(4/30/2012) For the roughly 30 million Americans coping with the physical, emotional and social effects of nail fungus, the quest for a safe and effective solution has been frustrating.  Known medically as onychomycosis, nail fungus is typically treated through the use of various topical and oral therapies, but such treatment options have demonstrated limited success or caused adverse side effects.

The physicians at Atlantic Foot and Ankle Associates are providing their patients with a leading therapy to improve the appearance of nails affected by onychomycosis through the use of a new noninvasive laser therapy system called GenesisPlus from Cutera (San Francisco Bay Area, CA).  The system applies laser energy to the nail plate and surrounding tissue.  The laser light gradually heats the fungus and promotes the growth of healthy, clear nails.

Topical treatments alone are generally unable to clear the nail because of insufficient nail plate penetration.  While oral drugs have exhibited some success rate, such treatment is associated with common adverse side effects, including gastrointestinal and skin disorders, headaches and abnormal liver function. 

Dr. James Rust says the GenesisPlus system provides a safe and effective alternative to conventional treatment options for nail fungus.  “While traditional treatment options have been limited due to either insufficient outcomes or patient concerns regarding side effects, the GenesisPlus laser system provides a reliable nontoxic option that is much easier to use and well tolerated by patients,” Dr. Rust said.  “In a few 10-20 minute sessions, I can treat a patient who has been suffering for many years with unsightly, deformed and discolored toenails, all without downtime for my patients.”

Ann Whiddon of Deland, who chose GenesisPlus for toenail fungus, said the laser system surpassed her expectations.  “I suffered from toenail fungus for almost twenty years.  Before I received my laser procedure, my toenails hurt and I was always embarrassed of the unpleasant appearance of my nails,” said Whiddon.  “After receiving GenesisPlus therapy, my nails grew in clearer and healthier-looking.  The treatment sessions were surprisingly comfortable,” she added.

GenesisPlus has been demonstrated to clear nails of mild and severe forms of fungus, ultimately improving the cosmetic appearance of the nails.  Utilizing the latest technology, GenesisPlus also is powerful enough to treat warts and is used to treat and accelerate scar remodeling, including fresh surgical scars, hypertrophic and keloid scars. 

About Onychomycosis

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the toenails or fingernails.  Most commonly found in toenails, onychomycosis causes the nail to become discolored, thickened and separated from the nail bed.  If left untreated, the condition can cause toenails to become so thick that they press against the inside of shoes, causing pressure, irritation and pain.

Onychomycosis is the cause of half of all nail disorders and it is the most common nail disease in adults.  Approximately half of the population will have at least one infected toenail during the course of their lives.  The incidence of onychomycosis has been increasing, owing to such factors as diabetes, immunosuppression and increasing age.

About Atlantic Foot and Ankle Associates and the Florida Laser Center

In addition to providing the best quality care for your feet and ankles, Atlantic Foot and Ankle Associates has created the Florida Laser Center for the treatment of toenail fungus.  Visit www.FloridaLaserCenter.com for a website that is completely dedicated to providing a wealth of patient education about onychomycosis and treatment options.  If you or a loved one is suffering from toenail fungus and would like to like to make an appointment, please call (386) 274-LASER (5273).

(ORANGE CITY, FL 8/2/2011)  Atlantic Podiatry Associates announced today that foot and ankle specialist, Sona Ramdath Jr., will be practicing at their Orange City, FL office.  Dr. Ramdath specializes in the surgical and non-surgical treatments of the foot and ankle, ranging from pediatrics to geriatrics.  Dr. Ramdath is a board-qualified foot and ankle surgeon and Associate Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

Dr. Ramdath provides care including conditions for the more common foot problems such as general foot & ankle pain, athletes foot, bunions, plantar warts, heel pain, and ingrown toenails to the more serious conditions like sports injuries, foot trauma, diabetes, arthritis, ulcerations, and foot and ankle deformities. 

Atlantic Podiatry Associates is also proud to provide a wealth of patient education materials online at www.atlanticpodiatry.com.  The website offers weekly blogs that are intended to continually educate people about common foot and ankle problems and preventative steps to take to avoid occurrence or recurrence.   If you or a loved one is suffering from foot or ankle pain and would like to visit the Orange City office, please call (386) 775-2281.  Appointments can also be scheduled online or by contacting one of the other three office locations listed on the website.

I had a wonderful question by a newly diagnosed diabetic patient that recently visited Atlantic Podiatry Associates in Orange City.  “Why do so many diabetics have problems with their feet, Dr. McBroom?”  The answer is simple and complex.

Diabetes, in the uncontrolled state, damages the blood flow causing peripheral vascular disease to the feet and legs and can make the feet lose feeling, also known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy.  Imagine not being able to feel that you have stepped on a sharp object. A minor infection develops, and the foot lacks the proper blood flow to heal.  A few days pass and the entire foot becomes swollen and red, but no pain. A few more days go by, and now the foot hurts and there is some darkening of the skin near one of the toes.  At this point, most diabetic patients realize something is not right and head to the emergency room.  One look at the foot by the ER doctor and the patient is admitted and an urgent podiatric surgical consultation must be done.

So many Americans are diagnosed each year with diabetes, including celebrities like Halle Berry and Bret Michaels, and it is important for a diabetic to understand how “at risk” they are regarding their feet.  A routine foot examination by a podiatrist can let you know which risk factors you may have.  If you have great pulses and feel every little touch to your feet, more than likely you are “low risk”.  If you have decreased pulses and some tingling to the toes, you are probably “moderate risk”.  If you have no pulses and cannot feel much of anything, you are most likely “high risk”.  Each risk category may need different levels of podiatric care ranging from a once-a-year examination, nail trimming, and special shoes with arch supports.  

Diabetic foot problems can be avoided.  See your podiatrist to understand what you can do to prevent foot problems.

By Dr. Dennis B. McBroom