Our team of specialists and staff believe that informed patients are better equipped to make decisions regarding their health and well being. For your personal use, we have created an extensive patient library covering an array of educational topics. Browse through these diagnoses and treatments to learn more about topics of interest to you. Or, for a more comprehensive search of our entire Web site, enter your term(s) in the search bar provided.
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What is a Podiatrist?
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When To Call a Doctor
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Basic Foot Care Guidelines
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Foot Anatomy
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Foot Problems
General Statistics
Achilles Tendonitis
Peroneal Tendon Dislocation/Dysfunction
Xanthomas of the Achilles Tendon
Achilles Problems
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Foot Care
General Statistics
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Medical Care
Computed Tomography
MRI
Ultrasound
X-Rays
Orthotics
General Information and Tips
Pain Management for Specific Conditions
General Information
Achilles Surgery
Ankle Surgery
Arthroscopy
Bunion Surgery
Cyst Removal
Flatfoot Correction
Hammertoe Surgery
Heel Surgery
Metatarsal Surgery
Nerve Surgery (Neuroma)
Toe Surgery
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Fitness and Your Feet
General Information About Fitness and Your Feet
Exercise Those Toes!
Aerobics
Fitness And Your Feet
Stretching
Walking and Your Feet
Work Footwear
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Shoes
Anatomy of a Shoe
Athletic Shoe Guidelines
Children's Shoes
Corrective and Prescription Shoes
What To Look For
Getting a Proper Fit
Men's Shoes
Women's Shoes
Your Footprint
Wear Patterns
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Links
Government
Associations/Groups
Online Resources
Many people don't realize they have a fungal nail problem and, therefore, don't seek treatment. Yet, fungal toenail infections are a common foot health problem and can persist for years without ever causing pain. The disease, characterized by a change in a toenail's color, is often considered nothing more than a mere blemish. Left untreated, however, it can present serious problems.
Also referred to as onychomycosis, fungal nails are infections underneath the surface of the nail, which may also penetrate the nail. Fungal nail infections are often accompanied by a secondary bacterial and/or yeast infection in or about the nail plate, which ultimately can lead to difficulty and pain when walking or running. Symptoms may include discoloration, brittleness, loosening, thickening, or crumbling of the nail.
A group of fungi, called dermophytes, easily attack the nail and thrive on keratin, the nail's protein substance. In some cases, when these tiny organisms take hold, the nail may become thicker, yellowish-brown, or darker in color, and foul smelling. Debris may collect beneath the nail plate, white marks frequently appear on the nail plate, and the infection is capable of spreading to other toenails, the skin, or even the fingernails.
Nail bed injury may make the nail more susceptible to all types of infection, including fungal infection. Those who suffer chronic diseases, such as diabetes, circulatory problems, or immune-deficiency conditions, are especially prone to fungal nails. Other contributory factors may be a history of Athlete's Foot or excessive perspiration.
You can prevent fungal nail infections by taking these simple precautions:
- Exercise proper hygiene and regularly inspect your feet and toes.
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
- Wear shower shoes in public facilities whenever possible.
- Clip nails straight across so that the nail does not extend beyond the tip of the toe.
- Use a quality foot powder (talcum, not cornstarch) in conjunction with shoes that fit well and are made of materials that breathe.
- Avoid wearing excessively tight hosiery, which promotes moisture. Socks made of synthetic fiber tend to "wick" away moisture faster than cotton or wool socks, especially for those with more active lifestyles.
- Disinfect home pedicure tools and don't apply polish to nails suspected of infection.
Depending on the type of infection you have, over-the-counter liquid antifungal agents may not prevent a fungal infection from recurring. A topical or oral medication may need to be prescribed, and the diseased nail matter and debris removed, a process called debridement. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications.
In severe cases, surgical treatment may be required to remove the infected nail. Permanent removal of a chronically painful nail, which has not responded to any other treatment, permits the fungal infection to be cured and prevents the return of a deformed nail.