Near Infra-red Light Therapy
Magnetic Biostimulation (MBS) Therapy
Orthotics
Surgery
Minimal Incision Surgery
Radial Shockwave Therapy
Cool Breeze Laser Treatement for Fungal Toenails
Treatments and Devices
We utilize both conventional and highly-specialized methods that could include both conservative and surgical techniques. X-rays and other diagnostic tests may be performed by a podiatrist. Surgery on an out-patient basis may involve the use of traditional open or minimal incision surgery. Custom orthotics may be prescribed to correct certain biomechanical imbalances and occasionally custom shoes may be prescribed. Therapeutic modalities such as ultrasound, serial taping and padding are often used.
Foot problems are often associated with abnormal conditions in other parts of the body, both systemic and skeletal such as in back disorders. We specifically look for signs of diabetes, kidney ailments, anemia, among other disorders that may require consultation with your family physician or other specialist.
Early diagnosis and treatment of foot problems are worthwhile investments in overall good health. Unfortunately, major foot problems can result when people attempt to diagnose and cure their own foot ailments or neglect their feet altogether.
Back to top.
Near Infra-red Light Therapy
This therapy uses monochromatic infrared energy to help to improve nerve function and to stimulate wound healing by helping the body to make new blood vessels in the area of the injury.
The purpose of this therapy is to temporarily increase local circulation and reduce pain and swelling, to temporarily reduce disturbance of skin sensation due to diabetic and other peripheral neuropathies, and, as an adjunct to physical therapy, to temporarily increase balance to reduce fall risk of patients with diabetes and other peripheral neuropathies.
The duration of a single treatment is 30 minutes. However, for a patient to benefit from the therapy, multiple treatments are required. Following assessment of your condition, the podiatrist will recommend the number of treatments that he feels will be required.
Back to top.
Magnetic Biostimulation (MBS) Therapy
By increasing blood supply and metabolism, Magnetic Biostimulation and Infrared Rays can be used to target a specific area, or to treat the entire body.
These are some indications where MBS combined with Infrared rays have been applied with great success:
Fractures (especially non union)
Connective tissue repair
Delayed wound and bone healing
Sports injuries
Decubitus ulcers
Migraine headaches
Chronic and degenerative conditions
Acute and chronic inflammation
The therapeutic effect of magnetic biostimulation is based on its stimulation of circulation, and the exchange of ions between the inner and outer cell wall. Both of these contribute to the overall functioning of the cell, and the whole body. The ability to have an effect at the cellular level is unique to magnetic field therapy, enabling it to reach parts of the body that other treatment methods cannot reach. Magnetic field treatments have a long history, dating back to 1530, and the current MBS series is the newest and most effective form of the therapy to date.
Back to top.
Orthotics
Orthotics, also known as orthoses, refers to any device inserted into a shoe that corrects an abnormal or irregular, walking pattern. Orthotics are not just arch supports; they allow people to stand, walk, and run more efficiently and comfortably. While over-the-counter orthotics are available and may help people with mild symptoms, they normally cannot correct the wide range of symptoms that prescription foot orthoses can since they are not custom made to fit an individual's unique foot structure.
We can prescribe your orthotic device to fit the style of shoe that you normally wear, rather than requiring you to buy a shoe to fit the orthotic device. Orthotic devices come in many shapes, sizes, and materials and fall into three main categories: those designed to change foot function, those that are primarily protective in nature, and those that combine functional control and protection.
Rigid Orthotics
Rigid orthotic devices are designed to control function and are used primarily for walking or dress shoes. They are often composed of a firm material, such as plastic or carbon fiber. Rigid orthotics are made from a mold after we take a plaster cast or other type of image of the foot. Rigid orthotics control motion in the two major foot joints that lie directly below the ankle joint and may improve or eliminate strains, aches, and pains in the legs, thighs, and lower back.
Soft Orthotics
Soft orthotics are generally used to absorb shock, increase balance, and take pressure off uncomfortable or sore spots. They are usually effective for diabetic, arthritic, and deformed feet. Soft orthotics are typically made up of soft, cushioned materials so that they can be worn against the sole of the foot, extending from the heel past the ball of the foot, including the toes. Like rigid orthotics, soft orthotics are also made from a mold after we take a plaster cast or other type of image of the foot.
