Heronwood Foot and Ankle Call

Fungal toenail treatment in Port St. Lucie

Thick, yellow or crumbly toenails are often caused by a fungus, but not always. We confirm the cause first, then talk through the options.

Bare feet on the warm tiles of a sunny pool deck

Is it a fungus?

A bare foot rests on a black padded footrest of an exam chair in a bright room by a window.

Psoriasis, an old injury and pressure from shoes can also make nails thick or discolored. The doctor examines the nail and may send a small clipping to a lab to confirm a fungus before treatment starts.

Treatment options

A hand holds a dropper over a small bottle

Options include a medicated nail solution, prescription pills and regular trimming and thinning of the nail in the office. Pills can affect the liver, so the doctor may order a blood test first. Fungal nails take months to grow out, and they can come back.

Between visits

Feet in white socks and sandals

Keep your feet dry, change your socks every day, and wear sandals in gym showers and on pool decks. Do not share nail clippers. If you have diabetes, let us trim thick nails instead of doing it yourself.

Questions about fungal toenails

Does insurance cover fungal nail treatment?

It depends on your plan and the treatment. We check your coverage and tell you the likely cost before we start.

How long until the nail looks normal?

Toenails grow slowly, so a clear nail can take a year or more to grow in, even when treatment works.

Reviewed by Dr. Rosalind Quenneville, DPM, October 7, 2026