Reduction of Thickened Nails

Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Thickened Nails

Whilst cutting toenails is a part of most people’s normal routine, there might become a time where you find yourself unable to cut your own toenails for a whole number of reasons such as:

  • You might have limited mobility and find it difficult to reach your nails
  • Your toenails might have become thickened, and you may struggle to cut through them by yourself
  • You may be diabetic and prefer to have a professional look after your nails

No matter the reason, our Foot Health Practitioners will be happy to assist you with cutting your nails and can help with causes of thickened nails if applicable.

Common Signs of Thickened Nails

The other most common signs of thickened nails are:

  • Splitting or cracking of the nail
  • Bad odour
  • Nails look discoloured – yellow or brown in colour
  • Nails breaks easily
  • Pain or discomfort of the nails

What Causes Thick Nails?

Some of the most common causes of thickening toenails are:

  • In many cases the cause of thick nails is a build-up of fungal nail
  • If you suffer with diabetes this could also heighten the chance of nails becoming thickened.
  • Thick toenails could be due to trauma to the nail, for example if you have dropped something on it.
  • In some cases, pressure from footwear can cause the toenails to thicken.

Thickness of your nails may be an indication of some underlying problems.

Can Thick Toenails be Cured?

In most cases thick toenails can be treated and managed. Thickened nails may not go away on their own, so it’s best to have the underlying causes assessed and treated at our Clinics. Our Foot Health Practitioners will find the cause of the thickened nails, cut them for you and treat issues such as fungal nail infection, trauma to the nail, and other complications such as diabetes.