How can thickened toenails be treated?
How can thickened toenails be treated? If your thick toenails are caused by fungal infection, your doctor may recommend oral and or topical antifungal medications. You may also be able to get laser treatment which is especially designed for eliminating fungal infection of the toenails and fingernails.
How do I trim my toenails safely?
If you do not have any of these conditions or complications, you can feel safe in following these directions: 1 Soak your feet in warm soapy water for about 10 minutes. 2 Dry your feet completely. 3 Using proper clippers, trim your nails straight across from one corner to the other... 4 File your nails using a nail file or an emery board.
What is the best tool for clipping thick toenails?
This is critical – the right tools make for an easy job clipping even the thickest nails. Nail Grinding Tool: The most effective one we have found is the PediNova Electric Nail and Foot Care Kit – a podiatry-grade electric nail grinder and thinning tool. It comes with bits specifically made to work on thick toenails.
What is the best toenail bit for thick toenails?
It comes with bits specifically made to work on thick toenails. The large cone, small cone, and disc bits are made from long lasting sapphire and diamond chips. We have tried many of these units over the years and this is best one we have found and the one we recommend to our patients.
How much does it cost to straighten your toes?
For patients not covered by health insurance, hammer toe treatment typically costs less than $500 for conservative treatment such as extra-depth shoes, taping or a hammer toe sling, shoe pads and foot stretching exercises. However, if surgery is required, it can cost about $10,000-$30,000 or more.
Can deformed toes be fixed?
Most toe deformities are flexible but if untreated they may become rigid and can only be treated by surgical methods. Treatment of toe deformities starts with conservative methods, but if no effective response is seen, then surgery is recommended.
How do you straighten deformed toes?
Treatment of crooked toesBuy shoes that fit. If your toes are flexible and can resume their natural alignment, changing your footwear may be enough to correct the problem. ... Exercise your feet. Foot exercises designed to stretch the muscles and tendons of the toes may help. ... Toe spacing. ... Toe taping.Splints. ... Surgery.
How much does it cost to fix hammer toes?
Correcting a hammer toe for purely cosmetic reasons isn't likely to be covered by insurance. The out-of-pocket cost for hammer toe surgery is about $4,265, according to the Healthcare Bluebook.
Why are my toes so curved?
If one or more of your toes are crooked or curled under, you may have hammer, mallet, or claw toe. Your foot has a strange shape because the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that surround your toe aren't balanced. This causes the toes to bend in an odd position.
What causes your toes to become deformed?
Small toe deformities can be the result of injuries to the toes and neighbouring tissue and tendons caused by: Ill-fitting shoes pushing the toes upwards. A bunion on the big toe causing more weight to be put on the small toes. Congenital nerve disorders (conditions you are born with), such as Charcot Marie Tooth ...
Can you straighten curled toes?
If you have crooked toes, you can treat them with pads that help straighten out the toes and by wearing shoes that give your toes lots of space in the toe box. You can get special shoes prescribed if you need to. “In cases where these treatments do not work, there are several surgical options,” Dr.
Can you fix hammer toes without surgery?
Hammertoes cannot be straightened without surgery. Once the toe has started to bend, conservative treatments alone will not reverse it, but can only slow its progression.
What is a toe Corrector?
It is used to strengthen the toe joints and helps the alignment of the big toe and the foot to the hip. It actively restores the natural alignment of the big toe and helps with discomfort, pressure and inflammation caused by bunions.
Is hammer toe surgery worth it?
A common risk is the possibility of the hammertoe recurring. However, a surgical correction has a 90% success rate. Minimally invasive procedures have also reduced the risk of infections and increased success rates. For persons who want to improve the quality of life and reduce pain, surgery is the best bet.
How painful is hammer toe surgery?
Under local anesthetic, a person will not be able to feel the procedure itself, but they may feel pressure or pulling. The surgery should not hurt. After surgery, a person will typically feel some pain in the toe and must have someone drive them home.
How long is recovery for hammer toe surgery?
For hammertoe surgery, general recovery can take about 6 weeks, while a full recovery may take 6 months to a year. In both cases, there will be a period of time when you will need to keep weight off your foot as much as possible.
How to fix thickening toenails?
1. Acidic gels. For the nastier of the issues, your doctor might prescribe a gel with a mild acid.
How to prevent toenail thickening?
