Dr. Danielle Shaper, of Finesse Footcare, can zap away the nail fungus with her Lunula laser
By Patricia Nugent
Summer is nearly here and it’s time to break out your flip-flops and sandals. But for those suffering from Onchomycosis (toenail fungus), having people see your feet is not an option.
Those with the condition experience thickened and discolored nails with distorted shapes. Not only are they unsightly, but toenail fungus can also lead to pain, difficulty walking, ulcers and infections.
Lucky for her patients, Dr. Danielle Shaper, founder of Finesse Footcare, found a new way to eradicate this difficult-to-treat issue: the Lunula laser.
“Once the fungus infection has become embedded in the nail, it can be very stubborn and unresponsive to treatment,” she explains. “I deal with it a lot, especially with my patients in the senior population. The occurrence rate for suffering from Onchomycosis jumps from one person in 10 in the general population, to 50% in people over 70. And, especially for seniors, thickened and misshapen nails can present pain in an ill-fitting shoe, and become a challenge to take care of.”
Advanced Low-Level Laser
Since opening her practice in 2019, Dr. Shaper has stayed on the leading edge, researching advancements in science to bring to her patients in Cleveland. After following all the promising clinical trials of the FDA-cleared Lunula low-level laser, she decided to invest in one herself.
“Made in the USA, this breakthrough, non-thermal laser is painless and touchless,” she explains. “Patients just position their feet under it for 12 minutes per session. It usually takes six sessions to show improvement. Being non-thermal is especially important to patients who have diabetes and neuropathy and might not be able to feel the heat of a traditional laser.”
Since the Lunula taps into low wavelengths and frequencies, patients do not experience any burning sensations or discomfort. Plus, there’s no downtime or restrictions, patients are free to leave Dr. Shaper’s office following treatment and go about their day.
“I’ve had great success with the laser, especially when used in combination with creams or oral medications to fight the fungus,” she says.
Meet Robert C.
For the past decade, Robert suffered from toenail fungus, worst on his two big toes, and a little on both second toes. He’d tried different over-the-counter creams over the years, but nothing made a difference. Last year, when the 70-year-old saw a story about Dr. Shaper in Mimi Magazine, he thought he’d finally seek professional treatment.
“It was tough with the pandemic to find a physician, but Dr. Shaper was able to see me right away,” he says. “She was a surprise, so sweet and kind. She took her time to explain everything and go over my options in a genuine and caring way.”
He says the laser was easy and painless as he sat with his feet under its light energy.
“I noticed a little improvement after the first treatment, then a little more after the next couple treatments, and, now, nine months after the treatment, it’s like I have a new pair of feet,” he says.
Dr. Shaper says the improvement is remarkable, and indicative of what her patients have experienced.
“Over the past year of Covid, many of my patients have had low morale, so it’s nice to be in a position to make such a positive difference in their lives,” she says.
Finesse Footcare is located at 5035 Mayfield Road, Suite 202, in Lyndhurst. As a full-service podiatrist, in addition to laser therapy, Dr. Shaper also treats most foot and ankle issues ranging from ingrown toenails to bunions, heel pain, hammertoes, corns, warts, calluses and sprained ankles, and offers diabetic footcare, orthotics, sports medicine and surgery. The practice accepts a wide variety of insurance plans and financing options are available. Laser treatment is a cash pay service and not covered by insurance. Call 216-382-8070 or visit FinesseFootcare.com for more information