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.
The light produced creating these kinds of beams is monochromatic, unlike sunlight. When focused, it does not become diffuse, and contains an enormous amount of potential energy. It is used today to cut materials more precisely, to send digital data over fiber optic cable, or even to play a DVD. It has been widely employed in the medical field for over thirty years, and has proven especially beneficial in eye surgery.
Traditional foot surgical procedures are increasingly being performed in conjunction with lasers, making the process safer and faster. Patients report decreased swelling and better recovery time when compared to those who have had scalpel-only procedures. Doctors correcting broken bones or to making repairs to other foot structures find light an ideal tool for cleaning and repairing soft tissues that are easily damaged.
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.
Because these beams simultaneously incise and cauterize, the chances of excess bleeding or infection decrease dramatically. In most cases, an operation of this type can be performed as an out-patient procedure using only a local anesthetic, and often requiring only one treatment. Any invasive procedure can potentially develop complications, but the chances of this occurring post-laser treatment is smaller.
Fungal nail infections are extremely common today, and cause social as well as physical discomfort. Past treatments included uncomfortable removal of the nail itself, which did not always destroy the fungi. New, effective drugs are designed to be taken internally, but also have the potential for causing liver damage. Laser treatments are offering new hope for those who suffer from this condition, and often with superior results.
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.
While most effective for minimally invasive procedures, light technology is also being employed during surgery for painful conditions such as hammertoes, and many sports-related tendon and ligament injuries. Some types of arthritis also benefit, as well as certain neuropathies. The results can leave patients with better mobility and less residual scar tissue. Healing rates are generally faster, reducing recovery time and discomfort.
The light produced creating these kinds of beams is monochromatic, unlike sunlight. When focused, it does not become diffuse, and contains an enormous amount of potential energy. It is used today to cut materials more precisely, to send digital data over fiber optic cable, or even to play a DVD. It has been widely employed in the medical field for over thirty years, and has proven especially beneficial in eye surgery.
Traditional foot surgical procedures are increasingly being performed in conjunction with lasers, making the process safer and faster. Patients report decreased swelling and better recovery time when compared to those who have had scalpel-only procedures. Doctors correcting broken bones or to making repairs to other foot structures find light an ideal tool for cleaning and repairing soft tissues that are easily damaged.
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.
Because these beams simultaneously incise and cauterize, the chances of excess bleeding or infection decrease dramatically. In most cases, an operation of this type can be performed as an out-patient procedure using only a local anesthetic, and often requiring only one treatment. Any invasive procedure can potentially develop complications, but the chances of this occurring post-laser treatment is smaller.
Fungal nail infections are extremely common today, and cause social as well as physical discomfort. Past treatments included uncomfortable removal of the nail itself, which did not always destroy the fungi. New, effective drugs are designed to be taken internally, but also have the potential for causing liver damage. Laser treatments are offering new hope for those who suffer from this condition, and often with superior results.
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.
While most effective for minimally invasive procedures, light technology is also being employed during surgery for painful conditions such as hammertoes, and many sports-related tendon and ligament injuries. Some types of arthritis also benefit, as well as certain neuropathies. The results can leave patients with better mobility and less residual scar tissue. Healing rates are generally faster, reducing recovery time and discomfort.
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