Thick toenails are one of the most common things we see in clinic. They can be unsightly and uncomfortable, and they are often left far longer than they should be before someone does something about them. The good news is that once they are properly assessed and treated, most people wonder why they waited.

What causes thick toenails?

There are two main causes. The first is trauma, either a one off knock such as stubbing a toe, dropping something heavy, or having someone stand on it, or repeated pressure over time through day to day life and poorly fitting footwear. When the nail is damaged it can affect where the nail grows from, causing it to come through thicker than normal.

The second cause is fungal nail infection. As well as thickening the nail itself, fungus creates debris underneath which lifts the nail away from the nail bed, making it appear even thicker than it is.

Are thick toenails a problem?

They can become increasingly difficult to cut and they can be painful. The extra thickness creates pressure on the nail bed and the surrounding tissue, and if it is left unaddressed this can lead to callus build up, corn formation and in some cases wounds underneath the nail. It is worth getting thickened toenails looked at sooner rather than later to prevent those complications developing.

How do podiatrists treat thick toenails?

Thick toenails can be cut back with specialist nippers, filed down, and reduced using a podiatry drill. Once the thickness is reduced it is very likely to be a recurring issue, so attending regularly to have the nail managed professionally makes a real difference. In cases where nails are particularly problematic, nail surgery may be an option worth discussing.

If a fungal infection is present, treatment options can be talked through at the appointment.

Will it hurt?

It is possible you may feel some discomfort, but podiatrists are able to use a drill to reduce the thickness of the nail before cutting it. This is painless and most patients notice an improvement in both the look and feel of the nail straight away.

What should I do if I am worried about my thick toenails?

If you have a thick toenail that is causing you problems, the best thing to do is get it seen as soon as possible. At Parkside Podiatry in Burgess Hill, we can assess what is going on, treat the nail, and deal with any other complications such as callus, corns or wounds. Book an appointment and we will take it from there.