Nail Issues

Expert diagnosis and treatment for nail issues at Suburban Foot & Ankle

What is Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus or what is medically referred to as onychomycosis is a generally encountered infection caused by some bacteria that will influence the nail bed. They lead to the discoloration of nails, their thickening, and crumbling the nail. In case it develops without the proper treatment, it will bring severe pain, affect your walking ability, or even get worse over time.

Common Causes:

Warm, humid environments (like sweaty shoes or public showers)
A weak immune system
Nail trauma or injury
Poor foot hygiene

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Effective Toenail Fungus Treatment

At Suburban Foot & Ankle Center, we offer state-of-the-art treatment methods to get rid of nail fungus and make your nails healthy again. Our treatment solutions are adjusted to suit your definite condition and needs.

Toenail Fungus Symptoms You Should Watch For

Fungus infection of the toenail and the recognition of this infection are very important for a person's life. If a patient notices the following symptoms, the patient must find a doctor to get treatment.

Key Symptoms:

Discoloration (yellow, brown, or white nails)
Thickened or brittle nails
Crumbly or ragged nail edges
Foul odor coming from the infected nail
Pain or discomfort when walking or wearing shoes

How to Prevent Toenail Fungus

Prevention is essential in the fight against toenail fungus. A set of very simple measures can greatly reduce the threat of getting an infection.

Prevention Tips:

Keep your feet dry: Moisture attracts fungi, that's why, make sure your feet are properly wiped with a towel after taking showers.
Wear breathable shoes: Choose shoes made of leather or canvas which are breathable and allow your feet to breathe.
Change socks regularly: Throw away the ones that are wet because they increase your exposure to moisture.
Practice good foot hygiene: Regularly cutting nails will help as it avoids the overgrowth of nails and cleaning them will be more efficient.
Avoid going barefoot in public places: It is crucial to use something to cover your feet while you are in communal areas such as the locker room or pool.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Laser Therapy: Secure and efficient treatment that aims to eradicate the fungus under the nail without hurting the adjacent tissue.
Topical Antifungal Solutions: Medicated creams and ointments applied externally to the nail to kill the fungus.
Oral Medications: For more severe cases, prescription antifungal pills are taken to treat the infection from the inside of your body.
Nail Debridement: A procedure to trim, thin, or remove damaged parts of the nail to improve treatment effectiveness and promote healthy nail growth.

When to See a Specialist

If you notice any key symptoms such as discoloration (yellow, brown, or white nails), thickened or brittle nails, crumbly or ragged nail edges, foul odor coming from the infected nail, or pain or discomfort when walking or wearing shoes, it's important to seek treatment. Early recognition and treatment of toenail fungus is essential to prevent it from worsening and affecting your ability to walk comfortably.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common toenail concerns

How can I prevent ingrown toenails?

Cut toenails straight across (not curved), avoid cutting them too short, wear properly fitted shoes, keep feet clean and dry, and avoid trauma to the toes. If you have diabetes, seek professional nail care.

What are the signs of a fungal toenail infection?

Signs include thickened nails, discoloration (yellow, brown, or white), brittle or crumbly texture, distorted nail shape, separation from the nail bed, and sometimes a slightly foul odor.

How long does it take to treat toenail fungus?

Treatment duration varies but typically takes 3-12 months because you need to wait for the healthy nail to grow out. Prescription medications, laser therapy, or topical treatments may be used depending on severity.

Is ingrown toenail surgery painful?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you won't feel pain during surgery. Post-operative discomfort is usually mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Can I treat toenail fungus at home?

While some over-the-counter treatments exist, professional medical treatment is more effective for persistent fungal infections. Home remedies may work for very mild cases, but severe infections require prescription medications.