LASER TOENAIL FUNGUS
Do you have thick, yellow, discolored toenails? Are you embarrassed to wear your open-toed shoes in public? Chances are you have fungal toenails, a condition also known as onychomycosis.
Fungal toenails are caused by an organism that grows in and under the nail. The fungus likes to grow in warm, moist places like your shoes. Many patients pick up fungal toenail infections in the gym locker room, from a nail salon, wet shoes or from trauma. Fungus can stay in the nails for many years and can be passed from one person to another. They include topical medications, oral medications, which can have some serious side effects; and the newest modality which is laser therapy. At Foot and Ankle Associates we use laser therapy for fungal toenails which is the easy and convenient treatment that helps turn your discolored and disfigured nails into clearer, healthier looking nails.
The Genesisplus Laser has been cleared by the FDA to be both a safe and effective solution for the treatment of toenail fungus The Genesisplus Laser is also effective for the treatment of warts, spider views and scar revision.
What can you expect?
The treatment involves passing the laser beam over the infected nails and surrounding skin. Your physician will repeat this several times until enough energy has reached the nail bed. Your nail will feel warm during treatment.
TREATMENT SESSION TIME: A single sessions takes approximately 20 minutes.
NUMBER OF TREATMENTS: Two treatments are recommended and then a follow up six weeks after the initial treatments.
BEFORE THE PROCEDURE: Remove all nail polish and decorations on the nail.
LONG TERM: If successful, As the nail grows you will see new, healthy nails. Nails grow slowly, so it may take up to 12 months to see an entirely clear nail.
INGROWN TOENAILS
At Foot and Ankle Associates, many of my patients fear coming in for treatment of an infected ingrown toenail. They come in with excruciating pain and we get to send them home feeling a whole lot better. An ingrown toenail occurs when a corner of the nail grows into the flesh of the toe, causing redness and swelling, followed by pain and often infection. Ingrown toenails can occur due to improper trimming of the toenail, trauma or genetic factors.
Treatment for ingrown toenails is performed by gently numbing the toe, and then removing the offending corner of the nail. If you have chronic ingrown toenails, we can remove the root in the office to permanently prevent re-growth of the ingrown portion of the nail. If you have an ingrown toenail, don't be afraid to schedule an appointment. Your treatment will be gentle and virtually painless, and we'll get you back to your normal activities right away.
If you think you have fungal toenails, contact us today to have a comprehensive evaluation.
WARTS (PLANTAR WARTS)
At our podiatry practice, Foot and Ankle Associates, we offer many wart removal treatment options. Foot Warts (Plantar Warts) are a common foot condition that we treat in our practice. If you have one or more growths on the bottom of your foot that may or may not be painful, chances are it's a plantar wart.
Plantar Warts are caused by a virus. You may notice little black dots in the wart. People sometimes think these dots are splinters. They are actually the blood vessels that nourish the wart. You can get viral warts anywhere you walk barefoot, such as the local pool, karate studio, dance studio, locker room or even from a pedicure salon.
There are several treatments for plantar warts, the type of treatment received depends upon the patient's needs. Plantar warts can spread easily. If you think you have one or more plantar warts, schedule an appointment to have them removed before they multiply
ATHLETE'S FOOT (TINEA PEDIS)
What is Athlete's foot ((tinea pedis)? Athlete's foot is caused by a fungal infection affecting the web of skin between the toes and the soles of the foot. Symptoms typically include burning, pain, itching and scaling.
Athlete's foot is highly contagious. People pick up these fungal infections when walking barefoot on contaminated floors and object. Athlete's Foot can even be passed from person to person.
Although Athlete's foot can be treated with anti-fungal medications, you should always try to keep your feet dry, wear cotton socks and "breathable shoes".
Foot and Ankle Associates offer various treatments for Athlete's foot. If you think you have athlete's feet, schedule a consultation with our foot doctors let us help you find relief.
THINK IT'S SKIN CANCER?
Have you noticed a growth or a discoloration on your foot or ankle?
Has this growth changed shape or color recently?
In either case you should come in for an evaluation to let us determine if these conditions warrant treatment. Foot or ankle Melanoma (cancer (malignant tumor) are often missed or diagnosed too late. We see these conditions every day in our practice and we are equipped to diagnose and treat these conditions quickly and effectively.
Don't put yourself at risk by ignoring these signs. Contact us for a consultation with our foot doctors at Foot and Ankle Associates, so that we can safeguard you against the cancers and complications that could develop.