The term clubbing is used to describe the swelling or enlarging of the tips of the fingers, with the nails curving downwards over the tip. While some people are born with clubbing, if it develops later on it can be a symptom of lung disease, congenital heart disorders, inflammatory bowel disease or liver problems.

What does it mean when your fingernails flatten?

In the condition known as koilonychia, the nails are flattened and have concavities. This condition may be associated with iron deficiency. In onycholysis the nails become loose. They may even detach from the nail bed.

Why is my nail growing at an angle?

This may be a condition known as onychographosis, where typically the toenail becomes thickened and grows at an angle. The nail can become discolored and, in some cases, hypertrophy can cause the nails to grow in a claw-like shape.