Athletes, whether competitive or recreational, they seem to put their feet through a lot. Long practices, sweaty socks, tight-fitting shoes, and grueling workouts create the perfect environment for fungal infections to start brewing. That’s why many people ask: Is toenail fungus common in athletes?

The short answer is yes, athletes are at a higher risk of toenail fungus than the general population. In this blog, we’ll explore why toenail fungus is more common in athletes, the signs to watch for, and how athletes can protect their feet and get effective treatment when needed.

Why Athletes Are More Prone to Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, thrives in warm, moist environments. These are exactly the conditions athletes experience during and after training.

Here are the main reasons athletes are more susceptible:

1. Moisture Gets Trapped

Athletes often spend long periods in socks and shoes that trap sweat. Damp conditions inside socks and shoes create a breeding ground for fungus.

2. Frequent Use of Shared Facilities

Gym locker rooms, communal showers, and pool decks expose feet to fungal spores that can easily spread between people.

3. Repeated Micro-Traumas

Running, jumping, kicking, and quick directional changes can cause tiny injuries to toes and nails. Even a small trauma allows fungus to enter and grow.

4. Tight, Non-Breathable Shoes

Cleats, cycling shoes, and other athletic footwear are often snug and non-ventilated. Furthermore, making sweat evaporation difficult.

5. Nail Injuries

Blunt force or repetitive pressure can separate the nail from the nail bed, creating space where fungus thrives and multiplies.

How Common Is Toenail Fungus in Athletes?

While exact numbers vary, studies show that athletes are significantly more likely to develop both athlete’s foot and toenail fungus compared to non-athletes. Endurance athletes (like runners and triathletes), swimmers, wrestlers, and soccer players commonly report a lot of fungal nail issues.

This increased prevalence is directly linked to:

  • Long exposure to warm, moist conditions inside shoes

  • High levels of foot stress and trauma

  • Shared athletic environments with limited sanitation

Recognizing Toenail Fungus: Signs Athletes Should Watch For

Athletes should be especially vigilant because early detection makes treatment easier.

Common signs include:

  • Yellow, white, or brown discoloration of the nail

  • Thickening or distortion of the nail surface

  • Brittle edges or crumbling of the nail

  • Debris buildup under the nail

  • Nail lifting from the nail bed

  • Cheesy odor in socks or shoes

If you notice these changes, it’s a good idea to seek evaluation and treatment from a licensed podiatrist.

Why Toenail Fungus Can Be Hard to Treat in Athletes

Due to both the environment and repetitive use:

  • Topical treatments may struggle to penetrate thick or damaged nails

  • Fungus may reinfect the nail from the inside out

  • Moisture from continued athletic activity can counteract treatment progress

  • Frequent equipment use and sweat make reinfection more likely

This is why athletes often require a more targeted approach rather than basic over-the-counter treatment alone.

Effective Treatment Options for Athletes

Proven Professional Treatments

When athletes cannot overcome the infection with home care alone, professional treatments, including laser therapy, offer a far more effective solution.

Laser Toenail Fungus Treatment

Laser therapy uses focused light to penetrate the nail and target fungus at its source without harming surrounding tissue. Benefits include:

  • Non-invasive and medication-free

  • Quick treatment sessions 

  • No discomfort

  • No downtime, return to training immediately

  • Targets fungus in the nail bed, not just on the surface

For athletes who spend a lot of time on their feet, laser treatment is often a go-to option because it doesn’t interrupt training schedules.

Medical Debridement

In some cases, thinning the thickened nails with professional tools helps other treatments reach the infection more effectively.

Prevention: Tips Athletes Can Use Every Day

Stopping toenail fungus before it takes hold is often the best approach. Athletes can reduce risk by:

✔ Wearing moisture-wicking socks
✔ Changing socks immediately after workouts
✔ Choosing shoes with good ventilation
✔ Using antifungal foot powder or spray
✔ Avoiding walking barefoot in locker rooms and showers
✔ Disinfecting shared equipment and shoes regularly
✔ Keeping nails trimmed and clean
✔ Avoiding shared towels or nail tools

These habits help keep fungal spores from finding a foothold in the first place.

When Athletes Should See a Specialist

If you experience any of these, seek professional evaluation:

  • Persistent nail discoloration lasting more than a few weeks

  • Increase in thickness or brittleness

  • Multiple nails affected

  • Pain or discomfort in shoes

  • No improvement after trying over-the-counter treatments

  • Recurrence after previous treatment

Seeing a specialist sooner can shorten the timeline to recovery and support long-term foot health.

Bottom Line: Yes, Toenail Fungus Is Very Common in Athletes

Intense physical activity, shared facilities, sweaty shoes, and repetitive trauma make athletes especially prone to fungal nail infections. While home care and prevention are important, many athletes need targeted professional treatment, such as laser therapy, for lasting results.

Healthy nails aren’t just about looks: they support comfort, performance, and confidence. If toenail fungus is affecting your training, running, or daily routines, don’t wait, effective treatment is available.

Ready for Treatment that works?

At Laser Nail Therapy, we specialize in helping athletes and active people eliminate stubborn toenail fungus safely and effectively.

📞 Call (800) 672-0625 to schedule your free consultation today to get back to clearer, healthier nails.