Caleb Foster
Toenails that grow upward or become thickened can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, infection, and certain illnesses. In some cases, a new toenail may grow underneath an existing toenail following an injury or due to constant pressure on the toenail. This new nail growth can take 4-6 months to reach the end of the toenail, and proper care is necessary to prevent infection. Additionally, underlying health conditions, such as peripheral artery disease, vascular issues, or nail matrix damage, can also affect toenail growth. Maintaining good foot and toenail hygiene, including regular trimming and cleaning, is crucial for overall foot health and the prevention of further complications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Toenail growth stoppage | Peripheral artery disease, fungal infections, nail injury, poor circulation, vascular conditions, age, nail matrix damage, medications, chemotherapy, radiation, minor injuries, severe injuries, nail trephination, melanoma, surgery, macrotrauma, microtrauma, chronic inflammation, nutrition, systemic diseases, pressure on the toenail, fluid accumulation below the nail, nail fungus, psoriasis, onychomycosis, retronychia, nail biting, nail picking, harsh chemicals, irritants, dry nails, nail abnormalities, genetic disorders, skeletal abnormalities, kidney disease, thick nails, ingrown toenails, wounds, infections, tight shoes, injuries, bruising, nail discoloration, nail thickness, nail shape, nail texture, nail hygiene, nail cleaning, toenail length, toenail trimming, toenail filing, toenail moisture, toenail inspection, footwear, socks, toenail abnormalities, toenail growth speed, toenail direction |
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What You'll Learn
Toenail injuries
Toenails can also be accidentally torn or split (lacerations) or fall off completely (avulsion). If the nail lifts off the nail bed, it can be bandaged back in place for comfort, but it will not reattach. A new nail will usually grow back within 4 to 12 months, but it may appear misshapen or grooved.
Repeated trauma to toenails, often caused by ill-fitting shoes, can lead to deformities that resemble fungal infections. Toenails may thicken, discolour, or lift away from the nail bed. This can also occur due to the friction of the shoe against the nail, causing a blister beneath the nail that results in toenail loss. Sandal and soft-shoe wearers are more prone to such injuries.
To prevent toenail injuries, it is crucial to wear properly sized shoes with adequate room for the toes and airflow. Toenails should be kept trimmed to reduce the risk of rubbing or pressure. For those with sweaty feet, using an antiperspirant spray before activities can help control moisture. Additionally, purchasing silicone or gel toe caps can protect against blisters, irritation, and toenail loss.
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Toenail infections
Bacterial Infections
An infection in the skin surrounding the toenail is called paronychia, which is typically caused by bacteria. Ingrown toenails, where the side of the nail grows into the skin, can also lead to bacterial infections. In such cases, treatment with antibiotic creams or pills is usually recommended.
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections are a common issue affecting toenails. This type of infection can cause the nails to become thick, yellow, cracked, or cloudy. Walking barefoot in public areas, such as gym showers or locker rooms, increases the risk of contracting toenail fungus. Additionally, frequent exposure to water, as in the case of swimmers, can create favourable conditions for fungal growth. Antifungal medications, available over the counter or by prescription, are used to treat these infections.
Vascular Conditions
Poor circulation in the lower extremities can negatively impact toenail growth. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), a vascular condition caused by plaque buildup in the arteries, restricts oxygenated blood flow to the toes and feet. This reduced blood supply can lead to slow toenail growth or even cause the nails to crumble and break off. Toenails affected by poor circulation may appear brittle, pale, bluish, or thicker than normal.
Nail Injuries and Matrix Damage
Injuries to the toenail or the nail matrix, the area where the nail forms, can interrupt nail growth and increase the risk of infection. Dropping something heavy on the toe or experiencing a crush injury can damage the nail matrix, potentially causing the nail to fall off. Minor matrix injuries may result in temporary changes in nail appearance, such as bruising, ridges, or discolouration. Proper nail care, including trimming nails straight across and avoiding cutting them too short, can help prevent ingrown toenails and reduce the likelihood of infection.
Underlying Health Conditions
Certain health conditions can also affect toenail growth. For example, individuals with diabetes are more susceptible to toe infections due to damage to blood vessels and nerves caused by high blood sugar. Additionally, serious illnesses like heart attacks, COVID-19, or pneumonia can lead to horizontal ridges in the nails, known as Beau's lines.
