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Close up of toenails featuring cracked toenail on big toe and a white background

Does a Cracked Toenail Grow Back? Explained

Written by Erica Halpern on September 26, 2022

Last updated July 7, 2024

Oh no! You have a cracked toenail. Maybe you just stubbed it while you were in a rush, or perhaps you’re not wearing shoes with enough room in the toe box and it’s finally damaged your nails. These are innocent causes, but if you’re prone to certain foot conditions, cracked toenails might become a nuisance. 

A slight detachment or crack is not a pressing issue. But you probably have these questions: 

  • Does a cracked toenail grow back?
  • What are the stages of nail regrowth?
  • Are there cracked toenail remedies and treatments?
woman with painted finger nails holding painted cracked toenail brick walkway background

Does a Cracked Toenail Grow Back?

In general, yes! You should notice progress about 6-8 weeks after the initial crack.

The cause of the cracked toenail may determine how long it will take to grow back. Losing a toenail due to psoriatic arthritis, a fungal infection, or surgical removal can take anywhere from 6 months to a year to grow back completely. Blunt force trauma, like a severe stubbed toe or toe injury, may take up to two years to grow back.

side view of bottom of foot and toes with bandaid wrapped around pinky toe

What are the Stages of Nail Regrowth?

According to Healthline, toenails take longer to grow than fingernails. Here are the stages of toenail regrowth:

  • Nail growth stems from the toenail’s matrix underneath the skin.
  • The matrix is responsible for producing new skin cells that replace old ones, making room for nails to grow.
  • After a trauma-induced cracked toenail, the nail matrix may not be able to create new skin cells for some time.
  • However, the matrix will eventually start replenishing cells at a faster, more normal rate. As we mentioned, you may already notice progress at six weeks.
  • Older cells reaching the surface harden, creating the nail and restructuring your cracked toenail.

Cracked Toenail Remedies and Treatment

It’s frustrating having a cracked toenail, especially a cracked big toenail. Wearing shoes can be painful, but luckily, there are ways to manage pain and protect your nail health. You may also require care from a chiropodist in the interim.

Here are some remedies that may help you out:

Biotin

Research suggests a link between nail health and this B-complex vitamin, specifically for its cell-signaling ability. Foods with healthy fats, like eggs and salmon, contain biotin. You can also take biotin supplements. Read more about great foods for healthy feet.

OnyFix

Sometimes, nails may grow back ingrown or misshapen. If this happens to you, your chiropodist may recommend Onyfix. This exciting and contemporary treatment acts as a brace for the nail while redirecting nail growth and aligning the shape as it grows. As a bonus, it’s completely painless!

Regular Nail Care

Want to avoid cracked toenails and complications? Keep your toenails strong and clean.

This means regular filing, trimming, cleaning, and more. Your cracked toenail won’t grow back as smoothly if you neglect nail care, and brittle nails are more susceptible to damage. Furthermore, your cracked toenail is more vulnerable to bacterial growth if you don’t take care of it. A great way to ensure your nails stay healthy is by scheduling regular medical pedicures.

Avoid getting a cosmetic pedicure while a cracked nail grows back. Don’t just assume that because your nail is making progress, it’s finished growing. Nail polishes at salons often contain harmful chemicals that weaken your nails, like toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate. Learn more about nail pedicure safety.

close up of chiropodist wearing medical gloves performing a medical pedicure cleaning

Cracked Toenail? Pay Us a Visit!

While most cracked toenails re-grow with no issues, a more serious case may require a chiropodist’s assistance to manage pain. Toronto’s Feet First Clinic can help! Visit one of our locations today!

Call us at 416-769-3338 or Book Your Assessment!

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