Question
the toenail next to my big toe is curved upward and stop growing a couple months ago. the toenail has been curved upward for at least over ten years. I don't recall injuring it or having a fungus. It used to grow but because it curved upwards, it always looked tiny. Recently it stopped growing. Is there anything I can do or is there a procedure to fix the nail so it looks like the others...or normal? It's so tiny and i'm very self conscious of it when wearing open toe shoes. I do not have any pain and the color of the appears to be normal

Answer
Michele,

Toenails can develop discoloration, thickening or abnormal curvature usually from one of two things: toenail fungus or pressure.  Toenail fungus can be present for years without knowing it is a fungus.  It can affect only one toe as well.  Pressure from a toe being contracted or crooked (like a hammertoe) can cause increase pressure to the nail.  This causes the nail to become thicker because it is trying to protect itself from abnormal pressure distribution.  If you have a fungus, there are topical and oral antifungals available as well as toenail fungus laser treatment.  If you want to the have nail permanently removed, there is also a procedure for that as well that a podiatrist can do for you in the office.  Usually when you have the nail removed, the nailbed develops a thick layer which looks similar to a nail and you can't even notice.  I would schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to go over your different options.

Sincerely,

Dr. Leslie Johnston, DPM
www.thetampapodiatrist.com