Professional Nail Care in Alexandria, VA
At Landmark Foot & Ankle Center in Alexandria, VA , nail care means much more than trimming your toenails. Our podiatrists diagnose and resolve all kinds of nail problems, including ingrown toenails and toenail fungus, and provide routine nail care for patients who need extra help keeping their feet healthy.
Book OnlineWhen Do I Need Professional Nail Care?
If your nails grow unhealthy in any way, it’s time to seek professional nail care. Unhealthy nails typically show obvious changes, such as:
- Splitting or cracking
- Thickening or thinning
- Discoloration
- Flaking or crumbling
- Growing into the bordering skin
In many cases, an unhealthy nail also causes symptoms in the surrounding skin. Toenail fungus can spread to the skin, where it’s called athlete’s foot, and an ingrown toenail typically causes red, swollen, painful skin along one side of the toe.
Do Podiatrists Provide Routine Nail Care?
Yes. Our podiatrists perform routine nail care, such as filing and trimming, for patients with chronic medical conditions or disabilities. Many people living with diabetes or peripheral neuropathy can’t safely maintain their nails without help, and a small nick can lead to a serious wound. If you have very thick toenails, can’t reach your feet, or need routine care for any other reason, our team can help. Patients at higher risk also benefit from our wound care expertise.
Toenail Fungus Treatment With the Lunula Laser
For thick, discolored fungal nails, we offer the Lunula Laser, the first non-thermal, FDA-cleared laser for toenail fungus:
- Four treatments of about 12 minutes each
- No pain or downtime
- No oral antifungal medications
- Made in the USA
Ingrown Toenail Treatment
For a mild ingrown nail, your podiatrist can lift and splint the nail edge with a small piece of cotton gauze. If you have a recurring ingrown nail, your doctor may recommend removing a small section of the nail, a quick in-office procedure that can relieve your pain right away. Severe cases may require full nail plate removal. Aftercare instructions are available on our Forms page.
Keeping Your Nails Healthy
Trim nails straight across, keep feet clean and dry, and choose shoes that don’t crowd your toes. Toe deformities such as hammertoes and bunions can increase pressure on nails and are also treatable at our office. Browse our podiatrist-recommended foot care products or explore all of our podiatry services.
Clearer, Healthier Nails Without Medication
The Lunula Laser uses low-level laser energy to target fungal infections comfortably, helping healthier nails grow over time. Ask your podiatrist whether Lunula Laser treatment is right for you.
Nail Care FAQs
What nail problems do podiatrists treat?
Podiatrists treat ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, thick or discolored nails, nail injuries, and nail changes related to diabetes and other medical conditions.
Do you provide routine nail trimming?
Yes. We provide routine nail care for patients with diabetes, neuropathy, circulation problems, very thick nails, or limited mobility.
Why should people with diabetes have their nails trimmed by a podiatrist?
Diabetes can reduce sensation and circulation in the feet, so a small cut from trimming can become a serious wound. Professional care reduces that risk.
How does the Lunula Laser treat toenail fungus?
The Lunula Laser uses low-level, non-thermal laser energy to target the infection and support healthy nail growth. Treatment involves four painless sessions of about 12 minutes.
How is an ingrown toenail treated?
Mild cases can be splinted with cotton gauze, while recurring or severe ingrown nails are treated with a quick in-office procedure to remove part or all of the nail.
Is toenail fungus contagious?
Yes. Fungal infections can spread to other nails, to the skin as athlete’s foot, and to other people through shared surfaces and footwear.
How long does it take for a fungal nail to look normal?
Because toenails grow slowly, it can take several months to a year for healthy nail growth to fully replace the damaged nail.
Get Healthier, Pain-Free Nails
From routine trimming to laser fungus treatment, we’re here to help. Call (703) 370-2313 or request an appointment online with Landmark Foot & Ankle Center in Alexandria, VA .
