Tag: Fungal infections

Categories
blog Fungal Toenails

Fungal Toenails Keep Returning? The PinPointe Laser Is Your Solution

Winter’s coming, and while we bundle up to stay warm, our feet often pay the price. Trapped in damp socks and shoes, they become a breeding ground for toenail fungus.

If you’ve tried over-the-counter remedies or topical medications with little success, you’re not alone. Many people find these treatments offer temporary relief but fail to address the root cause of the problem.

In this blog post, the team at New England Podiatry wants to tell you about an option that actually works: PinPointe Laser Treatments!

The Frustration of Recurrence

Topical treatments fall short because they can’t penetrate the nail plate to reach the underlying fungus.

Oral medications can be effective, but they come with potential side effects and may not be suitable for everyone.

PinPointe Laser: A Targeted Solution

The PinPointe Laser offers a revolutionary approach to treating toenail fungus.

  • This FDA-cleared laser technology targets and destroys the fungus that causes the infection without harming the surrounding nail or skin!

Here’s how it works:

  1. The laser light penetrates the nail plate and reaches the fungus embedded within it.
  2. The laser energy heats and destroys the fungal cells, effectively killing the infection.
  3. The healthy nail is left to grow back, free from the unsightly effects of the fungus.

Advantages of PinPointe Laser Treatment:

  • High Success Rate: Clinical studies have shown that PinPointe Laser treatment has a success rate of 70-80% in eliminating toenail fungus, often with just one or two treatments.
  • Minimal Discomfort: The procedure is typically well-tolerated. No anesthesia, minimal discomfort, and no downtime.  
  • Safe and Effective: The laser targets the fungus specifically, leaving the surrounding healthy tissue unharmed.

Don’t let toenail fungus keep you from putting your best foot forward! If you’re tired of recurring infections, consult with us today.

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Joshua Ouellette, and Dr. Zachary Sax are always pleased to assist. We offer convenient locations in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280 to schedule an appointment.

Categories
blog Obesity

Feeling the Pressure: The Structural Injuries of Obesity

As obesity puts significant stress on the body, the feet and ankles especially bear the brunt. And while podiatrists commonly associate excess weight with diabetes, neuropathy, and other internal foot complications, not enough focus is placed on the structural problems and the mobility limit that occur because of weight gain.

In this article, we at New England Podiatry Associates are emphasizing these affects, along with the injuries that result from them.

The Impact of Obesity on Feet and Ankles

  • Increased pressure: Extra weight places additional pressure on the feet, leading to conditions like plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and metatarsalgia.
  • Joint stress: Obesity can accelerate joint degeneration, particularly in the ankles and feet.
  • Structural changes: Over time, excessive weight can lead to structural changes in the feet, such as flat feet or bunions.
  • Skin issues: Obesity can increase the risk of skin problems, including fungal infections and calluses.
  • Reduced mobility: Foot and ankle pain associated with obesity can limit physical activity, leading to further weight gain and a vicious cycle.

Common Foot and Ankle Injuries Linked to Obesity

With these challenges and changes due to obesity, certain injuries are bound to occur. For instance, ankle sprains become common due to the destabilization of the ankle joint. The added pressure on the heel, ankle, and forefoot can also lead to plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, and Achilles tendonitis.

For morbidly obese people, stress fractures are a possibility due to repetitive impact from walking or standing. The severe pressure on the feet can also lead to open sores that are slow to heal. And with limited mobility, they increase the risk of infection due to their inability to thoroughly clean affected areas.

Prevention

Preventing and managing these injuries often involves weight loss, proper footwear, and orthotics. If you experience persistent foot or ankle pain due to obesity, consult with a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment.

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Joshua Ouellette, and Dr. Zachary Sax are always pleased to assist. We offer convenient locations in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280 to schedule an appointment today.

Categories
blog Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetic Do’s and Don’ts

Diabetes affects your entire body, but unfortunately, your feet are particularly vulnerable. The consequences of neglect are severe: According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, diabetic foot ulcers precede roughly half of all lower-limb amputations in people with diabetes.

New England Podiatry Associates is here to help! With proper care and proactive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of complications, and we’ve got a handy list of do’s and don’ts to get you started below.

THE DO’S

THE DON’TS

  • DON’T Ignore Foot Pain or Changes: Never downplay any pain, numbness, tingling, or changes in appearance in your feet. These could be early signs of a developing problem.
  • DON’T Walk Barefoot: Even indoors, walking barefoot increases your risk of injury from sharp objects or burns from hot surfaces. Always wear shoes or slippers at home.
  • DON’T Use Over-the-Counter Corn Removers: These products can irritate the skin and worsen existing problems.
  • DON’T Smoke: Smoking significantly restricts blood flow, hindering healing and increasing the risk of complications in diabetic feet.

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Joshua Ouellette, and Dr. Zachary Sax are always pleased to assist. We offer convenient locations in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280 to schedule an appointment today.