Wear Proper Shoes. While you should do this for a number of foot health reasons, proper footwear can also prevent toenail injury and thickening. Make sure to buy shoes that are the proper size so your feet don’t slide around in them or jam up against the toe of the shoe.
Why is my toenail thicker than my toe?
It may be a little gross to think about, but there are some fungi that can cause your toenail to be thicker. Certain fungi can separate your toenail from the toe and fill in the gap, making the toenail appear thicker than it actually is.
Why is my toe so thick?
Injury. The toe injury is one of the most common causes of a thick toenail. It could be one large trauma (like a broken toe or the nail itself being ripped off) or small repeated injuries to the nail and toe. This is common among athletes (especially those who perform sports with lots of running and footwork, like soccer).
How to get rid of toe fungus on feet?
Soaking your feet in a white vinegar solution (one part vinegar, two parts warm water) twice a day may remedy the issue. The vinegar may kill off certain types of toe fungus.
How to take care of toenails?
Take Care of Your Toes. Keep your toenails clean and properly trimmed. While this doesn’t mean go out and get a pedicure every week, it does mean that you should take a little bit of care when dealing with your toenails. Don’t cut them too short, and when you do cut, trim the nails straight across if possible.
How to prevent thick toenails?
Prevention really comes down to paying attention. 1. Keep an Eye Out. Watch for changes in the skin around the toenail.
What to do if your toe is still flexible?
Treatment. If your toe is still flexible, your doctor might recommend that you change to roomier, more comfortable footwear and that you wear shoe inserts (orthotics) or pads. Inserts or pads can reposition your toe and relieve pressure and pain.
How to help a toe pain?
Lifestyle and home remedies. Wearing proper footwear may ease your foot pain. Low-heeled shoes with a deep toe box and flexible material covering the toes can help. Make sure there's a half-inch (1.27 centimeters) of space between your longest toe and the inside tip of your shoe.
What to do if you have a foot problem?
If you're having a problem with your feet, you'll likely start by seeing your primary care provider. Or you may be referred immediately to a foot specialist (podiatrist or orthopedist).
Can you cut corn off your toe?
It's also risky to try shaving or cutting an unsightly corn off your toe. Foot wounds can easily get infected, and foot infections are often difficult to treat, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
What does a doctor do when you have thick toenails?
If their thick toenails are due to an underlying condition, the doctor may prescribe further therapies to help address the new symptom.
Why do my toenails get thicker?
Paronychia is a skin condition that causes redness and swelling around the nail. Over time and multiple infections, both fingernails and toenails may become thick. A person may notice that layers of the nail start to peel off.
Why do my toenails have red spots?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that typically causes red, scaly patches on the skin. Psoriasis of the nails often accompanies the skin disorder, affecting both the fingernails and toenails. When psoriasis is the direct cause of thickened nails, a person is likely to develop ridges on the nails, and the nails may loosen and separate from ...
What causes fungal infections in toenails?
Some people are more prone to fungal infections than others. Some of the leading causes of fungal infections in the toenails include: 1 athlete’s foot spreading to the toenail bed 2 constant exposure to wet areas 3 smoking 4 constricted footwear 5 weakened immune system 6 medical conditions, such as psoriasis, circulatory problems, and type 1 and 2 diabetes 7 damage to or next to the nail
Why do my toenails look gnarly?
dirt or other debris gets under the nails. pain or discomfort can be felt. Also, as the toenails gradually thicken over time, they may appear gnarly with some scaling on the surface. Often, the nails will take on a yellow, green, or brown hue.
Why do people use their fingernails?
Most people use their fingernails daily, to scratch an itch or for manual tasks, such as removing lids on jars or bottles. As a person ages, their nails can start to break down, or they may develop a condition that causes thick nails to form.
Can buffing your toenails cause thick nails?
Treatment. When thick toenails are not caused by an infection or existing condition, buffing the surface of the nail will be enough to treat it. Otherwise, treatment will be based on targeting the cause. The cause of thick nails will be the determining factor in what treatment is used.
How to fix a curled toe?
Here are some of the best ways to fix curled toes: 1. Rehab Exercises. Therapeutic exercise for curled toes is the most effective, noninvasive treatment available. It works best when curled toes are the result of neurological injury like stroke.
How to get rid of toe pain?
