Items filtered by date: September 2024

Laser surgery for fungal toenails is an advanced treatment option designed to combat persistent fungal infections. This procedure uses targeted laser energy to penetrate the nail and destroy the fungus without harming the surrounding tissue. One notable benefit is its precision. The laser targets only the infected areas, promoting a quicker recovery. Typically, the procedure is painless and requires no downtime, allowing patients to resume normal activities almost immediately. Unlike traditional treatments, laser therapy does not involve oral medications or topical applications, reducing potential side effects. However, multiple sessions might be needed for optimal results, and some patients may experience temporary discomfort or nail discoloration. If you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine if laser surgery 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 Paul A. Santangelo, DPM from Illinois. 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 offices located in Niles and Rockford, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by sudden, severe pain, redness, and swelling in the joints, most commonly affecting the big toe, a condition known as podagra. It occurs when high levels of uric acid in the blood form sharp crystals that accumulate in joints. Symptoms often include intense joint pain that typically occurs at night, lingering discomfort, inflammation, and limited range of motion. Causes of gout include a diet high in purines, found in red meat and seafood, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and certain medical conditions like hypertension and kidney disease. Men, postmenopausal women, and people with a family history of gout are at higher risk. Gout attacks, or flare-ups, can recur if underlying causes are not addressed. Prevention strategies involve maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, limiting alcohol intake, and managing body weight. If you suspect you have gout in your big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis, treatment, and a long-term management plan to prevent joint damage and improve quality of life.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Paul A. Santangelo, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Niles and Rockford, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.