Toenail care

Toenail Fungus: Symptoms, Treatment Options & Expert Care

Toenail fungus—also known as onychomycosis—is a common but often stubborn condition that can affect the appearance, strength, and health of your toenails. What may start as a small discoloration can gradually worsen, leading to thickened, brittle, or painful nails if left untreated.

At Curalta Foot + Ankle, our board-certified foot + ankle specialists provide advanced, effective toenail fungus treatment designed to eliminate the infection and restore healthy nail growth.

What Is Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus is a fungal infection that develops when fungi enter the nail through small cracks in the nail or surrounding skin. Warm, moist environments—such as locker rooms, pools, and even sweaty shoes—allow fungus to thrive, making the condition both common and difficult to treat without professional care.

Common Causes of Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus can develop due to a number of different factors such as:

  • Walking barefoot in public showers, pools, or locker rooms
  • Wearing tight, non-breathable footwear
  • Excessive sweating or prolonged moisture
  • Nail trauma or injury
  • Weakened immune system
  • Diabetes or circulation issues
  • Poor nail hygiene

Because the infection lives beneath the nail, over-the-counter treatments often fail to fully resolve the problem.

Signs & Symptoms of Toenail Fungus

You may have toenail fungus if you notice a couple of the following conditions:

  • Yellow, white, or brown nail discoloration
  • Thickened or brittle toenails
  • Crumbling or distorted nail shape
  • Nail separation from the nail bed
  • Foul odor from the nail
  • Pain or discomfort while walking or wearing shoes

Early treatment can prevent the infection from spreading to other nails or worsening over time.

How We Treat Toenail Fungus

At Curalta Foot + Ankle, we tailor each treatment to the severity of the infection and your overall foot health. Your personalized care plan may include either one or a combination of the following:

  • Prescription Topical Antifungal Treatments for mild to moderate infections
  • Oral Antifungal Medication, when appropriate, for deeper infections
  • Nail Debridement to reduce thickness and improve medication penetration
  • Advanced Antifungal Therapies to target stubborn fungal infections
  • Preventive Care Guidance to reduce the risk of recurrence

We also evaluate for underlying issues—such as circulation concerns or diabetic complications—that may affect healing.

When Should You Make an Appointment with our Foot & Ankle Specialists?

It’s a good idea to schedule an evaluation with our team if you notice the following conditions start to develop:

  • The nail continues to worsen despite home treatment
  • Multiple nails are affected
  • The nail becomes painful or difficult to trim
  • You have diabetes, neuropathy, or circulation issues
  • The infection keeps returning
  • You’re unsure whether the condition is fungal or something else

Prompt treatment leads to better outcomes and healthier nail regrowth. Don’t wait. Get tested by our team today!

Preventing Toenail Fungus

While not all infections are avoidable, these steps can reduce your risk:

  • Keep feet clean and dry
  • Wear breathable footwear and moisture-wicking socks
  • Avoid walking barefoot in public areas
  • Disinfect nail tools regularly
  • Change socks daily
  • Treat athlete’s foot promptly

Get Expert Toenail Fungus Treatment Today

Toenail fungus doesn’t have to be permanent — or embarrassing. With expert diagnosis and advanced treatment options, our foot + ankle specialists help achieve clearer, healthier nails.

📞 Call us at: (888) 777-1430 to schedule your appointment with us, or CLICK HERE to find the nearest office location.