Talk to your therapist to see if you’re a good fit. 3. Electrical Stimulation. When you combine electrical stimulation with other treatments, like toe exercises and Botox, you may see more results. Electrical stimulation helps stimulate the brain and encourage reconnection between the brain and the toe muscles.
What is toe cushion?
Toe cushions are like little pillows for your toes that comfortably go inside your shoes and reduce the pain. Ask your occupational therapist to show you how to use athletic tape. Some OT’s know how to use athletic tape to help align and support curled toes. Ask your OT to see if they can show you how.
How does a curled toe work?
It works by activating neuroplasticity, the brain’s natural ability to rewire itself, through repetitive exercise.
What is the best way to help curled toes?
Orthotics and Toe Separators. If you’re currently working with an occupational therapist, (s)he may have already suggested an orthotic with toe crests to help with your curled toes. These orthotics help realign the feet and may help improve pain. Orthotics are a compensation technique, though.
What is a curled toe?
Here are the different types of curled toes: Hammertoe — when the toe bends at the middle joint, which forces the joint upward and the end of the toe downward, resembling a hammer. Mallet toes — when the toes bend down at the joint closest to the tip of the toe.
Why do my toes curl?
Other times, curled toes are the result of neurological injury like stroke. When the neurological impact of stroke impairs the brain’s ability to send motor signals to the toes, the muscles in the foot and toes respond by tightening, resulting in curled toes. This is known as spasticity.
How to thin the top of a big toe nail?
To Thin the Top of the Big Toe Nail: While the nails are still a bit damp, use the Large Sapphire Cone Bit (Figure 7) included with PediNova Electric Nail Grinder, to grind the thickened nail from the top. Use gentle pressure and grind it thinner until it is normal thickness or starts to get warm.
How to shorten a thick nail?
Follow these instructions for the best outcome in thinning and shortening thick nails. Soak your toes in warm water for five to 10 minutes. This will help soften the nail and allow you to more easily cut the thick nail. Shorten the nail: Use the ClipPro nail clipper to shorten the nail if it is excessively long.
Does nail polish help with thick nails?
For women, toenail polish can help disguise the nail roughness and thickness and is a nice finishing touch for thick nails. For our patients we recommend Dr.’s Remedy Natural Nail Polish anti-fungal nail polish, It contains Tea Tree Oil and Garlic Bulb Extract (found to have anti-fungal properties).
How to treat thick toenails?
Both home care and medical treatment can be applied to cope with this condition. 1. Trim toenails carefully. You will need to trim your toenails carefully once they have become thicker.
How to get thick toenails to soften?
In less severe cases, natural remedies can be used to help treat a thickened toenail. A mixture of tea tree oil and olive oil applied to the nail can help soften the nail so it becomes less thick. Apply the mixture to the toenail with a cotton ball twice a day until the nail returns to normal. 3. Soak feet in vinegar.
How to soften a swollen toenail?
3. Soak feet in vinegar. You can also soak the feet in vinegar for 20-25 minutes a day to help soften them. Fill a tub with warm water and add 3-4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to soak your nails. After the feet have dried, gently buff away the top layer of the nail that has loosened from the treatment.
How to get rid of a toenail infection?
Soak toenails for 10 minutes, and then trim using nail nippers. Surgery to remove the infected nail. Apply a mixture of olive oil and tea tree oil to the nail with a cotton ball twice a day.
What is the best way to remove nail build up?
Some acidic gels such as Nonyx gel can be used to remove the excessive layers of the nails that have built up. The high Ph of the gel will help kill off any infections in the area when gently removing the debris that has built up on the top of the nail. 5. Try medical treatment.
Why do my toe nails get thicker?
1. Injuries. In many cases injuries to the toenail can cause them to become thicker as they heal. Those who play sports which are hard on the feet such as soccer, or those who perform activities such as dancing in closed shoes can be at risk for these kinds of injuries.
What happens when your toenail turns yellow?
What to Do When Your Toenail Thickens. When nails become thick and yellow, they are unsightly and can be difficult to manage. Know the exact causes of thickened nails and how to treat them here! When nails wind up thick and yellow they can become difficult to manage. Thick toenails are not only unsightly, but also can be a sign ...
How to reduce thick toenails?
Appropriate trimming and filing can help reduce thickness. Seeing a podiatrist or pedicurist on a regular basis is the best way to be certain of proper grooming. If this option is not available to you, talk with your doctor or podiatrist about the best techniques for grooming your thickened toenails on your own.
