Thickened Toenail Treatment in Malvern
Thickened toenails can be extremely difficult to cut using ordinary nail clippers. They may become uncomfortable inside shoes, place pressure on the toes and make routine foot care increasingly challenging.
Heeling Your Soles provides professional reduction and maintenance of thickened toenails during home visits in Malvern and the surrounding area.
What Are Thickened Toenails?
The medical term for abnormal nail thickening is onychauxis. The condition frequently affects the big toenail, although several or all toenails may be involved.
Symptoms can include:
- Increased nail thickness
- Brown or yellow discolouration
- Difficulty cutting the nail
- Pressure or pain inside footwear
- An uneven or distorted appearance
- Brittle or hard nail material
What Causes Toenails to Become Thick?
Possible causes include:
- Previous injury to the toe
- Dropping a heavy object on the foot
- Repeatedly stubbing the toe
- Pressure from shallow or poorly fitting footwear
- Allowing nails to grow excessively long
- Fungal nail infection
- Eczema or psoriasis
- Reduced circulation
- The natural ageing process
In some cases, several factors may contribute to the change in nail condition.
How Are Thickened Nails Treated?
Professional treatment may include:
- Careful trimming of the nail
- Reduction of excessive thickness
- Smoothing rough or sharp edges
- Relieving pressure inside footwear
- Advice about suitable shoes
- Ongoing maintenance appointments
- Identification of a possible fungal infection or underlying condition
Specialist foot care equipment allows thickened nails to be reduced more safely and effectively than is usually possible using domestic clippers.
Will the Nail Become Normal Again?
This depends on the underlying cause. A nail that has thickened because of ongoing pressure may improve once the source of pressure has been removed.
However, permanent damage to the nail-forming tissue can result in continuing changes. Regular professional reduction can still keep the nail comfortable and manageable.
Where thickening may be associated with a fungal infection, appropriate antifungal treatment may also be required.
How Often Should Thickened Nails Be Treated?
The frequency of treatment depends on nail growth, thickness and discomfort. Many patients benefit from routine appointments approximately every six to eight weeks.
Treatments
Professional mobile foot care treatments in Malvern, delivered in the comfort of your own home.
