Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment a Success!

TOENAIL FUNGUS LASER TREATMENT

TREAT YOUR TOENAIL FUNGUS SAFELY AND PAINLESSLY
with the new PinPointe FootLaser

Coming in May to Foot & Ankle Associates of North Texas LLP in Grapevine!

This new patented laser technology kills the pathogens that cause toenail fungus (Onychomycosis)

The gentle laser light works through the nail

No side effects

Does not harm the nail or skin

Painless-no anesthesia needed

Usually only one treatment required

Shoes and nail polish can be worn immediately after treatment

How does the laser work?
This patented laser is specially designed to shine through your toenail and destroy the specific pathogens embedded in and under your nail causing the infection. The FootLaser operates in the very tight spectrum of near infa red light. Unlike CO2 lasers of the past, this laser safely destroys the fungi, molds and bacteria that often cause onychomycosis.

Is this laser painful?
The gentle laser light beam has no effect on healthy tissue. There is no discomfort associated with the treatment during or after. This treatment does not harm or affect your activity in any way.

Does it really work?
In the first clinical study, earlier this year, 88% of the treated patients grew out a normal looking nail after one treatment. After the one treatment, the nail plate should grow out normally in 6-12 months if there is a healthy nail bed. This result is comparable to the success rate for the oral pill, Lamisil, which you take for three or four months with some risk of side effects. Additional information can be found at www.pinpointefootlaser.com

Is this treatment safe?
There are no age or health restrictions or limitations. In clinical studies there have been no adverse reactions, injuries, disabilities or known side effects. As you may know, the use of the medication available today for treatment of fungus toenails, carries with it possible systemic involvement (commonly the liver and kidney). This laser does not!

Does my insurance pay for this?
Because this treatment is considered aesthetic (cosmetic), health insurance plans do not cover this treatment. We accept major credit cards and personal checks or you may use your Flexible Spending Account from work. We also offer an interest free payment plan through Care Credit.

How Much Does It Cost?
The laser treatment is applied to all of the toenails on both feet, even the ones that appear uninfected. This reduces the chance of re-infection and takes about 30 minutes. There is an initial consultation with the doctor, which costs $75, to see if you are a candidate for the treatment. This is credited towards your procedure fee if you proceed with treatment. The treatment fee is $850. If the infection is resistant or has not responded with normal nail growth, the nails may need another laser treatment. This often occurs when all ten nails are severely infected. An additional treatment within the first six months is discounted to $450.

For more about toenail fungus

or
To make an appointment for your initial consultation, call (817)416-6155 or contactus@faant.com

Bamboo For Who? How about you!

Lately, the new buzz word in environmentally friendly materials is Bamboo. So what’s the deal with Bamboo? Here is the scoop from our friends at Dr. Comfort labs:

Bamboo Charcoal was discovered during the Ming Dynasty in 1486 A.D. Today Molecular Nano Bamboo Charcoal is made when bamboo charcoal powder is refined by temperatures over 700 degrees. Nano Bamboo Charcoal Fiber (NBCF) is able to release FAR Infrared Rays that may promote blood circulation and increase Anion production.

NBCF is also a natural deodorizer which has innumerable hole structures to absorb and decompose benzene, phenol, methanol sulfides, and nitrides. Bamboo also helps reduce odors from NH3 gas, adjust for moisture, release Anions and restrain microbial growth. The ability for NBCF to regulate skin temperature will also assist in thermoregulating your feet more effectively than traditional materials. As a sustainable natural resource over hardwood charcoal due to its rapid growth cycle, NBCF will protect the environment as no chemicals are required for this product.

Healthy Steps is proud to offer our customers the Dr. Comfort brand Bamboo Seamless Diabetic Socks. Just in this week, we are already selling the socks with positive reviews!

Utilized in the management of Diabetes, Arthritis, Edema, Neuropathy and Circulatory issues, the socks are shaped to fit and contain Nano Bamboo Charcoal fibers. The Bamboo fibers help to keep the foot dry featuring an anti-microbial odor control. The non binding construction is also seamless which can help in the prevention of skin irratations and promote healthy skin production. An added feature is the Y Heel and Toe Gore which eliminates bunching in the heel and toe area.

Visit Healthy Steps and learn more about the new line of Dr. Comfort socks and new spring arrivals.

Janet Dixon, C.Ped.
Healthy Steps DFW
For your feet....for your life!

Vitamin D, the new front runner?

You have probably heard a blip or two on the news about vitamin D.
It turns out; vitamin D has quite the resume of benefits to keep you on the road to good health.

Your muscles and bones are important in maintaining your balance, posture and mobility. As we age, it is crucial to maintain strong muscles and bones to prevent falls especially to persons who are age 65 and over. Vitamin D can assist in maintaining your muscle and bone strength and has been shown to increase certain types of muscle fibers resulting in greater mobility and balance. Bones benefit as vitamin D helps the absorption of calcium.

In an article published by researchers from Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing concluded that adequate intake of vitamin D may prevent or delay the onset of diabetes in addition to reducing complications of previously diagnosed with diabetes.

Millions of Americans with diabetes have low vitamin D levels. Evidence suggests that vitamin D plays an integral role in insulin sensitivity and secretion. Vitamin D deficiency results in part from poor nutrition, which is one of the most challenging issues for people with diabetes. Another culprit is reduced exposure to sunlight, which is common during cold weather months when days are shorter and more time is spent indoors.

Diet alone may not be sufficient to manage vitamin D levels. A combination of adequate dietary intake of vitamin D, exposure to sunlight, and treatment with vitamin D2 or D3 supplements such as Cooper Complete Vitamin D supplements offered at Healthy Steps can decrease the risk of diabetes and related health concerns.

With no known side effects, vitamin D can be combined with most medications however, ensure you check with your physician prior to taking any supplements.

Janet Dixon, C.Ped.
Healthy Steps DFW
For your feet...for your life!

Puncture wounds

Did you know that stepping on something could cause an infection? The infection would most likely occur in two to five days, with redness, swelling and pain to the area on your foot.

Puncture wounds happen very commonly in the feet, especially in the summer when you are going barefoot. Most people would not think about it, but stepping on something can lead to an infection if not treated the correct way.

What is the difference between a "puncture wound" and a "cut" in the skin?

A puncture wound has a small entry hole. It can be caused by a pointed object that you step on, like a nail. In contrast, a cut is an open wound in the skin that does not produce a "hole" but rather it produces a "long tear" in the skin.

What can cause a puncture wound?

Foreign Bodies are the most common cause of puncture wounds, most commonly including:

Nails, Glass, Toothpicks, Sewing Needles, Insulin Needles

The biggest concern with a puncture wound is that the wound is considered a "dirty" wound. The reason these are considered dirty is that they involve a foreign body penetrating the skin that is not sterile.

What can happen if I step on a foreign object? Complications are likely, and depend on the severity of the wound. The deeper the wound the more likely an infection will occur. It is very hard to tell how deep a puncture wound is so if you step on something you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

What will the doctor do when I seek treatment?

The KEY for treatment of a puncture wound is that it is cleaned properly and debrided. It is very easy for debris to get stuck in this hole that you have created in your foot. If the debris is not removed it can lead to an infection. Also part of the foreign body may be lodged inside your foot and you would not know. A doctor might also take x-rays to evaluate bone damage.

No matter what, it is a good thing to be evaluated by a doctor if you have stepped on someting. Proper and early treatment can lead to a full recovery without infection.