What should I do if my toenails have thickened and become painful?

Thickened and painful toenails may result from trauma-induced nail damage or could indicate early-stage paronychia. Initial treatment should focus on anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial therapy, supplemented with topical medications. Alternatively, the thickening may be age-related—commonly due to skin aging—and typically does not affect overall health. Regular intake of vitamins is recommended. However, if discoloration or increased nail brittleness (e.g., splitting) develops, medical evaluation at a hospital is advised.