Thick Nails
Toenails are dead tissue composed primarily of keratin which is produced from the nail matrix or base just proximal to the cuticle. As a general rule toenails take twice as long to grow as finger nails.
As nails are formed damage or abnormalities can occur. Trauma, psoriasis, hypothyroidism, kidney heart and lung disease, and metabolic diseases as well as others can all cause nails to become thickened or deformed. Therefore, it is important to have them evaluated as they may be indicative or other disease processes especially if it is more than a single nail. Nails may also become infected from fungus causing thickening and softening of the nail.
After evaluation by your doctor microscopy and lab tests may be used to help your foot and ankle doctor determine the cause of the deformity. Once identified a treatment plan to encourage resolution can be addressed.
As nails are formed damage or abnormalities can occur. Trauma, psoriasis, hypothyroidism, kidney heart and lung disease, and metabolic diseases as well as others can all cause nails to become thickened or deformed. Therefore, it is important to have them evaluated as they may be indicative or other disease processes especially if it is more than a single nail. Nails may also become infected from fungus causing thickening and softening of the nail.
After evaluation by your doctor microscopy and lab tests may be used to help your foot and ankle doctor determine the cause of the deformity. Once identified a treatment plan to encourage resolution can be addressed.