Repeated shoe pressure can injure toenails even without a single obvious impact. This article concerns toe space and shoe fit; a separate guide covers what to do after a recent injury.
Check the space in front of your longest toe, which is not always the big toe. In a so-called Greek foot, the second toe is longer than the first. This shape alone is not a disease and does not mean a deformity will develop.
Take out the insole and stand on it. Toes extending beyond its outline may indicate a poor fit. This is only a rough check: also assess the width, toe-box height and pressure while walking.
White transverse bands on a nail may be called transverse leukonychia. Colour alone cannot identify the cause. Show a doctor any unexplained change in nail colour or shape.
If a shoe repeatedly presses on the same nail, changing footwear and assessing the source of pressure matter more than covering the change with nail products. Bring the shoes you wear to your appointment.
Further information
- Subungual haematoma — what should you do after a nail injury?
- Nail injury — when to see a doctor or a foot care specialist
- Nail care after injury — follow-up and regrowth
Medical sources: NHS — Nail problems.
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