Podiatry

• Quick, In-office procedure
• Safe & effective treatment
• Virtually painless
• No downtime from your regular activities
• Alternative to prescription medications

If your toenails appear brittle, yellow or thickened, you could be suffering from a fungal toenail infection that could continue to worsen over time if measures are not taken to stop the infection. Piedmont Orthopaedic Complex is now offering an exciting new in-office laser treatment for nail fungus. This new technology is clinically proven, safe and effective, posing none of the risks and harmful side effects of oral anti-fungal medications. For more information about the fungal nail laser treatment, please contact Holly Taylor at 478.405.2350.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have a nail fungus? What causes it?

Scheduling an initial appointment with one of our Podiatrists is the first step that you can take to determine if the problem you are having is caused by a nail fungus. Often, patients with fungal nails may have pain, thick, yellow and unsightly nails. Toenail infections can be caused by heavy foot perspiration, poor shoe/sock ventilation or walking barefoot in damp areas such as a gym or locker room.

How does the laser treatment work?

The laser kills the fungus infection in the nail bed allowing the new nail to grow out unaffected. Typical treatment is under 20 minutes.

Does it hurt?

No, you should have no pain or discomfort during the treatment. However, some people feel a warm tingling sensation.

How soon will I see improvement?

On average, a toenail will replace itself every 9-12 months. Healthy new growth will be visible within the first 2 months as your nails continue to grow following the laser treatment. You can resume normal activities immediately. There are no bandages or pain relief required.

Just like milk in your refrigerator and cans in your pantry, your athletic shoes have a specific shelf life.  Unfortunately, shoes have no expiration date noted on the bottom.  Nevertheless, there are a number of factors that you should consider before sending your shoes “out to pasture.” Wearing old athletic shoes, specifically for running, or wearing the  wrong type of shoes for your foot or for a specific sport can lead to injuries.  For example, running in a shoe that no longer provides traction, support, and cushioning can lead to a number of musculoskeletal complaints, among them heel pain, shin splints, and stress
fractures.  A basic rule of thumb for runners is to replace shoes every 300-500 miles.  Other factors to consider are:
• Type of shoe/type of foot: Ask your podiatrist about specific shoes that are best for your foot type.  Some shoes are designed to accommodate pronation or supination, and your doctor can give you good reasons to choose one brand over another.
• Environment: A humid climate can contribute to a shoe’s rapid breakdown because running in a wet shoe will overstretch the upper part of the shoe while over-compressing the lower part.
• Body type: Your body weight is a big factor in determining which shoe is best for you.  In general, the more you weigh, the more cushioning your feet will need to withstand the impact.
• Usage: The amount you wear your shoe and how many miles you log can also affect the life of your shoe.  Runners and walkers can easily track their mileage. Shoes used outside will break down more rapidly than those in the gym.

About half-way through the life of your shoes, buy a second pair to rotate in during workouts.  Having a newer pair as a point of reference will also help you identify the feel of shoes that have run their course. Your feet can last a lifetime, but your shoes are not designed to do the same.  Replace worn athletic shoes as often as needed and work with your podiatrist to keep your feet healthy and injury-free.

Article from www.apma.org