Tag: Fungus

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Podiatry Appointment

5 Ways to Prep for Your Podiatrist Appointment

Foot pain and ankle issues have a way of creeping into everyday life, making it harder to walk, exercise, or even stand comfortably. Whether you’re scheduling your first visit with a podiatrist or returning for ongoing care, knowing how to prepare can help you feel more confident and ensure your appointment is as productive as possible.

From providing the right medical information to bringing the shoes you wear every day, a little preparation can go a long way in improving your foot health. Below, New England Podiatry Associates has provided five simple and effective ways to prepare for your podiatrist appointment.

1. Document Your Symptoms Ahead of Time

Before your appointment, spend a few minutes writing down what you’ve been experiencing. Foot and ankle symptoms can be easy to forget once you’re in the exam room.

Be sure to note:

  • When your symptoms started
  • The type of pain or discomfort you feel
  • Activities that worsen or relieve symptoms
  • Any swelling, numbness, or changes in skin or nails

This information helps your podiatrist quickly identify patterns and narrow down potential diagnoses.

2. Gather Medical History and Medication Information

Your overall health directly impacts your foot care. Bring a list of your current medications, vitamins, and supplements, as well as any medical conditions that may affect circulation or healing.

Helpful items to have include:

Providing this information allows your podiatrist to create a safe and personalized treatment plan.

3. Bring the Shoes You Wear Most Often

Footwear plays a major role in many podiatric conditions. Wearing or bringing your everyday shoes can give your podiatrist valuable insight into your foot mechanics and support needs.

Your podiatrist may examine:

  • Wear patterns on the soles
  • Overall fit and arch support
  • Whether your shoes contribute to foot pain or alignment issues

This step is especially important for patients dealing with heel pain, bunions, or athletic injuries.

4. Skip Foot Grooming Before Your Visit

While it may feel counterintuitive, avoid trimming your toenails or treating calluses before your appointment. Natural nail and skin conditions provide important diagnostic clues.

Leaving your feet untreated helps your podiatrist accurately assess:

5. Prepare Questions and Be Open to Treatment Options

A podiatrist appointment is a great opportunity to learn how to improve and protect your foot health long-term. Come prepared with questions and be ready to discuss treatment recommendations.

Common topics include:

  • At-home care and prevention tips
  • Orthotics or shoe recommendations
  • Physical therapy or lifestyle changes

Preparing for your podiatrist appointment helps ensure you receive accurate care and clear guidance for managing foot and ankle issues. By organizing your information, footwear, and questions in advance, you can make your visit more efficient and play an active role in your foot health.

Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Zachary Sax, Dr. Joshua Oulette, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, and Dr. Raymond Murano III of  New England Podiatry Associates provide comprehensive medical and surgical care for a wide spectrum of foot and ankle conditions. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

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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.

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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.