When patients come to Lighthouse Foot and Ankle, one of the most common concerns I hear is:
“My toenail is damaged—will it ever look normal again?”
Toenails are more than cosmetic. They protect the tips of our toes, and when they’re injured or infected, they can cause pain, pressure, and embarrassment. Fortunately, advances in podiatry now give us innovative tools to help damaged nails grow back healthier. One of the most promising is Onyfix®, a non-invasive nail correction system.
What Is Onyfix?
Onyfix is a medical-grade composite that’s applied to the nail plate and cured with a special light. Think of it as a brace for your nail—it gently guides the nail as it grows, correcting shape, reducing pain, and preventing deformities. Unlike nail surgery, Onyfix is painless, non-invasive, and requires no anesthesia.
How Onyfix Helps with Nail Trauma
Toenail trauma happens more often than you might think. Whether from stubbing your toe, dropping something heavy, repetitive shoe pressure, or sports injuries, trauma can cause nails to:
- Grow in distorted or curved shapes
- Become thick, brittle, or split
- Detach partially from the nail bed
Once the nail matrix (the root) is damaged, the new nail often grows in with irregularities. This is where Onyfix comes in. By stabilizing the nail and guiding its growth, Onyfix can:
- Encourage straighter growth over time
- Reduce pain and pressure from abnormal nail edges
- Protect the nail as it grows out after trauma
The result? A healthier, more natural-looking nail.
Onyfix and Fungal Nails: A Smart Combination
Onyfix isn’t just for trauma—it can also be a powerful adjunct therapy for fungal nails.
Here’s why:
- Fungal infections often cause nails to thicken, curl, or distort. This creates an environment where fungus thrives.
- Even after antifungal treatments (oral medications, topicals, or laser therapy), the damaged nail may continue to grow irregularly.
- By gently realigning the nail, Onyfix allows antifungal therapies to work more effectively and gives healthy nail tissue the chance to grow in properly.
Pairing laser therapy or hypochlorous acid spray with Onyfix provides a one-two punch: treating the infection and improving nail growth mechanics.
Why Patients Love Onyfix
- Painless: No shots, no surgery, no downtime
- Cosmetic benefit: Nails look healthier as they grow out
- Safe: Suitable for diabetics and patients with poor healing capacity
- Effective: Works gradually, allowing the body to restore normal nail growth
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re dealing with nail trauma, fungal nails, or a combination of both, Onyfix is an exciting tool that helps patients get back to pain-free, healthier nails. Used alongside antifungal treatments like laser and hypochlorous acid, it offers a comprehensive approach to nail health.
At Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center, we’ve seen firsthand how Onyfix can restore confidence and comfort for patients who thought their nails could never improve.