Semi-Rigid Orthotics
Semi-rigid orthotics provide foot balance for walking or participating in sports. The typical semi-rigid orthotic is made up of layers of soft material, reinforced with more rigid materials. Semi-rigid orthotics are often prescribed for children to treat flatfoot and in-toeing or out-toeing disorders. These orthotics are also used to help athletes mitigate pain while they train and compete.
Back to top.
Surgery
Approximately nine out of ten people suffer from a troublesome foot problem at some point in their lives. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of foot problems do not resolve without medical intervention. Fortunately, for those people who suffer from painful feet, podiatrists can properly diagnose a foot problem, recommend and/or administer treatment. If conservative therapy is not successful for a particular problem, surgery may be performed.
There are basically three reasons for having foot surgery:
- to eliminate pain
- to improve foot function
- to improve the appearance of your feet
We perform surgery in our office which is a much more pleasant atmosphere than the hospital. Overnight stays in hospitals are avoided as is prolonged pain and disability. Local anesthesia, considered the safest form of anesthetic, will be used to make your surgery painless. With very few exceptions, you can walk out of the office following the procedure.
Minimal Incision Surgery:
Minimal Incision Surgery may be one type of surgery that we may decide to use for your particular problem. Minimal Incision Surgery (MIS) was developed in the early 70's and is now in widespread use.
Using MIS, the particular area of concern on your foot will be anesthetized. A small incision will be made (approximately 1/4") and a fine precision instrument will be used to perform the surgery. Usually no more than a single stitch is required. Pins, screws, wire or staples are not used and soft bandaging takes the place of casts and crutches. You may even be able to wear your own shoes immediately after the surgery!
Radial Shockwave Therapy:
What are Radial Shockwaves?
Radial shockwaves are pneumatically-generated high-energy shockwaves. They are transmitted through the surface of the skin and spread radially (spherically) into the body. The body responds with increased metabolic activity around the site of the pain. This stimulates and accelerates the healing process.
What is Radial Shockwave Therapy?
Radial Shock Wave Therapy is used to treat chronic heel pain (plantar fasciitis). During this noninvasive procedure, shockwaves are directed at the area of pain using a hand-held device pressed against the bottom surface of the heel.
Shock Wave Therapy is prescribed for patients who have experienced plantar fasciitis for an extended period of time -- six months or more -- and have not benefited from other conservative treatments. The brief procedure lasts about 30 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis. Strong shockwaves are directed at and penetrate the heel area to stimulate a healing response by the body. The patient does not require assistance walking or driving when the procedure is completed.
People who are not candidates for Radial Shockwave Therapy include pregnant women and individuals with neurological foot disease, vascular foot disease, pacemakers, or people taking medications that interfere with blood clotting (such as Coumadin).
This therapy is a safe and effective alternative treatment for heel pain and only requires a short recovery time. Clinical studies show a 70 percent success rate for treatment of plantar fasciitis using Radiall Shock Wave Therapy.
Radial Shockwave Therapy is currently used to treat:
- Heel Spur - Calcaneal spur, mostly chronic, painful inflammation under the heel.
- Achillodynia - mostly inflammation-induced change causing pain in the Achilles tendon
Cool Breeze Laser Treatment for Fungal Toenails
In addition to the traditional methods of treating fungal toenails (topical medications, surgery), Feetdocs is pleased to be able to offer the Cool Breeze laser treatment.
This treatment, depending upon the severity of the condition, has a high success rate of eradicating toenail fungus. It uses a mid-infrared laser wavelength to penetrate the nail, destroying the fungus that causes the infection and revitalizing your nail as it grows out.
As each affected toe is treated, the patient will feel a mild, warming sensation immediately followed by a burst of cooling cryogen spray. To treat all toes on both feet, the procedure takes about 20 minutes.
Results are noticed within 2 to 4 months, depending upon how quickly your toenails grow. Clear growth begins to appear at the bottom portion of your nail as the diseased portion of the nail grows out.