ONYCHOGRYPHOSIS Meaning and
Definition
-
Onychogryphosis is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by an abnormal thickening and distortion of the toenails or fingernails. It is prevalent among the elderly population and is usually seen in the toenails, particularly the big toe. The condition is also commonly referred to as "ram's horn nails" due to its resemblance to the curved and twisted horns of a ram.
This nail disorder occurs when there is an overgrowth of keratin, the protein responsible for the strength and structure of nails. Onychogryphosis often begins with an injury or trauma to the nail bed, which triggers an abnormal growth response. As a result, the affected nail becomes increasingly thickened, elongated, and curved, resembling a horn-like shape. The nail may also lose its normal translucency and become discolored, appearing yellow or brownish.
Onychogryphosis can cause discomfort and pain, especially when the nails become excessively long and start pressing into the skin or adjacent toes. The condition is often associated with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, psoriasis, vascular disease, or fungal infections. Proper care and management of onychogryphosis may involve regular or periodic trimming of the nails to reduce their thickness and alleviate pressure on surrounding tissues. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct the nail deformity and relieve any associated pain or infection.
-
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ONYCHOGRYPHOSIS
- onychogryphoshs
- onychogryphosi3
- onychogryphosic
- onychogryphosiq
- onychogryphosir
- onychoegryphoesis
- o nychogryphosis
- on ychogryphosis
- ony chogryphosis
- onyc hogryphosis
- onych ogryphosis
- onycho gryphosis
- onychog ryphosis
- onychogr yphosis
- onychogryph osis
- onychogrypho sis
- onychogryphos is
- onychogryphosi s
Etymology of ONYCHOGRYPHOSIS
The word "onychogryphosis" is derived from two Greek words.
The first part, "onycho", is derived from the Greek word "ónyx", meaning "nail".
The second part, "gryphosis", is derived from the Greek word "gruphḗ", which means "curvature" or "hook". It comes from the verb "grýphō", which means "to curve" or "to hook".
Therefore, "onychogryphosis" refers to a condition in which the nail has a curved or hooked appearance.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
