Why do our toenails thicken as we age?

by Adam Philps, Podiatrist, Masterton Foot Clinic

Today I’m answering the questions:

• Why do our toenails thicken as we age? 
• What can you do to help minimise the thickening of your toenails?

To learn everything you need to know to know about how to stop your toenails from growing thicker, click here.

Thick, brittle and discoloured nails become increasingly common as we age so here are some interesting facts about why it happens and what we can do to minimise it.

Nails are mainly composed of keratin, a protein made by the nail root. However, as we age, the growth and repair rate of these cells begins to slow down due to poor blood circulation, especially in our extremities (hands and feet). Blood circulation is when the small blood vessels in our feet begin to narrow and become thicker, making it harder for the blood to flow. This then causes the nail cells to build up causing the nail to thicken from the nail root. This process is called onychoctes.

 

Although age is the main cause of thickening toenails, there are other reasons why it occurs:

• Experiencing trauma to the nail bed over time (such as surgery, stubbing your toe, general wear and tear )
• Diabetes – poor blood circulation or peripheral neuropathy
• Peripheral heart disease, high blood pressure
• Systematic diseases like arthritis, cancer, psoriasis
• Osteoporosis
• Fungal nail infections

Diminishing blood circulation due to age also means there are fewer antibodies and red blood cells in the body to help fight against infections.

FACT: Studies have shown that males are more likely than women to suffer from thickening nails.

 

What can you do to help minimise the thickening of your toenails?

While can’t avoid the ageing process, there are ways to decrease pain and improve the appearance of thickening nails.

• By regularly filing your toenails at home, you can help to reduce the thickness of your nails. This can also assist with the appearance by removing the outer layer which is often discoloured.
• If you do not feel confident in cutting your nails or find them too hard to clip, a podiatrist can use a mechanical tool called a burr (pictured below) to grind down the nails. This is often quicker and less painful.
• When possible, avoid using cosmetics such as nail polish, having bare feet in communal areas, and wearing poorly fitted shoes – these are all things which increase the risk of developing a fungal nail infection, which can lead to nail thickening

 

Why is it important to look after our feet as we age?

Unlike many parts of our bodies (knees, hips, organs), we cannot replace our feet. Therefore, we need to care for them as they play an important role in remaining well. Having healthy feet help you to remain walking for longer, reduces the likelihood of having a fall, and helps to avoid any general discomfort which you can experience with long, thick toenails.

Adam is one of our podiatrists here at Masterton Foot Clinic, working alongside a talented and experienced team. To book in with him or any of our practitioners, click here.