Left untreated, toenail fungus can lead to pain and discomfort, difficulty wearing your favorite shoes, and advanced infections. If you’re seeking help for this condition, our Woodbridge, VA toenail fungus doctor is here to provide the comprehensive, personalized care you deserve. At Dynamic Foot and Ankle Center, we’re committed to excellence—and that’s at the heart of our approach to both customer service and medical treatment. Contact our office today to learn more about our practice and how we can help you.
How Toenail Fungus Starts
Also known as onychomycosis, toenail fungus is something many people deal with. It typically begins when super tiny—we’re talking microscopic—fungi invade the toenail through small cracks or breaks in it. These fungi really thrive in warm and damp environments, which is why they happily gravitate toward feet. Swimming pools, locker rooms, and communal showers are common places to first encounter the fungus.
If you can find a small white or yellow spot under your nail, this could be an early sign of onychomycosis. As it continues to spread, your nails will become thickened, brittle, and/or discolored.
Treatment Options To Discuss With Your Doctor
For mild cases, topical treatments can often address the issue. You’ll apply this medication directly to your affected nail(s) on a regular basis, and it will typically take a few months to eliminate the infection.
For more serious cases, our Woodbridge toenail fungus doctor will chat with you about your options of oral medications and in-office procedures. During your first appointment with us, we’ll evaluate your feet, ask you questions about your health history, and recommend the route that we believe will best combat your condition. We always aim to deliver the most effective and straightforward treatment so that our patients can regain comfort as soon as possible, with the knowledge they need to prevent the condition from returning.
Tips For Preventing Toenail Fungus
Whether you currently have onychomycosis, recently recovered from it, or have never had it and never want to get it, it’s good to know how to protect yourself from future encounters with the fungus. Here are our podiatrist’s top tips for preventing toenail fungus:
- Wear breathable and moisture-wicking socks.
- Wear shoes that fit your feet well.
- Keep your nails trimmed and clean.
- Avoid sharing any nail tools.
- Don’t go barefoot in public places.
- Use antifungal spray.
- Visit your doctor to get periodic evaluations, especially if you have a history of feet and toenail conditions.
At Dynamic Foot and Ankle Center, our Woodbridge toenail fungus doctor can help you put together a personalized prevention plan, designed to keep your feet happy and healthy long-term.
The Risks Of Not Seeking Treatment
- Nail Damage - Your nails may grow to become extremely thick, which makes it difficult to trim them and uncomfortable to wear shoes. They may also turn yellow, brown, or black. In other cases, they may become misshapen or crack, split, or crumble, which could lead to chronic pain or further injuries. In extreme cases, the damage is often irreversible and requires surgical removal of the nail.
- Secondary Infections - Severe toenail fungus cases become an entry point for harmful bacteria, due to your toe skin’s impacted ability to protect itself. This can lead to skin infections like cellulitis or athlete’s foot.
No matter the state of your condition, we’re here to help. Seeking professional care is essential. Contact our office today to get set up with an appointment with our experienced and friendly doctor.