Exploring the Use of the PinPointe FootLaser

At Associated Podiatrists in Connecticut and New York we offer the best in medical technology, including the PinPointe laser. The PinPointe™ FootLaser™ is an advanced system that can be used to treat toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, an uncomfortable condition that leads to thickened, discolored nails. Continue reading to learn more about toenail fungus and how the PinPointe™ FootLaser™ can eliminate it.

 

How Toenail Fungus Forms

• Toenail fungus tends to grow in warm, moist environments, so wear a clean pair of sandals when changing in locker rooms and when using a shared shower. Having small cuts near your toes, ingrown toenails, or a separation between the nail and its bed can allow fungus to infect your toenail, so it is important to use caution when trimming your nails and cuticles. If a fungus does manage to infect a toenail, then wearing tight shoes and socks that do not breathe will provide the perfect environment for the fungus to grow.

How the PinPointe Foot Laser Works

• The PinPointe™ FootLaser™ is an FDA-approved treatment for toenail fungus. With this treatment, a laser beam passes through the infected toenail to eliminate the fungus beneath it. Treatment with the PinPointe™ FootLaser™ may be done over the course of several appointments to ensure that the fungus has been completely destroyed. After treatment, the affected toenail will be replaced as healthy nail grows in its place.

Advantages of the PinPointe Foot Laser

• The medication in topical fungal treatments cannot easily reach the fungus beneath the toenail. The PinPointe™ FootLaser™, however, can penetrate the nail to directly target the fungal infection. In addition, this treatment option works in significantly less time than the oral medications that are used to treat toenail fungus. Treatment with the PinPointe™ FootLaser™ has a high rate of success and causes no significant adverse side effects.

Our New York and Connecticut podiatrists at Associated Podiatrists are certified providers of the PinPointe™ FootLaser™ treatment. You can learn more about this treatment option or make an appointment for a PinPointe™ FootLaser™ consultation in one of our comfortable offices by calling us at (203) 844-0493.

Serena Williams’ Australian Open preparations took a major hit Wednesday when she injured her left ankle at the Brisbane International, laying on the court for several minutes while she received treatment.

 

Ankle injuries can be tricky and can lead to chronic issues. Chronic lateral ankle pain is recurring orchronic pain on the outside part of the ankle that often develops after an injury such as a sprained ankle.

Williams said her first thought when she sprawled to the court near the baseline on Wednesday was“not again.”

Signs and symptoms include:

• Ankle instability
• Difficulty walking on uneven ground or in high heels
• Pain, sometimes intense, on the outer side of the ankle
• Repeated ankle sprains
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Tenderness.

Although ankle sprains are the most common cause of chronic lateral ankle pain, other causes may include:

• A fracture in one of the bones that make up the ankle joint
• Arthritis of the ankle joint
• Inflammation of the joint lining
• Injury to the nerves that pass through the ankle. In this case, the nerves become stretched, torn, injured by a direct blow, or pinched under pressure
• Scar tissue in the ankle after a sprain. The scar tissue takes up space in the joint, putting pressure on the ligaments
• Torn or inflamed tendon.

Treatments for chronic lateral ankle pain include:

• Over the counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling. Note:Please consult your physician before taking any medications
• Physical therapy, including tilt-board exercises that focus on strengthening the muscles, restoring range of motion, and increasing your perception of joint position
• Ankle braces or other supports
• Steroid medication
• Immobilization to allow the bone to heal (in cases of fractures).

Remember, even the most fit athletes are prone to foot and ankle injury. Regular check up and maintenance with your doctor is always recommended. Call Associated Podiatrists in New York and Connecticut today!

Cute and Comfy!: Tips for Finding the Right Shoes for You

Shoes are designed to protect your feet and provide support during daily activities—but the wrong type of footwear can actually lead to a number of foot deformities. Many podiatrists will tell you that corns, calluses, and bunions are often the result of ill-fitting shoes. Even when these conditions are not the direct result of your footwear, the wrong type of shoe can make the problem worse. Keep your feet healthy and happy with this basic guide to finding the perfect shoes for you:

 

Identify Your Foot Type

This is important in determining what style of shoe will fit your needs. For example, individuals with wider feet will want to choose a pair of shoes that provides ample room in the toes to prevent constant rubbing and irritation, while those with flat feet will want shoes that offer optimal arch support.

Make Comfort a Priority

This means avoiding pointy, oval, and square-toed shoes that force your toes into an unnatural position. Instead, try to stick with a style that has a round toe box, as this makes it easier for your toes to breathe and gives them sufficient room to stretch. In addition, avoid heels, especially if you spend a lot of time on your feet. If you must wear heels, chose lower, chunky heels, as these are better designed to distribute your weight.

One of the last things you’ll want to consider when choosing the correct pair of shoes is their material. Synthetic materials don’t allow for proper air circulation, increasing the risk of excessive sweating and blister formation. Leather is a much better option, as it allows your toes to breathe.

Are you suffering from a foot ailment that persists even after you switch to comfortable shoes? Let the doctors at Associated Podiatrists in Connecticut and New York diagnose and treat your foot condition—schedule an appointment by calling (203) 844-0493.