Toenail Fungus Testing: Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters Before Treatment
Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that affects millions of people each year. What often begins as a slight discoloration can progress into thickened, brittle, or painful nails that interfere with daily activities and confidence.
At Curalta Foot + Ankle, we believe the most effective treatment starts with one critical step: proper toenail testing. Before recommending medication or advanced therapies, our board-certified foot and ankle specialists focus on identifying the exact cause of your nail condition.
Why Toenail Testing Is So Important
Many nail changes look like fungus but are actually caused by trauma, psoriasis, bacterial infections, or underlying medical conditions. Treating the wrong condition can lead to months of frustration, unnecessary medication, and delayed healing.
Toenail testing allows us to:
- Confirm whether fungus is truly present
- Identify the specific organism causing the infection
- Choose the most effective treatment plan
- Avoid unnecessary medications or prolonged treatments
- Improve outcomes and speed up healthy nail regrowth
Most importantly, testing ensures you receive the right treatment from the start.
Common Nail Changes That Should Be Tested
You should consider professional toenail testing if you notice:
- Yellow, white, or brown discoloration
- Thick or brittle toenails
- Nails that crumble, split, or distort
- Lifting or separation from the nail bed
- Black or darkened nails
- Persistent nail changes that do not improve
- Pain when walking or wearing shoes
If you have diabetes, neuropathy, circulation issues, or a weakened immune system, testing is especially important to prevent complications.
How Toenail Testing Works
Toenail testing is a simple, quick, and in-office procedure. Our specialists collect a small sample of the nail or debris beneath it and send it to a lab for analysis.
The test helps determine:
- Whether fungus is present
- The exact type of infection
- The severity of the condition
This information allows us to create a targeted treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Does Insurance Cover Toenail Testing?
In most cases, toenail testing is covered by insurance, including Medicare and many commercial plans. Our team is happy to review your coverage and answer any questions before testing is performed.
Not sure if your insurance covers it? Ask our staff. Most plans do.
Treatment Options After Testing
Once a diagnosis is confirmed, treatment may include one or more of the following:
- Prescription topical antifungal medications
- Oral antifungal therapy, when appropriate
- Nail debridement to reduce thickness
- Advanced antifungal or laser therapies
- Preventive care guidance to reduce recurrence
Testing allows us to treat confidently, effectively, and safely.
Don’t Guess. Get Tested.
If you are unsure whether your nail condition is fungal, testing is the smartest first step. Early diagnosis leads to better results, healthier nails, and fewer complications.
📞 Call or text (888) 777-1430 to schedule your toenail evaluation and testing today, or CLICK HERE to find the nearest Curalta Foot + Ankle location.
Clear answers start with proper testing. Let our experts guide your care.