Your podiatrist must give you the real facts and educate you on how to maintain your success.
The treatments for toenail fungus can include topical liquids, creams, sprays, pills, toenail removal and laser. I would like to break each of these down and give you a real understanding of their uses and success rates.

The liquids, creams and sprays may be prescription, over-the-counter or natural remedies. All of these have similar success rates of about 5-10%. In my opinion these are excellent maintenance products once you have had a treatment with a higher success rate. These products can help prevent reinfection of the nails and skin.

The most popular oral medication or pill is Terbinafine (aka Lamisil). This medication seems to be able to clear the nail in less than 50% of cases. Many people do not want to take this medication as it can cause liver problems, taste loss and other problems. Before starting this medication, your doctor can draw blood and make sure that your liver enzymes are normal. Some recent studies have shown that taking the medication 1 week every 3 months for a year may be an excellent addition to treatments with laser with fewer side effects.

A toenail can be removed and allowed to grow back, however, without treatment the nail will grow back with fungus. In some cases nails can be removed and then treated with laser. In resistant cases, this is what I recommend. In some cases, a permanent removal of the nail is chosen. No nail grows back and there is only skin in place of the nail.
The most exciting breakthrough is a laser that is used to destroy toenail fungus. Success rates are measured by the amount of nail clearing that occurs. Real studies are few. Most studies have been performed by the companies trying to show that their laser is superior. I can only base results on my experience having treated several thousand people over the last 2-3 years. Excellent results have been obtained with 70-80% of people having complete nail clearing. Notice that the word cure is not used as fungal infections are constantly in our environment and can be cleared and maintained but no promise of a cure can be had.

Anyone that promises you a cure or tells you that the infection cannot come back after treatment is not being honest with you.

For the most successful treatment, three treatments are needed 4-6 weeks apart and once there is clearing it must be maintained ideally with future laser treatments. Maintenance laser treatments are done 1-4 times per year. If you are going to spend the time and money and want the best result, you must understand that there is no cure and future treatments are needed.

Laser is by far the best and most successful treatment for toenail fungus. Just make sure that you are receiving the best treatment and being told the real facts to optimize your success. The ultimate goal of the doctor and patient should be the same and that is that you have the best outcome.

If you would like the best laser treatment in Tampa Bay, call Dr. Marc Katz for an immediate appointment.

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Before Laser                                                                                 After Laser!

Notice the excellent clarity and new nail.

Check out our sites for more information.

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So where do you begin if you want to have the laser treatment?Well, Dr. Katz, a board-certified podiatrist, has done much of theresearch for you! After conducting his own personal research over thepast number of years he chose the CoolTouch laser. There are a numberof lasers on the market and he chose the CT3 plus zoom 1320nm laserwhich allows for the most powerful, flexible and safest treatment.Other lasers that did not make the cut included Pinpointe, Noveon, KLaser, Palomar Lux, Aerolase, Fotona and other lasers that operate witha wavelength of 1064nm or have a double wavelength around the 800 and900nm range. Dr. Katz found these to have less power and affinity forthe nail tissue. Also, he felt these lasers did the not have theuser-control versatility he found in the CoolTouch laser. He felt therewere few safety features compared to the CoolTouch.

For more information see other articles:

http://vibranttampatoenails.com/index.php/dr-marc-katz-discusses-the-advantages-of-the-cooltouch-laser-compared-to-pinpointe-laser-for-toenail-fungus/

http://painfoot.blogspot.com/2010/07/toenail-fungus-free-with-cooltouch.html

After using the CoolTouch, Dr. Katz planned to enhance the treatmentby altering the treatment protocol. He has adjusted the many lasersettings to take advantage of two methods of fungus damage and death.The first is by heating the nail, which is a common method used by manyother physicians. For his second step in furthering the success ratefor his patients, Dr. Katz researched methods of fungus destruction byaltering the genetics or DNA of the actual fungus. He optimized thelaser variables based on his studies, providing his patients twomethods of destruction and the best results.

Still not satisfied, Dr. Katz took the treatment even furtherproviding an even greater benefit to his patient. He developed his ownantifungal liquid formulation used during treatment which improved thelaser’s ability to transport the ingredients in the solution deep intothe nail and nail bed where the most resistant infections often reside.

