Science-fiction movie fans have been captivated for years by laser weapons that can slice off limbs or even make planets explode. The on-screen effects may be dazzling, but the real-world medical benefits this developing technology provides help people today recover more quickly from a variety of foot problems. Podiatry laser surgery is now being used to treat many conditions, from injuries to infections.
Unlike the wide spectrum of typical sunlight humans can see, laser beams are monochromatic and focused. The photons do not diffuse over distance, and are being used in a variety of applications. Industrial production lines use light to cut out parts, communications companies transmit digital information over fiber optics lines, and people use them when playing DVDs, or to entertain cats. They are also being incorporated into many kinds of surgeries.
When integrated into traditional surgical foot procedures, they are helping make many operations both faster and safer. Some patients experience less post-operative swelling and a shorter recovery time when compared to invasive scalpel work. Doctors who specialize in sports medicine or who often repair broken bones in the feet find that lasers are ideal both for repairing and cleaning areas of easily-damaged soft tissue.
Because of its unerring accuracy, a beam of light is able to precisely disintegrate a pinpoint area of tissue without harming adjacent structures. This is valuable when treating common issues such as the growth of plantar warts on the heel or sole, painfully deep callouses caused by footwear, or even infected, ingrown large toenails. A scalpel using light energy reduces tissue trauma and the possibility of infection.
Because of this superior accuracy, there is less chance for post-surgical bleeding. In the majority of cases, uncomplicated procedures can be carried out on an out-patient basis. Most require only a local anesthesia, and the number of necessary treatments is often reduced. Even minimally invasive surgery has the potential to result in complications, but the chances are lower when using this technology.
Fungal nail infections are extremely common today, and cause social as well as physical discomfort. Past treatments included uncomfortable removal of the nail itself, which did not always destroy the fungi. New, effective drugs are designed to be taken internally, but also have the potential for causing liver damage. Laser treatments are offering new hope for those who suffer from this condition, and often with superior results.
Not only does the light destroy the fungi, but sterilizes the skin against re-infection. The most noticeable sensation during treatment is a slight warmth, or a minimal tugging sensation. No local anesthesia is necessary in most cases, and the procedure usually takes less than sixty minutes. Although there is no absolute guarantee, most cases show signs of improvement after one session, a vast improvement in duration.
Although surgery and treatment involving this technology works best for minimally-invasive work, it can also be useful in treating more serious conditions like hammertoes, or when repairing activity-related problems such as torn ligaments or tendons. Certain types of neuropathy and arthritis can also benefit, leaving patients with greater mobility, and almost no scarring. Faster healing rates helps reduce recovery length and discomfort.
Unlike the wide spectrum of typical sunlight humans can see, laser beams are monochromatic and focused. The photons do not diffuse over distance, and are being used in a variety of applications. Industrial production lines use light to cut out parts, communications companies transmit digital information over fiber optics lines, and people use them when playing DVDs, or to entertain cats. They are also being incorporated into many kinds of surgeries.
When integrated into traditional surgical foot procedures, they are helping make many operations both faster and safer. Some patients experience less post-operative swelling and a shorter recovery time when compared to invasive scalpel work. Doctors who specialize in sports medicine or who often repair broken bones in the feet find that lasers are ideal both for repairing and cleaning areas of easily-damaged soft tissue.
Because of its unerring accuracy, a beam of light is able to precisely disintegrate a pinpoint area of tissue without harming adjacent structures. This is valuable when treating common issues such as the growth of plantar warts on the heel or sole, painfully deep callouses caused by footwear, or even infected, ingrown large toenails. A scalpel using light energy reduces tissue trauma and the possibility of infection.
Because of this superior accuracy, there is less chance for post-surgical bleeding. In the majority of cases, uncomplicated procedures can be carried out on an out-patient basis. Most require only a local anesthesia, and the number of necessary treatments is often reduced. Even minimally invasive surgery has the potential to result in complications, but the chances are lower when using this technology.
Fungal nail infections are extremely common today, and cause social as well as physical discomfort. Past treatments included uncomfortable removal of the nail itself, which did not always destroy the fungi. New, effective drugs are designed to be taken internally, but also have the potential for causing liver damage. Laser treatments are offering new hope for those who suffer from this condition, and often with superior results.
Not only does the light destroy the fungi, but sterilizes the skin against re-infection. The most noticeable sensation during treatment is a slight warmth, or a minimal tugging sensation. No local anesthesia is necessary in most cases, and the procedure usually takes less than sixty minutes. Although there is no absolute guarantee, most cases show signs of improvement after one session, a vast improvement in duration.
Although surgery and treatment involving this technology works best for minimally-invasive work, it can also be useful in treating more serious conditions like hammertoes, or when repairing activity-related problems such as torn ligaments or tendons. Certain types of neuropathy and arthritis can also benefit, leaving patients with greater mobility, and almost no scarring. Faster healing rates helps reduce recovery length and discomfort.
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