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.

What is a Bunion??

Video blog from Dr Giacalone discussing bunions and their treatment.


For more information on Hallux Abducto Valgus deformities, also known as bunions, click here!

Oh My Aching Toes!

“My toes are hurting every time I put on a pair of shoes! Even my Crocs hurt! I’ve noticed some little red spots on my toes that seem to be growing. What’s going on? I’ve tried to scrub them off but they hurt! I even tried some pads but they just made my shoes hurt more! Help!”

Sounds like she may have corns! Corns: such a simple name for a relatively complex problem. Corns can be extremely painful and actually are caused by several different foot ailments, so finding the root cause can take some detective work.

What is a corn?

The name “corn” came from the appearance of a bump that looks like a corn kernel on or between your toes. Corns are actually your body’s defense against the rubbing of your shoes. They are protective layers of compacted, dead skin cells. Corns can be “soft” or “hard”. Soft corns are usually seen in between the toes and hard corns are on the tops or tips of your toes.

What causes a corn?

These annoying bumps are caused by repeated friction and pressure from skin rubbing against bony areas or against an irregularity in a shoe like a seam. Either your toes are crooked or the shoe just does not fit properly. The friction and pressure can cause painful burning or aching which makes wearing shoes very uncomfortable.

Why do my corns hurt even without shoes?

If you have pain in a corn, even when you do not have shoes on, you have most likely developed bursitis which is inflammation of the joint under the corn. Bursitis is often treated with an injection of anti-inflammatory into the inflamed area. This type of pain should be evaluated by your podiatrist, because the other reason for pain without shoes is an infection in or around the corn. Toe infections can become serious and may even lead to amputation in some patients. Don’t ignore your toe pain!

How are corns treated?

The pain from corns often may be relieved by moleskin or padding on the affected areas. A good moisturizing cream can also help. Your podiatrist can scrape or “debride” the corn to reduce the thickness, but remember never to cut corns with any instrument at home, and never apply home remedies or “corn remover patches”. These invite infection and can make your corns a foot emergency!

There are only two permanent treatments for corns:
1. Surgically correct crooked toes also known as hammertoes.
Or
2. Find the culprit shoe and stop wearing it!

Don’t ignore your toe pain from corns! Relief is simply a visit to the podiatrist away!

How Long Will it Take to Heal Doc?

This is the age old question isn’t it? “Doc, so how long will it take for this thing to heal?”

Where to begin on this seemingly so easy a question? There are sooooo many factors to take into consideration. This explains why you will hear doctors say “on average…” or “typically…”. We know from experience, and what we’ve read in the mountains of medical literature, when things are suppose to heal. This is the easy part. Here is a very short list of when certain body parts heal:

Bone: 6-8 weeks
Tendons: 3-4 weeks
Ligaments: 3-4 weeks
Stitches: top of foot or leg: 2 weeks, bottom of the foot: 3 weeks

Simple huh! Now for the fun part; we add the human factor to the equation and suddenly, all this simplicity flies out the window! What most patients don’t understand is why they may not fall into these criteria! There is a LAUNDRY list of the reasons why things don’t heal when they should and the number ONE reason things don’t heal when they should is that many patients (yes, I could be talking to you!) say they are listening but they are not doing what they are told to do to get them better! They cheat! Not a lot (though there is that distinguished class of patients who do!), but just a little bit! Yes, that little bit over the weeks it could take sets you back even more weeks! I have heard every excuse in the book as to why people couldn’t follow through with what I asked from them and believe me sometimes there is good reason. But all too often the reason is not all that worthy. A sampling of my favorites so far: “I walked around school in a regular shoe because the boot is ugly, but I was really good at wearing it around the house!” or “I know you told me not to, but I walked on it because I just wanted to see if it was getting better and now it hurts worse!”

Let’s keep it real. There is no guarantee that anything will heal at all much less in the intended time frame. But by not following instructions, you are just plain sabotaging your healing. We are a very small part of the healing equation. YOU MUST DO YOUR PART! Regardless of the reasons why you think you can’t, if you don’t, it will take you longer to get back to doing what you want to do in the first place! Do your part and at least give your body the chance it needs to work the miracle of healing. It really is trying and us “Docs” are really trying too!