See Dr. Katz’s video of the laser procedure being performed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDYFigQX7zo

Dr. Katz has pioneered other treatment such as cryosurgery for foot painand constantly strives to move treatments such as laser to the nextlevel. When it comes to laser toenail fungus treatment, Dr. Katzclearly has the best treatment available in the Tampa Bay area. He evenhas patients traveling from other states to take advantage of hisunique laser protocol. You’re just a google search away from readingthe many articles written by Dr. Katz discussing his treatments.

So the success of your laser treatment not only depends on the typeof laser, but also on the innovation of the doctor providing thetreatment. All laser treatments are not created equal. This is whereDr. Katz shines above the rest.  Dr. Katz has now developed the ToeLaze Complete – TLC Procedure.  This includes comprehensive medical treatment for your toenail fungus using the Cooltouch laser and a complete low-cost maintenance program.  Dr. Katz states that there are no frills.  He avoids gimmicks like UV light for your shoes and antifungal socks.

In terms of cost, you can pay more or less for your treatment, butyour best bet is to go with the first board-certified doctor in Floridato develop his own advanced treatment protocol using the CoolTouchlaser. Dr. Katz has priced the treatments fairly to allow more patientsto have access to this groundbreaking technology.

For more information please visit Dr. Katz’s sites:

http://www.NoToenailFungus.com

http://www.VibrantTampaToenails.com

Also learn about Dr. Katz’s pioneering work with cryosurgery:

http://www.TampaCryosurgery.com

Finally, for general office information and more information on all of Dr. Katz’s services, go to:

Http://www.TheTampaPodiatrist.com

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J.L. Clearwater, FL

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Dr. Katz started with one of the safest and most effective laser in the industry, the Cooltouch CoolBreeze CT3 Plus Zoom. He then developed an advanced three staged procedure that provides patients with removal of toenail fungus and the absolute best laser toenail fungus results.

Katz explains that most physicians use the laser with typical protocol and settings and treat the nails using heat to destroy fungus. He notes that toenail fungus is highly resistant to treatments and that is why topical medications don’t work and even strong oral medications have a low success rate. The oral medications can also cause liver damage, loss of taste, stomach problems and other ailments.

When having a treatment, many different areas of the nail and nail bed require intense treatment. The most resistant area is the skin of the nail bed. Dr. Katz notes that it is not just the surface of the skin but the fungal infection is within the actual skin layer. This is often the same infection that causes athlete’s foot. Most laser and laser protocols do only a fair job of penetrating this layer and treating long enough to kill the fungus. Other areas that carry the infection include the actual nail plate itself and the nail surface. Nail discoloration with dark yellow, brown and black is a result of infection extending through the nail and attached to the nail bed. The surface fungus will often look white and be at the base of the nail and along the sides, the nail grooves. So the problem is multi-faceted and requires a well thought out protocol for optimal results.

Dr. Katz had developed the ToeLaze Complete (TLC) Procedure over time based on his extensive research and vast experience with patients. He has refined the protocol and it will likely continue to evolve over time.

Dr. Katz has developed 3 major components for his TLC Procedure. The first is the typical raising of temperature to kill the fungus. This is usually the only mechanism that the typical laser treatment will provide. It is Dr. Katz’s strong belief that the treatment must go well beyong the heat mechanism and must address all layers of infection within the nail and the nail bed. So, he has developed a method of altering setting within the laser to penetrate the nail, nail bed surface and nail bed skin evenly with heat making sure to provide the optimal amount of heat to all of these areas. Most laser protocols are fairly random and static and provide uneven heat to some layers and not others.

The second component involves the use of the actual red light laser beam to cause photoinactivation of the fungus leading to the destruction of the genetic material of the fungus. This can only be accomplished through prolonged exposure to the laser beam with settings altered to again evenly and completely affect all layers. This is done through multiple passes over the nail with significantly different setting for each pass. Dr. Katz believes that this mechanism provides a much greater amount of fungal death and the inability of the fungus to reproduce and reinfect the nail.

The third mechanism is truly unique and allows particles within a solution to penetrate into the the nail plate and into the actual nail bed skin layer. Katz has personally formulated the solution and notes that the particles penetrate by a mechanism known as photophoresis. This mechanism allows the anti-fungal particles to penetrate into the most resistant layer killing the hardiest fungus that hides in the deep layers.

It is easy to see that the TLC Procedure takes a simple laser technique and elevates the laser treatment to an extraordinary procedure with superior results. This is a technique that seperates Dr. Katz from other Laser Toenail Fungus providers.

