Free from fungus

It’s that time of year again when the doctors at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center are here to answer a few questions about toenail fungus and remind you to be on guard year-round. During the winter, people often forget that fungus can still thrive on your feet, and especially on and under your toenails. While fungus typically enjoys warm, moist conditions, you can still have similar situations like this during the colder months. This can happen in places like the gym or an indoor swimming pool.

I think I may have a fungal toenail. What are the signs?

If you are suddenly a bit more shy about showing your feet, something has changed. Look for thick, yellow, or discolored toenails. This may be a sign of a fungal toenail, which is often known as onychomycosis. Visit a podiatrist for confirmation.

What causes this condition?

Fungus likes to grow in warm, moist places. This can even include your shoes if you don’t let them air out properly, or those damp boots that you wore to shovel the driveway. When this fungus begins to grow in and under your toenail, you are at the beginning stages of a fungal toenail.

Do I need to visit a podiatrist?

Since a fungal infection can be passed from one person to the next, it’s best to treat the infection as soon as possible. Some over-the-counter treatment options may not work, so you want to be sure that you treat the infection completely. Topical and oral medications, especially when used together, are great solutions.

To help you become free of fungus, you will be served by a board-certified team of foot and ankle doctors at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center: Dr. Robert Marra, Dr. Thomas Johnson, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and Dr. Matthew Tschudy. We have two offices in Hartford County: 1379 Enfield Street, Enfield, CT, and 1350 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, CT. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.