Why does my heel hurt the most when I get out of bed in the morning?

Morning heel pain is often linked to plantar fasciitis, a common condition caused by inflammation in the foot’s arch. A podiatrist can help with long-term relief.

Do I need a podiatrist or an orthopedist for foot pain?

Podiatrists are foot and ankle specialists trained to treat everything from skin and nail issues to complex injuries and surgery. NES offers both podiatry and orthopedic care, depending on your needs.

Can a podiatrist help with broken toes or foot fractures?

Yes. NES podiatrists diagnose and treat foot and ankle fractures, offering imaging, bracing, casting, or surgery — all in-house.

How long should I wait before seeing a podiatrist for foot or ankle pain?

If your pain lasts more than a few days or keeps coming back, it’s time to see a podiatrist. NES offers same- and next-day appointments.

Who is the closest podiatrist who can see me today for ankle pain?

NES has multiple Portland-area podiatry locations and often offers same-day appointments. Use our booking tool to find the nearest available provider.

Fungal Nail Treatment at Northwest Extremity Specialists

Toenail fungus may not seem life-threatening initially, but if left untreated, it can take a toll on your confidence, comfort, and foot health. Discoloration, thickening, brittleness, and nail distortion are not only embarrassing but can also become painful or even dangerous for patients with diabetes or compromised immune systems.

At Northwest Extremity Specialists, we understand how persistent and frustrating fungal nails can be. That’s why we offer safe, clinically proven treatments—including advanced laser therapy—to help you restore the health and appearance of your nails.

How Can I Tell if I Have Toenail Fungus?

Fungal nail infections often begin subtly, with a white or yellow spot near the tip of the nail, but can quickly escalate if the cause is not determined and treated.

As the infection spreads beneath the nail plate, you may notice:

Discoloration (white, yellow, brown, or gray)

Thickened or brittle nails

Crumbling or ragged nail edges

Distorted shape or separation from the nail bed

Foul odor in more advanced cases

If left untreated, the infection may even spread to other toes or the surrounding skin. For patients with diabetes, poor circulation, or weakened immunity, nail fungus can increase the risk of serious foot complications

What Causes Fungal Nails?

Toenail fungus is typically caused by dermatophyte fungi—the same microorganisms responsible for other skin infections. Dermatophytes get their nutrition from keratin, a protein commonly found in hair, nails, and skin. It’s important to remember that this fungus thrives in warm, damp environments.

Common risk factors and transmission sources include:

Walking barefoot in public spaces like locker rooms or pools

Wearing tight, sweaty, or poorly ventilated shoes

Having a history of athlete’s foot

Cracked nails, psoriasis, or other skin conditions
Advanced age or chronic health conditions

How We Treat Fungal Toenails

Fungal nails won’t go away on their own, and home remedies rarely work or only provide temporary relief. Fortunately, NES offers multiple effective options:

Laser Therapy

This FDA-approved treatment targets the fungus directly, penetrating through the nail plate to eliminate infection, without damaging the surrounding skin. There are no known side effects, and most patients need just three short, in-office sessions. It’s safe, convenient, and highly effective.This FDA-approved treatment targets the fungus directly, penetrating through the nail plate to eliminate infection, without damaging the surrounding skin. There are no known side effects, and most patients need just three short, in-office sessions. It’s safe, convenient, and highly effective.

Oral Antifungal Medications

These systemic treatments can help clear the infection, but may involve side effects like liver strain or skin rashes. Regular blood tests may be needed during treatment, which typically lasts 6–12 weeks.

Topical Medications

Best for early or mild infections, topical treatments are applied directly to the nail. These are less invasive but often less effective unless combined with other therapies.

Nail Removal (Surgical Option)

Reserved for severe or unresponsive cases, surgical nail removal may be necessary to eliminate deeply embedded infections.

How Long Do Fungal Toenails Take To Heal?

Some early signs of improvement—like reduced discoloration or clearer nail areas—may appear within a few weeks or months, especially with laser therapy. However, it’s essential to know that treating toenail fungus takes time and patience. Any thickening, warping, or nail distortion caused by the infection won’t disappear immediately. Instead, those changes will grow out slowly as healthy new nail tissue replaces the damaged nail.

Complete results can take several months, depending on the severity of the infection and the speed of your nail growth. But here’s the key: if you never start treatment, you’ll never see progress. Fungal toenails don’t resolve on their own. They tend to worsen over time and become harder to treat.

Don’t wait for the infection to spread or deepen. Reach out to the experts at Northwest Extremity Specialists and take your first step toward having healthier nails.

Call us or book online to schedule your appointment today.