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
Time is a companion that goes with us on a journey. It reminds us to cherish each moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we have lived." Captain Jean Luc Picard