One of the abnormalities you may notice on your toenails, which might scare you, is the toenails growing upward. As a result of this, you might have the question, “Why do my toenails grow upwards?” bothering you and seeking an answer to it.
Your toenails can grow upward for several reasons, such as an inherited gene from your parent or the presence of onychogryphosis, known as “ram’s horn nails,” This is a nail abnormality where the toenails thicken and grow upward.
Ordinarily, the toenail is expected to grow in a flat or slightly curved direction, so there might be more to why your toenails are growing upward. In this post, common reasons and what you can do about your toenails growing in a concave direction will be discussed at length.
Is It Normal For Toenails To Grow Upwards?
No, it is not considered normal for toenails to grow upwards. Toenails are typically expected to grow outward relatively flat or slightly curvedly. When toenails grow upwards or exhibit abnormal curvature, it may indicate an underlying issue or condition, such as aging, genetics, injury, fungal infection, or poor toenail care.
If you notice your toenails growing upwards or if you experience discomfort or pain related to your toenails, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional, such as a podiatrist or dermatologist, for an evaluation and appropriate guidance on managing or correcting the issue.
Reasons Why Toenails Grow Upwards
Although toenails growing upward is common now, it is a nail abnormality that may be caused by different reasons, which you ought to know to be able to take the necessary treatment to correct them. The reasons why toenails grow upward include:
1. Genetics
The structure of nails, in most cases, is influenced by a trait passed down from a parent. Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to develop upward-growing toenails. This can be inherited and tends to run in families.
2. Nail injury or trauma
Nail trauma or injury can also affect the growth of toenails. Experiencing regular nail trauma like stubbing your toes or experiencing repetitive minor injuries to the toenails can cause them to grow irregularly, including upward.
3. Improper footwear
Another reason why toenails grow upward is as a result of the shoe toenails are subjected to. Tight, ill-fitting shoes will exert pressure on the toenails, affecting their growth directions and causing them to grow upwards.
4. Fungal infections
Toenail fungal infections left untreated can distort the nail’s growth, leading to thickening and curving. In severe cases, they can cause the toenail to grow upwards.
5. Medical conditions
Certain medical conditions like onychogryphosis or peripheral vascular disease can affect toenail growth and lead to abnormal curvature.
6. Poor nail care
Neglecting proper toenail care, such as trimming, filing, and good nail hygiene, as excessive sweat can result in irregular toenail growth patterns, such as upward growth.
Medical Conditions That Cause Toenails To Grow Upward
Toenails growing upwards or vertical nails can sometimes be associated with certain medical conditions. While these conditions may not directly cause upward nail growth, they can contribute to changes in toenail structure and appearance.
Here are some medical conditions that can be linked to toenail abnormalities, including upward curvature:
1. Onychogryphosis or ram’s horn nails
Onychogryphosis, often referred to as “ram’s horn nails,” is a distinctive and somewhat rare condition affecting the toenails, characterized by abnormal and extreme nail growth. In this condition, the toenails thicken and grow upward, resembling the shape of a ram’s horn or a curling, twisted spiral.
This abnormal growth pattern typically leads to the nails growing upwards and becoming significantly thicker, making them more susceptible to damage and discomfort.
2. Nail-patella syndrome
Nail-patella syndrome, also known as NPS or hereditary onycho-osteodysplasia, is a rare genetic disorder that primarily affects the development of nails, kneecaps (patellae), elbows, and certain other parts of the body.
This syndrome is inherited autosomal dominant, meaning it only takes one copy of the mutated gene from either parent to develop the condition.
Individuals with NPS typically have poorly developed or absent fingernails and toenails. These abnormalities range from thin or discolored nails to complete absence and toenails growing upwards.
3. Koilonychia
Koilonychia, or “spoon nails,” is a nail disorder characterized by abnormally shaped fingernails or toenails that appear thin and concave, resembling a spoon. In this condition, the nails exhibit a depression or indentation in the center, causing them to curve inward and giving them a concave or scooped appearance.
4. Lung disease
Lung conditions like interstitial lung disease, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can affect the direction of nail growth. Nails must serve as early indicators of overall health due to their intricate growth patterns.
