Laser Therapy

Patient Conditions/Indications

The Remy is FDA-cleared to treat a wide range of patient conditions from pain/inflammation and onychomycosis… to surgical treatment of plantar and mosaic warts (without the use of anesthesia).

With interchangeable handpieces that can be switched with a simple finger-switch, shifting from therapy to fungus… or fungus to surgery… or back to therapy… is achieved smoothly and efficiently.

The Remy can be utilized to treat the following patient foot/ankle conditions:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Arthritis & Gout
• Bone Spurs
• Bunions
• Fungal Nail
• Inflammation & Pain Relief
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Post-Surgical Care
• PTTD/Adult-Acquired Flatfoot
• Metatarsalgia
• Neuroma
• Shin Splints
• Sprains & Tears
• Warts (Plantar & Mosaic)
• Wound Healing

The Remy can also be used for physical therapy cases.

There are several advantages of laser therapy over physical therapy for patient s with foot and ankle conditions needed prolonged care!

First, physical therapy often costs the patient 3x the expense of laser therapy treatments. Laser therapy is cost-effective; patients typically have little out-of-pocket expense to cover. BONUS: Your practice will see revenue increases when you no longer refer physical therapy out!

Second, time is saved for the patient. Physical therapy usually requires three, one-hour sessions for six to eight weeks. Laser therapy is quick with one, ten-minute session for six to eight weeks.

Finally, the effects of laser therapy are felt immediately. Physical therapy often leaves patients with some aches and additional soreness immediately after treatment. Patients who undergo laser therapy often feel no pain immediately after the first treatment and no negative side effects.

Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus

If you’ve noticed a change in your toenail’s texture, color, or a foul odor coming from the nail, you may have a fungal nail infection. A fungal nail infection also known as onychomycosis is a common foot ailment. At Paragon Podiatry, we are proud to offer a variety of treatment options for those with toenail fungus, including laser treatment. 

What causes toenail fungus?

Toenail fungal infections develop when tiny, microscopic organisms known as fungi penetrate and infect the nail bed or plate of your toenails. While fungi are everywhere and sometimes can live on your skin without trouble, an overabundance of fungus can lead to infection. Often fungal infections occur when you spend a lot of time barefoot in humid, moist environments where fungi thrive such as spas, locker rooms, public showers, and gyms. Wearing tight footwear with thick socks may crowd toes into a moist space and also increase your risk. Frequent trauma to nails as well as any history of medical conditions that may weaken your immune system may also raise your risk of infection. 

Symptoms

Often developing slowly over time, it can take some time before the patient notices any severe symptoms. Fungal infections of the nail can vary on the type of fungi and where the infection begins, but symptoms are the same for most cases.

Common symptoms include:

• Debris build up underneath the nail
• Discoloration of part of the nail, typically yellow, brown, white, and/or green
• Distortion of the nail (lifting, curling, or loosening from the nail bed)
• Pain may not be present at first but will develop over time as the infection progresses untreated
• The nail may become brittle, crumble, or split
• Thickening or thinning of the nail

It is important to note that the infection can spread to other nails and even onto the skin. 

Laser Treatment

Once a fungal infection has been determined, treatment can begin. However, it is important to note that treatments vary depending on the nature and severity of the infection. 

We offer laser treatment for patients diagnosed with fungal nail infections. Laser therapy is a fast, painless, and effective treatment method with no recovery period of side effects. 

The laser energy penetrates through the nail and soft tissue heating up the fungal cells, destroying them, and eliminating the infection. The heat energy also sterilizes the area to prevent new fungal growth. 

The number of treatment sessions necessary will be determined during your consultation. The average treatment plan consists of 3-6 sessions but will depend on the severity of infection and patient’s health. 

As your nail grows out, the damage will slowly disappear. It is important to note it can take 6 to 12 months for the nail to grow out completely. We will monitor your nail’s growth to ensure treatment is successful.

For more information on fungal nail infections or to schedule an appointment, contact our office today.