Since we are usually busy with work and other things in life, foot care is not always our priority.
You might not realize this but not giving your feet the proper attention they deserve can lead to several health problems.
You may not even notice, but your toenails may be growing very slowly or not at all.
It is not always easy to determine whether your toenail has stopped growing entirely or not.
Some people simply have slower toenail growth, depending on lifestyle choices and genetics.
This is why it is important to keep track of your toenail growth. If your toenails are growing slowly, there is no need to panic.
On the other hand, if you believe your toenail growth has stopped, it may be time to make some changes.
Read more to figure out why your big toenail won’t grow and what you can do to fix it.
Why Won’t My Big Toenail Grow?
It is quite rare for your big toenail to stop growing entirely. Sometimes, it may start growing so slowly that it may feel like it has stopped growing.
Your toenail probably won’t stop growing without showing any symptoms. If you believe your toenail growth has decreased, keep checking it regularly.
Your big toenail may stop growing or may grow slowly for many reasons. Your toenail may be discolored, swollen or brittle.
A couple of other reasons why your toenail won’t grow can also be inflammation and severe redness.
The good thing about these symptoms is that they are easy to spot. If your toenail is swollen, discolored or even red, you can easily tell.
However, there are a few other reasons that might not be as easy to spot.
Injuries
If you have been severely injured recently, your toenail might stop growing.
Injuries can include dropping something heavy on your foot or exerting extreme pressure on your toe.
Injuries are more common amongst people who run very often. Another common injury can be a result of wearing tight shoes for long periods of time.
If this remains consistent, your toenail will stop growing without showing any visible signs.
In extreme cases, your nail can even fall off if the pressure is not relieved. This is why it is essential to keep track of your toenail growth.
Wear And Tear
Another reason why your big toenail won’t grow is that your nail might be wearing out.
This is common amongst people who often walk barefoot—the sand can file your nails, which can result in very slow or no growth.
There is nothing wrong with walking barefoot, but make sure to keep your nails protected.
If you are suspecting that your toenail growth has declined, it would be a good idea to start wearing socks when leaving home or walking inside the house.
Side Effects
Side effects from certain medications can also result in slow toenail growth.
Prescription medication might not suit everyone and may leave you with slow toenail growth.
Some medicines may even damage the root of your nail. If the damage is serious, your cells might not be able to create a new nail plate.
Diseases
A few diseases can also lead to slow or no toenail growth.
However, a disease affects each person differently, so you may not experience this problem if you are suffering from such diseases.
However, it is vital to keep track of your toenail growth because sometimes, it is hard to spot.
How To Get My Toenails To Grow Faster
If your big toenail is not growing or is growing very slowly, no need to panic – there are various ways to change that.
Stick To A Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is more important than you think. A diet that includes foods with minerals and vitamins C and E can help increase your toenail growth.
All you need to do is keep a check on what you’re eating – add some protein in your diet and you’re good to go.
Massage With Coconut Oil
An effective way to increase growth is by massaging your toenail with coconut oil.
Coconut oil contains nutrients that can help build cuticles, which will make your nails strong.
Coconut oil will also help moisturize your toenails, which will protect them from damage.
Use Olive Oil
Besides coconut oil, you can also use olive oil to moisturize your nails.
Olive oil has vitamin E which can help repair your nail buds and also improve circulation. All you have to do is rub olive oil on your toenails every day.
Keep Your Nails Clean And Dry
Another easy but effective way to ensure toenail growth is by keeping your nail clean and trimmed.
If you don’t clean your toenails, they can start growing inward.
Also, if you don’t trim them often, they might get infected, which can result in a serious health problem.
You can keep your nails dry by wearing sandals or shoes when you are in a public pool.
Choose The Right Footwear
Footwear plays a significant role in your toenail growth. If your toenail isn’t growing, check if you’re wearing shoes that are too constricted.
Constant friction can reduce growth, which will eventually result in a small or discolored toenail. You can prevent this by wearing the right footwear.
You don’t have to stop wearing shoes, just make sure to wear shoes that are your size.
Your big toenail may not be growing because of various reasons. However, the good news is that you can address this problem.
Try the methods mentioned above to see an improvement in toenail growth.
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