You notice your toenail is starting to look… different. Maybe it’s harder to trim than usual. Maybe it’s turned a bit yellow, or it’s gotten thick and bumpy.

Naturally, you wonder:
Is this just a cosmetic problem—or is it something I should be worried about?

The truth is, thick toenails are common—but they’re not always harmless. Sometimes, they’re your body’s way of telling you something’s going on under the surface.

Let’s walk through what thick toenails mean, why they happen, and when it’s time to see a podiatrist.

First Off—What Do Thick Toenails Look Like?

Thick toenails can show up in a few different ways:

• The nail is harder to cut than usual

• It feels dense or brittle

• The color changes (often yellow, brown, or white)

• The nail starts lifting or separating from the skin

• It looks ridged, cracked, or crumbly

If any of that sounds familiar, keep reading—because what’s causing it matters.

What Causes Thick Toenails?

There isn’t just one reason toenails get thick. Here are the most common causes we see in our clinic:

1. Fungal Nail Infections

This is by far the most common culprit. Fungus can sneak under the nail and cause it to thicken, change color, and even smell a little funky. It usually starts small and gets worse over time if left untreated.

2. Trauma or Injury

Stubbing your toe, dropping something on it, or even wearing tight shoes can damage the nail bed. This can cause the nail to grow back thicker—or grow abnormally—especially if the nail root was injured.

3. Aging

As we get older, our nails tend to grow slower and thicker. While this can be normal, thick nails are more likely to trap fungus or break more easily—so it’s still something to keep an eye on.

4. Psoriasis or Other Skin Conditions

Skin conditions like psoriasis can also affect the nails, causing them to become thick, pitted, or ridged.

5. Circulation Issues or Diabetes

People with poor circulation or diabetes may notice changes in their nails. Thickened nails can sometimes be an early warning sign of other health concerns.

So, Is It Just Cosmetic?

Sometimes, yes. But not always.

If your toenail is only a little thick and doesn’t hurt, you might be tempted to ignore it. But if the thickness gets worse, spreads to other toes, or comes with pain, it could be a sign of a fungal infection—or something more serious.

Also: thick nails can lead to ingrown toenails, nail lifting, or even ulcers if you’re not careful (especially for people with diabetes).

When Should You See a Podiatrist?

Here are a few signs it’s time to let a foot specialist take a look:

• You can’t trim the nail yourself

• It’s painful, swollen, or red around the nail

• The nail is changing shape or lifting

• You have diabetes or poor circulation

• It’s spreading to other nails

We see these cases all the time, and the good news is—there’s help.

What Can Be Done?

At Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern NH, we can help figure out what’s behind your thick toenails and build a treatment plan that actually works.

Depending on the cause, we might suggest:

• Topical or oral antifungal treatments

• Laser therapy for stubborn fungal nails

• Debridement (gentle thinning of the nail in-office)

• Special trimming if you’re unable to cut the nail safely at home

• Preventive care for people with diabetes

The earlier you treat the problem, the better the results.

Home Tips (While You Wait for Your Appointment)

If your appointment’s coming up and you want to keep things under control in the meantime:

• Trim nails straight across (if you can do so safely)

• Keep feet clean and dry

• Change socks daily

• Avoid tight shoes or toenail trauma

• Don’t use nail polish to “cover it up”—it can trap fungus in

Final Thought

Thick toenails might seem like a small thing—but they can turn into a big deal if ignored. Whether it’s an infection, past trauma, or something more medical, your nails are trying to tell you something.

And if trimming them has turned into a battle, you don’t have to fight it alone.

Wondering what’s going on with your toenails?
Let’s take a look together. Book your visit with us at Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern NH—we’re here to help.