Although it uses laser light, MLS laser therapy does not cause burning of the skin where it is directed. Most patients report a feeling of increased warmth in the area, but no pain.

If you do happen to feel pain or discomfort during a laser therapy session (or at any time during any other form of treatment), please do not hesitate to let us know immediately.

MLS laser therapy is an advanced form of treatment that uses light energy to cause a minor disruption at the site of an injury and pain. The body can respond to this stimulus in several beneficial ways:

• Increasing blood flow to the area, which in turn increases the flow of growth factors and other tools cells need for repairs.
• Carrying away excess fluid via increased blood flow, reducing inflammation.
• Blocking pain signals from local nerves.

Typically, the ultimate goal of MLS laser therapy is to kickstart and/or accelerate healing in a painful area, eliminating the cause of the discomfort.

A course of laser therapy is often completed over several sessions spaced over several weeks. This is not a one-time treatment. However, many patients report feeling beneficial results after their very first session, and these benefits stack with each new session.

MLS laser therapy is an advanced form of treatment that uses light energy to cause a minor disruption at the site of an injury and pain. The body can respond to this stimulus in several beneficial ways:

• Increasing blood flow to the area, which in turn increases the flow of growth factors and other tools cells need for repairs.
• Carrying away excess fluid via increased blood flow, reducing inflammation.
• Blocking pain signals from local nerves.

Typically, the ultimate goal of MLS laser therapy is to kickstart and/or accelerate healing in a painful area, eliminating the cause of the discomfort.

A course of laser therapy is often completed over several sessions spaced over several weeks. This is not a one-time treatment. However, many patients report feeling beneficial results after their very first session, and these benefits stack with each new session.

If your foot lands incorrectly while walking or running and you feel a sharp, sudden pain, you may have sprained your ankle.

If you can, stop what you are doing and inspect the joint for swelling and bruising. You may still be able to put weight on the ankle and walk around, though it will probably be painful to do so. If the pain is too severe to stand, don’t try—seek immediate medical assistance.

An ankle sprain involves the straining or tearing of the ligaments that support the joint and can result in chronic ankle weakness if not treated properly. If you suspect that you have a sprain, don’t wait and allow the problem a chance to worsen. Contact the experts at Total Foot and Ankle for an appointment.

Diabetics can suffer from a variety of common foot conditions, but the difference is that for them, those foot problems can turn into serious issues.

These conditions can become more problematic due to two issues specifically related to diabetic feet:

1. Diabetic neuropathy: If you do not have control over your diabetes and have too much glucose in your blood for an extended period of time, nerve damage is highly possible. If you damage the nerves in your feet and legs, you’re not going to feel much of anything. Some people think it would be nice not to feel pain, but then you don’t know when you’re hurt. Too many diabetics will injure their feet but have no idea they hurt themselves. If the injury goes unnoticed too long, the wound can become infected. Serious infections or tissue death may be beyond medical repair, requiring amputation to save the patient’s life.
2. Peripheral vascular disease: This is a circulation disorder that affects blood vessels away from the heart. Its signature is poor circulation in the arms and legs. Fatty deposits build up in the inner linings of the artery walls of the legs and hinder blood flow. When diabetics have poor blood flow, any wounds or injuries they have on their feet will have trouble healing. Even when a person finds the injury and takes the appropriate steps to have it treated, the process can be very slow.

Morton’s Neuroma is probably the most common kind of Neuroma. It is the result of an injured nerve located in the foot leading to a thickening of the tissue that surrounds the nerve leading to the toes.

The pain you feel will generally begin in the ball of your foot and shoot out between your third and fourth toes. Your toes might sting, burn or feel numb and walking is probably quite painful. Morton’s Neuroma is far more common in women than men and part of it can be attributed to wearing high heels and shoes that are too tight.

When caught early on, Morton’s Neuroma is generally easy to treat. If you feel any kind of pain, be sure to make an appointment with our podiatrist. Many times, making simple lifestyle changes and caring for your feet can treat Morton’s Neuroma. 

Plantar fasciitis refers to the inflammation of the thin, flat band of tissue that stretches from the heel to the ball of the foot. It is called the plantar fascia. Pain can occur anywhere along that band of tissue.

Inflammation of the plantar fascia happens when too much stain causes small tears in the plantar fascia. It is usually caused by repetitive strain such as walking or running. Other factors include wearing poor shoes, being overweight, and starting a new exercise program.

It’s important to realize that getting toenail fungus does not necessarily have anything to do with proper hygiene. Some people are just naturally more at risk than others.

People become more susceptible to fungus as they age because they’ve had more years of exposure, they have diminished blood circulation in their feet, and nails can grow slower and thicker as we get older. Additional factors can increase the risks of toenail fungus, such as exposure to athlete’s foot (also a fungus), and barefoot exposure to warm, damp public areas such as locker rooms and pools.

No, custom orthotics will not permanently cure flat feet or other foot abnormalities. However, they are the most effective corrective device used to prevent your issue from getting worse.

We recommend taking it easy the rest of the day. If you must return to work that day and have an office position, prop your foot up while wearing an open-toe shoe to avoid putting any pressure on the toe.

If your position requires some type of steel-toe or rigid shoe and you must return to work, we recommend taking it “as easy as possible” and frequently remove your shoe to visually inspect your toe for signs of bleeding or swelling.

Rigorous work is not recommended as continuous pressure immediately following the procedure can delay healing and increase the chances of an infection.