Thick, Brittle Toenails? Let’s Get to the Root of It
Trying to trim your toenails but finding them harder, drier, or more crumbly than usual? Maybe they’re thicker than they used to be, or even a little discoloured.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Thick, brittle toenails are one of the most common complaints we see here at Achilles Foot Clinic — and while they might seem harmless, they can be uncomfortable, unsightly, and even painful if left untreated.
Let’s take a closer look at what causes them and how we can help get your nails (and your confidence) back on track.
First, What’s Happening to the Nail?
A healthy toenail should be smooth, slightly curved, and easy enough to clip. But when nails become brittle, they may:
Crack or split when you try to cut them
Feel rough or crumbly at the edges
Look yellow, grey, or brown
Grow thicker or curl over time
This change usually happens gradually, but it can start to affect how your feet look and feel — especially if you're finding it hard to wear certain shoes or walk comfortably.
So, What’s Causing All This?
Thick, brittle toenails don’t happen out of nowhere. Here are the most common reasons we see at the clinic:
🦠 Fungal Nail Infections
Fungal infections are by far the leading cause of thick, brittle nails. These little invaders sneak in through tiny cracks in the nail or skin and start breaking down the nail structure.
Over time, this can lead to:
Yellow or brown discolouration
Crumbling edges
Thick, hard-to-trim nails
If left untreated, fungal nails can spread — even to other toenails. But with proper treatment, they can be cleared up.
👞 Tight Shoes or Repeated Trauma
Wearing shoes that squash your toes (think pointy-toe heels or steel-toe boots) can cause repeated pressure and damage to your nails.
If you’re a runner, hiker, or on your feet all day, your nails may also thicken or become damaged from the constant impact.
👵 Ageing Nails
As we age, our nails naturally grow more slowly and become thicker and more brittle. This is especially true for toenails, which are exposed to more pressure and moisture than fingernails.
🧬 Underlying Health Conditions
Sometimes, brittle toenails can be a sign of:
Psoriasis
Diabetes
Poor circulation
Nutritional deficiencies (like low iron or biotin)
If you're noticing other symptoms or changes in your health, it’s a good idea to mention them when you come in.
What Can Be Done About It?
Here at Achilles Foot Clinic, we see thick toenails every week — and we have a number of ways to help.
✅ Professional Nail Care
We use specialised tools to safely reduce thickness, shape the nail, and remove debris. It's completely painless and often makes a big difference right away.
✅ Fungal Nail Treatments
If fungus is involved, we’ll talk you through treatment options — including anti-fungal creams, oral medication, and advanced laser therapy.
✅ Advice on Footwear & Prevention
We’ll make sure your shoes are doing their job — not making things worse. And we’ll give you tips on how to prevent future damage or infection.
✅ Custom Treatment Plans
Everyone’s nails are different. We’ll tailor your care plan to your nail type, your lifestyle, and what’s most important to you — whether that’s comfort, appearance, or both.
When Should I Book an Appointment?
You don’t need to wait until your toenails become painful or embarrassing to get help. If you’re noticing:
Difficulty trimming your nails
Changes in colour or shape
Thickening that’s getting worse
Pain or pressure in shoes
... it’s time to come in. These issues won’t go away on their own, but they can be improved with the right care.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Live With It
Thick, brittle toenails might seem like “just a cosmetic issue,” but they can really affect how you walk, how your shoes fit, and how confident you feel. The good news? You’re not stuck with them.
At Achilles Foot Clinic, we treat people — not just their feet. Whether you need a bit of nail TLC or a full treatment plan for fungal nails, we’re here to help you feel comfortable in your own skin (and shoes!) again.
