Liam Carter
Toenails can provide valuable insights into a person's overall health. While it is normal for toenail growth to slow down with age, it is not normal for them to stop growing entirely. If you notice that your toenails have stopped growing, it could be a sign of an underlying condition such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), fungal infections, nutritional deficiencies, nail injuries, or other medical conditions like diabetes. PAD, for example, affects over eight million people in the United States and can lead to toenail discoloration, brittleness, and dullness. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a doctor to determine the root cause and explore treatment options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age | Toenails may stop growing due to old age |
| Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) | PAD is a common cause of toenails stopping to grow |
| Poor Circulation | Poor circulation can inhibit toenail growth |
| Diabetes | Diabetes can cause skin changes that make it difficult to notice reduced toenail growth |
| Nutritional Deficiencies | Lack of essential nutrients like biotin, zinc, and iron can slow toenail growth |
| Trauma | Repetitive trauma to the nail can cause toenails to stop growing |
| Infections | Fungal infections can cause toenails to thicken, discolour, and stop growing |
| Chemotherapy | Chemotherapy affects rapidly dividing cells, including nail matrices, interrupting nail growth |
| Stress | Major stress can cause nails to grow slowly or stop growing |
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What You'll Learn
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
While PAD can cause toenails to stop growing, it is important to note that there are other potential causes of slow or non-existent toenail growth, such as fungal infections, radiation treatments, and nail bed injuries. However, PAD can lead to more severe complications if left untreated, so it is important to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause of toenail growth issues.
One of the most common symptoms of PAD is leg pain or cramping, whether during activity or at rest. Other symptoms include cold feet and toes, discoloration of the toenails, shiny or dry skin on the legs, and pain in the feet. In severe cases, PAD can lead to the development of non-healing sores on the legs or feet, which can turn into areas of dead tissue (gangrene) that may require amputation.
The risk factors for developing PAD include age, family history, and underlying health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high glucose levels. Early detection of PAD is crucial to prevent complications and to manage the disease through lifestyle changes and medical treatments. Vascular testing, including ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurements and pulse volume recording (PVR) tests, can help diagnose PAD and determine the severity of blood flow limitations.
If you are experiencing issues with toenail growth or any other symptoms of PAD, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
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Poor circulation
Toenails that have stopped growing could be an indication of poor circulation. Poor circulation is often linked to peripheral artery disease (PAD), a vascular disorder characterised by a reduction in blood flow to the legs and feet. PAD occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the extremities become narrowed or blocked, which can be caused by plaque buildup over time. This reduced circulation can directly impact toenail growth, causing it to slow or even stop.
In addition to toenail issues, poor circulation can result in aching, tingling, or cramping in the legs during light activity, indicating intermittent claudication, a key symptom of PAD. If left untreated, PAD can progress to critical limb ischemia (CLI), where pain may persist even at rest. Poor toenail growth can be a sign of moderate to severe PAD, and in advanced cases, wounds may not heal, leading to gangrene.
It is important to seek medical attention if you notice that your toenails have stopped growing or are growing slower than usual. While slow toenail growth may not always be a cause for concern, it could indicate underlying health issues such as PAD, diabetes, or hypothyroidism. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, and vascular doctors offer several nonsurgical PAD treatment options, including angioplasty, stent placement, and atherectomy.
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Nutritional deficiencies
Toenails that have stopped growing can indicate nutritional deficiencies. Nails are primarily made of keratin, and a deficiency in this protein can cause nail growth issues. Nails that are not receiving enough nutrition may also indicate a lack of essential nutrients like biotin (vitamin B7), zinc, and iron, which can weaken nails and slow their growth. Vitamin D, vitamin B12, and protein deficiencies are also known to cause nail abnormalities.
Certain diets, drinks, or supplements can lead to imbalances in the body that make it difficult for the body to grow nails. Physical damage to the nail matrix can also lead to slower growth. In addition, excessive moisture in the environment can cause the nail structure to weaken, and the nail plate can separate from the nail bed. Once a nail detaches from the nail bed, it will not reattach, and a new nail must grow in, which can take four to six months.
Poor toenail growth can also be a sign of moderate to severe peripheral artery disease (PAD), which can impair blood flow to the extremities, leading to poor nail health and slow growth. Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a slow-growing infection that can cause nails to thicken, discolor, and stop growing. Other infections, such as fungal infections, can also cause toenails to stop growing.
