Thickened & Deformed
Nail Treatment
at Foot Foundation
Thickened or deformed toenails can cause pain, pressure in shoes, and difficulty with daily care. Often linked to trauma, fungal infection, or health conditions, they may leave nails permanently distorted if untreated.
At Foot Foundation, our podiatrists specialise in safe and effective treatment for thickened and deformed nails, including nail reduction, antifungal therapy, footwear advice, and surgical options when required. Our goal is to relieve pain, restore comfort, and improve nail health so you can stay active.
What are Thickened & Deformed Nails?
Thickened or deformed toenails occur when the nail plate becomes abnormally thick, curved, or irregular in shape. This can result from trauma, repeated pressure, fungal infection, or systemic conditions.
One common form is onychogryphosis, often referred to as “ram’s horn nails,” where the nail becomes very thickened, long, and curved. Trauma-related nail changes may also leave nails permanently distorted, brittle, or ridged.
Thickened nails can be painful, difficult to cut, and may cause problems with footwear. At Foot Foundation, we provide specialist care to manage nail thickness, reduce pain, and improve appearance and function.
Causes & Risk Factors
Repetitive trauma – stubbing, kicking, or pressure from footwear
Crush injuries – heavy objects dropped on the toe
Fungal infection (onychomycosis) – often contributes to thickened nails
Poor circulation or diabetes – reduced healing ability increases risk
Systemic conditions – psoriasis, vascular disease, arthritis
Ageing – reduced nail growth quality and increased thickness with age
Genetics – some patients have naturally thicker or misshapen nails
Treatment at Foot Foundation
Nail reduction & thinning – podiatry debridement with specialist instruments to reduce thickness and relieve pressure
Fungal treatment (if present) – antifungal therapy, laser, or photodynamic therapy
Footwear advice – wider, deeper shoes to accommodate nails and reduce pressure
Custom orthotics – redistribute forefoot pressure in cases of trauma or deformity
Padding & protective devices – prevent friction and shoe-related irritation
Nail surgery – in severe or recurrent cases, partial or total nail removal may be considered
Symptoms
Nail thickening and hardening
Curved, ridged, or twisted nail appearance
Pain or pressure in footwear
Corns or calluses forming under the nail due to abnormal pressure
Nail discolouration (yellow, brown, white)
Secondary fungal or bacterial infections
Difficulty cutting nails at home
Diagnosis
At Foot Foundation, diagnosis includes:
Clinical examination – appearance, history of trauma, associated conditions
Fungal testing – nail clippings for microscopy/culture if infection suspected
Assessment of contributing factors – footwear, biomechanics, medical conditions
Imaging (if needed): X-ray to rule out underlying bone deformity in severe trauma cases
Thickened & Deformed Nails
– FAQs
They are usually caused by trauma, fungal infection, ageing, or systemic conditions such as psoriasis or poor circulation.
Onychogryphosis, or “ram’s horn nails,” is an extreme form of thickened nail where the nail becomes curved, twisted, and very hard to cut.
Management is often ongoing. Podiatry care can reduce thickness, improve appearance, and prevent pain, but permanent cure depends on the cause.
Yes. Fungal infection is a major contributor to nail thickening and deformity.
Yes. Podiatrists use specialist equipment to safely reduce and thin thickened nails, often in just one appointment.
Yes. In severe or painful cases, partial or full nail removal may be recommended to provide permanent relief.
Yes. Nail thickness often increases with age due to slower nail growth and cumulative trauma.
Yes. Conditions such as psoriasis, vascular disease, and diabetes can affect nail growth and appearance.
Shoes with a deep toe box and wider fit help reduce pressure on thickened nails.
If nails are too thick to cut, painful, infected, or changing appearance, podiatry care is recommended.
Why Choose Foot Foundation?
Foot Foundation provides specialist care for thickened and deformed nails, combining reduction techniques, antifungal management, footwear advice, and surgical options if needed. Our podiatrists ensure both pain relief and improved nail function.
With clinics in Rosedale, Takapuna, Remuera, Botany, Hamilton, and Tauranga, expert nail treatment is available across New Zealand.
