Is Laser Toenail Fungus Treatment the New Cure for Nail Fungus?

By Matt Miller

Toenail fungus affects approximately 40 million people in the US. This condition is caused by a fungus that may be a result of bad foot care or aging. The fungus thrives on warm humid conditions and attacks the nail and nail bed. The fungus is very hard to get rid of, so let's ask the question: What is laser toenail fungus treatment and is it effective?

If you have not yet tried to cure your toenail fungus, there are certain medications to consider. Anti fungal creams are a very popular choice. A doctor can also prescribe tablets to help cure the toenail fungus.

The pills can cause uncomfortable side effects such as headaches and nausea. You may even need a blood test in case of liver damage. Certain home remedies ' soak your feet in various antiseptics. Many people swear by eating garlic and taking natural tinctures or supplements.

Laser treatment for toenail fungus is fairly new. This has offered a lot of hope for sufferers. It is a very effective method to remove to stubborn fungus. Leading podiatrists are using the Patholase Pinpointe Foot Laser and Noveon Laser methods with excellent results.

With Patholase Pinpointe Foot Laser treatment, you can have immediate results. This simple procedure is painless and safe. The laser kills the fungus and any bacteria and helps to prevent a recurrence of the fungus.

Noveon laser treatment may soon be another option. Usually used in dental procedures or to remove hair, tests have shown that it can also remove toenail fungus. The procedure is very accurate and safe. At present the Noveon method is awaiting final approval.

An estimated 700 million people worldwide suffer with toenail fungus, so there is great excitement about the laser methods. The procedure is quick, simple and painless. And there are absolutely no after-effects of the treatment.

Medical schemes do not yet cover payment of laser treatments for toenail fungal infections. Being expensive, it is only available to a small percentage of people. You may need more than one treatment to make sure the fungus has been completely eradicated.

You are probably spending a small fortune on different kinds of treatments for your toenail fungus. At the end of the day, laser treatment could work out even cheaper. If you are tired of dealing with this embarrassing problem, you should definitely consider laser treatment. Get online and do some research. Laser treatment could be the permanent solution to your toenail fungus. - 30519

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Orthodics

By Olivia Ominskilor

Wearing orthodics may help to relieve chronic back aches and foot pain. Some people find that using orthodics works to relieve their aches and pains. But since there are so many causes of back pain there sometimes the pain is not completely eliminated.

Shoes that do not fit and footwear that is very old is one of the major causes of back aches and foot pain. An older pair of shoes loses its arch support tendency as more wear and tear is put on the shoes. A great way to correct the arch support is by using orthodics.

Shoes should be replaced very often if you do a vast amount of walking. Most of the people who have foot and back paid have day jobs where they must stand or be on their feet for hours. This puts a large amount of pressure on the joints and feet. By simply putting orthodics in your shoes, you can instantly relieve pain and align your body.

Foot orthodics are a fast and simple way to reduce the pressure on your feet and spread the weight over a wider surface, rather than all in one place. Foot orthodics also help realign all the joints and your back, which may help cut discomfort in all areas.

Several different companies manufacture orthodics in all kinds of dimensions. They are made so people are able to stand or walk for a very long time without experiencing any pain. Foot pain is relieved and pressure is taken away from the sensitive areas of the foot.

Orthodics help people with their posture to stand up straight because they align the entire body. I haven't actually ever used foot orthodics myself, but would consider doing so myself since I spend so much time on my feet walking around on a daily basis.

There were days I have walked a few miles and my feet were so sore it felt as though I had gout and could hardly stand or walk around. I had always wondered if orthodics would allow me to walk farther without foot and back pain.

Orthodics are a much less expensive way to treat foot pain than going to the doctor. Although some people like how orthodics feel, others find they do not. But since most are guaranteed, some people try them anyways because they have nothing to lose.

If you feel like learning more about orthodics, go ahead and do more research. There are many articles online and other places that give more information about this simple solution. - 30519

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What Every Podiatrist Should Know About Purchasing Podiatry Equipment

By Jeffrey Bateson

For your podiatry practice, it's very important to purchase the best podiatry equipment available. In this equipment-purchasing department, buying the best possible podiatry chairs is one of the biggest responsibilities. In making such an important investment as this, you'll be wise to choose the podiatry chairs with the utmost long-term-satisfaction potential.

There are a lot of things to consider when buying podiatry chairs. For instance, it would be wise to compare the different brands of podiatry chairs for their features and functioning abilities. For such an important podiatry equipment investment, you'll want to make sure that you buy state-of-the-art; aesthetically pleasing and elegant; comfortable; and CSA-approved chairs. They should be durable and long-lasting; operate quietly and smoothly; have the ability to convert to a mobile chair; have power lift, back, and tilt functions; have many accessory options; come with either foot control or remote hand control; have two-user programmable positions that allow rapid movement to often-used positions; and have a removable debris tray.

