Are Your Toenails Trying to Tell You Something?

Your toenails may seem like a small, cosmetic detail—but in podiatry, they often tell a much bigger story. At Restore Foot and Ankle Specialists, we frequently identify underlying health issues by simply examining a patient’s toenails.

Changes in color, thickness, texture, or growth patterns can be early warning signs of infections, circulation problems, nutritional deficiencies, and even systemic disease. Knowing what to look for—and when to seek care—can make a real difference in your overall health.

Why Toenails Matter More Than You Think

Toenails grow slowly and respond to changes in the body over time. Because of this, they often reflect chronic conditions, not just temporary issues.

Your toenails can reveal information about:

• Blood circulation

• Nerve health

• Immune system function

• Nutritional status

• Skin and bone health

That’s why podiatrists don’t just look at your feet—we look at what your feet are telling us.

Common Toenail Changes and What They May Mean

Thickened or Yellow Toenails

Thick, yellow, or brittle toenails are commonly associated with fungal nail infections. However, they may also indicate:

• Poor circulation

• Diabetes-related changes

• Trauma from repetitive pressure

Fungal infections are progressive and rarely resolve on their own, making early diagnosis important.

White Spots or White Nails

Small white spots are often harmless and related to minor trauma. However, nails that appear mostly white can be linked to:

• Liver disease

• Kidney issues

• Nutritional deficiencies

Persistent or widespread changes should always be evaluated.

Dark Lines or Discoloration

Brown or black streaks under the nail can result from bruising—but in rare cases, they may signal subungual melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.

Any dark discoloration that:

• Appears without injury

• Grows over time

• Has irregular borders

should be examined immediately by a specialist.

Brittle, Cracked, or Splitting Nails

Dry, fragile toenails may suggest:

• Nutrient deficiencies (such as iron or biotin)

• Thyroid disorders

• Chronic dehydration

While often dismissed as cosmetic, brittle nails can reflect systemic imbalances.

Curved or Clubbed Nails

Toenails that curve downward or appear unusually rounded can be associated with:

• Heart or lung conditions

• Reduced oxygen levels in the blood

This type of change typically develops gradually and should not be ignored.

Slow-Growing Toenails

Toenails that grow unusually slowly may indicate:

• Poor circulation

• Aging-related changes

• Peripheral artery disease

This is especially important for patients with diabetes or vascular conditions.

What Toenail Problems Can Signal About Diabetes

For patients with diabetes, toenail changes are particularly significant. Diabetes can affect:

• Nail growth

• Nail thickness

• Infection risk

• Wound healing

Fungal infections, ingrown toenails, and unnoticed injuries are more common—and more dangerous—when nerve sensation is reduced.

Why Self-Diagnosis Isn’t Enough

Many patients try to treat nail changes with over-the-counter products or cosmetic solutions. Unfortunately, this often:

• Delays proper diagnosis

• Allows conditions to worsen

• Masks serious underlying issues

Toenail problems are best evaluated by a podiatrist who understands both foot health and systemic disease connections.

How We Evaluate Toenail Health at Restore Foot and Ankle Specialists

When you visit our office, we assess more than just the appearance of your nails. Our evaluation may include:

• Medical history review

• Nail and skin examination

• Circulatory and neurological assessment

• Diagnostic testing when needed

This comprehensive approach allows us to identify the root cause, not just the symptom.

When to See a Podiatrist

You should schedule an appointment if you notice:

• Nail color changes

• Thickening or crumbling nails

• Pain, redness, or swelling

• Dark streaks or spots

• Recurrent ingrown toenails

• Nail changes that don’t improve

Early evaluation can prevent complications and protect your overall health.

The Bottom Line

Your toenails are more than just nails—they’re health indicators. Changes in their appearance can provide valuable insight into what’s happening inside your body.

At Restore Foot and Ankle Specialists, we believe prevention and early detection are key. If your toenails look different, feel painful, or simply don’t seem “right,” it’s worth getting them checked.

Your feet support you every day—let us help you take care of them. Contact our office today with Dr. Gireesh Reddy or Dr. Sirisha Pokala by calling (469) 573-3427 or by booking an appointment online.