Items filtered by date: August 2025

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is an infection that affects the nail bed and causes the nail to become thickened, discolored, brittle, and sometimes painful. It develops when fungi enter the nail through small cracks or separations, often thriving in warm and moist environments like shoes and public locker rooms. Common causes include prolonged exposure to damp conditions, poor foot hygiene, and a weakened immune system. A podiatrist can diagnose the infection, provide treatments such as topical or oral medications, perform nail debridement, and offer preventive care to stop the recurrence of toenail fungus. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment solutions.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact David Williams, DPM of El Paso Feet. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in El Paso, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe is a deformity where one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, often causing pain and difficulty walking. Flexible hammertoes may respond to noninvasive treatments, but rigid cases often require surgical correction. Common procedures include tenotomy, which involves cutting a tight tendon, tendon lengthening to reduce tension and allow better toe movement, and tendon transfer, which repositions tendons to restore balance and alignment. These techniques are designed to relieve discomfort, correct hammertoe deformity, and improve function. A podiatrist can determine the severity of your condition and recommend the most suitable option. If you struggle with persistent toe pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to explore customized surgical and nonsurgical solutions for long-term relief.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact David Williams, DPM of El Paso Feet. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in El Paso, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.