Tuesday, 14 May 2024 00:00

Laser treatment for fungal nails, also known as onychomycosis, has gained popularity as a non-invasive and potentially effective option for addressing this common condition. During the procedure, a specialized laser emits focused beams of light onto the affected nail, targeting and destroying the fungal infection while leaving surrounding tissue unharmed. Unlike oral antifungal medications, laser therapy carries minimal risk of side effects and does not require lengthy recovery periods. However, it is essential to understand that laser treatment may not guarantee complete eradication of the fungus, and multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve optimal results. Additionally, the success of laser therapy can vary depending on the severity of the infection and individual response to treatment. While some patients may experience significant improvement in nail appearance and quality, others may see only partial or temporary results. If you have toenail fungus and are considering this type of treatment, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help determine if laser therapy is suitable for you.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with one our of podiatrists from The Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

  • Nail thickening
  • Brittleness of the nail
  • Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Houston, Deer Park, and Mont Belvieu, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Laser Treatment for Fungal Nails
Tuesday, 07 May 2024 00:00

Blisters between the toes can be a real pain, whether they're caused by friction, insect bites, burns, or infections. These little pockets of fluid can make each step a challenge. Friction is often the main cause of blisters between the toes. When your toes rub against each other or your shoes, the skin becomes irritated and leads to blister formation. Other causes of blisters between the toes include insect bites, burns, and various infections. While most blisters will heal on their own within a week or two, it's essential to resist the urge to pop them. Breaking a blister can increase the risk of infection and prolong the healing process. Instead, keep the blister clean and covered with a bandage. If the blister is particularly painful or shows signs of infection, it's best to seek medical attention from a podiatrist. Preventing blisters between the toes starts with wearing properly fitting shoes and socks. Avoid walking long distances in new shoes, and be sure to change socks if they become damp. If you have persistent or severe blisters between the toes, it is suggested that you seek help from a podiatrist for relief. 

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one our of podiatrists of The Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

  • Bubble of skin filled with fluid
  • Redness
  • Moderate to severe pain
  • Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Houston, Deer Park, and Mont Belvieu, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Blisters
Thursday, 02 May 2024 00:00

Neuropathy is a condition that can lead to numbness or loss of sensation in the feet, but it can also cause pain. This condition is more likely to develop for those who are diabetic, obese, or with high blood pressure.

Tuesday, 30 April 2024 00:00

Chronic foot pain can result from many conditions, including plantar fasciitis, arthritis, diabetes-related neuropathy, and repetitive stress injuries. These conditions can lead to ongoing discomfort, affecting mobility and quality of life. Effective diagnosis often begins with a comprehensive evaluation by a podiatrist, who will review the patient’s medical history and conduct a physical examination. Podiatrists may utilize imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to view the internal structure of the foot and identify any underlying issues. These tests help the doctor confirm or eliminate certain conditions from the diagnosis by giving a detailed picture of what is happening in the foot. Gait analysis might also be performed to assess how the individual stands and walks, pinpointing abnormal movements that could contribute to the pain. Getting the right diagnosis is important so the podiatrist can create a customized treatment strategy to address the chronic pain. If you are suffering from chronic foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist today. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one our of podiatrists from The Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Houston, Deer Park, and Mont Belvieu, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain
scroll to top