Ugly toenails aren’t just a cosmetic concern. They’re often a sign that something deeper is going on with your feet or overall health. Thick, brittle, or discolored toenails can develop from fungal infections, circulation problems, or even repeated pressure from tight shoes. Sometimes, nail changes reflect issues like diabetes, poor hygiene, or skin conditions such as psoriasis.
If you’ve noticed toenail discoloration, cracking, or a nail that’s turned yellow or thick, it’s worth getting checked by one of our doctors. These “ugly toenails” could signal a fungal infection, an injury, or another treatable condition. The good news? You don’t have to hide your feet or wait months for them to improve on their own.
Our team can identify the exact cause and offer advanced treatments that actually work from medical nail care and laser therapy to antifungal medications and cosmetic restoration. If you’ve been searching for how to cure toe fungus quickly or how to get healthy looking nails again, your best option starts with professional care.
Here’s how our podiatrists can help restore confidence in your feet and keep you sandal ready all year long.
Treating toenail fungus
Toenail fungus is one of the most common causes of thick, yellow, or crumbly nails. It’s also one of the hardest to treat at home. Over-the-counter creams and oils often can’t reach the infection underneath the nail plate, where fungus lives and spreads.
Our doctors can properly diagnose the infection and prescribe treatments that target it at the source, such as:
-
Prescription-strength antifungal medication (topical or oral)
-
Laser nail therapy to destroy fungal cells below the surface
-
Professional nail debridement to remove damaged, infected tissue
These treatments penetrate deeper, act faster, and have much higher success rates than home or over-the-counter remedies, which often mask symptoms without curing the infection.
Managing ingrown toenails
Ingrown toenails can start small but quickly lead to pain, swelling, and infection if not treated properly. Trying to “dig it out” at home is extremely common but can make the problem much worse or introduce bacteria that cause serious infections. We always recommend coming to see a doctor for ingrown toenails.
Our podiatrists can safely remove the ingrown portion of the nail, relieve pain immediately and, if needed, perform a minor procedure to stop the nail from growing back incorrectly. Professional treatment helps prevent infection, reduces scarring, and ensures the nail grows back with a healthy shape.
Repairing thickened or damaged nails
When nails become thick, ridged, or deformed from injury or long term pressure, simple filing or clipping at home isn’t enough. These nails can harbor fungus or bacteria and may require thinning with professional instruments to reduce pain and pressure.
Our team can:
-
Gently reshape and thin the nail in-office
-
Identify if trauma or circulation issues are contributing factors
-
Recommend custom footwear or orthotics to prevent recurrence
Without proper care, thickened nails can continue to grow unevenly or detach entirely, making long-term recovery harder.
Cosmetic nail restoration
If your nails are severely damaged or discolored from fungus or trauma, no amount of home polish or filing can restore their look safely. Our doctors can offer medical grade solutions that create natural looking nails that are flexible, breathable, and designed for healing. Unlike salon acrylics, our treatments won’t trap moisture or make infections worse. We’ll protect your nail bed while your natural nails grow back healthy underneath.
When to skip DIY fixes
It’s tempting to try quick fixes like nail scrubs, essential oils, or foot soaks. Unfortunately, these rarely treat the real cause. Worse, they can hide symptoms that need medical attention. If your toenails are discolored, thick, painful, or continue to get worse despite at-home care, it’s time to talk to our team. Professional treatment doesn’t just make your toenails look better. It gets to the root of the problem for lasting, healthy results.
