Why do toenails thicken as you get older

Unlike many parts of our bodies knees, hips, organs now, 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 mobile longer, reduces the likelihood of having a fall and helps to avoid any general discomfort which you can experience with long, thick toenails. She is available for routine foot care- toenail cutting and massage. If your loved one has psoriasis, the chances that their nails become thick also increase.

Improper foot and nail care can lead to these fungal infection developing and therefore causing thick nails. Footwear that is too tight, feet that are not cleaned properly after a bath, diabetes and reduced blood flow are all precursors to an infection that thickens the nails. A podiatrist is a trained medical professional who diagnoses and treats diseases of feet and lower limbs. A dermatologist is a trained doctor who specializes in diseases and conditions of the skin, hair and nails.

A podiatrist will be able to diagnose what the problem is if there is an underlying health problem and prescribe any medication that is needed.

Consider sharing it with a caregiver friend who is looking for solutions for thick nails in their elderly loved one. Post Comment. What causes thick toenails in the elderly? Many of our podiatry patients remark on how thick their toenails become as they enter and pass middle age.

Their toenails become notably tougher to trim, which makes the possibility of cuts to the skin around the nails a real possibility. Thickened toenails also splinter easily. Unfortunately, thickening toenails are a by-product of aging, in most cases. As we age, our toenails - and fingernails - slow their growth rate, and the nails thicken because the nail cells, called onychocytes, sort of pile up.

Fingernails appear to thicken less, probably because we tend to them more often with filing and buffing, which thins them. But in addition to this natural thickening of the nails, other factors may be at play also.

Our podiatrists are some of the best in the Charlotte University area. Our podiatrists will be able to determine what your options are in treating the cause behind your thick toenails. You must be logged in to post a comment. Ask a Charlotte University Foot Doctor. Other Reasons Why Toenails Thicken Impaired circulation and long-term trauma can contribute to toenails thickening too. Possible treatments for unsightly thick toenails includes: Improving feet hygiene Antifungal medications Topical antifungal medications Toenail removal surgery When is Surgery Necessary?