At first, toenail fungus may seem like a small problem but for many people it can become chronic and uncomfortable, disrupting day-to-day living. This condition has a medical name: onychomycosis. It causes nails to become thick, discolored, brittle and, in many cases, painful. If not treated, toenail fungus will worsen in appearance and possibly spread to the point that it makes wearing shoes uncomfortable or even painful to walk.