Sounds like a fungal infection. You should see a podiatrist.

I had this problem. It ended up being the first sign of rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis causes nail changes.

Tea tree oil. Try altras for shoes.

Sounds like fungus.

There are a few reasons why nails can thicken—both fungus and mechanical pressure among them. Once it happens, this can definitely cert more pressure on the top of your toe. It can’t hurt to have a podiatrist evaluate it and give you treatment options.

go to a podiatrist

Buy shoes that fit better. You need a larger size or different shape toebox

If the nail is thickened and doesn't fit in shoes properly, it is possible to remove it entirely. Then shoes will not be a problem.

My second toes are the longest, and for years they've taken a beating, especially when I used to jog. My second toe on my left side is the longest of the 10, and it's got a thick slightly discolored nail from all the battering over the years. At one point it had a miniscule vertical black line in it but that grew out. I've switched shoes etc but it never seems to heal.

That toe just seems to be permenently sending tiny pain signals that I only notice when paying attention (and I can easily ignore it). It just feels sort of wounded, as if someone stepped on it.

Is there any fix? I tried an electric rotating dowel to thin out the nail. Or am I wrong that it's mechanical and maybe it's toenail fungus?

I know I'm grasping at straws here but maybe DCUM knows something I don't...TIA