A fungal toenail infection, is a common foot condition that we see in the clinic and is often a source of great concern for people. Fungal toenail infections are often treated for cosmetic reasons, however they can also become quite painful.
There are a number of treatments available for an infected toenail. These treatments include;
A podiatrist can assist with diagnosing and managing the various treatments of your toenail infection and can also obtain a sample of your nail to send for pathology if required. These pathology results will determine whether the condition is fungal or not and assist with identifying the most appropriate course of action to treat the condition.
For further information on fungal toenails and how to best treat this condition, book an appointment with one of our podiatrists or call 03 9939 1012
At Sole Podiatry we have Class 4 High powered Laser machines which can treat a variety of skin and nail conditions as well as sports injuries.
Laser therapy works well for treating fungal nail infections as it destroys the fungus through the nail using the high energy laser beam.
Treatment for a fungal nail infection usually involves
Cutting, filing and thinning down of the nail plate (to allow better penetration of the laser to the nail bed) using specialized Podiatry instruments.
Application of the laser beam to the nail (each nail is treated individually) a small amount of warmth may be felt (it is not painful though).
The laser application is a 3 phased process, alternating between high and low powered laser output. Our K laser machine is the leader in the market for this capability, as it has the ability to stimulate new nail cell growth as well as the heat application to destroy the fungus. Most other nail laser machines are not able to perform these dual actions, and thus potentially have poorer results.
We recommend that 5 sessions of the laser are performed over a course of time (usually weekly or twice weekly).
After the 5th session, we then allow a 4-6 week period where we allow the nail to grow (we generally will recommend some sort of topical treatment to be implemented to improve success rates)
At the 4-6 week review, we will again cut and file the nail with our specialized Podiatry drill to better visualize new and healthy nail growth from the base of the nail. A top up session of laser may then be advised (for advanced fungal infections)
Subsequent reviews are any additional laser “top up” treatments are usually then at the advice of your treating Podiatrist, pending how fast you nail is growing, degree of infection and speed of results.
The aim of the Laser treatment is to destroy and kill the fungus within the nail so that it stops reinfecting any new nail growth. As new nail growth can be quite slow, it may take a few months for some people to see visible results.
To improve results, your Podiatrist will also advise you on footwear and socks/hosiery and any topical or other treatment that may be indicated. We also have a UV shoe sanitiser in clinic, and may recommend you to also bring in your shoes to be sanitized to avoid reinfection after treatment.
To Book in an appointment and assessment for Laser therapy suitability, use the link to Book Online or call us on 9939 1012
At Sole Podiatry you initial consultation will go for 45 minutes. This time allows your Podiatrist to thoroughly examine and understand your needs as well as providing the necessary time to assess your condition properly.
We will also develop a comprehensive treatment plan that will enable you to achieve your goal as soon as possible during this consultation. This plan will clarify whether any future consults will be required and what frequency.
Your consultation will go for 40 minutes. This time allows your Podiatrist to thoroughly examine and understand your needs as well as providing the necessary time to assess your condition properly. We will also develop a comprehensive treatment plan that will enable you to achieve your goal as soon as possible during this consultation.
There is no requirement to supply a referral from your doctor to see a Podiatrist.
With that said, if you have been referred, please bring a copy of the referral letter.
We bulk bill pension card holders with a valid EPC referral (Chronic disease management plan) from their GP. For non-pension card holder with this type of referral, our consult fees apply, and you can claim a rebate from Medicare (there is a small gap fee)
The frequency and number of visitations will depend on the nature of the condition you are being treated for. The treatment and rehabilitation of conditions will vary widely however after an initial consultation your podiatrist will be able to provide a recovery framework for you.
We appreciate 24 hours notice for cancellations when possible. However we know the unexpected can often happen, so a courtesy phone call if you are going to miss an appointment is always appreciated.
An appointment which is cancelled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours notice, may incur a fee of 50% of the consult rate.
If you miss an appointment, without giving notice, then the full rate of the appointment may be charged.
Booking Online is the easiest, most convenient way to lock in the location and time you want.
