Experienced and Compassionate Physicians of the Foot and Ankle in Manalapan, NJ

Understanding Laser Therapy for Pain Management

Class IV laser therapy is used for the relief of pain, to accelerate healing and decrease inflammation. When light source is placed against the skin, photons penetrate several centimeters down and are absorbed by the mitochondria (the energy producing part of a cell).

This energy results in the restoration of normal cell function. The main goal of laser therapy is to stimulate the cell to perform its natural functions, but at an enhanced rate.

Laser Therapy for Onychomycosis (Toenail Fungus)

Fungal nail affects nearly 10% of the US population.

While many find the condition to be, simply, an eye sore, fungal nail can also lead to a larger problems including infection of other toenails, infecting friends and family, increase pain, ingrown toenails.

Individuals with diabetes are also more susceptible to fungal nail given their compromised immune systems.

Laser therapy offers an effective, safe option for treating fungal toenail without the side effects of many oral medications.

To view videos of our laser therapy, click here.

Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon. Tendons are thick cords of tissue that connect muscles to bone. Achilles tendinitis, or an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, is one of the most common causes of foot or ankle pain. Other types of foot/ankle tendinitis include posterior tibial tendinitis and peroneal tendinitis.

Tendinitis can result from an injury or over-use. Improper stretching prior to exertion or incorrect form during physical activity can also contribute to the development of tendinitis.  There is also a relationship between obesity and acchilles tendinopathy.  Some people, including those with “flat feet,” tight tendons or arthritis, are particularly prone to tendinitis.  Pain is the most prominent symptom of tendinitis.  The involved tendon may swell.

Rest and ice might ease the pain of tendinitis while at home. If the pain doesn't go away with ice and rest, or if the pain persists beyond a week, it's time to make an appointment with our office.  Treatment will usually focus on relieving the pain and preventing further injury. 

We will  also discuss your chances of re-developing tendinitis.  It is possible that custom orthotics may be necessary to help control the motion of your feet and /or certain stretches or exercises to increase the tendon's elasticity and strengthen the muscles attached to the tendon may be suggested.  Gradually increasing your activity level with an appropriate training schedule—can also help prevent tendinitis recurrence. 

One of my favorite parts about the fall and winter months is being able to wear thick, fuzzy socks and relax in front of my fireplace (and probably watch a football game or two!). While most of us spend the chillier months covering our feet with socks and boots, this does not mean that we should neglect our feet. Conditions such as dry, cracked heels and fissuring can be more common in colder, dryer environments which can occur both indoors and outdoors.

Symptoms of dry skin can include red or flaky patches, peeling skin, or itchiness. Cracked heels can become a burden when they start to form deeper cuts called fissures, which can cause pain or even bleeding. Deep fissures, much like an open wound, allow easy access for fungi and bacterial infections to enter your foot. People with Diabetes have an increased risk of deterioration of these fissures into wounds and developing infections. The consequences of this can extend far beyond the winter months.

What can you do to prevent dry skin? The most important treatment is moisturize! Applying a moisturizer to your feet after you bathe is the best way to keep dry skin at bay. In the winter months, oil-based ointments are a good option for moisturizer as they have a thicker consistency and can provide more hydration than standard lotions. Ask any of us at the office and we can give you our best recommendation for your skin. It is also important to make sure that you are not taking long, hot showers or baths, as this can exacerbate dry skin.

How are heel fissures treated? Sometimes, heel fissures that are painful and bleeding need to be cleaned up and cauterized by a podiatrist. This allows the fissure to heal faster so that you can get back on your feet. This, in addition to regular moisturizing, is the best treatment. We might even recommend a moisturizing sock to help lotion hydrate your skin more effectively.

If you are suffering from dry skin or heel fissures, do not hesitate to see me, Dr. Allie Cohen, or Dr. Marc Cohen in the office. Our office staff will work with you to schedule an appointment that fits in your busy holiday routine. From all of us here at Marlboro Podiatry Center, we hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

-Dr. Kate Florio