When was the last time you took a proper look at your toenails? Unlike fingernails, which are visible most of the time, toenails are often hidden away – making it easy to miss the early warning signs of potential problems.
Toenails protect your toes with a tough layer of keratin, but they can only do so effectively when they’re healthy. Regularly checking your toenails can help you spot changes early and prevent more serious issues from developing. If something looks unusual, don’t ignore it – see a podiatrist for professional assessment and treatment.
1. Discoloured or Brittle Toenails
Healthy toenails are typically light pink or peach with pale tips. If one or more of your toenails appears yellow, green, black or white, or starts to crumble and thicken, you may have a fungal nail infection. (onychomycosis).
This common condition can develop due to sweaty feet, tight shoes, or walking barefoot in communal areas like swimming pools or gyms. Left untreated, it can cause the nail to separate from the nail bed, become painful, and even spread to other nails.
What to do:
A podiatrist can confirm whether it’s a fungal infection through a simple test and recommend the most effective treatment. This may include topical or oral antifungal medication, laser therapy, or medical nail care to remove the infected areas and promote healthy regrowth.
2. A Toenail Digging Into the Skin (Ingrown Toenail)
If a toenail starts pressing into the skin along the sides of your toe, it can cause redness, swelling, pain, and infection. These are the hallmark symptoms of an ingrown toenail – a condition that often affects the big toe and is worsened by tight shoes, poor nail trimming, or trauma.
What to do:
Avoid cutting into the corners of the nail or attempting “bathroom surgery”. Instead, seek professional ingrown toenail treatment. A podiatrist can gently lift or remove part of the nail, apply antiseptic dressing, and if necessary, perform a minor surgical procedure under local anaesthetic to prevent recurrence. We offer toenail removal surgery at our London chiropody clinics.
To prevent ingrown nails:
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Trim toenails straight across (not curved)
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Keep feet clean and dry to prevent infection
3. Pitted or Ridged Toenails
If you notice small dents, ridges, or discolouration in your toenails, it could indicate nail psoriasis, a condition related to the skin disorder psoriasis. It can cause nails to lift from the nail bed or become thick and crumbly.
Other possible causes of ridged or pitted nails include trauma, iron deficiency, or eczema.
What to do:
Your podiatrist can file and smooth the surface of affected toenails to reduce discomfort and improve appearance. For more severe cases, nail softening treatments or partial removal may be recommended. It’s also worth speaking with your GP or dermatologist to manage any underlying psoriasis.
4. Blood Trapped Beneath a Toenail (Subungual Haematoma)
A dark spot or streak under your toenail is usually caused by trauma – for instance, stubbing your toe, dropping something on your foot, or repeated friction from poorly fitted shoes. The discolouration is due to blood trapped beneath the nail, and it can be painful if pressure builds up.
What to do:
If pain persists or the nail looks deformed, visit your podiatrist. They can safely relieve pressure, check for fractures, and advise whether the nail will fall off or regrow normally. Wearing properly fitted shoes and using custom-made orthotics insoles can prevent repeated trauma – especially for runners and active individuals.
5. Thick, Curved, or “Ram’s Horn” Toenails
If your toenails are growing thicker, more curved, and harder to trim, you may have onychogryphosis, also known as “ram’s horn nails”. This condition can cause the nails to curl, discolour, and become painful when wearing shoes.
It’s most common in older adults, people with poor circulation, or those unable to reach their feet for regular nail care. Chronic neglect or trauma can worsen the problem over time.
What to do:
A podiatrist can carefully thin and shape the nail to reduce pressure and discomfort. In severe cases, partial or complete nail removal may be required. Regular chiropody appointments help keep nails manageable and prevent complications.
When to See a Podiatrist
If you notice pain, swelling, discolouration, or changes in your toenail shape or texture, it’s always best to seek professional advice. Toenail problems rarely improve on their own – and early treatment can prevent long-term damage or infection.
At Feet By Pody, our expert podiatrists in London provide a full range of toenail treatments, including fungal nail therapy, ingrown toenail surgery, and medical foot care for complex nail conditions.
Book an appointment online or call 0207 099 6657 to restore the health and comfort of your feet.