Laser for pain & fungus
There seems to be a laser for everything, so let’s talk about how it works in foot conditions - in the least technical way - and why it should be considered before surgery.
A laser is a device that emits light at various frequencies for various applications. You may be familiar with these types of lasers:
Laser pointers for giving presentations or entertaining your cat
Barcode scanners to relay information to the computer like the cost of the thing
Industrial lasers that cut material into shapes or decorative purposes
Lasers used in a medical setting also varies and what I find so fascinating about it are the different wavelengths of light energy that is used for different purposes. I am getting my hands on a laser that treats toenail fungus and helps alleviate soft tissue pain very soon. I’m so excited to share this technology with you.
How do lasers work for toenail fungus?
Lasers emit a specific amount of energy that oxidizes the fungus to destroy the fungus’s genetic material. It also stimulates collagen to make the nail to healthy. Fungus lives in the skin under the nail and for those who want to avoid taking a medication, lasers are a great alternative. It’s a painless process that requires a few treatments for maximum effectiveness.
How do lasers work for pain?
A different light energy is emitted from the laser that stimulate certain cells to reduce the inflammatory pathway related to pain.
The biological effects of lasers also include:
accelerated tissue repair & cell growth
reduced scar tissue
anti-inflammatory
analgesia
improved vascular activity
increased metabolic activity
improved nerve function
Not all lasers are the same, and not all medical lasers treat the same problem. So it’s important to know that there are different lasers for different purposes (ie treating fungus, pain, etc).
The laser I’m getting my hands on is a Class IV FDA cleared multi functional unit designed specifically for foot and ankle conditions, ranging from toenail fungus to treating soft tissue pain. Lasers are a great alternative option to pills and may help one avoid injections or surgery.
To see if you’re a candidate for laser therapy, come in for a consultation.
