toenail fungus

[Righteousbabe]

I keep getting a toenail fungus, and I am wondering if it has anything to do with my cycling shoes. Two summers in a row now my big toes have ended up with toenail fungus. Are there any other women who are having the same problem? Any advice/suggestions?

[cherinyc]

no - can't say i have had the fungus - but my big toes REALLY hurt after a ride, and it's not because my shoes are too tight.
I'd be interested to hear from others about the effect that bike shoes can have. You got me thinking that the pain I get, could lead to other problems.

[oldbikah]

me too on the painful big toes (but no fungus). Sometimes I wear sandals for several days to get the soreness out. Is there something wrong with my pedaling technique?
Ideas out there?

[Righteousbabe]

Yes...I have spoken to the podiatrist as well as some runners and nail technicians. They have all said that repeated injury (or pressure) on the toes can leave them open to infection. I have some serious runner friends who have this problem...their big toes end up infected because of all the miles they do in their sweaty shoes. But I did not think the cycling had anything to do with the first infection I got. I had injured my big toe doing something else entirely, and it eventually got infected. Now I am wondering if the cycling is contributing to it.

I should have replaced the shoes after last summer...but I was cheap and did not want to spend $200+ on another pair of Sidi's. I will definitely be looking for new shoes now. I really love my Sidi shoes...they are so comfortable. I went to the Sidi website, and they carry a certain style of shoe that comes in half sizes and has more mesh for breathability. I might try a half size bigger shoe for a little more toe room...unless I get other suggestions.

I am so frustrated...my two big toes look so ugly (and one of them hurts) and I feel like I can't wear open-toed shoes without disgusting people out. I live in Texas...so I wear open-toed shoes most of the year.

[annie]

Righteous,

I've had problems with toenail fungus, too, on my big toes...... VERY difficult to get rid of! I tried OTC nail cremes. Didn't do much. Went to the doc and got a prescription for Lamasil, which may have worked, if I'd continued to take it. But I didn't like the possible side-effects so quit taking it. Now I try and go barefoot whenever I can - keep the toes aired out. I keep them very clean. I have a tea tree oil solution that I wash my feet with now, then dry very thoroughly. I don't know if that is helping, or if it is going away on it's own, but it is definitely improving. As my toenails grow out, the fungus is growing out, also, and not coming back. For me, I don't think it was from bike shoes, as I rarely wear them. I wear the bike sandals as much of the year as possible. However, I am on my feet at work all the time. I haven't always chosen the best shoes, thinking more of fashion than function......... Finally wised up and now I wear Keens, Eccos, or Danskos. My feet are much happier! But probably still recovering from the stress of poor shoes. If that can cause fungus, then I bet that's how it started. Never realized that could be a cause until reading this thread.

As for the toes looking so ugly - just wear a colored polish. It hides the fungus pretty well. And keep them filed as smooth as possible.

No idea on the pain - unless its from your cleat position putting too much pressure on your foot? Maybe causing your toe to go numb or to hurt?

annie

[ClockworkOrange]

Hi Righteousbabe

My partner has had this problem for a while and just like a man, has not bothered doing anything about it.

However, we visited some friends recently and my friend passed a comment to me about it, discreetly of course. The following oil was suggested, I bought it on ebay................ it has worked extremely quickly. I paid £5.95 and if you ordered it the postage would only be an extra £1.95.

Gehwol med.
Protective Nail and Skin Oil (contains Anti fungal properties) 15ml

Protects effectively from fungus attacks, cares for nails and skin leaving them elastic and beautiful.

Gehwol med. Protective Nail and Skin Oil contains precious substances such as wheatgerm oil, panthenol and bisabolol to care for the nails and skin.

Fragile, brittle nails are made supple and beautiful. The nails natural silky sheen is restored.

Simply massage in a few drops 1-2 times daily. The nails will soon recover and reveal their natural healthy appearance.

This product will compliment any treatment you are receiving from your GP for Nail Fungal infections, or can be used as a stand alone product.

Dermatologically tested.

Actually, click on the following, http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...DME:B:EF:UK:11 there is one bottle for sale on ebay which finishes on 13 September.

Good luck.

Sally