Podiatry chairs are commonly built to handle a maximum weight of 350 pounds, but this information is often absent in the product's literature. There are, however, podiatry chairs that are designed with a 650-pound capacity, and there's even a bariatric podiatry chair model with an 800-pound capacity. It's also important for podiatry chairs to have adjustable foot rests that accommodate very tall patients, and to be able to go as low as 21 inches in height for disabled and older patients.

You'll be smart to investigate any company you're thinking of dealing with in order to ascertain that it is a stable, reliable business with a good track record. You'll want to find out if they have a professional, honest, and knowledgeable sales team that will provide you with easy access to the information and literature you need on their products. You'll benefit to know if they are dedicated to helping you select the best possible model or models of podiatry equipment.

You'll want to be sure of getting excellent ongoing customer service and support from the company you choose. You'll want to know if they have a simple ordering process. You'll also need assurance that they have a properly trained installation crew that will meticulously install your new podiatry chairs. You'll want to see how they compare with other possible providers in warrantee coverage and in how fast and well they honor their warrantees when they do repairs in your geographical area. You might be interested to know if the company you choose does any customizations on their chairs, such as upholstery, colors, laminate, and special foams. You might even be curious about where their podiatry equipment is manufactured.

You'll certainly want to compare the various top brands of podiatry chairs for price and quality. You'll surely want to choose the best quality, best-designed, and most versatile chairs on the market, as long as the price is competitive or at least affordable. No matter the brand you ultimately choose, you'll want to finally own the podiatry equipment that you'll never ever have to worry about. - 30519

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Partial Nail Avulsion

By Hazel Wig

Lack of information can make nail surgery seem rather frightening. However this simple procedure, while not often talked about, can provide a permanent solution to painful conditions in a local chiropody or podiatry clinic.

In fact you may never think about nail surgery until you're in some pain and realise that you need some urgent help!

You can rest assured that competent, reassuring and prompt help should be available at a clinic not too far from home. It's helpful to have some facts about the whole process so that you'll know what might be necessary.

Surgery is necessary where a deformed or damaged nail is causing infection and pain in the toe. This infection can spread quickly and can be cured by antibiotics. Unfortunately it will then usually reoccur, because the nail is still damaged or deformed. Surgery will correct the nail and so prevent the return of the infection.

Sometimes toe pain is caused by slight deformities in the nail, such as very wide nails or very thick nails. Or it may be due to trauma, such as a knock or too tight shoes. Poor nail cutting can also be a cause.

Total nail avulsion is the removal of the whole nail and partial nail avulsion is the removal of only the sides of the nail. These can be done while leaving the nail bed unaffected. These procedures are carried out when the nail has been damaged so that it can grow back without blemish.

Similar surgery is also used when the problems arise from within. The nail may grow in a slightly unusual way - it may be too curved or too wide - and so when the nail is partly removed some of the nail bed will also need to be taken out as well. Then the nail will grow back without the parts which have caused problems. Modern techniques used by experienced practitioners mean that the resulting appearance is satisfactory.

Once you've understood why nail surgery may be necessary and what it will do for the problem, it's helpful to know a few practicalities.

Nail problems can be very painful and it will be necessary to anesthetise the toe in order for surgery to be carried out. The anaesthetic injections may be a little painful, but the discomfort passes quickly and you'll soon be ready for the surgery. The two injections are usually at the base of the toe away from the painful part.

The surgery usually takes about fifteen minutes to complete and then you'll be allowed to go home with instructions to care for the dressing, to rest with your foot raised for few hours and to take painkillers if you experience discomfort. Any pain will be controlled by paracetemol or ibuprofen (aspirin should not be taken as it can encourage bleeding). Make sure that your footwear, including socks, is loose fitting and doesn't put any pressure on your toes. You'll have to return for dressing changes and for your healing to be monitored.

When considering where to have your nail surgery, do look at the qualifications of people working at the clinic. Length of trainings can vary a great deal and so can experience. Ask around for recommendations - you'll be surprised to find how many people have experience and opinions. Do a quick bit of research and you'll be able to get the real benefits of this procedure from a professional and reassuring Clinic.

If the Reception staff receive you in an interested, helpful manner and if they can be flexible enough to offer appointments that fit your circumstances, then you'll probably have found the right Clinic.

Once you've settled on a Clinic, the process should run smoothly and you'll be pleased with the results of your nail surgery. - 30519

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Custom Orthotics Helps the Foot

By Dr. Brent Bowden

What is Metatarsalgia?

Metatarsalgia is a condition where there is pain in the area of the ball of the foot. The foot has two different arches. The long longitudinal arch which goes from the heel to the ball, and the metatarsal arch which goes from the big toe to the small toe at the level of the ball of the foot. When there is a collapse of this metatarsal arch, it can cause pain across the forefoot area. This problem can become worse with the formation of a neuroma.

What is Mortons Neuroma?

