If you are considering laser treatment for a thick or discoloured toenail, start by confirming the cause. Pressure, injury and other nail conditions can resemble a fungal infection. A treatment discussion should explain both the possible benefits and the limits of the evidence.
What does a fungal nail assessment involve?
At Locke Minor Foot Surgery & Orthotics, discuss when the change began, how many nails are involved, any discomfort and treatments you have tried. Depending on the findings, a sample may be useful before an antifungal treatment is selected. Read our fungal toenail assessment guide for more context.
Understand what laser treatment can and cannot promise
Laser treatment should not be described as a guaranteed cure or a risk-free replacement for other options. Evidence and outcomes vary by device and treatment protocol. A clearer-looking nail is not necessarily proof that an infection has been eliminated. Ask which outcome is being measured and how long follow-up lasts.
Discuss the full range of suitable choices, which may include nail care, topical treatment or medication arranged with an appropriate prescriber. Suitability depends on the diagnosis, extent of the problem, medical history and your goals.
Questions for your appointment
- How confident are we that the nail change is fungal?
- What evidence supports this treatment for my situation?
- What are the likely risks, limitations and alternatives?
- How many visits are proposed, and what is the total expected cost?
- When will we review progress, and what happens if it does not help?
Foot pain is a separate assessment
A treatment used for a nail concern should not automatically be assumed to treat heel, tendon or joint pain. Tell your clinician about each symptom so the assessment and recommendations address the correct problem.
Discuss your options at Locke
Our clinics are at 460 Main Street East, Unit M3, Hamilton, and 980 Queenston Road, Suite 103, Stoney Creek. Navraj Sekhon and Elias Mohamed provide chiropody assessments. Call 289-269-1018 if you are unsure which visit to book.
Further reading: NHS fungal nail infection information and NHS Medicines Awareness review summary. This article is general information, not a personal treatment recommendation.