If you have a toenail that’s yellowing, thick, and/or crumbling, you could have toenail fungus. Jason Cohen, DPM, and Sandeep Garcha, DPM, of Cohen & Garcha Podiatry, LLP, determine what kind of fungus you have and provide effective treatments to kill the infection. The practice has six offices in New York City’s Bronx borough, one in Jamaica, Queens, and another in Nanuet. Call the office nearest you today to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online.
Toenail fungus is an infection of your toenail. As the fungus spreads, your nail becomes increasingly yellow, thick, and crumbly. Toenail fungus can sometimes be painful and might make the nail separate if left untreated.
Your feet are particularly at risk of developing a fungal infection because of the warmth, moistness, and darkness in your shoes and socks. This environment is ideal for toenail fungus and other infections, like athlete’s foot, to grow in.
There are several different strains of toenail fungus, but the most common is onychomycosis. You’re most likely to get infected with toenail fungus in places like public swimming pools and locker rooms, where people frequently walk barefoot.
Toenail fungus isn’t serious as long as you’re in good health. The main issue in otherwise healthy patients is that the fungus can make your toenails look unattractive. If this is the case, your provider at Cohen & Garcha Podiatry, LLP, provides treatments that can improve the appearance of your toenails.
People with diabetes or circulation disorders like chronic venous insufficiency face serious health risks if they contract a toenail fungus. Diseases like these that affect the circulation in your feet and ankles increase your chances of getting a bacterial infection if you have toenail fungus.
To treat your toenail fungus effectively, your provider at Cohen & Garcha Podiatry, LLP, needs to identify the strain of fungus. They do this by taking samples of your infected nail for lab analysis.
Once your test results are back, your provider can prescribe the appropriate treatment. Choices available at Cohen & Garcha Podiatry, LLP, for treating toenail fungus include:
These treatments cure the infection, but it can take some time for a new, healthy nail to grow. To prevent new toenail fungus infections, avoid going barefoot in high-risk places like changing rooms and keep your feet clean and dry.
Plantar Fasciitis | Ingrown Toenail | Toenail Fungus | Bunion | Heel Pain | Neuroma | Diabetic Foot Care | Flat Feet | Warts| Trauma | Fracture | Achilles Tendonitis | Arthritis | Foot Fungus | Hammer Toe | Tendinitis
