Toenail Fungus Specialist

Southwest Foot & Ankle

Foot and Ankle Specialist located in Durango, CO, Cortez, CO & Farmington, NM

Toenail Fungus is known for causing a yellowish hue, but this infection can also cause your nails to become brittle and crumbly. Before your fungal nail infection spreads, start your treatment plan at Southwest Foot & Ankle in Durango, Colorado, Cortez, Colorado or Farmington, New Mexico. Nicholas Hugentobler, DPM, and the expert podiatry team offer the latest Toenail Fungus solutions so that you can expect an effective treatment.

To learn more, call the office nearest you or book an appointment online today.

Toenail Fungus Q & A

What causes Toenail Fungus?

Toenail Fungus, medically known as Onychomycosis, is an infection that lies underneath the surface of your toenail. Caused by tiny fungal organisms, this infection can easily enter your body through the tiniest cut or an area of weakened skin. Your chances of coming into contact with these fungi and developing a nail fungus infection increase by:

Walking barefoot in communal areas, such as locker rooms
Regularly wearing sweaty socks and shoes
Having a history of athlete’s foot
Having decreased blood circulation

These microorganisms can even enter your nail bed if you have a toenail injury or have a weakened nail due to previous trauma.

Does Toenail Fungus cause symptoms?

Yes. toenail discoloration is one of the most obvious signs. Toenail Fungus can cause your toenails to become a yellow-brown color. You might even notice dark patches as dirt and debris start building up underneath your affected nail.

As your Toenail Fungus infection worsens, you may find that your toenails are:

Brittle
Crumbly
Misshapen

In severe cases, a Toenail Fungus infection can lead to a foul odor that you just can’t get under control. If left untreated, nail fungus infections can cause severe pain and the possibility of your entire nail coming off.

How is Toenail Fungus treated?

The expert podiatrists at Southwest Foot & Ankle offer some of the most advanced and effective Toenail Fungus solutions available. Your dedicated podiatrist might want to take a nail clipping sample to evaluate to determine which type of microorganisms are attacking your nails. This helps them design a highly effective personalized treatment plan.

Depending on the severity of your nail fungus infection and whether or not you’re experiencing pain and discomfort, you may benefit from:

Medicated nail polish
Topical antifungal creams
Oral antifungal medications
In-office laser treatments

For severe cases of Toenail Fungus, your podiatrist might suggest removing the entire nail during a minor in-office surgical procedure. By doing this, your podiatrist can treat your fungal infection directly, which can destroy the microorganisms on the spot and decrease your risk of recurring issues.

Schedule your Toenail Fungus evaluation at Southwest Foot & Ankle today. Call the office or book online today.