Finally, a treatment for toenail fungus that really works is available

By Patricia Nugent

Kicking off the new year is the perfect time to put a plan in place to achieve your ultimate health and wellness. For many people—one in 10 in the general population and half of those over age 70—Onychomycosis, or toenail fungus, is a nagging, non-critical condition that should be treated.

Those with toenail fungus experience thickened and discolored nails with distorted shapes. Not only are they unsightly, but fungus can also lead to pain, difficulty walking, ulcers and infections.

Lucky for her patients, Dr. Danielle Shaper, founder of Finesse Footcare, specializes in an advanced and effective modality to treat this difficult-to-treat condition: 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 whose 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 takes six sessions to show improvement. Being non-thermal is especially important in 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 sensation or discomfort. Plus, there’s no downtime and there are no restrictions. Patients 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, worse 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. In 2021, 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 to me. She took her time to explain everything and go over my options in a genuine and caring way.”

He says the laser made it easy and painless to sit 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 a have a new pair of feet.” he says.

Dr. Shaper says the improvement is remarkable, and indicative of what her patients have experienced.

“Many of my patients have been frustrated with how difficult it is to treat this condition, 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. She also offers diabetic footcare, orthotics, sports medicine and surgery. Call 216-382-8070 or visit FinesseFootcare.com for more information.