Laser Management for Toenail Fungus

At Ashburnham Foot and Ankle Centre, we often use the FOX 1064 Diode Laser System to help manage fungal toenails. During the procedure, a laser beam is used to penetrate the nail plate and physically reach the infected nail bed. The laser elevates the temperature and damages the fungal cell walls, causing damage to the fungus and helping to inhibit further growth.

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FOX 1064 Laser for Onychomycosis

The most common cause of brittle yellowing nails is fungal infection. It is estimated that 1 in 10 Canadians have fungal nail infections. Fungi are dermatophytes that feed on nail keratin. These organisms propagate in a warm, dark and moist environment.

 

There is no better place for nail fungus to reside and infect toes than in shoes. Infected nails have yellowing or white spots on the nails. As the infection develops, nails will get thicker, further discolour and fracture. Progressive infection of additional nails is common.

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• Thickening of the nail

• Build-up of debris under the nail

• Changes in texture, loss of shine and clarity

• Brittleness and crumbling at the edges of the nail

• Small separations of the nail plate from the nail bed
   

Laser Management of Nail Fungus

The use of laser to treat fungal nails is relatively new. In addition, there are different types of lasers available for clinical use. The Fox Diode 1064 laser uses light energy to gently heat the nail bed. The effects of laser energy on nail fungi are two-fold and understood in relation to cellular chemical reactions within fungal cells that are necessary for fungal growth and survival. The photo-thermal effect changes cellular metabolism and at increased temperature (42°C), cell components are damaged and metabolism is altered. The full effect of laser energy is not fully understood but there is thought to be a photo-chemical effect that further compromises fungal cell enzymes and proteins. Lipids in cell membranes are changed in structure and their function of protecting and regulating the internal environment of the cell becomes further compromised resulting in fungal death and nail clearance.

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In addition, we frequently use the laser in combination with a topical antifungal medication. This approach in conjunction with thinning the nail plate at the time of treatment is a highly effective approach to eradicating nail fungus.

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• No anesthesia is required, and treatment is often painless (only a warm sensation in the toe is experienced)

• There are no known lasting side effects (unlike with oral medications)

• There is no harm to the treated nail or adjacent skin

• There is no “recovery“ period after the procedure
   

Socks and shoes can be worn immediately after the procedure, and patients can resume their normal activity the same day.

 

If you’d like to learn more about modern nail fungus treatment options, visit The Canadian Nail Fungus Resource website.

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To book an appointment to discuss laser treatment for your toenail fungus, call 705-741-4064, or send an email to info@healthyfeet.ca.

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Laser Therapy for Soft Tissue Injuries

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a painless, sterile, non-invasive, drug-free treatment which is used to treat a variety of pain syndromes, injuries, wounds, neurological conditions and pathologies. Laser therapy can be used any time a patient needs a drug-less procedure for the control of pain, when conventional therapies have been ineffective, or when the acceleration of healing from injuries is desired.

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Low level laser supplies energy to the body in the form of photons of light. Light is transmitted through the skin’s layers at all wavelengths in the visible range. However, light waves in the near infrared ranges penetrate the deepest of all light waves in the visible spectrum. When low level laser light waves penetrate deeply into the skin, they optimize the immune responses of our blood. This has both anti-inflammatory and immunostimulation effects. Light transmitted to the blood in this way has positive effects throughout the whole body, supplying vital oxygen and energy to every cell.

For most people, laser therapy is quite passive. There is no pulsating shocks felt, as in forms of electronic stimulation.

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Generally, the more chronic or severe the condition, the longer it takes to respond. The majority of conditions treated will take anywhere from 4-5 or 10-15 treatments. Once again, the number of treatments depends upon the severity of the condition and its duration. You should notice a difference after 1-2 treatments but it may take 4-5 sessions before a dramatic or marked change is perceived.
 

Physiological Effects of LLLT

• Bio-stimulation, including improve metabolism & increased cell metabolism

• Improved blood circulation and vasodilation

• Analgesic effect

• Anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effects
   

Benefits of LLLT to Users

• Relieves acute and chronic pains

• Increases the speed, quality and tensile strength of tissue repair

• Increases blood supply

• Simulates immune system

• Stimulates nerve function

• Develops collagen and muscle tissue

• Helps generate new and healthy cells and tissue

• Promotes faster wound healing and clot formation

• Reduces inflammation