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Thick nails you can't cut any more?
Gentle nail care, so your shoes feel comfortable again
Thickened and fungal toenails: causes and treatment
Thickened toenails aren't always fungal (onychomycosis): shoe pressure, an old injury or a skin condition can look the same, so a nail sample confirms it. We thin and trim thick nails, which is included in a standard appointment and makes them more comfortable. Thinning doesn't cure fungus, but it helps treatment reach it.
How we can help at Burwood Podiatry
Thick nails can be made comfortable again at your first visit, and we'll help you work out whether fungus is the cause. Older parents are welcome to bring family along.
- Thinning and trimming thick nails, included in a standard appointment: general podiatry
- A nail sample to confirm whether it's fungal, if you bring a GP pathology request and a specimen container
- Treatment advice: a pharmacy antifungal after thinning for one or two mild nails, or a letter to your GP about prescription options
- Regular nail care for older parents or anyone who finds thick nails hard to cut
What you can do at home
- Keep nails trimmed straight across and feet dry, especially between the toes
- Treat athlete's foot too, as it can spread to the nails
- Change socks daily and let shoes dry out between wears
- Use the antifungal exactly as directed and keep going: a clear nail takes 12 to 18 months to grow through
- Wear shoes with room for your toes, so the nails aren't pressed: choosing shoes
When to get it checked
- A nail that's painful, lifting or pressing into the skin
- Thick nails you can't cut safely at home
- Diabetes or poor circulation with any nail change
- Pharmacy treatment hasn't helped, or more nails are affected
- A new or changing dark streak in a nail: see your GP promptly
A new or changing dark streak in a nail, or colour spreading onto the skin, needs a prompt GP check. Emergency, or a foot that suddenly turns cold, pale or blue? Call 000.
Thick and fungal toenail questions
How are fungal toenails treated?
For one or two mild nails, a pharmacy antifungal after we thin the nail is a reasonable start; for more, ask your GP about prescription options. We don't offer laser.
Why does fungal nail treatment take so long?
Toenails grow slowly, so a clear nail takes 12 to 18 months to grow through even when treatment is working.
What causes thickened toenails?
A fungal infection, shoe pressure, an old injury, psoriasis, poor circulation or ageing nails can all thicken a nail. A nail sample usually confirms fungus, though a negative result doesn't always rule it out.
Can an older parent have thick nails cut here?
Yes. Thinning and trimming thick nails is part of a standard 30-minute visit, and family are welcome to come. General podiatry
Where to next
Sources
Reviewed by Burwood Podiatry · November 2026