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Vascular conditions
Toenails typically grow slower than fingernails, but it is not normal for them to stop growing. Poor circulation in the toenails can cause them to stop growing. This can be due to vascular conditions such as Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), which affects blood circulation in the arteries leading to the legs and feet. PAD is caused by plaque accumulation in the arteries, which restricts the flow of oxygenated blood to the lower extremities. This can result in symptoms such as cold feet and toes, tingling or numbness, and toenail discoloration.
If you are experiencing poor circulation in your toenails, you may notice that your nails become brittle, pale or bluish in color, or thicker. Severe disruption of blood supply to the toenails can cause them to crumble and break off. Poor circulation also increases the risk of fungal infections, which can further contribute to nail breakage.
To address slow toenail growth related to PAD, it is important to manage the underlying condition and improve circulation. This may involve medical treatment, lifestyle modifications, and foot care. Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial to determine the appropriate course of action.
While PAD is a common vascular condition that can affect toenail growth, there are other potential causes as well. These include trauma to the nail, nutritional deficiencies, and medical conditions such as diabetes. It is always advisable to seek professional advice if you notice any unusual changes in your toenails or overall health.
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Hereditary factors
The growth of your nails, including their strength, thickness, and speed of growth, is largely determined by hereditary factors. Unusual nail growth, such as toenails growing upward, could also be hereditary. Nail Patella Syndrome (NPS), for example, is a rare genetic disorder affecting 1 in 50,000 people, causing nail abnormalities and skeletal abnormalities involving the knees, elbows, and hips. People with NPS are also prone to developing kidney disease.
The shape and growth pattern of your nails are determined by the nail matrix, which is the root of the nail. The matrix is always making new cells that become your fingernails or toenails, forcing the old ones to bunch up and get pushed through the skin. The visible part of the nail is called the nail plate, and the nail bed lies underneath it. The lunula is the small, white crescent shape that can sometimes be seen under the skin at the base of the nail plate. The nail folds are the skin grooves that hold the nail plate in place, and the cuticle is the thin tissue over the base of the nail plate where it grows outward.
While hereditary factors play a significant role in nail growth, it's important to note that injuries and certain health conditions can also impact the nail matrix and interfere with nail growth. Minor damage to the nail matrix can temporarily change the appearance of your nails, while severe damage could result in the nail falling off. In such cases, a new nail may start to grow again once the nail matrix heals, although it may take several weeks for this to become visible.
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Underlying health conditions
While unusual toenail growth can be hereditary, it can also be a sign of an underlying health condition. Toenails that grow upward, for example, can be the result of onychogryphosis, a thickening of the nails due to injury or infection. This condition can cause the nails to curve and resemble the shape of a ram's horn or a claw.
In addition to physical trauma, certain health conditions can also damage the nail matrix and interfere with nail growth. Minor damage to the nail matrix can cause temporary changes in the appearance and texture of the nail. A severe injury could cause the nail to fall off, and in cases of severe nail matrix damage, the nail may not grow back.
Fungal infections can also cause toenails to thicken and become discoloured. While often treatable, if left untreated, the infection can worsen to the point that the nail falls off and stops growing until the infection is cleared.
Poor circulation in the lower extremities can also severely inhibit toenail growth. Common vascular conditions linked to slow toenail growth include peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is caused by plaque accumulation in the arteries. Other symptoms of PAD include cold feet and toes, tingling or numbness, and leg pain.
If you are experiencing unusual toenail growth, it is important to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
There could be several reasons for this. Firstly, it could be that you have damaged your nail matrix through injury or health conditions, which can interfere with nail growth. In some cases, a new nail may grow underneath an old nail following severe damage. This could also be caused by constant pressure on the toenail, resulting in fluid accumulation below the nail and the nail becoming separated from its root.
To prevent this from happening, it is important to address the cause. If the issue is caused by pressure on the toenail, this could be due to ill-fitting shoes. It is recommended that you check your footwear to ensure there is enough space for your toes and nails.
You may notice bruising, ridges, or discolouration on your toenail following an injury to the nail matrix.
If you suspect you have damaged your nail matrix, it is important to see a doctor for an early diagnosis and treatment. They may recommend procedures such as nail trephination to relieve any trapped blood and help the new nail grow correctly.
