Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that affects millions of people—especially adults over the age of 40. While it might start as a small white or yellow spot under the nail, it can gradually spread and cause thickened, brittle, discolored nails that are difficult to treat on your own. At FitFeet, we see this condition often and understand how frustrating and embarrassing it can be. The good news is that it’s treatable, and our team in Merrick, New York, offers effective, patient-focused care to help you restore clear, healthy nails.
What Is Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus is a fungal infection that starts beneath the surface of the nail. It’s usually caused by dermatophytes, which are the same types of fungi that cause athlete’s foot. Once these fungi make their way under the nail—through tiny cracks or cuts—they begin to grow and multiply in the warm, moist environment.
How Does Toenail Fungus Develop?
Most people develop toenail fungus from contact with infected surfaces. This could happen at a public pool, gym locker room, nail salon, or even from sharing shoes or socks. Fungi thrive in environments where it’s dark and damp—like inside sweaty shoes—making your feet a perfect breeding ground if they’re not cared for properly.
Common Risk Factors
Age
As we age, blood circulation decreases, nails become more brittle, and the immune system may weaken, all of which increase the chances of infection.
Footwear
Tight-fitting shoes, non-breathable materials, and footwear that causes sweating can contribute to fungal growth.
Underlying Health Conditions
People with diabetes, immune disorders, or circulatory problems are more prone to fungal infections due to reduced ability to fight off bacteria and fungus.
History of Athlete’s Foot
Fungal skin infections often spread to the nails if not treated promptly, which is why treating athlete’s foot quickly is so important.
Signs and Symptoms of Toenail Fungus
- Discoloration (usually yellow, white, or brown)
- Thickened or distorted nail shape
- Brittle or crumbly texture
- Foul odor coming from the nail
- Nail separation from the nail bed in severe cases
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen over time, it’s time to schedule a professional evaluation.
Why Over-the-Counter Treatments Often Fail
Topical antifungal creams and drugstore solutions may help with minor infections, but most fungal nail infections occur beneath the nail plate, making it hard for surface treatments to reach the source. Additionally, nail fungus tends to be slow-growing and persistent, so consistent, long-term treatment is often needed.
That’s where professional podiatric care makes all the difference.
How FitFeet Treats Toenail Fungus
At FitFeet, we use a combination of proven treatment methods customized for each patient’s unique case, nail health, and medical history.
Laser Therapy
We offer advanced Fotona laser treatments that target fungal infections beneath the nail surface. Laser therapy heats and destroys the fungal cells while leaving surrounding tissue unharmed. It’s safe, effective, and requires no downtime.
Learn more: Laser Treatments for Toenail Fungus
Oral and Topical Antifungals
In more advanced cases, we may prescribe oral antifungal medication in combination with topical treatments to eliminate the infection from the inside out.
Debridement and Nail Trimming
We carefully remove infected portions of the nail and reduce thickness to make treatment more effective. This can also relieve discomfort caused by pressure from thick or misshapen nails.
Preventive Counseling
Our team will help you understand what caused the infection and how to avoid it in the future. That includes footwear guidance, foot hygiene tips, and information about treating athlete’s foot or skin infections before they spread.
Preventing Toenail Fungus from Returning
After treatment, maintaining healthy nails is key. We encourage all our patients to:
- Keep feet clean and dry at all times
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places
- Disinfect shoes and replace old footwear
- Rotate shoes to allow them to air out
- Wear socks that wick moisture away from the skin
- Avoid sharing nail tools or footwear with others
- Treat athlete’s foot immediately
We’ll walk you through all of this during your appointment so you can keep your toenails clear and healthy long after the infection is gone.
When to See a Podiatrist
If you’ve been treating toenail fungus at home with little to no success—or if your nails are thick, painful, or affecting your ability to walk comfortably—it’s time to seek professional care. At FitFeet, we make it easy to get the help you need, with modern treatment options and a compassionate approach tailored to your needs.
You can also read our post on proper nail care to learn more about how to keep your toenails healthy year-round.
Clearer, Healthier Nails Start at FitFeet
Toenail fungus is common, but you don’t have to live with it. Whether you’re dealing with a mild case or a stubborn long-term infection, Dr. Leon Stepensky and the team at FitFeet in Merrick have the expertise and tools to help. Our advanced diagnostics, in-office treatments, and customized care plans are designed to treat the root cause of your nail issues—not just cover up the symptoms.
We’re proud to serve the Long Island community with modern podiatric care in a welcoming, supportive environment. If you’re ready to finally get your toenail fungus under control, schedule a consultation at FitFeet today and take the first step toward healthier feet.
