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TOENAIL FUNGUS (ONYCHOMYCOCIS)

Toe fungus is a fungal infection that causes fingernails and toenails to thicken, discolor, disfigure and split.  The infection can come from dermatophytes, yeast or bacteria. Medical treatment is determined by which type of infection is involved.

Without treatment, the nails thicken to the point where they press against the inside the shoes, resulting in irritation and pain.  There is also a cosmetic concern for many with the condition.

With treatment, it takes about 6-12 months for the infection to clear and the nail grows back to its pre-infection appearance. 

Other names or similar foot conditions:

• Onychomycosis
• Paronychia (from bacteria such as staph and strep)
• Yellow toenails

Symptoms:

• Longitudinal ridging of the nail plate - thickened, yellow toenails
• Inflammation adjacent to the nail (if Paronychia)
• Disfigured and/or split nails

Signs to look for:

• Longitudinally ridged, thickened, discolored and split toenails
• Inflammation around toenails
• Pressure points on shoe where nails have thickened

Possible Causes:

• Fungal infection
• Bacterial infection
• Yeast infection
• Chronic exposure to dark, warm areas where infections can thrive

Goals:

• Cure the infection
• Shoes to accommodate thickened nails
• Sock and shoe wear that will keep moisture away from the toes
• Foot positioned so toes do not cramp against one another and there is no uneven foot pressure

Solutions:

Arch Supports:

• Bio-Orthotics Winstep or Sundance exercising support with metatarsal lift

• Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support, such as the Bio-Orthotics Journey or Silhouette, for use when shoes cannot accommodate the Winstep or Sundance exercising support

• Extra depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and steel shank

• Shoes with stretchable uppers

• Wear shower shoes if using public facilities where others walk barefoot

Other: 

• Copper socks

• Spot stretching with ball and socket tool on shoes as necessary

• Synthetic socks that wick moisture away from skin

• Place cedar shoe trees in shoes after each wearing so shoes always fully dry out

Activities:

• Medical or over the counter treatment for the infection

• Nail restoring oils or ointments

This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care.  The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below.  Copyright 2005 Carole Romig

Sources   Image:  I. Alexander, The Foot: Exam & Diagnosis  Text:  Podiatrychannel.com, I. Alexander, The Foot: Exam & Diagnosis