Thick Toenails / Thickened Toenails/Discoloured Toenails
Thickened toenails, sometimes called onychauxis, can become difficult to cut and uncomfortable in shoes. Age, repeated pressure, injury, fungal infection and certain skin conditions can contribute. Colour and thickness alone do not confirm the cause.
What you may notice
- A raised, thick or misshapen nail
- Pressure pain inside footwear
- A nail that crumbles, catches or is hard to trim
How we assess it
We examine the nail and surrounding skin and review previous injury and health conditions. Testing may be appropriate if infection is suspected. Changes are not necessarily permanent; the outlook depends on the cause.
Treatment and next steps
Professional trimming and thinning can make the nail more manageable. Roomier shoes may reduce repeated pressure. If fungal infection is confirmed, treatment can be discussed separately. A persistently painful nail may need a procedural discussion after assessment. Avoid forcing clippers through a very thick nail or using a power tool at home.
When to seek care
Seek advice for new pigment, bleeding, drainage or increasing pain, especially if you have diabetes or reduced circulation.
Foot care in Hamilton & Stoney Creek
Navraj (Nav) Sekhon and Elias Mohamed, chiropodists at Locke Minor Foot Surgery & Orthotics, can assess your concern and explain the next step. No referral is needed to book.