Thickened toenails

Check if you have thickened toenails

• Nails that are much thicker than normal and hard to cut
• Nails that curve, ridge or grow upwards
• Pain or pressure from the nail when wearing shoes

Things you can do yourself

Do

• Cut nails after a bath, when they’re softer
• Use proper nail nippers rather than small scissors
• Wear shoes with plenty of depth at the toes

Don’t

• Force scissors through a thick nail
• Try to cut thick nails if you have diabetes, poor circulation or poor eyesight

Non-urgent advice: See a podiatrist if:

• you can’t cut your nails safely yourself
• a nail is painful or lifting
• you have diabetes

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

• the skin around a nail is red, hot and swollen, or there is pus

You can call 111 or get help online at 111.nhs.uk. In an emergency, call 999.

How we can help

We cut and reduce thickened nails with a fine burr until they’re comfortable, painlessly and safely, and can see you regularly to keep them that way.

Foot conditions

Related conditions

• Ingrown toenail A nail edge growing into the skin, causing pain, redness and swelling.
• Fungal nail infection Thick, discoloured or crumbly toenails caused by a fungus.
• Diabetes and your feet Why foot checks matter and the warning signs not to ignore.