Oxygen deprivation in the nails suggests potential body-wide oxygen issues, extending beyond respiratory problems to conditions like autoimmune and gastrointestinal disorders.
5. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can affect the nails. It may cause pitting, discoloration, and thickening of the nails, leading to abnormal growth patterns.
6. Peripheral vascular disease
This condition affects blood circulation in the legs and feet. Poor circulation can result in changes in toenail growth, including thickening and curving.
7. Onychomycosis (toenail fungal Infection)
Fungal infections of the toenails, such as onychomycosis, can distort the nail’s growth, making it thicker and causing it to curve or grow upwards.
8. Nutritional deficiencies
Deficiencies in specific vitamins and minerals, such as zinc and biotin, can affect nail health and lead to abnormal nail growth patterns.
9. Peripheral neuropathy
Conditions that cause peripheral neuropathy, such as certain types of neuropathies or nerve damage, can impact toenail health and growth.
While these medical conditions can contribute to toenails growing upward, they may not be the sole cause of upward nail growth. If you suspect an underlying medical condition is affecting your toenails, it’s crucial to consult a doctor, such as a dermatologist or podiatrist, for proper evaluation, diagnosis, and management.
How To Fix Toenails That Grow Upwards
While home remedies may not directly correct toenails that grow upwards (vertical toenails), they can help improve the overall health and appearance of your toenails and minimize discomfort. Here are some home remedies and self-care tips:
- Soak your feet in warm, soapy water, as this can help soften the nails and make them easier to trim and file. Do this for about 15-20 minutes.
- Trim the toenail down to the point where it begins to curve upwards. Do not over-trim them so that they bleed and grow inwards. Instead, aim for an even nail. Also, trim your toenails regularly using clean and sanitized nail clippers.
- Use a nail file to gently file the edges of the toenails—file in one direction to prevent splintering or further damage.
- Occasionally, soak your feet in warm water with Epsom salts to help relax the toenails and surrounding skin.
- Apply a moisturizing cream or lotion to your feet and nails to hydrate the nails.
- Thick and vinegar soaks are helpful for toenail health. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and warm water and soak your feet for 15-20 minutes a few times a week.
Ensure you consult your doctor for proper treatment; they can do the appropriate examination and prescribe the best medicine.
How To Avoid Your Nails Growing Upwards
Preventing your nails from growing upwards (onychogryphosis) involves adopting good nail care habits and paying attention to the health of your toenails. Here are some straightforward tips to help you avoid the issue:
- Trim your toenails regularly using clean and sanitized nail clippers. Trim them straight across, avoiding rounded corners, which can encourage abnormal growth.
- Use a nail file to smooth your nails’ edges. Gently file in one direction to prevent splintering and maintain a flat, healthy shape.
- Opt for well-fitting shoes that provide enough room for your toes. Tight or narrow shoes can pressure your toenails, leading to upward growth.
- Keep your feet clean and dry to prevent the softening of the nails. Apply moisturizing cream or lotion to your toenails and surrounding skin to keep them hydrated.
- Wear protective footwear during activities that could injure your toes, such as sports or heavy lifting.
- Avoid trauma or injury to your toenails, such as stubbing your toes or dropping heavy objects on them.
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals that support nail health, including biotin and calcium.
- Alternate between different pairs of shoes and try to wear open-toed shoes to reduce constant pressure on specific toenails.
Final words
If you discover your toenails are growing upward, you don’t have to fret, as there are many reasons you find out that toenail abnormality. Toenails developing upward might result from simple factors such as wearing the wrong footwear or genetic or complicated aspects, like an underlying ailment in the body.
You should consult your doctor for proper monitoring and treatment when you discover any nail abnormality. Also, take good care of your toenails, ensure you don’t wear ill-fitting shoes, and don’t share your nail equipment.
For further reading on toenails growing upwards visit:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4513415/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/toenails-that-grow-upward#:~:text=Toenails%20may%20curl%20upward%20for,affected%20by%20profuse%20foot%20sweat.
- https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/nail-care-secrets/basics/nail-changes-dermatologist-should-examine
- https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2004/0315/p1417.html
