oral medications prescribed by a specialist.
Dip Powder: The Secret to Stronger, Longer Nails?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Onychomycosis (nail fungus)
Onychomycosis, commonly known as a nail fungus infection, occurs when fungi, such as dermatophytes, yeasts, or nondermatophyte molds, invade the nail plate and/or nail bed. Fungi thrive in warm, dark, and moist environments, such as the feet, and can enter through small cracks in the nail or nearby skin. Onychomycosis is the cause of one-third of fungal skin infections and half of all nail diseases.
The infection usually starts at the edge or tip of the nail and spreads from there. It can cause the nail to thicken, become discoloured (white, brown, or yellow), and crumble or break easily. In some cases, the whole nail can break off, leading to pain and swelling of the surrounding skin.
Distal (lateral) subungual onychomycosis is the most common type, affecting the distal edge or sides of the nail. Proximal subungual onychomycosis originates from the proximal nail fold (the skin covering the root of the nail). Superficial onychomycosis starts in the superficial layers of the nail and then moves deeper. Other types include totally dystrophic onychomycosis, where the nail becomes extra thick and tall due to excess keratin, and yeast onychomycosis, often caused by Candida, which affects fingernails more than toenails.
Treatment for onychomycosis typically involves antifungal agents such as terbinafine and itraconazole. While newer treatments have made it easier to manage the condition, fungal infections can be challenging to cure and may require months of continuous therapy. Keeping the affected area clean and dry can help reduce the risk of infection and prevent recurrence.
Dipping Powder Nails: What to Do When They Grow Out
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Age-related changes
As we age, toenails can become thick, brittle, and discoloured. This process is called onychoctes. Experiencing trauma to the nail bed over time, such as stubbing your toe, can also cause thickening. Additionally, peripheral neuropathy and diabetes can contribute to poor blood circulation, leading to thicker nails.
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, also becomes more prevalent with age. It occurs when a fungus or yeast enters the toenail, usually through small cracks in the keratin or nearby skin. Moist environments and communal areas increase the risk of developing toenail fungus.
Nail apparatus melanoma (NAM) is another condition that usually affects older individuals, particularly those of Japanese and African-American descent. It presents as a solitary longitudinal melanonychia of the big toe, thumb, or index finger. A delay in the diagnosis of NAM can lead to a worse prognosis compared to other types of melanoma.
Cuticles: When They Grow onto Your Nails
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Underlying conditions
Toenails can thicken due to several underlying conditions. One of the most common causes is a fungal infection, also known as onychomycosis, which occurs when a fungus or yeast enters the toenail bed through small cracks in the keratin. This can lead to the nail growing thicker over time and may cause other symptoms such as discolouration. Toenails are particularly susceptible to fungal infections due to exposure to wet areas, and moisture helps fungi spread.
Another underlying condition that can cause toenail thickening is psoriasis, an immune system disorder where healthy tissues in the integumentary system are attacked. While psoriasis primarily affects the skin, it can also impact the toenails, leading to changes in their thickness and colour.
In some cases, congenital disorders or chronic illnesses can also cause toenails to thicken. Additionally, physical damage to the nail matrix, either through macrotrauma (sudden injury) or microtrauma (repetitive irritation), can lead to slowed nail growth and thickening. Conditions such as peripheral artery disease, which affects blood flow to the extremities, can also contribute to nail thickening due to poor nutrition and oxygen supply to the toes.
As people age, the growth and repair rate of nail cells slows down due to poor blood circulation, leading to a build-up of nail cells and thicker toenails. Certain medications and treatments, such as cancer treatments, can also increase the likelihood of developing nail fungus, which may result in thickened toenails.
It is important to note that thickened toenails can be a sign of an underlying condition, and prompt treatment is key to resolving the issue and preventing further complications.
Treating Ingrown Nails: Home Remedies and Professional Care
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Toenails can harden due to fungal infections, older age, psoriasis, congenital disorders, chronic illnesses, and other factors.
Signs of a fungal infection include toenails that thicken, become discoloured (yellow, green, or brown), and stop growing. They may also give off a cheese-like odour.
To prevent toenail hardening, keep your feet clean and dry, practice good foot hygiene, and protect your feet from injury. Maintaining overall health through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and managing blood sugar and cholesterol levels can also promote healthy toenail growth.
