LASER TREATMENT FOR FUNGAL NAILS

Fungal nails are a very common and troublesome problem for many people. These nails can be painful and unsightly. There are multiple treatment options in the treatment of fungal nails.

Treatments include:
Oral medications---which have an increased risk of side effects –92% effective
Topical applications---which need to be applied daily for 8 months or greater
Removal of the nail---which can be painful and unsightly
KeryNail Restoration System---replacement nail—visit our web page

Laser Nail Treatment:
· Safe and effective—75% effective
· Quick, in office procedure
· Alternative to potentially harmful medications
· High success rate
· Painless and simple procedure
· Shoes and nail polish can be worn right after treatment

Patients will begin to see improvement as the toenail begins to grow. Healthy new nail growth will be noticeable within the first 3 months.

As of now, laser nail procedures are not a covered benefit by insurance. Our cost to you for this treatment is extremely affordable and reasonable.

**There is only one laser on the market that is FDA approved for nail laser. This allows them to market their device directly to the public for laser nail treatments. Therefore, our device is an off-label use of the laser. This is only a marketing issue and not a performance issue of the device.**

Note: This laser is also used in the treatment of Plantar Warts.

Please visit our website for more information on nail fungus: www.WeFixYourFeet.com

Exciting news from the Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley.

Dr. Burtoft and Dr. Dalrymple are moving to a new office.
The office renovations will be done mid April of 2011 and we will move shortly after that.
We know are existing and new patients to our office will be so pleased with our new facilities.

The new office is located: at 451 Andover St. Suite #209 in North Andover just minutes from our existing location.

Also, we will continue to update you on our progress with the move and with foot health facts and tips as we start this new blog series. Stay tuned for updates bi-monthly.

Heel Pain

Heel pain can and is very bothersome and life altering for many who are afflicted. Heel pain can range from mild to debilitating. The nature of the pain can be a dull aching, stabbing, sharp shooting to tearing type pain.

Nerve pain is usually characterized by the burning and shooting pain. I would recommend if you have this type of pain to see a Podiatrist asap. Resolving nerve pain can be tricky. Most over-the-counter devices will not help this. You'll just be giving away your hard earned money.

The most common aliment of the heel is the dreaded plantar fascitis(PF) or better known as "heel spur syndrome". You don't have to have a bone spur to have this pain. The typical complaint of PF is pain upon first steps in the morning or after sitting and getting back up again. The pain does dissipate some after you stretch it out by walking or moving about. Stretching the bottom of your foot can really help reduce your symptoms. Over-the-counter inserts that have a hard support to them are a much better choice then a soft cushion. Its kind of like putting a little cast under your foot. Wearing sneakers with good support and icing are also recommended treatments. If you have tried these things and your pain is persisting -- GET HELP from a Podiatrist. The longer you have this pain the HARDER it is to get better. Podiatrists can give you proper conservative care such as: orthotics, stretching exercises, medications, cortisone injections, physical therapy, cold laser therapy.
Usually about 90% of heel pain patients respond to conservative treatments. NO ONE should have surgery on their PF unless they have failed all conservative treatments. And NO ONE should even consider surgery until you have have treatment for at least 6 months.
So that leaves 10% of patients looking for alternatives. One option is to have an open surgical procedure to cut the ligament. Risks of infection, scarring with nerve entrapment and recurrence of original pain and the possibility of increased pain. Another option is CRYOSURGERY. This is performed in the doctors office. Risks are minimal: including infection. Downtime after the procedure is minimal and you can walk on your foot right away. If your interested in learning more about cryosurgery --you can google it or visit our website: FOOTHEALTHMA.com. At the Foot Health Center we do perform this procedure and it has been very successful.
Well, I could go on and on about heel pain. But I don't want to bore you to death.

On a personal note, its is snowing like crazy here today. I think the winter season needs to come to a halt so that all the golfers out there can start playing. Vacation can't come soon enough. For now - have a really nice day.

Foot Health Center-What is Podiatry

Hi Everyone,



I am a Podiatrist and have been in private practice for 10 years. For those of you who don't know what a Podiatrist is--it is a Foot Doctor. We treat anything and everything about feet. Our education is lengthy, College to Podiatry School , which is the same as Medical School, we just start our specialty earlier than other medical professions. Then on to residency which can be anywhere from 2 to 3 years in length. I personally had a 2 year surgical residency at Cambridge Hospital in Cambridge Massachusetts. Of course, the education process doesn't end there. Going to conferences and earning CME credits is a must to remain licensed in any state.



As far as our scope of practice, it is state dependent. In Massachusetts, we have foot privileges even though in many states ankle privileges are granted. Podiatrist treat anyone from pediatrics to geriatrics and everyone in between. Foot care is vast and includes: general pain, tendinitis, heel pain, infections, sports injuries, bunions, hammertoes, broken bones, ulcers, diabetic foot care, routine foot care, nerve pain, skin aliments and reconstructive surgery for foot deformities. The list just continues on and on and on......



My reason for blogging is to educate the public on foot problems. Remember you don't have to put up with foot pain. There are really good Podiatrists available to help you. If you happen not to like your Podiatrist or doctor-- go get another opinion.



I hope you find this useful. If you want information on feet -- you can go to our website at FootHealthMa.com.



Have a great rest of the day....Friday will be my next post and I will give some information on heel pain.