The highly-trained podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Center of NJ & NY, LLC work hard to protect your foot health and treat a range of podiatric problems like toenail fungus. Toenail fungus can affect people of any age and walk of life, and the skilled specialists provide treatment at their offices in Fort Lee, New Jersey, Forest Hills, New York, Gramercy, New York, New York, & East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York. Foot and Ankle Center of NJ & NY, LLC offers treatments from the revolutionary laser fungal therapy to patient education, lifestyle changes, and medications. To help eliminate toenail fungus, call the office nearest you or schedule an appointment online.

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What is toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus is a fungal infection that starts as a yellow or white spot at the end of the nail. As the infection gets worse, the fungus can cause your nail to crumble at the edges, thicken, and discolor.

Several nails can be affected at the same time. The infection can spread to between your toes, but toenail fungus isn’t contagious.

Most toenail fungus doesn’t show symptoms, but for some people, it can be ugly and painful. The fungus can also infect areas between your toes and the skin of your feet. This is called athlete’s foot.

What are the symptoms of toenail fungus?

You might be dealing with toenail fungus if one or more of your toenails are:

  • Discolored — yellow, white, or brown
  • Thickened
  • Crumbling and brittle
  • Distorted

The nail might also give off a foul odor.

What causes toenail fungus?

Not all discolored, thickened, or deformed nails are caused by fungus infections. Some can be due to trauma, circulatory problems, the use of certain drugs, birth defects, and conditions that involve a high fever.

Fungal nail infections are the result of various fungal organisms. Things that can lead to a fungal infection include:

  • Yeast and mold
  • Decreased blood circulation in the feet
  • Weakened immune system
  • Heavy sweating
  • Aging
  • History of athlete’s foot
  • Psoriasis and other skin conditions
  • A minor nail or skin injury
  • Diabetes

A fungus is more prone to thrive in areas that become moist like your shoes. Walking barefoot in communal areas, such as swimming pools, also increases your risk of getting a fungal nail infection.

How is toenail fungus treated?

Your podiatrist examines your toenail and usually does a lab test to make sure it’s a fungus. Your podiatrist then recommends treatments that can include:

  • Laser fungal therapy
  • Long-term oral medications
  • Over-the-counter or prescription medications
  • Surgery
  • Thinning and trimming the nails
  • Medicated nail polish
  • Self-care instructions

If a fungal infection is left untreated it can lead to a potentially dangerous blood infection like cellulitis.

Your Foot and Ankle Center of NJ & NY, LLC podiatrist uses high-quality laser technology that can kill the fungus, usually in two or three 30-minute office visits. No anesthesia is needed and the procedure is virtually painless. The toenail usually grows out normally in 9-12 months after treatment is complete.

If you have questions or concerns about toenail fungus and if you’d like to feel comfortable wearing open-toed shoes or no shoes in public again, call Foot and Ankle Center of NJ & NY, LLC or schedule online today.