Toenail Fungus

If your toenails are crumbling, misshapen, or discolored,  you may have a toenail fungus infection. At Podiatry & Sports Medicine Associates P.C., personalized care plans are available for adults and children with toenail fungus. The experienced podiatrists offer high-quality oral and topical medications to clear an infection. They also provide nail restoration services to help your natural toenails grow healthy again. Call the Park City or Chicago, Illinois, office today to schedule a toenail fungus consultation or book an appointment online. 

Why do I have toenail fungus?

Fungus thrives in moist environments like public pools, showers, and locker rooms. When you have small cracks or cuts on your toes, walking barefoot in these areas gives fungi an entry point into your body, resulting in a fungal infection in your feet (athlete’s foot) and toenails.

Toenail fungus can affect the long-term health and appearance of your nails. You can also spread the infection to others by sharing towels, shoes, and other personal items.

Podiatry & Sports Medicine Associates P.C. offers comprehensive, holistic care for adults and children with toenail fungus. The physicians also offer resources to prevent recurrent infections and to keep your toenails healthy.

What are the symptoms of toenail fungus?

 Toenail fungus causes visible changes in the structure of your toenails. Symptoms of an active infection include:

• Nail discoloration
• Increased nail thickness
• Brittleness or nail crumbling
• Separation from the nail bed

Depending on the severity, an infection can also produce a foul smell.

Schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Podiatry & Sports Medicine Associates P.C. if you or your child have symptoms of toenail fungus that aren’t going away with over-the-counter treatments.

You also need to meet with the podiatrists if you have diabetes or circulatory disorders that increase your risk for foot-related complications. Pain or bleeding in the toenails and mobility issues also require a medical evaluation.

How is toenail fungus treated?

Podiatry & Sports Medicine Associates P.C. offers patient-centered, holistic treatments to treat existing toenail fungus. The providers may recommend:

• Topical medications
• Oral medications
• Preventive antifungal nail polish
• Antimicrobial shoe spray or powder
• Homeopathic immune boosters and vitamin supplements

The providers also sell Dr.’s Remedy® nail care kits that revitalize the health of brittle or discolored nails. Additionally, they use the KeryFlex® nail restoration system to remove fungal-damaged nails so your natural nails can regrow stronger and healthier.

You can prevent additional fungal infections by wearing shoes in public places and washing and drying your feet regularly. Change socks and shoes right away if they get wet or if your feet get sweaty. 

Call the Podiatry & Sports Medicine Associates P.C. office near you to schedule a consultation for toenail fungus or book a consultation online.