Please note this service is only available at our Broadbeach clinic.
What is toenail fungus?
Medically termed – Onychomycosis – it affects up to 10% of the population worldwide 1 and is marked by discolouration and potential deformity of the nails. Aside from the infected nails being a cosmetic concern, it can cause toe and foot pain in its most advanced state.1
It is primarily caused by dermaphytes (trichophyton rubrum, trichophyton mentagrophytes & Candida albicans) which are a type of fungus that require keratin to grow.2 Keratin is a protein found in skin, hair and nails and is mainly what a nail is made up of. The infection can occur in the nail plate, nail bed and/or nail matrix (from where the nail grows).
How can toenail fungus typically be contracted?
Dermaphytes can be contracted directly by contact with other people, animals, and soil. They can also be contracted in-directly through contact with daily object e.g. upholstery, hairbrushes, carpet, socks, sock liners of shoes, shoe fabric.
The presence of previous nail trauma, diabetes mellitus, advancing age, restricted peripheral circulation and compromised immune function are risk factors for obtaining nail fungus.1; 2; 3 An infected nail can also co-exist (over 65.4% of cases) with tinea pedis (a skin fungus infection between the toes) and it can be the actual cause of the nail infection.4
What does a toenail fungus typically look like?
The infected nail can have a white and/or yellowish, brown appearance with potential scaling under the nail – with or without detachment. The nail can be thickened with rough ridges. In more advanced infections there can be complete lifting and destruction of the nail plate.
What are non-laser therapy treatments for toenail fungus?
Topical anti-fungals – bought over the counter this is the easiest, most accessible, and well-known treatment – at least in Australia. Initial entry point to treatment, in regard to costs, is the main advantage.
Unfortunately, it is well known that penetration through the nail at effective fungicidal concentrations is limited especially for thick toenails.3 Hence a reason it can take a long time to eradicate the infection – if at all because of potentially no penetration for thicker nails. Another barrier is there needs to be adherence diligently for up to 15 months. The time it takes for a full big toenail to replace itself.
Systemic anti-fungal medication – administered only via prescription by your GP it is typically a 12- week course of treatment. Success rates are often reported as the highest of all treatments with full adherence to treatment.1; 3 The seemingly other biggest advantage to this treatment is also cost of treatment – at least in Australia.
The major disadvantage however are the well-known potential side effects such as congestive heart failure, liver toxicity and drug contraindications.3 Additional adverse effects can include headache, loss of taste, and abdominal discomfort.1 Routine blood testing typically needs to be carried out throughout the course of treatment. Patient adherence can be low due to side effects and actually seeing out the full 12 weeks of treatment.1 Full course of treatment needs to be followed so therapeutic concentrations reach the nail plate.1
There are two types of lasers that are used to treat toenail fungus – Heat Lasers and Cold Lasers.
We use a Heat Laser – The ARC Fox Laser which is a Class 4 medical laser. Our practitioners have to be trained and licenced via Queensland Health (Radiation Health) guidelines to be able to operate this type of laser.
This type of laser emits high-level intensity light beams (1064nm) to penetrate the toenail. Heat is generated at this wavelength in which it is thought that fungal pathogens preferentially absorb.1 This has the effect of photothermal and photomechanical damage which spares the surrounding tissue.1 The fungus then grows out with the growth of the nail. As it is a heat emitting device, a practitioner applies it to ensure safe treatment. Confirming the nail will warm up but it should not be painful.
This type of Nail Laser Therapy has been shown to be a EFFECTIVE and SAFE treatment for fungal toenails.3
In terms of effectiveness a recent systematic review (an authoritative account of existing evidence using reliable, objective, thorough and reproducible research practices) showed that across the literature at the time there was up to 63% cure rate with using laser on its own.3
Interestingly, another study that compared nail laser therapy used in combination with topical anti-fungals, enhanced outcomes in their cohort from 63% to 86%.2
Once destroyed the fungus grows out with nail growth. For a full fungal infected big toenail this can take between 10 and 15 months. You should however start to see clear nail growth occur behind the infected part within 1 to 2 months.
The first step is booking an Initial Nail Inspection Podiatry consultation.
Book here online or call the Broadbeach clinic on 07 5592 1341
During this consultation your Podiatrist will:
- be looking for clear visual signs of nail fungus
- recommending pathology testing if applicable
- recommending the best course of treatment for you
- educating you on nail fungus treatment including healthy foot habits.
