‘Why can’t I get rid of my toenail fungus?’

Q: I kicked my toe a while ago and have a fungal infection as a result. I’ve spent a lot of money trying to get rid of it, but nothing seems to work. Do you have any suggestions?

First of all are you sure it’s fungus? It could just be damage to the nail, in which case there’s no effective treatment. You can have a piece of toenail sent off to a pathology lab to determine if it’s fungal. If it is, there are some treatments available but some don’t have very much evidence to support them (for example, laser), and some aren’t considered very successful (paints and lacquers). The most effective treatment would be an oral tablet that your GP can prescribe. However, they can have side effects but your GP will be able to help you decide whether they would be an effective treatment option for you.

Q: I suffer from plantar fasciitis. I have orthotics and do regular stretches for my calves. Is there anything else I can do?

Plantar fasciitis is often misdiagnosed, so firstly see a podiatrist or sports doctor who can make sure that you actually have plantar fasciitis. Good footwear is often the key to getting rid of plantar fasciitis. Sometimes you might need to wear supportive trainers for a while.

Ice applied to the area can also reduce the symptoms and so can anti-inflammatories. Alternatively, there are taping techniques that can help to alleviate pressure on the plantar fascia and these might be helpful in the short term, though, your podiatrist or physio can show them to you.

If all else fails it might worth having an ultrasound to see if there’s a tear in the plantar fascia. If the fascia is torn, then you may need to wear a boot for a while. But I would definitely recommend getting a good diagnosis from a trusted health professional and that you exhaust the footwear, calf stretch and taping options before you look towards having an ultrasound or other imaging done.

If you have a question for Starts at 60’s health experts, email it to [email protected].

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.