Thickened nails

• abnormal thickening of the nail
• separation of the nail plate from the nail bed
• yellow or white appearance
• red or black coloring if left untreated
• brittle crumbling around the edges of the nail
• pain

Symptoms may become more severe if onychauxis is left untreated. The nails may begin to curl, and they may become so thick it’s impossible to trim or maintain them. That, in turn, can make treating the nail disorder more difficult.

• Hereditary causes. If one or both of your parents have this nail condition.
• Acute trauma. Stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it can cause trauma to your nail bed and nail plate. The trauma may cause temporary nail thickening until the nail heals.
• Chronic trauma. Individuals who inflict a good deal of pressure on their feet for long periods of time, such as athletes, dancers, or runners, may be more likely to develop this nail disorder. The long-term stress on the nail beds and nail plates may trigger the unusual growth. Wearing shoes that are too tight or too small can also cause this condition.
• Acromegaly. A rare hormonal disorder is the result of too much growth hormone. 
• Psoriasis. This skin condition causes thick patches of scaly skin, and it can cause nails to grow thicker and more brittle. Over half of people with psoriasis will experience nail Psoriasis.
• Reduced circulation. Without a proper supply of nutrients, your nails may be unable to grow properly.
• Diabetes. People with diabetes develop thickened nails, often as a result of reduced micro circulation. 
• Darier disease. A genetic skin disorder, Darier disease causes wart-like blemishes that may be yellow, emit a strong odour, and are hard to the touch. This condition can also cause nail abnormalities, including white and red stripes in the nail plate and unusual thickness.
• Infection. A yeast or fungal infection in the nail bed or around the nail plate can cause symptoms, including discoloration and thicker nails.
• Pityriasis rubra pilaris. A rare skin condition causes chronic inflammation and reddish-orange scales or blotches on the skin. It can also lead to nail thickening, discoloration.

Treat underlying conditions. 

Removal of the affected nail. In extreme cases, your doctor may choose to remove a portion or all of the thickened nail. This is an option when the nail becomes so thick you experience severe pain and can’t properly care for it on your own anymore.

• Keep neat, trimmed nails. 
• Wear comfortable shoes. Tight shoes may cause onychauxis, and they may make symptoms, especially pain, worse. A professional shoe fitting can help you decide if you need a wider shoe option so your toes have plenty of room. Wide-toe shoes may be a smart option if you frequently experience pain from toenails rubbing against your shoes.
• Paint with a polish. Nail polish may help cover the discoloration, but it will not end or stop the abnormal growth.
• Move more. Boost circulation in your lower extremities by walking, riding a bicycle, or otherwise moving more. The increase in blood, oxygen, and other nutrients may end the unusual nail growth issue.