If you notice that your toenails have stopped growing, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out any underlying conditions or nutritional deficiencies that may be causing the issue.
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Trauma to the nail
When a toenail experiences trauma, it can turn black and fall off. Toenail regrowth after an injury tends to be slower, taking anywhere from six months to two years. During the healing process, nails often exhibit temporary changes such as bruising, ridges, or a rough surface. The severity of these changes depends on factors like the severity of the injury, the depth of the trauma, and the area affected. For example, damage to the base of the nail near the cuticle is more likely to result in significant and potentially permanent changes.
If the trauma involves the nail matrix, the tissue inside the cuticle where new nails are formed, it can lead to lasting changes such as chronic thickening, uneven growth, or even complete and permanent nail loss. However, it is rare for the nail matrix to be permanently damaged, and with proper medical care, healthy nails can often grow back. Minor matrix injuries may cause temporary changes in nail appearance, such as discolouration or ridges.
To promote recovery after a nail injury, it is important to keep the area clean and dry, covering it with a bandage and changing it daily. Applying an antibiotic ointment can help prevent infection. In the case of a subungual hematoma, where blood accumulates under the nail, a procedure called nail trephination can be performed within 48 hours to drain the trapped blood and provide pain relief. For severe infections or deformities, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected nail.
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Underlying medical conditions
Toenails typically grow slower than fingernails, but it is important to pay attention when this growth slows down further or stops. On average, toenails grow about 1.62 millimetres per month, but this rate can be influenced by factors such as age, overall health, and hormones. Slow toenail growth could indicate an underlying medical condition, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as leg pain, numbness, or cold feet. Here are some possible underlying medical conditions that could be causing toenails to stop growing:
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Peripheral Artery Disease is a common vascular condition caused by plaque accumulation in the arteries, leading to a partial or complete blockage of blood vessels. This restriction of blood flow to the lower extremities can cause slow or stopped toenail growth, as the nail bed receives fewer nutrients and oxygen, which are crucial for healthy growth. PAD may also cause symptoms such as leg pain, poor wound healing, and leg cramps.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that can impair blood flow to the extremities, including the feet, resulting in poor nail health and slow toenail growth. Individuals with diabetes struggle with high glucose levels, chronic inflammation, neuropathy, and high blood sugar levels, which can damage blood vessels and restrict blood flow.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is another potential underlying condition that can affect toenail growth. While there is limited direct information on how hypothyroidism impacts toenails, it is known to cause various symptoms, including hair loss and brittle nails, which suggests a potential link to nail growth issues.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Lack of essential nutrients like biotin, zinc, and iron can weaken nails and slow their growth. Ensuring adequate nutrient intake through a healthy diet or supplements may help promote healthier toenail growth.
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections are common in toenails due to poor circulation and can cause nails to thicken, discolour, and stop growing. Maintaining proper foot hygiene, wearing protective footwear, and seeking timely medical attention for infections can help prevent and manage this condition.
Trauma or Injury
Sudden or repetitive trauma to the toenail, such as a heavy object falling on the toe or constant pressure from tight-fitting shoes, can disrupt the growth cycle and cause temporary or permanent nail growth cessation. In some cases, the toenail may separate from its root, leading to a new nail growing underneath.
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Frequently asked questions
Toenails can stop growing due to several factors, including injury, nutritional deficiencies, infections, and medical conditions. Poor circulation, caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), can also lead to slowed or stopped toenail growth.
If you haven't needed to clip or trim your toenails in several months, it's possible that their growth has slowed or stopped. Other signs include brittle, thin, discoloured, or thicker toenails that are more susceptible to damage and infections.
Consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause. They may recommend medications, lifestyle adjustments, or minimally invasive procedures to improve blood flow and promote healthy toenail growth.
Poor circulation in the lower extremities leads to reduced blood flow, oxygen, and nutrient supply to the toenails, which are crucial for healthy growth. This is often associated with vascular conditions such as PAD, varicose veins, blood clots, and atherosclerosis.
While toenails are very difficult to kill, it is possible to purposely perform a procedure with acid to kill the root of the nail. In most cases, an injured toenail will eventually start growing back, although it may grow thicker instead of lengthwise due to the injury.