Categories
blog Treatment Options

Treatments: Kick Fungus and Pain to the Curb

Fungal toenails and chronic foot pain can be remarkably stubborn and resistant to treatment. However, you don’t have to deal with their frustrating persistence alone. New England Podiatry is always seeking new methods for resolving the many different podiatric conditions that we treat, and today, we’re pleased to share information about two innovative tools to help you reclaim happy, healthy soles.

We’ll explore two cutting-edge treatments: PinPointe Laser therapy for fungal nails and EPAT (Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology) shockwave therapy for pain relief.

PinPointe Laser: Shining a Light on Fungus

  • Onychomycosis, the technical term for fungal toenails, can make you want to hide your feet under mountains of socks. Traditional topical treatments can be messy, time-consuming, and often ineffective.
  • Yet that’s certainly not the case with the PinPointe Laser. This powerful tool emits a precise wavelength that penetrates the nail plate, targeting the fungal culprits at their source.
  • The best part? It’s virtually painless, and most patients require just one treatment! Studies show impressive results, with some suggesting that 80% of cases experience clear nail growth.

EPAT Shockwaves: Rebooting Your Pain Relief System

  • Foot pain can range from a dull ache to a searing pain. Plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and chronic tendonitis are common causes, often leaving traditional treatments feeling insufficient.
  • This is where EPAT shockwaves come in. These acoustic pulses stimulate blood flow, promote healing, and reduce inflammation, effectively rebooting your pain relief system.
  • EPAT is non-invasive, requires minimal downtime, and provides long-lasting results.
  • This FDA-approved procedure has very high success rates that are equal to or greater than those of traditional methods, including surgery.

Wondering if EPAT or PinPointe might be the solution your feet have been waiting for? There’s much more to say about each of these powerful podiatric tools, but we think that seeing them in action is the best way to understand just how effective they can be. At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Joshua Ouellette, and Dr. Zachary Sax are always pleased to assist. We offer convenient locations in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280 to schedule an appointment today.

Categories
blog

What You Should Know About Diabetic Foot Care

People with diabetes are prone to many foot problems. When you have diabetes, being aware of how foot problems can arise from disturbances in the skin, nails, nerves, bones, muscles, and blood vessels is essential. Furthermore, in diabetics, small foot problems can turn into serious complications. Let’s look at what you need to know to manage this condition for healthy feet.

The Risk of Diabetes

Both nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor blood circulation can cause loss of feeling in your feet. This may take away your ability to feel pain and discomfort, making it difficult to detect an injury. Poor circulation in your feet also reduces your ability to heal, making it hard for even a tiny cut to resist infection.

Having diabetes puts you at risk for developing a wide range of foot problems, such as:

What You Can Do

Luckily, you can do a variety of things to decrease the risk of developing serious complications from diabetes. You play a vital role in reducing complications. Here are some tips:

  • Inspect your feet daily.
  • Pay attention to the color of your feet and toes. If they turn red, pink, or purplish, poor circulation may be a problem.
  • Don’t ignore foot or leg pain.
  • Keep floors free of sharp objects. With reduced sensitivity, you may not notice any inflicted wounds or cuts on your feet.
  • Don’t go barefoot. Wear shoes indoors and outdoors.

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Joshua Ouellette, and Dr. Zachary Sax treat various foot and ankle conditions. Equipped with a board-certified podiatrist team, we offer two convenient locations to provide excellent care for patients in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280. We are still offering a telemedicine option for your safety and convenience.

Categories
blog Foot Care

Help Your Feet Age Healthily

September is Healthy Aging Month! It is the perfect time to take a moment to look at the most common problems older people have with their feet and then go over some easy tips seniors can take to make sure their feet are the healthiest they can be. How can you help your feet? Let’s take a look.

Common Problems for Aging Feet

Older people can have many problems with their feet as they age. Here are the most common ones:

Senior Foot Care Tips

Your feet naturally age with the rest of your body, but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with painful foot problems. Follow these tips to keep your feet in the best shape possible:

  • Wear proper footwear. Make sure your shoes are flexible, and they fit correctly.
  • Visit an experienced podiatrist.
  • Maintain good circulation. You can do this by getting regular exercise. Just walking daily for an hour is beneficial. You can also massage your feet to increase circulation. Avoiding sitting for long periods also helps. If you smoke, quit as soon as possible.
  • Keep your feet warm. Heavy socks can help keep the cold out.
  • Clean your feet daily. Make sure you use soap and water.
  • Use lotion. As we age, our skin can become drier. Applying lotion can prevent cracks that may occur with dry skin.
  • Check your feet every day.
  • Avoid walking barefoot.
  • Use a cane. Older people may have problems with balance, which can lead to a bad fall. A cane or walker can help.
  • Stretch before any strenuous activity. It can help your feet stay flexible.

If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort with your feet, contact your podiatrist ASAP!

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Joshua Ouellette, and Dr. Zachary Sax treat various foot and ankle conditions. Equipped with a board-certified podiatrist team, we offer two convenient locations to provide excellent care for patients in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280. We are still offering a telemedicine option for your safety and convenience.