Treating toenail fungus is now easier than ever and it’s totally pain-free

By Patricia Nugent

Believe it or not, summertime is coming along with all the delightful beachy, barefoot, sunshine-y, short-sleeved activities that go with it. But for the one in 10 Americans who suffer from fungal toenails, it signifies something else altogether: the dreaded open-toe shoe season.

Those suffering with the condition experience thickened and discolored nails with distorted shapes. The medical term is Onychomycosis, but, in layman’s terms, it means nasty, hideous-looking toes.

Toenail fungus is more than just an esthetic issue. In many cases it can cause pain and difficulty walking. Diseased nails can also create ulcerations and breaks in the skin where other bacteria can enter and cause infection.

And the older people get, the higher their chances for fungus, which jumps to 50 percent of the population over 70.

Unfortunately, left untreated, it gets worse over time and doesn’t go away on its own.

Luckily, science has made its own leap forward. This month, podiatrist Dr. Danielle Shaper, founder of Finesse Footcare in Lyndhurst, is introducing to the area a new laser—the Erchonia Lunula.

“Made in the USA, this breakthrough FDA-cleared, low-level laser therapy is non-thermal and touchless,” she explains. “In a seated position, patients just position their feet under it for 12 minutes a session. It only takes four weekly 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 the laser. This is a pain-free cold laser that’s been proven effective in trials.”

Since the Lunula taps into low wavelengths and frequencies, patients do not experience 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 did extensive research on this laser when I first heard it was hitting the market. According to the trials, it’s a new way to treat an old condition,” she says. “I’m thrilled to introduce it to my patients.”

How Can You Prevent Toenail Fungus?
“It’s important to manage toenail fungus as early as it’s detected, before it becomes chronic and very difficult to control,” she says. “Toenail fungus and athlete’s foot are actually related, so it’s always a good idea to keep your feet clean and dry. Moist socks and shoes present the ideal environment for fungi to grow.”

Antifungal powders can help, too. And she recommends keeping nails neatly trimmed, going straight across, removing any debris trapped under the nail.

In addition to the laser, Dr. Shaper offers everything needed to care for, and prevent, toenail fungus, including oral medications, anti-fungal creams and shoe deodorizers.

Patients who make an appointment with the laser now can expect to see results by summer. Why not be like the rest of us and slide into those flip-flops with confidence?

As a full-service podiatrist, 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.

Finesse Footcare is located at 5035 Mayfield Road in Lyndhurst. Same-day appointments are usually available. The practice accepts a wide variety of insurance plans. Call 216-382-8070 or visit FinesseFootcare.com for more information.