At Ankle N Foot, we provide various types of treatments for nail fungus:
Laser Toenail Fungus Treatment
Summary of Treatment
Laser treatment for fungus one of the newer types of treatment that can be used to mend this condition.
Up to 33 million Americans suffer from onychomycosis and besides the obvious thickening and yellowing of the nail it can produce additional discomfort ingrown nails and lead to additional infections such as athlete’s foot and bacterial infections.
We are committed to try to treat nail fungus in a more cost effective and safe method. Up until now, there were topicals that did not penetrate or medications which have side effects. Lasers that have been used to treat onychomycosis in Europe for several years are now here in the Americas.
If you have any questions about laser treatment for toe nail fungus don’t hesitate to contact us.
Why do you use the Q-Clear Laser instead of others?
The Q-Clear laser is the only FDA approved laser with an efficacy rate of up to 95%. Others may not be FDA approved or have a much lower efficacy rate.
What is the difference between the Q-Clear Laser
Most lasers work on the principle of heat. Raising the local temperature of the nail & nail bed may kill or inhibit the nail fungus. So does the application of 50 degree Centigrade or 122 degrees Fahrenheit water (Ouch!).
The Q-clear uses controlled thermal energy-without heating the surrounding tissue and also uses a “shock-wave” effect that is attracted to pigments in the fungus.
Why do you treat all nails?
To combat toenail fungus, there are common at-home and prescribed treatments. Depending on the severity of the toenail fungus, treatment options will vary. For mild to moderate toenail fungus, topical and oral antifungal treatments can suppress the fungus infection and symptoms. Unfortunately, these treatments can’t always promise long-lasting results. In recent years, podiatrists have been looking at laser technology as the next best thing for pesky toenail fungus. The fungal spores are always present in nature and are opportunistic organisms.
The more you kill, the greater the success rate. It’s like going in for a dental cleaning and only cleaning some the teeth.
Why may I need more than one treatment?
Although there is great effectiveness in one treatment, there are more fungal spores in badly infected nails and in multiple nails-as opposed to a single nail.
Why may the fungus return?
Unfortunately we are creatures of habit. If the fungus was acquired by wearing moist shoes or socks-and you continue to do so—It will return.
What can I do to prevent recurrence?
We give you a list of hygiene items to do following your treatment. If you follow our directions and return yearly for a follow up exam & possible maintenance treatment-then there is a very good chance that you will not be bothered by nail fungus again!
What do you mean by maintenance? I just received treatment to get rid of the fungus!
If you can get away with one teeth cleaning in your lifetime-then perhaps you may get away with one laser treatment session.
Why does my insurance not cover the treatment?
The treatment is covered by your Flex-care Healthcare spending. Insurance companies are in the business of making money, and so, do not cover many newer treatments.
Is this treatment considered experimental?
Laser treatment of nail fungus has been around for several years in Europe. The Q-Clear laser is one of the few lasers that has FDA approval for the treatment onychomycosis.
Traditional Nail Fungus Treatment
We also provide traditional treatment in the form anti-fungal medications. These comprise oral and topical treatment forms.
Oral medications work by attacking the fungus inside out by going through the bloodstream. This is the standard form of treatment. However, different types of individuals may experience side effects.
Topical anti-fungal medications are applied on the affected nail. This method is less invasive, however, it also has the lowest success rate in comparasion to the aforementioned treatments.