To confirm, Nail Laser Therapy will NOT be performed at this first inspection consultation.
If Nail Laser Therapy is recommended and appropriate for you then your Podiatrist will book you back in for your first session.
Typically, we recommend 4 to 6 sessions of treatment, with intervals of 2 to 6 weeks between each session. However, the exact schedule may vary depending on the severity of your infection. It’s important to have a discussion with your Podiatrist to determine their specific recommendations tailored to your individual condition.
Option 1
Single toenail – $140 per session
Option 2
Two or more toenails – $250 per session
We are consulting you about your feet so you can claim part of Nail Laser Therapy as a Standard Podiatry consultation – if you have private health. Confirming private health does not have a specific code for be able to claim for Nail Laser Therapy.
References:
1LIDDELL, L. T.; ROSEN, T. Laser Therapy for Onychomycosis: Fact or Fiction? J Fungi (Basel), v. 1, n. 1, p. 44-54, Apr 03 2015. ISSN 2309-608X. Disponível em: < https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29376898 >.
2 WEBER, G. C. et al. Treatment of onychomycosis using a 1064-nm diode laser with or without topical antifungal therapy: a single-center, retrospective analysis in 56 patients. Eur J Med Res, v. 23, n. 1, p. 53, Oct 24 2018. ISSN 2047-783X. Disponível em: < https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30355363 >.
3 MA, W. et al. Laser treatment for onychomycosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore), v. 98, n. 48, p. e17948, Nov 2019. ISSN 1536-5964. Disponível em: < https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31770202 >.
4 LIPNER, S. R.; SCHER, R. K. Management of onychomycosis and co-existing tinea pedis. J Drugs Dermatol, v. 14, n. 5, p. 492-4, May 2015. ISSN 1545-9616. Disponível em: < https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25942668 >.
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Nicholas Roth
Podiatrist - General Care, Sports & Exercise
Nicholas Roth
Podiatrist - General Care, Sports & Exercise
Nicholas graduated from QUT in 2015. Nicholas has a particular interest in Sports Biomechanics, Paediatric Podiatry and complex caseloads. He is kind and passionate about helping his patients achieve their goals and using the motto “prevention is better than cure” to get there.
Nicholas previously worked in Far North Queensland and on the Sunshine Coast; he relocated to the Gold Coast in 2021 with his wonderful wife and daughter. Nicholas enjoys all things outdoors, and his favourite sport is soccer, where he has played interstate and overseas. On the weekends, he loves fishing, camping and visiting the beautiful beaches all along the Coast.
Nicholas is available for Podiatry appointments at our Broadbeach clinic.
“We are here to inspire, engage and empower everyone, on their journey of health and wellbeing”
CLINIC LOCATIONS
We are officially less than one week away from opening Sports & Spinal Indooroopilly!
We are officially less than one week away from opening Sports & Spinal Indooroopilly!
We are officially one week away from opening Sports & Spinal Noosa!
We are officially one week away from opening Sports & Spinal Noosa!
This Year’s National Pain Week is all about encouraging open and honest conversations around chronic pain⚡
This Year’s National Pain Week is all about encouraging open and honest conversations around chronic pain⚡
National Pain Week⚡
National Pain Week⚡
Our Exercise Physiology, Podiatry and Dietitian teams can assist with the management and prevention of Diabetes.
Our Exercise Physiology, Podiatry and Dietitian teams can assist with the management and prevention of Diabetes.
Sports & Spinal Indooroopilly isn’t far away and that means we’ll have quality allied health services coming to the Indooroopilly community!
Sports & Spinal Indooroopilly isn’t far away and that means we’ll have quality allied health services coming to the Indooroopilly community!
One of the best ways you can help to better manage your Diabetes is through diet and nutrition 🍏
One of the best ways you can help to better manage your Diabetes is through diet and nutrition 🍏
Sports & Spinal Noosa isn’t far away!
Sports & Spinal Noosa isn’t far away!
Can’t wait a week? Neither can we!
Head to our bio to book your appointment and experience the Sports & Spinal difference when we open on August 1st! 💪
Can’t wait a week? Neither can we!
