Have you noticed that your toenails don’t seem to grow as fast as they once did? Or maybe they’ve become brittle, discolored, or prone to splitting? Toenail growth is something most people don’t think about—until it slows down or changes. If your toenails aren’t growing like they used to, there are a few possible reasons behind it. Let’s dive into the most common causes and what you can do to support healthy toenail growth.
Reasons Why Your Toenails Are Not Growing
1. Poor Circulation
Your toenails rely on a steady flow of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to grow properly. If your circulation is compromised—whether due to diabetes, peripheral artery disease, or even prolonged inactivity—your nails can grow more slowly. Cold feet, numbness, and swelling are signs that circulation may be an issue.
What You Can Do:
Stay active! Walking, stretching, and foot exercises can improve circulation.
Keep your feet warm, especially in colder months.
If you have an underlying health condition affecting circulation, consult your doctor.
2. Toenail Trauma
Have you ever stubbed your toe really hard or had an injury to your toenail? Even if it happened months ago, nail trauma can slow down or completely halt growth. This includes repetitive trauma from wearing tight shoes or intense physical activities like running.
What You Can Do:
Wear properly fitted, breathable shoes with plenty of toe space.
Trim nails carefully to prevent accidental injuries.
If you’ve had a toenail injury, be patient—nail growth can take months to fully recover.
3. Fungal Infections
Toenail fungus isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it can seriously affect nail health and growth. Fungal infections weaken the nail structure, making it thick, brittle, and discolored, which can lead to stunted or distorted growth.
What You Can Do:
Keep your feet dry and clean, and avoid walking barefoot in public places like pools and locker rooms.
Seek professional treatment at the first sign of infection. At Remedi Nail Spa, we offer safe, waterless pedicures designed to support nail health.
Use antifungal products as needed to prevent reinfection.
4. Nutrient Deficiencies
Like the rest of your body, your nails need proper nutrition to grow. A lack of biotin, iron, zinc, or protein can slow down nail growth and make them weaker.
What You Can Do:
Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, leafy greens, nuts, and healthy fats.
Consider a biotin supplement if recommended by your doctor.
Stay hydrated—water is essential for strong, healthy nails!
5. Aging
As we age, everything slows down—including nail growth. Hormonal changes, reduced circulation, and years of minor trauma can contribute to slower-growing nails.
What You Can Do:
Maintain good foot care habits.
Moisturize your nails and cuticles regularly to keep them from becoming brittle.
Schedule regular pedicures that focus on nail health, like the waterless pedicure services at Remedi Nail Spa.
Final Thoughts
Slow toenail growth is often a sign that your feet need a little extra care. Whether it’s circulation, trauma, infection, or diet, understanding the cause can help you take the right steps to encourage healthier nails. If you’re concerned about toenails not growing, let us help! Our medical-grade, waterless pedicures are designed to support foot and nail health safely and effectively.
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