What Does It Mean If Your Toenails Don’t Grow?

Understanding Slow Toenail Growth: How Poor Circulation and PAD Affect Your Nails

Slow toenail growth is more than just a cosmetic concern; it can also be a sign of underlying health issues, including poor circulation and peripheral artery disease (PAD). If you notice that your toenails haven’t been growing as they should or have stopped growing, it’s important to seek medical attention. In this blog, we’ll explore the relationship between slow toenail growth, poor circulation, and PAD, hopefully helping you recognize the signs when it’s time to take action.

What Does It Mean If Your Toenails Grow Slowly?

Although toenails typically grow much slower than fingernails, it’s important to be mindful of when this growth slows down in your toes. On average, toenails grow about 1.62 millimeters per month. However, various factors, including age, overall health, and hormones, can influence this rate. Slow toenail growth can be a telltale sign that something isn’t right within the body. When the toenails grow slower than usual, they may appear brittle, thin, and more susceptible to damage. This can also make your toenails more prone to infections which can cause further issues and complications.

Is It Normal for Toenails to Not Grow?

It is normal for toenails to grow slower than your fingernails, however, it’s not normal for them to stop growing. Factors such as trauma to the nail, nutritional deficiencies, or medical conditions like diabetes and PAD can all contribute to this problem. Sometimes, toenails may temporarily stop growing due to injuries or infections, however, if this lack of growth persists, it’s crucial to investigate further and seek professional care.

What Causes Toenails to Stop Growing?

Several factors can cause toenails to stop growing, including:

• Injury: Trauma to the toenail or nail bed can disrupt the growth cycle, causing the nail to stop growing temporarily or permanently.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients like biotin, zinc, and iron can weaken nails and slow their growth.
• Infections: Fungal infections are common in toenails and can cause them to thicken, discolor, and stop growing.
• Medical Conditions: Chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and especially peripheral artery disease can impair blood flow to the extremities, leading to poor nail health and slow growth.

Understanding the cause of your slow toenail growth is the first step in addressing the issue and restoring healthy nail growth.

Can Poor Circulation Affect Your Toenails?

Yes, poor circulation can significantly affect toenail growth, especially when the blood flow to the legs and feet is compromised. Essentially, poor circulation in your lower extremities leads to nails receiving less oxygen and few nutrients, which are crucial for healthy growth. This loss of blood flow can lead to serious health concerns like PAD, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues. It’s important to be vigilant about the health of your toenails, checking them every week if not every single day, and seeking medical attention if you begin noticing drastic changes.

Does Peripheral Artery Disease Affect Toenails?

Peripheral artery disease is a common cause of poor circulation, particularly in the legs and feet. PAD occurs when the arteries that supply blood to your extremities become narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow. This reduction in blood flow can have a direct impact on toenail growth, causing slow or even stopped development. 

Toenails that are affected by PAD may appear discolored, brittle, and dull, you even might start to notice they stop growing altogether. PAD can also increase the risk of toenail infections, as the reduced blood flow weakens the body’s ability to fight off pathogens. 

Treating Slow Nail Growth and PAD

Addressing slow toenail growth related to PAD involves managing the underlying condition to help improve circulation. Some steps you can take to improve your symptoms and begin building towards better vascular health include:

• Medical Treatment: Consult with a healthcare provider to evaluate your condition. Doctors may recommend medications, lifestyle adjustments, and possibly minimally invasive procedures to help improve blood flow.
• Lifestyle Modification: Quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing your blood sugar levels and cholesterol are all crucial steps in improving circulation to promote healthy toenail growth. 
• Foot Care: Proper foot hygiene, regular toenail trimming, and protecting your feet from injury can help prevent infections and promote better nail health.

For those with PAD, it’s important to work closely with a vascular specialist to manage your condition and monitor your overall vascular health. Early intervention can prevent complications and improve your quality of life.

Take Action Against Poor Toenail Growth Linked to PAD

Understanding the link between poor toenail growth and peripheral artery disease is crucial to your foot health and overall well-being. If you’ve noticed your toenails aren’t growing as they should, it might be time to seek professional advice. Early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in your treatment journey. Don’t let PAD stand in the way of your health and comfort. Schedule an appointment with our specialists today to explore your treatment options.