Wondering if anyone has seen changes in their toenails due to neuropathy? My big toenails have completely changed shape to pincer in that they are curling round into tubes and are incredibly painful. I have mild neuropathy in both feet so is this what is causing this change and can it be reversed?
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Toenail changes
- Thread starter Bea24
- Start Date
JoKalsbeek
Expert
No idea if it's linked to neuropathy, but you might want to go see a podiatrist and/or a medical pedicure. I know my feet would be a massive nightmare if I didn't have my pedicure keeping an eye on things and fix whatever goes wrong before it gets really bad... There's a whole lot they can do, which we can't even begin to do at home!
Resurgam
Master
I saw similar but far less alteration in my toes on one foot after a bad reaction to the AZ Covid vaccine, after which my lower legs and feet were very swollen and one to on my right foot was like a plum tomato.
I come from a long line of midwives, nurses and herbalists on my father's side, and they did a lot using simple methods - alternate hot and cold water, massage, elevation, mobilising, and so I used the shower head - it is a detachable one, and massage to get the blood flowing faster. It took some days but the swelling suddenly began to reduce and I got more normal coloured skin and the tomato toe began to hurt and throb as the blood got moving again. I used moisturising lotion on my feet, did my toe nails twice every time and allowed them to grow longer as they had become likely to break rather than be cut. I did not worry about the instruction not to moisturise between toes as I wear sandals with a rubber 'bumper' at the toe so there is always airflow and my skin does not remain damp or airless at any time. When my nails softened I gently encouraged them to uncurl - still using lotion on them.
My feet are pretty much back to what they should be but it was a big worry at the time. I still pay a bit more attention to them more in order to ensure they are going to remain in good condition than to treat any problems.
hh1
Well-Known Member
I don't have neuropathy, T1 for nearly 40 years and someof my toenails are now curling inwards at the sides. I think it's just a thing that happens with age, though it needs early treatment if you have diabetes. There are websites that suggest it's more common in people with diabetes, and if you have trouble getting an NHS appointment, it helps if you explain that you do heave it. Your annual diabetes check should include foot chacks and your DSN may be able to help you get an appointment. Good luck!
I have a couple of toenails that curl really badly not due to neuropathy but psoriasis, I also agree with @hh1 that it can be an age thing, may not be anything to do with mild neuropathy. I do get pedicures every 4 weeks (which is a luxury I know) but I also pay for a podiatrist every 3 months just to keep my nails growing straight- it costs me £30 and she comes to my house.
I would push harder to see the podiatrist especially if you have neuropathy as it could turn nasty, it seems very unfair that you have to be in pain, as my mam used to say the “squeakiest wheel gets the most oil”
I would push harder to see the podiatrist especially if you have neuropathy as it could turn nasty, it seems very unfair that you have to be in pain, as my mam used to say the “squeakiest wheel gets the most oil”
