For the past couple of years, I’ve been having issues with the toenails on my left foot.
I think the issue started after the 2018 JFK 50 Mile, held on the snow and mud-covered AT, and the muddy C&O Path. Probably, I did not clean my left foot off well enough after the race and developed a toenail fungus.
The light in my bathroom is not bright enough to see the difference in color between my right and left foot toenails. At my physical with Dr. Prince in March 2020, we were able to see the color difference in her exam room. For the following eight months, I applied a topical medicine daily, and one toenail did clear up.
When I met with Dr. Prince in February 2021, we discussed the side effects of oral medication. I didn’t want to go through those side effects. So, she referred me to a Podiatrist to allow me to find out all of the possibilities.
When I called in June to set up an appointment, yeah, I waited until I was on Medicare; the doctor she had referred had retired and sold his practice.
Dynamic Foot and Ankle on Lafayette Blvd took over the practice of Dr. Cook earlier this year.
Earlier this week, I saw Dr. Steth about my toenails and a pain in the side of both feet.
About the toenails, we discussed the following options:
- Do nothing – the fungus could spread to other toes on both feet
- Use a different topical
- Use an oral medication – the oral can cause liver damage and create digestive issues.
- Remove the toenails – does not eliminate the fungus
He was the first person to explain that the fungus is in the nail bed and not the nail itself. The fungus is preventing the toenail from growing normally. He trimmed the excess nail on my left big toe.
The initial topical created a build-up on the nail that required weekly removal with alcohol. Dr. Steth recommended a nonprescription but controlled topical called Tolcylen, reasonably priced with a money-back guarantee. You do not need to remove any Tolcylen residue.
I don’t have bone spurs. The pain on the sides of my feet is from either a too stiff or too narrow shoe. I developed a callus on both feet at the rub points.
I decided to try the Tolcylen, and he wants to see me in 3 months. He said the magic words on parting, “Keep Running.”
For 60,000 miles, my feet don’t look bad.
I enjoyed my experience with this new Podiatry Practice.