Toenails aren’t usually something we think about until they start causing problems. Ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, and injuries can all lead to deformed toenails, which can be painful and unsightly. They can even impact your foot health and how you feel about your appearance.
If you’re concerned about how to fix deformed toenails, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of nail deformities, what you can do to prevent them, and how to treat them when they do occur.
Remember, proper nail care is essential, and sometimes, you’ll need to see a professional for help. Let’s dive in and get your toenails back on track!
Understanding Toenails: Structure and Function
Let’s start with the basics. Your toenail is made of keratin, the same protein that makes up your hair. The main part you see is the nail plate, which sits on top of the nail bed. At the base of the nail is the lunula, the little moon-shaped area. The nail matrix, hidden under the skin, is where the nail grows from. Nail folds are the skin that frames your nail, and the cuticle seals the base to protect it from infection.
Your toenails are there to protect your toes and provide support while walking.
What causes deformed toenails?
Toenails can change shape or texture for a number of reasons. Some are easy to fix, while others require medical intervention.
Trauma and injury
If you’ve ever stubbed your toe badly or dropped something heavy on your foot, you know that injuries to the nail bed can result in changes to the way your toenail grows.
Trauma can cause the nail plate to bruise, lift away from the nail bed, or even fall off completely. As the nail grows back, it may be thicker or more oddly shaped than it was before the injury.
Fungal infections (onychomycosis)
Fungal infections are a common cause of toenail problems. Fungi can cause toenails to thicken, crumble, change color, and become deformed. Diabetics and people with compromised immune systems are at higher risk for fungal toenail infections.
Poor nail care and footwear choices
Cutting your toenails incorrectly can also lead to problems. If you round the edges of your toenails, you’re more likely to develop ingrown toenails, which can be painful and cause changes in nail shape.
Wearing shoes that are too tight or don’t fit well can also affect the health of your toenails. Tight shoes can put pressure on your toes, leading to thickening or other deformities.
Skin conditions
Certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, lichen planus, and lupus, can also affect the nails. These conditions can cause pitting, ridging, or discoloration of the nails.
Types of toenail deformities
Changes in your toenails can be caused by different things, from stubbing your toe to wearing shoes that are too tight.
Here are some of the different types of toenail deformities:
Thickened Toenails (Onychauxis/Onychogryphosis)
Thickened toenails look different than normal toenails. Some are only slightly thicker, while others can be severely distorted.
What causes toenails to thicken? It can be caused by:
- aging
- psoriasis
- injury
- wearing shoes that are too tight
- fungal infections
Ingrown Toenails (Onychocryptosis)
Ingrown toenails happen when the side edge of your toenail grows down into the skin of your toe instead of growing out and over it. They can be painful.
Ingrown toenails are caused by:
- improperly trimming your toenails
- trauma to the toe
- wearing shoes that are too tight
Pincer Nails
Pincer nails are toenails that curve inward, pinching the skin of your toe. They can be painful, and they can make your feet more vulnerable to infection.
Ram’s Horn Nails (Onychogryphosis)
Ram’s horn nails are severely thickened and curved. As the name suggests, they can look like a ram’s horn.
What to do about deformed toenails
If you’re concerned about the condition of your toenails, the first thing you should do is see a doctor or podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment plan. The doctor will examine your toenails and ask about your medical history to determine the cause of the problem. They may also do some tests, such as taking nail clippings to test for a fungal infection.
Treatments for fungal infections
Fungal infections can often be treated with topical or oral antifungal medications. In severe cases, your doctor may recommend removing the nail. It can take months for the infection to clear up completely and for the nail to grow back normally.
Treatments for ingrown toenails
If your deformed toenail is caused by an ingrown toenail, there are several things you can do to treat it. You can try soaking your foot in warm water and gently lifting the edge of the nail away from the skin. If the ingrown toenail is severe or keeps coming back, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove part of the nail.
Treatments for thickened toenails
If your toenails are thickened, a podiatrist can trim and file them to make them more comfortable, or you can explore using an electric toenail grinder for thick nails. They may also recommend using a urea-based cream to soften the nail.
Treating underlying conditions
Sometimes, toenail problems are a sign of another condition, such as psoriasis or diabetes. If this is the case, it’s important to manage the underlying condition to improve the health of your toenails. Your doctor can help you develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Self-care for healthy toenails
Sometimes, you can take care of minor toenail issues yourself. Here are some strategies that can help.
Proper nail trimming
The best way to trim your toenails is straight across. Rounding the edges of the nail can encourage ingrown toenails, which can be painful and prone to infection.
Footwear choices
Wearing well-fitting shoes is key to foot health. Your toes should have plenty of room to wiggle. Avoid shoes that are tight or pointed, as these can squeeze your toes and lead to nail deformities over time.
Foot hygiene
Keeping your feet clean and dry is essential for preventing fungal infections. Be sure to wash your feet daily with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Wear breathable socks made of cotton or other moisture-wicking materials.
Home remedies (with caution)
For minor inflammation, soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salts can provide some relief. However, it’s important to remember that home remedies are not a substitute for professional medical care. If you have a serious nail condition, don’t try to treat it yourself. See a doctor or podiatrist.
Protecting nails from trauma
If you participate in activities that may cause injury to your feet, such as sports or heavy lifting, wear protective footwear. This can help prevent trauma to your nails and reduce the risk of developing deformities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fix deformed toenails?
Whether you can “fix” a deformed toenail depends on the underlying cause. Some deformities, like those caused by fungal infections, can be treated with antifungal medications, potentially allowing the nail to grow back normally. Others, caused by trauma or genetics, may be more challenging to fully correct. A podiatrist can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.
Can a deformed nail be repaired?
In some cases, yes, a deformed nail can be repaired, at least cosmetically, perhaps even with KeryFlex nail restoration. Options like nail reconstruction, where a synthetic nail is applied over the damaged nail, can improve its appearance. However, these methods don’t address the underlying cause of the deformity. For long-term solutions, addressing the root of the problem is crucial.
How to treat misshapen toenails?
Treating misshapen toenails depends on the cause. For fungal infections, antifungal medications are necessary. If the deformity is due to trauma, allowing the nail to grow out naturally (while protecting it) is often recommended. Corrective footwear, orthotics, or even surgery might be necessary for deformities caused by underlying bone or structural issues. Consulting a podiatrist is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Putting It All Together
Deformed toenails can result from injuries, infections, genetics, or underlying health conditions. You can treat some mild deformities at home by trimming your nails correctly and keeping your feet clean and dry. You can prevent many deformities by wearing shoes that fit well and avoiding trauma to your toes.
More severe deformities or those caused by infections or underlying conditions need professional medical treatment. Don’t hesitate to see a podiatrist if you’re concerned about a change in your toenails. Good nail care and foot hygiene are essential for keeping your toenails healthy.