Laser therapy is a noninvasive option for patients dealing with foot complications who want to explore treatment options other than surgery. Laser therapy helps relieve the pain that comes with having strains, sprains, and issues with inflammation. This therapy has been found especially useful for those who experience chronic complications.

Some foot conditions laser therapy can treat include Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, heel pain, bursitis, diabetic neuropathy, and different forms of arthritic conditions. Those who are experiencing pain due to sporting injuries or wounds may also find relief with this kind of therapy.

Laser therapy is a painless treatment that typically requires a short amount of time to complete, depending on the condition. It not only increases the speed of recovery, but helps improve blood flow and alleviate pain. Improved immune function, as well as improved vascular and metabolic activity, are just some of the benefits of choosing laser therapy as a treatment option.

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium, is a very common infection of the nail. Nearly 3 million cases appear every year in the United States. Initially, toenail fungus may present itself as white spots on the nail or black spots underneath. Ridges will typically start to form and the nail will seem rougher to the touch. As the infection progresses, the nail may thicken, become brittle, discolored, or misshapen. The growing fungus separates the layers of keratin in the toenail, which leads to the characteristic distorted look. The white spots you notice on your nail are displaced keratin that has begun to build up.

Toenail fungus is notoriously difficult to cure with over-the-counter medications. From foot soaks to ointments the efficacy of these is extremely varied, at best. A yag laser kills the fungus in and under the nails removing the infection. However, in late 2010 the FDA approved the PinPointe FootLaser. This was the first of the “cold laser” treatments to gain federal approval. The laser kills the fungus in and under the nail, ridding it of the infection.

The treatment itself is non-invasive and very straightforward. Dr. Abramsohn will move the laser in a grid-like pattern over the infected toenail. This is a virtually pain-free procedure that generally takes less than 20 minutes. After the procedure, the appearance of the nail will not have changed, the fungus has been killed, and the nail will have to grow out in order to see the effect of the treatment.

Laser toenail fungus treatments are now used all over the world and can be performed by a podiatrist in-office. The number of treatments it will take to cure the fungal infection varies by patient and type of laser. Speak with Dr. Abramsohn, who has 40 years of experience, to learn more about getting rid of your toenail fungus.

We use the yag laser, a 60-watt diode laser, and a CO2 laser.

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