TOENAILS AND FINGERNAILS CAN SHOW SIGNS OF DISEASE

Changes in nail conditions are sometimes known as the windows to health conditions as some nail pathologies can indicate underlying health issues. A recent article discussed how a British woman posted a picture of her curved finger nail to Facebook and after the post had been shared numerous times comments urged her to go in  for a health-care assessment. After she went to the doctor she found out that she had lung cancer and that her nail presentation had been an indicator of this disease. 

 
Curved nails, or clubbing of the finger nails or toe nails, also known as hippocratic nails are indicative of heart, lung or gastrointestinal problems.  Hippocratic nails are mostly asymptomatic however, are strong indicators of underlying disease. In addition, curved nails may also be indicative of pulmonary fibrosis, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Although researchers do not exactly know how or why the nail changes occur in individuals with underlying diseases, they do state that some chronic diseases lead to nail pathologies.
 
Physicians and experts also note that not all nail pathologies may indicate a health disease and some cases of a curved nail or nail pathologies may be benign. However, it is important to always stay aware of your body and to note changes and to get them checked out as they could have underlying meanings.
 
If you or a loved one has a curved nail appearance or a "bulbous" or "drumstick" fingernail or toenail they should visit their general physician or a chiropodist for physical examination of the nail.
 
Brought to you by Doctor John A. Hardy, owner of Toronto's foot clinic, Academy Foot and Orthotics Clinic.

 

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