Items filtered by date: November 2024

Laser treatment for fungal toenails has gained popularity as an effective option for addressing stubborn infections. The procedure typically utilizes three main types of lasers, which are the Nd:Yag laser, diode laser, and carbon dioxide laser. The Nd:Yag laser emits light that penetrates deep into the nail and surrounding tissue, targeting the fungus while minimizing damage to healthy skin. The diode laser works similarly, using focused light energy to disrupt fungal cells and promote healing. Carbon dioxide lasers, known for their precision, can vaporize infected tissue without harming the surrounding areas. During the treatment, patients often experience minimal discomfort, and sessions usually last only a few minutes. If you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if laser treatment is right 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 Ross Limon, DPM from Boca Deerfield Footcare Center. Our doctor 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 office located in Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar warts are small, rough growths that occur on the soles of the feet, caused by the human papillomavirus. These warts can be uncomfortable and often appear as hardened, raised areas with small black dots, which are actually tiny blood vessels. Symptoms typically include pain or tenderness when walking or standing, making daily activities challenging. Diagnosis usually involves a physical examination by a podiatrist, who may confirm the presence of a wart based on its appearance and location. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to rule out other conditions. Preventing plantar warts involves maintaining foot hygiene, wearing appropriate footwear in communal areas, and avoiding direct contact with warts on other individuals. If you have developed this potentially painful condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you appropriate treatment solutions. 

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Ross Limon, DPM from Boca Deerfield Footcare Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails develop when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, often leading to discomfort and sometimes infection. Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing this condition, which usually affects the big toe. Common causes of ingrown toenails include improper trimming techniques, wearing tight or poorly fitting shoes, and repetitive trauma from sports or physical activities. People with naturally curved toenails or hereditary traits are more prone to having ingrown toenails. Medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and excessive sweating can also contribute, as they often affect nail and foot health. Deformities like bunions or flat feet may increase pressure on the toenails, raising the risk of ingrown toenails. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing your toe, offering advice on footwear, and providing necessary treatment, such as nail trimming or minor surgical procedures. If you frequently suffer from ingrown toenails, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Ross Limon, DPM of Boca Deerfield Footcare Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.