Archive for July, 2009
Curing Your Toenail Fungus Quickly and Easily
Posted by drchrismilkie in General on July 14, 2009
Toenail fungus is known medically as onychomycosis, and affects millions of people worldwide. It is estimated that somewhere between 5 and 10 percent of adults and nearly half of adults over 70 years of age are afflicted with toenail fungus. There are many misconceptions about toenail fungus and its treatment. Although it is commonly portrayed to be nothing more than an unsightly condition, this is untrue. Anyone who suffers from toenail fungus knows that this condition is extremely painful. Furthermore, topical and oral treatments are ineffective and simply do not work. While a select few may experience some relief from oral medication, achieving results can take months, if at all.
An affected toenail appears unusually thickened, yellowed and darkened in color. They can also be cracked and weak. The fungus is able to enter the nail when the nail plate suffers damage, and it then begins its unsightly growth, soon becoming very uncomfortable.
Many things can cause damage to the nail plate. Common injuries, such as accidentally dropping an object on a toe, stubbing it, or someone else stepping on it, as well as participating in physical activities such as running and athletics in ill fitting footwear can cause enough damage to allow the toenail fungus the opportunity to grow. Using cutting equipment which has not been adequately sterilized is another common cause.
Toenail fungus breeds in moist areas. Thus, keeping your feet and shoes as clean and dry as possible is one of the best ways to prevent toenail fungus. Using an antifungal spray in your shoes is a great prevention method. Toenail fungus can also be picked up in public locker rooms, so be sure to always wear flip-flops or shower shoes.
However, if you have contracted toenail fungus, the best way to rid yourself of this condition is with the newest technology currently available, laser surgery. Patients enjoy an 80 to 87 percent success rate with laser surgery. Indeed, this technology is undoubtedly the most effective method of treating toenail fungus. This treatment is completely painless, and only takes thirty minutes. With laser treatment, patients are treated quickly and effectively with no drugs and no anesthesia. A laser light is used to destroy the fungus cells by harmlessly passing through the nail and penetrating the nail plate, where it originates. The procedure allows the new nail to grow in healthy and clear, which normally takes several weeks. Unlike competing medication-driven treatments for toenail fungus, laser surgery presents minimal risk of side effects. It must be administered by a qualified podiatrist.
Heel Pain Easily Treated if Caught Early
Posted by drchrismilkie in General on July 13, 2009
Two million people will experience chronic heel pain this year. Out of those two million people, it is my estimate that not even a quarter of them will seek treatment. Much like foot pain, people tend to consider heel pain to be a “typical” and “normal” part of life. However, it is crucial that you eliminate this type of thinking from your overall outlook on foot health. Foot pain affects every part of your body, and your accommodation to it can cause serious problems elsewhere. Specifically, heel pain is a troublesome condition that can only worsen over time if not treated.
Most heel pain is caused by an inflammation of the tendon that attaches to the heel bone. If you experience heel pain the moment you step out of bed in the morning, then this is most likely due to this inflammation. This condition is commonly referred to as a heel spur.
Should heel pain become severe, it is crucial that you seek medical treatment. However, most heel pain can be treated simply and cheaply, without medical intervention.
Prevention is the best treatment when it comes to healing your heels. Proper shoes that provide excellent support are ideal. Athletic shoes from trusted brands like New Balance and Brooks are a great choice, as they give you superb arch support and cushioning. Ladies’ shoes tend to cause and exacerbate heel pain. High heels provide virtually no support, and trendy “ballet flats” can cause intense heel pain, as they offer absolutely no arch support. Women should avoid these flat shoes, especially if they have flat feet or low arches to begin with.
To treat existing heel pain, I suggest that patients approach it as they would any inflammation. Take Ibuprofen, apply ice, and above all else, get plenty of rest. Unfortunately, plenty of people continue to exercise or wear improper shoes when they are already experiencing heel pain. I guarantee that heel pain can only get worse when left untreated, especially if one is continuing to engage in the behaviors that caused their pain in the first place.
If rest and ice doesn’t eliminate your heel pain, then it is time to seek medical intervention. Ideally, find a Podiatrist in your area. A Podiatrist is a doctor with extensive training specifically in the medical and surgical treatment of foot and ankle conditions. Your feet will enjoy the professional treatment and attention.
Milwaukee Toenail Fungus Sufferers Finally Get Relief with New Laser Procedure
Posted by drchrismilkie in General on July 7, 2009
Since early February, Wisconsin residents with toenail fungus infection have had access to a new laser-light treatment that demonstrates an 88% success rate.
Onychomycosis, an ugly and sometimes painful disease affecting over 23 million people in the U.S., previously has had no good treatment options. Topical treatments rarely work and the oral antifungal medications must be taken for 3 months with a risk of liver toxicity.
Karen Hughes, one of the first individuals in Wisconsin to have this new treatment, said “I was thrilled to hear that a laser treatment for nail fungus was available in the Milwaukee area. After trying to treat my toenail fungus for the past 3 years with topicals and medication to no avail, I was referred to Dr. Milkie. After his thorough explanation of using laser-light as a treatment I immediately decided to have the procedure done. It was quick and 100% painless–and now I’m looking forward to wearing sandals again.”
Margaret M. states, “I was the very first person in the state to undergo the new laser treatment for toenail fungus. I had an advantage in trusting Dr. Milkie to be the first in the state… I am married to him! I have been waiting a long time for a treatment like this to come along. I am really looking forward to enjoying this summer with friends and family!”
To date, nearly 300 patients have been treated here locally. The procedure takes less that 30 minutes, and is pain free. Nationally, the laser treatment has been used for a year, and the results have been nothing short of miraculous. Dr. Milkie states, “It is such a pleasure to finally be able to offer patients in Wisconsin a real cure for toenail fungus. Some of these patients have been suffering for 30 years!”
Dr. Chris Milkie, one of just 49 podiatrists in the U.S. using the FDA-cleared PinPointe* FootLaser*, said, “Since early February, when I started offering the new laser-light treatment, I’ve found the most common reasons for people choosing to have this procedure are embarrassment by the look of their toes, pain, and concern about spreading the fungus to family members. People have driven from as far away as Fond du Lac to have the procedure.”
Dr. Chris Milkie is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and is the chairman of the Podiatry Department at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-St. Joseph Hospital. He has been in private practice since 1991 and has offices in Wauwatosa and Fox Point. Dr. Milkie is an enthusiastic interviewee on topics related to foot conditions who has been featured on Today’s TMJ4 and Fox 6 News. In February 2009, he expanded his practice to offer laser treatment of toenail fungus infections.