Head to our bio to book your appointment and experience the Sports & Spinal difference when we open on August 1st! 💪
Can’t wait a week? Neither can we!
Head to our bio to book your appointment and experience the Sports & Spinal difference when we open on August 1st!
Can’t wait a week? Neither can we!
Head to our bio to book your appointment and experience the Sports & Spinal difference when we open on August 1st!
These conversations not only help those experiencing chronic pain, but they also help to break down stigma around seeking help and advice.
Pain affects everyone differently and that’s why it’s important to take an individual approach towards pain management and encourage open conversations about people’s pain journey.
Are you being affected by chronic pain? Get in touch with Sports & Spinal today and see how they help you onto the road to recovery 🛣️
These conversations not only help those experiencing chronic pain, but they also help to break down stigma around seeking help and advice.
Pain affects everyone differently and that’s why it’s important to take an individual approach towards pain management and encourage open conversations about people’s pain journey.
Are you being affected by chronic pain? Get in touch with Sports & Spinal today and see how they help you onto the road to recovery 🛣️
Chronic Pain Australia wants to draw attention to the experience of people living with chronic pain and by doing so reduce the social and other barriers related to living and managing chronic pain.
Sports & Spinal has allied health clinicians who are trained and qualified to help patients dealing with chronic pain. Our team work hard to help alleviate pain, educate patients on pain management strategies and so much more.
If you or someone you know are needing help with their chronic pain, get in touch with our dedicated team today and get one step closer to living pain free.
Chronic Pain Australia wants to draw attention to the experience of people living with chronic pain and by doing so reduce the social and other barriers related to living and managing chronic pain.
Sports & Spinal has allied health clinicians who are trained and qualified to help patients dealing with chronic pain. Our team work hard to help alleviate pain, educate patients on pain management strategies and so much more.
If you or someone you know are needing help with their chronic pain, get in touch with our dedicated team today and get one step closer to living pain free.
Whether it`s through tailored exercise programs, diet and exercise education or general foot and nail care, our team is here to support you. Best of all, our team work closely together to ensure that every patient is receiving holistic care.
Want to learn more? Get in touch with our allied health team today to see how they can get you on the road to better health.
👉 Head to our bio
Whether it`s through tailored exercise programs, diet and exercise education or general foot and nail care, our team is here to support you. Best of all, our team work closely together to ensure that every patient is receiving holistic care.
Want to learn more? Get in touch with our allied health team today to see how they can get you on the road to better health.
👉 Head to our bio
Our services will include:
➡️ Physiotherapy
➡️ Exercise Physiology
➡️ Remedial Massage
➡️ Dietetics
➡️ Classes
We cannot wait to bring you Sports & Spinal Indooroopilly, the countdown is on!
Our services will include:
➡️ Physiotherapy
➡️ Exercise Physiology
➡️ Remedial Massage
➡️ Dietetics
➡️ Classes
We cannot wait to bring you Sports & Spinal Indooroopilly, the countdown is on!
Our Dietitian team have provided some simple yet effective tips on how you can manage your diabetes with some simple swaps and adds on to meals, swipe to see them.
Sports & Spinal Dietitians are trained and qualified to assist people who have Diabetes (Type 1 and 2) with their diets and daily nutrition.
To learn more about how our team can help you head to our bio!
Our Dietitian team have provided some simple yet effective tips on how you can manage your diabetes with some simple swaps and adds on to meals, swipe to see them.
Sports & Spinal Dietitians are trained and qualified to assist people who have Diabetes (Type 1 and 2) with their diets and daily nutrition.
To learn more about how our team can help you head to our bio!
We’re so excited to be going on this journey and we can’t wait to work alongside this wonderful Noosa community and continue to help you achieve your goals!
Our services will include:
✅ Physiotherapy
✅ Exercise Physiology
✅ Remedial Massage
✅ Women’s Health
✅ Mens’s Health
✅ Classes
We cannot wait to bring you Sports & Spinal Noosa, the countdown is on!
We’re so excited to be going on this journey and we can’t wait to work alongside this wonderful Noosa community and continue to help you achieve your goals!
Our services will include:
✅ Physiotherapy
✅ Exercise Physiology
✅ Remedial Massage
✅ Women’s Health
✅ Mens’s Health
✅ Classes
We cannot wait to bring you Sports & Spinal Noosa, the countdown is on!
