With the Lunula laser at her disposal, Dr. Danielle Shaper of Finesse Footcare is zapping nail fungus

By Patricia Nugent

Now that summer has hit its stride, people are enjoying the freedom of flip-flops and sandals, but for those suffering from Onchomycosis (toenail fungus), having others 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.

“Once the fungus infection has become embedded in the nail, it can be stubborn and unresponsive to treatment,” explains Dr. Danielle L. Shaper, founder of Finesse Footcare in Lyndhurst. “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.”

Luckily for Clevelanders suffering from toenail fungus, effective treatment has arrived. Dr. Shaper is one of a handful of podiatrists in Ohio to offer the breakthrough Lunula laser.

“I wanted to work with this laser as soon as I found out about the promising science behind it,” says Dr. Shaper, who was recently featured on New Day Cleveland. “This FDA-cleared laser is the only one on the market that’s non-thermal and touchless.”

Since introducing it last year, she’s been able to dramatically improve her patients’ lives. Word of mouth has spread, and demand has soared. Finesse has recently brought in another Lunula laser so they can treat both feet at the same time.

“Having two reduces the time patients need to sit under the laser,” she adds

Advanced Laser Produces Healing
“Made in the USA, this 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 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 fungus,” she says.

Meet Robert C.
For the past decade, Robert suffered from toenail fungus. 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.

“Dr. Shaper took the time to explain everything and go over my options in a genuine and caring way,” he says. “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.”

Treating the Gamut of Foot and Ankle Issues
Since opening her practice, Dr. Shaper has made researching, evaluating and introducing leading-edge technology a priority.

Whatever the direction treatment takes, diagnostics are important as well. Through state-of-the-art digital X-rays, Dr. Shaper can get a clear picture of the structure of patients’ feet and help in pinpointing a diagnosis. In addition to toenail fungus and routine foot care, she treats foot and ankle issues ranging from ingrown toenails to bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, corns, warts, calluses, sprained ankles, heel pain and spurs, and offers diabetic footcare.

Dr. Shaper has another amazing addition coming to her practice this fall. She’s expecting and her due date is in September. Although she will be off several weeks for maternity leave, another podiatrist will be covering her patient load for an uninterrupted level of care.

Finesse Footcare is located at 5035 Mayfield Road, Suite 202, in Lyndhurst. 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. Call216-382- 8070 or visit FinesseFootcare.com for more information.