Those narrow columns of light that we call laser beams are used in some fascinating ways in so many industries, including medicine. Podiatrists use laser therapy to treat a number of foot ailments – most notably, eradicating toenail fungus.

Our newest weapon

Toenail fungus has plagued people for eons, causing nails to become thick, discolored, and even crumbly. Doctors used to have only three ways to fight the infection:

1. Prevention – teaching our patients how to avoid an infection in the first place! The organisms that cause fungus thrive in warm, moist places like wet shoes, a gym locker room, or at a nail salon. Some of the best ways to keep fungus at bay include keeping your feet cool and dry, drying between your toes after showering, wearing protective shoes in the locker room, and visiting only nail salons that use safe hygiene practices.
2. Topical medications – applying creams and polishes directly to the nail.
3. Oral medications – prescribing pills to treat the infection systemically.

We now have a new tool to fight this old problem –

Laser therapy – Practiced by Dr. Heidi M. Christie and Dr. Chanda L. Day-Houts at Montgomery Foot Care Specialists in Montgomery, Alabama, laser therapy focuses a precise beam of light through the toenail to destroy the fungus living in and underneath the nail.What are the advantages of laser therapy?

• The procedure is done right here in our office.
• No anesthesia is required.
• Our patients report that the procedure is painless.
• One treatment is often enough to put you back in open-toed shoes. Compare that with the time it takes to complete a regimen of topical or oral medications – you’re typically dealing with those for up to 12 weeks.

If thick, yellowed toenails are an embarrassment to you, make an appointment with us or call us at (334) 396-3668. Find out if you’re a candidate for laser therapy, a simple yet high-tech method to kiss fungus goodbye. We’ll be happy to tell you about other ways we use laser therapy as well, such as treatment for tendinitis, heel pain, warts, and other chronic or sudden injuries. Montgomery Foot Care Specialists serves the tri-county area and the river region of Alabama.