A neuroma is an enlargement of the nerve in an area of irritation. The most common area for a neuroma to form is between the 3rd and 4th toes, at the ball. This is known as a Mortons Neuroma. When this happens, it will send pain up into the toes, and can also cause pain in the ball of the foot. Sometimes the 3rd and 4th toes will become numb. One of the treatments for this problem is to add a metatarsal arch onto your custom orthotics. This is a small soft triangular raise that is positioned on the Custom Orthotic just behind the ball of the foot. This will support the arch, and allow the metatarsal heads to spread slightly, and reduce the irritation on pinch on the nerve. A Custom Orthotic with a metatarsal raise can be an effective treatment for this problem.

How can Custom Orthotics help with pronation?

Pronation is what is commonly referred to as a flat foot. The long arch of the foot collapses and the foot elongates. This bio-mechanical problem can cause pain in the foot, and further up the leg. When this pronation occurs it causes a rotation in the lower bones of the leg. This can be a factor in other problems. This flattening of the foot will cause pain in the arch which becomes worse the longer you are on your feet. It can cause many other problems, such as shin splints and achillies tendonitis.

How can Custom Orthotics help with supination?

A high arch foot is usually in conjunction with supination. Supination is also usually in conjunction with plantar fasciitis. Supination causes someone to plant their foot on the outside of their shoes. Custom orthotics can place a wedge on the outside portion of the custom orthotic that will balance that area of the foot as well as offer support to the inside of the foot. Treatment through the use of custom orthotics can be very effective for those with problems with supination. - 30519

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Foot Pain Treatment Through Custom Orthotics

By Dr. Brent Bowden

How can Custom Orthotics help with Metatarsalgia?

When there is pain the ball of the foot area, the condition is called metatarsalgia. There are two arches in the foot. One goes from the ball to the heel and is called the long longitudinal arch. The other arch goes from the small toe to the big toe at the ball of the foot level. When the metatarsal arch collapses, pain occurs in the forefoot area. If the problem worsens, a neuroma forms.

Mortons Neuroma

A neuroma is an enlargement of the nerve in an area of irritation. The most common area for a neuroma to form is between the 3rd and 4th toes, at the ball. This is known as a Mortons Neuroma. When this happens, it will send pain up into the toes, and can also cause pain in the ball of the foot. Sometimes the 3rd and 4th toes will become numb. One of the treatments for this problem is to add a metatarsal arch onto your custom orthotics. This is a small soft triangular raise that is positioned on the Custom Orthotic just behind the ball of the foot. This will support the arch, and allow the metatarsal heads to spread slightly, and reduce the irritation on pinch on the nerve. A Custom Orthotic with a metatarsal raise can be an effective treatment for this problem.

How can Custom Orthotics help with pronation?

Flat foot is most commonly due to pronation of the foot. When pronation occurs the foot elongates and the long arch collapses, causing pain not only in the foot, but also up through the leg. Pronation causes rotating to occur in the lower leg bones which can then cause other problems. Pain in the arch results from the flattening of the foot. Someone with flat feet will experience pain in the arch which will worsen the longer they are on their feet. This may also cause additional problems such as achillies tendonitis and shin splints. Custom orthotics can help give necessary arch support to the foot so unnecessary pain can be avoided.

What is supination?

Supination is related with someone with a high arch foot. It is also related with plantar fasciitis. When a person supinates, they shoes are run over to the outside. An added wedge to custom orthotics can help with those who supinate. The wedge will balance the outside area of the foot while at the same time supporting the inside portion of the foot. Those who supinate can see their shoes worn out on the outside portion. Custom orthotics can be a useful remedy for supination. - 30519

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How Custom Orthotics Helps Plantar Fasciitis

By Dr. Brent Bowden

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Custom orthotics can help alleviate many foot problems; however, they are most commonly used for plantar fasciitis. Plantar fascia is a flat fibrous tissue that runs from the ball of the foot to the heel bone. It looks similar to fiberglass packaging tape. Its ability to stretch is limited. Its role is to keep the foot from flattening too much and to support the foot. When a foot does flatten too much or pronates, there is abnormal pressure placed on the plantar fascia resulting in pain and inflammation.

When abnormal pressure is placed on the plantar fascia, the band pulls away from the insertion point on the heel. It is almost like a having a small fracture in that area. Inflammation begins as the body responds and tries to repair the area. The body puts down calcium in order to repair the tear.

The problem comes because of the pressure that is put on the plantar fascia. This band will pull away from it's insertion on the heel, and acts almost like a very small fracture. The body reacts to this with inflammation, and it will begin to lay down calcium to repair the small tear. After time this continuous laying down of calcium can cause a heel spur to form. It is not the spur itself that causes this pain, but the process that is going on.

How do custom orthotics help?

By using custom orthotics, pressure will be taken off the foot, the arch will be supported, necessary repair to the plantar fascia can occur, and inflammation in that area will decrease.

What other methods can be used?

A doctor can give a cortisone injection which will reduce inflammation. Stretching, ice and anti inflammatory medications can be taken to help ease the pain experienced with plantar faciitis. The use of custom orthotics can help prevent plantar faciitis from happening. - 30519

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