While there is no absolute cure for toenail fungus infections, Dr. Katz’s TLC Procedure is the closest you will get! In addition, there are excellent maintenance options to prevent recurrence of fungal infections. Katz states that in very severe cases some patients have infections deep within the base and growth area of the nail and may require nail removal followed by the laser treatment still using the TLC protocol.

http://www.vibranttampatoenails.com

http://www.notoenailfungus.com

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Typical signs consist of deep pain while getting out of bed in the morning and after sitting. Most folks additionally experience pain toward the end of the day or the day after exercise/strenuous activity. Others describe their pain as radiating or sharp shooting pain which most probably involves a nerve in the heel area.

A major ligament-like structure referred to as the plantar fascia is partially liable for supporting the foot arch and for absorbing shock when walking. The fascia extends from the heel to the ball of the foot. The fascia is a flat band identical in makeup to a ligament. For quite a lot of reasons, the fascia weakens and causes the arch to fall, therefore creating a lower arch or “flat foot”. Consequently, there is excessive stretch or tension on the fascial band which results in inflammation or swelling and continuously small tears of this band. With repeated pressure of the fascia at the heel bone or calcaneus, a spur or bone enlargement develops. That is the body’s method of responding to stress. While a tissue is stressed, the body develops more of that tissue, in this case bone.

Along with the swelling of the fascia, there is continuously a related inflammation, entrapment or enlargement of nerves across the heel. It has been shown that those nerves are a prominent source of the pain experienced with plantar fasciitis.

So what exactly causes the pain in the heel?
It is an aggregate of swelling of the fascia and the nerves of the heel. The heel spur itself causes no pain even though on x-ray it looks pointed and appears as a piercing object. If truth be told, many people have fasciitis without the spur.

Dr. Marc Katz, a Tampa Podiatrist, notes that in his 22 years of practice he rarely removed the bone spur. He also said that over the past 10 years he has used advanced treatments to heal the pain and more recently has used a cutting edge tretament referred to as Cryosurgery with a  high success rate. Dr. Katz is the first Cryostar certified Cryosurgeon within the Tampa Bay area.  He has treated patients from all over the US and many other countries.

How will we deal with Heel Pain?
Treating heel pain can be irritating for the patient and physician. Treatments can take months and infrequently as long as a year. This does not imply that there might be constant pain for that time frame, however, it is very important to seek early treatment.

There are lots of therapies for heel pain. Your doctor should customize a treatment plan relying on individual components including lifestyle, footwear, activities and any other associated illnesses. Treatment should concentrate on the individual as a whole. Many elements each physical and physchological is also vital to consider.  Evaluations consist of a history and physical exam, x-rays, diagnostic ultrasound and MRI if necessary. Referrals to other consultants may be needed if there are related medical conditions.

Treatment would possibly include anti inflammatory tablets, ice, cortisone injections, custom orthotic arch supports, padding, strapping, night splints, detachable casts, stretching, physical therapy, shockwave, cryosurgery, homeopathic and herbal drugs, modification in activities, weight reduction programs, wearing other sneakers, modification in life style.

Dr. Katz mentioned that Cryosurgery has shown good long term results! This more moderen remedy is really helpful after attempting different treatments. However, from time to time it will function as a primary line of treatment for certain patients. This procedure is completed within the office and is minimally invasive and permits the affected person to quickly go back to common activities when compared to the traditional surgery.

Patients can help prevent recurrence of the situation by wearing customized orthotics,  stretching, strengthening and  weight-loss.

Treatment of heel pain can be a challenge. Find a podiatrist that is compassionate and willing to spend the essential time and check out different treatment options.

Dr Marc Katz is a Board-certified Tampa Podiatrist that provides innovative leading edge techniques for reduction of foot and heel problems including Cryosurgery or Cryotherapy of the foot. Dr. Katz is the most well-known Cryostar qualified Cryosurgeon in the Tampa Bay Area. For more information:

http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com

http://www.tampacryosurgery.com



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BEFORE

6 MONTHS

Notice the significant clearing but also thinning of the nail in thickness and also side to side

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Dr. Katz is a Cooltouch-certified laser physician and is board-certified in surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.

www.notoenailfungus.com

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Advanced Podiatry of Tampa – Dr Marc Katz

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