Why is my toenail thickening?
Injury & pressure can cause nail thickening. Trauma to the nail can cause thickening. The problem may be the result of daily stress and wear and tear, or it could be from a single incident trauma such as dropping heavy object on your toenail.
Why do cuticles help to heal?
The cuticles help to prevent nail infection. Thickened toenails can be annoying and even painful. With good foot care, you may be able to prevent them. If you already have thickened toenails, refer to the advice presented here to help them heal.
How to stop nails from splitting?
Soak your feet in warm soapy water for about 10 minutes. Dry your feet completely. Using proper clippers, trim your nails straight across from one corner to the other. Do this in a series of small clips rather than one long one. This will help prevent chipping and splitting.
How to prevent your feet from slipping?
Wear socks that provide proper cushioning and that wick moisture away from your feet and nails. Wear your shoes correctly with your feet properly placed inside the heel and laces or other fasteners cured properly to prevent your foot slipping around.
Can a doctor remove a toenail?
If the toenail is painful on a regular and ongoing basis, your doctor may recommend complete removal. If your problem is caused by a systemic condition, your doctor must diagnose and treat the underlying cause as well as attending to the symptoms of the thickened nail .
Can you use a nail trimmer on thick toenails?
It can be very hard to trim your thick toenails. Your nail trimmer may not be effective , and you may need to purchase a special pair of podiatry grade clippers. You may also need a very tough nail file. Be sure not to use cuticle pushers on your toenails. The cuticles help to prevent nail infection.
How to keep toenails from getting thicker?
6. Avoid impact or squeezing if your toenails have thickened after an injury. If injury is causing your toenails to become thicker, make sure you keep your toenails cut short, wear properly-fitting shoes, and try to avoid anything coming directly into contact with your toenail.
How to stop toenails from growing?
In addition, choose shoes which allow your feet to breathe . This will help prevent fungus from growing.
Why do my toenails get thicker?
Thickening of the nail can also be caused by repeated injury to the toenail. This is often seen in athletes, but it can also be the result of wearing improperly-fitting shoes. Other causes of thick toenails include aging and underlying conditions like psoriasis and diabetes.
What is the best treatment for onychomycosis?
Board Certified Podiatrist Expert Interview. 22 April 2020. If you are suffering from onychomycosis, your doctor will prescribe you an antifungal treatment. These can come in the form of a cream or ointment or an oral medication. Your doctor might also recommend a laser treatment to destroy the fungus.
How to get rid of fungus on feet?
Soak your feet in vinegar for an at-home fix for fungus. The pH level of vinegar is thought to destroy nail fungus. Fill a large bowl with an even mixture of hot water and plain vinegar. Soak your feet for up to 30 minutes at a time.
Can you cut yourself if you have diabetes?
Take care not to cut yourself, especially if you have poor circulation. Conditions like diabetes which cause thickened toenails may also cause you to have poor circulation. This can result in reduced sensation in your feet, meaning you might not notice right away if you cut yourself.
Can nail clippers cut thick nails?
Nail clippers are what we typically associate with trimming nails, but these are usually not strong enough to cut through thick toenails. Use nail nippers instead. Nail nippers have a handle that is longer and easier to grip than regular nail clippers, and they are designed to cut toenails straight across. [2]
Diagnosis
- Your doctor can diagnose hammertoe or mallet toe by examining your foot. Your doctor might order X-rays to further evaluate the bones and joints of your feet and toes.
Treatment
- If your toe is still flexible, your doctor might recommend that you change to roomier, more comfortable footwear and that you wear shoe inserts (orthotics) or pads. Inserts or pads can reposition your toe and relieve pressure and pain. In addition, your doctor might suggest exercises — such as picking up marbles or crumpling a towel with your toes — to stretch and strengthen y…
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Wearing proper footwear may ease your foot pain. Low-heeled shoes with a deep toe box and flexible material covering the toes can help. Make sure there's a half-inch (1.27 centimeters) of space between your longest toe and the inside tip of your shoe. Allowing adequate space for your toes will help relieve pressure and pain. Avoid over-the-counter medicated corn-removal product…
Preparing For Your Appointment
- If you're having a problem with your feet, you'll likely start by seeing your primary care provider. Or you may be referred immediately to a foot specialist (podiatrist or orthopedist).