A Podiatry Laser Makes New Foot Treatment Options Possible
Movie fans are familiar with spectacular wide-screen visions of lasers that slice off limbs, incinerate cities, and even atomize entire planets. These special digital effects are entertaining, but become insignificant when compared to the actual achievements this technology is bringing to patients. Podiatry laser techniques effectively treat many foot problems today, from sports injuries to fungal infections.
Unlike visible sunlight, lasers are monochromatic, and do not become diffuse when aimed at distant objects. These beams have the potential to unleash energy in many different forms. Communications companies use fiber optic cable to transmit digital data using light, industry uses them to mass produce products, and people turn them them on every time they play a DVD. They are ideal for soft-tissue surgery, especially in the eyes.
When integrated into traditional surgical foot procedures, they are helping make many operations both faster and safer. Some patients experience less post-operative swelling and a shorter recovery time when compared to invasive scalpel work. Doctors who specialize in sports medicine or who often repair broken bones in the feet find that lasers are ideal both for repairing and cleaning areas of easily-damaged soft tissue.
A focused beam of light is unerringly accurate, and can precision-disintegrate small areas without causing any collateral damage. Some of the most commonly treated foot problems include the growth of painful warts on the sole, ingrown large toenails which become infected, and various kinds of painful callouses caused by inappropriate footwear. Light scalpels work so precisely that any trauma is greatly reduced.
Bleeding during surgery is greatly reduced because a laser simultaneously cuts and cauterizes. Many common procedures can now be completed on an out-patient basis using only local anesthesia, and requiring less follow-up. While it is true that any invasive operation has the potential to become infected or develop other complications, using this type of surgical tool greatly reduces the chances.
Fungal infections of the toenails have become common, and cause social distress as well as unpleasant symptoms. Older treatments required removal and abrasion of the toenail bed, and even then the fungi usually returned. Internal drugs today can be effective, but may cause liver issues in some patients. For those who chronically deal with this ugly infection, laser treatment offers superior results without complications.
Not only does the focused light effectively kill the fungi, but also sterilizes the infected skin. The treatment is almost totally without discomfort, and most people feel only a minimal warmth. No anesthesia is necessary, and there is no pre- or post-operative preparation. Treatments take less than one hour, and anecdotal success stories show improvement beginning almost immediately, far quicker than is possible from taking medication alone.
Although currently most used for non- or minimally-invasive treatments, this technology is increasingly being integrated into the treatment of sports-related ligament and tendon problems, as well as agonizing conditions such as hammertoes. Certain kinds of neuropathy and arthritic complications also benefit. Patients report minimal residual scar tissue, better mobility, and generally reduced discomfort and healing time.
Unlike visible sunlight, lasers are monochromatic, and do not become diffuse when aimed at distant objects. These beams have the potential to unleash energy in many different forms. Communications companies use fiber optic cable to transmit digital data using light, industry uses them to mass produce products, and people turn them them on every time they play a DVD. They are ideal for soft-tissue surgery, especially in the eyes.
When integrated into traditional surgical foot procedures, they are helping make many operations both faster and safer. Some patients experience less post-operative swelling and a shorter recovery time when compared to invasive scalpel work. Doctors who specialize in sports medicine or who often repair broken bones in the feet find that lasers are ideal both for repairing and cleaning areas of easily-damaged soft tissue.
A focused beam of light is unerringly accurate, and can precision-disintegrate small areas without causing any collateral damage. Some of the most commonly treated foot problems include the growth of painful warts on the sole, ingrown large toenails which become infected, and various kinds of painful callouses caused by inappropriate footwear. Light scalpels work so precisely that any trauma is greatly reduced.
Bleeding during surgery is greatly reduced because a laser simultaneously cuts and cauterizes. Many common procedures can now be completed on an out-patient basis using only local anesthesia, and requiring less follow-up. While it is true that any invasive operation has the potential to become infected or develop other complications, using this type of surgical tool greatly reduces the chances.
Fungal infections of the toenails have become common, and cause social distress as well as unpleasant symptoms. Older treatments required removal and abrasion of the toenail bed, and even then the fungi usually returned. Internal drugs today can be effective, but may cause liver issues in some patients. For those who chronically deal with this ugly infection, laser treatment offers superior results without complications.
Not only does the focused light effectively kill the fungi, but also sterilizes the infected skin. The treatment is almost totally without discomfort, and most people feel only a minimal warmth. No anesthesia is necessary, and there is no pre- or post-operative preparation. Treatments take less than one hour, and anecdotal success stories show improvement beginning almost immediately, far quicker than is possible from taking medication alone.
Although currently most used for non- or minimally-invasive treatments, this technology is increasingly being integrated into the treatment of sports-related ligament and tendon problems, as well as agonizing conditions such as hammertoes. Certain kinds of neuropathy and arthritic complications also benefit. Patients report minimal residual scar tissue, better mobility, and generally reduced discomfort and healing time.
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