Deformed Nail Care

What Is a Deformed Nail and Why Does It Occur?

A deformed nail refers to changes in the normal structure, shape, thickness or direction of growth of the nail plate. As well as spoiling the natural appearance of the nail, nail deformities can cause pressure inside the shoe, tenderness, pain and a loss of comfort in daily life.

One of the most common causes of nail deformities is trauma. Injuries such as blows to the nail, a heavy object falling on it, or the nail being caught or crushed can damage the nail bed or the nail matrix, which is responsible for nail growth. This can affect the way the nail grows, causing it to thicken, change shape or separate from the nail bed.

In addition, long-term use of narrow or ill-fitting shoes, repeated shoe pressure, micro-trauma during sports and structural problems of the toes can also contribute to the development of nail deformities.

Some nail deformities may arise from congenital structural differences. Permanent or temporary changes in the direction of growth and the structure of the nail may also be seen after surgery on the nail or nail bed.

Deformed nails commonly show changes such as thickening, hardening and curling of the nail plate, irregular growth, brittleness, surface irregularities and partial separation from the nail bed.

How Is Podological Care Applied to Deformed Nails?

Podological care for deformed nails begins with an assessment of the nail plate and the surrounding tissue. The appropriate care method is determined by taking into account the thickness of the nail, its direction of growth, its relationship with the nail bed, the existing deformity and the person’s complaints.

The main aim of podological care is to reduce the pressure caused by thickening and deformity through care suited to the nail’s current structure, to support nail hygiene and to contribute to the person’s comfort in daily life.

As part of medical foot care, procedures such as the controlled thinning of a thickened and hardened nail plate, cutting the nail to a suitable length, smoothing an irregular nail surface and cleaning tissue that has built up under the nail can be carried out.

During these procedures, protecting healthy nail tissue and the nail bed is the guiding principle. Controlled thinning, particularly of excessively thickened or curled nails, can help reduce the pressure on the nail inside the shoe and the tenderness associated with it.

In suitable cases where there is a disorder in the direction of nail growth or marked curling, Orthonyxia (Nail Correction/Straightening) Applications such as the B/S Brace or 3TO Wire may also be considered, depending on the nail structure and the characteristics of the deformity. However, not every nail deformity is suitable for these applications.

How Are Deformed Nail Care and Monitoring Planned?

Care and monitoring for deformed nails are planned according to the cause of the deformity, the thickness of the nail plate, its rate of growth, the degree of structural change and the person’s individual needs.

Where podological care is required, medical foot care or comprehensive podological care can be carried out on average every 3–4 weeks, depending on the current structure of the nail and its care needs. However, this interval is not the same for everyone and can be adjusted based on the assessment.

During regular check-ups, the thickness of the nail, its direction of growth, its relationship with the nail bed and the pressure it exerts on the surrounding tissue are assessed. Supportive care is repeated when needed.

In deformed nail care, it is important not only to manage the current nail structure but also to identify external factors that may cause the deformity. For this reason, guidance on choosing suitable footwear, protecting against repeated trauma, correct nail cutting and daily nail care is part of the process.

Podological care for deformed nails is a supportive care process planned according to the current condition of the nail, which may require regular assessment and monitoring.

Detailed information on the current state of the nail deformity, the structure of the nail and the podological care methods that may be applied can be given following an individual assessment.