Can Orthotics Correct My Hammertoe?
It’s no secret that hammertoes can cause pain. Walking and even just wearing shoes can be uncomfortable. So, what role do orthotics have in hammertoe management? Read on to find out.
What Can I Expect During Laser Toenail Treatment?
If you’re dealing with yellow, brittle, or thickened toenails that just won’t clear up, you might have a fungal toenail infection, and you’re not alone. Fungal toenails, medically known as onychomycosis, affect millions of people each year and can be notoriously difficult to treat with creams or pills alone. That’s where laser toenail treatment comes in.
Our team at Manhattan Podiatry Associates in Midtown and Downtown Manhattan, New York City, uses state-of-the-art laser technology to help clear up fungal toenail infections safely and effectively.
Take a moment to learn more about fungal infections, what you can expect during laser toenail treatment, and why so many people are turning to laser therapy to restore healthy nails.
What are fungal toenails?
Fungal toenails are caused by an overgrowth of fungus, most commonly Trichophyton rubrum, which thrives in warm, damp places like communal showers, locker rooms, or sweaty athletic shoes. People with compromised immune systems or chronic foot moisture — including athletes — are particularly susceptible.
There are three main types of fungal toenail infections:
Distal subungual onychomycosis (most common)
This is the most common type of fungal infection, and it starts at the tip of your nail and moves inward. It causes thickened, discolored, or crumbling nails.
Proximal subungual onychomycosis
This type of fungal infection begins at the base of your nail and spreads outward. This type of infection is more common in people with weakened immune systems.
Yeast onychomycosis
This fungal infection is caused by Candida and more commonly affects fingernails. It, too, can make them yellow or distorted.
Do you have fungal toenails?
Before you get started with laser treatment, your Manhattan Podiatry Associates podiatrist confirms that a fungal infection is the source of your symptoms. (Nail psoriasis, for example, can mirror the symptoms of fungal infections.)
What to expect during laser toenail treatment
Once we confirm that you have a fungal infection, it’s time to get started with laser therapy.
What to expect during treatment
Laser toenail treatment sessions are quick, typically taking around 20 minutes.
During your session, our team uses targeted laser technology to deliver a concentrated wavelength of light to your infected toenail. This light passes through your nail to kill the fungus at its source without harming the surrounding healthy tissue.
The laser targets the pigment in the fungus. It heats and destroys it from the inside out, so you may experience a mild warming sensation during the procedure.
What to expect after treatment
There’s minimal discomfort involved, so you can return to your normal activities right away. Improvement happens gradually as your nail grows out. You’ll see clear nail growth becoming visible over the course of several months.
Depending on the severity of your fungal infection, multiple sessions may be necessary to fully resolve it.
Why so many people are turning to laser toenail treatment
Laser toenail treatment is a safe, non-invasive procedure with no downtime and no risk of liver damage like oral antifungals.
Other benefits include:
- Higher efficacy, especially in moderate to severe cases
- No systemic side effects
- Targets the infection directly
- Faster results compared to traditional creams or oral medications
If left untreated, the infection can worsen, spread, and lead to permanent nail damage. Laser treatment helps you avoid that complication.
Ready to get rid of stubborn toenail fungus?
With two convenient locations, we make getting laser toenail treatment convenient. Contact Manhattan Podiatry Associates today to schedule your consultation and learn if laser toenail treatment is right for you.
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