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Latest Treatment Options
How can we help you?
All of our podiatric physicians have extensive
training and experience to bring you the latest in medical and
surgical treatments of the foot and ankle.
Treatment
for Painful Heels
Anodyne Therapy System
Keryflex™ Nail Restoration System
Treatment
for Painful Heels
Plantar fasciitis is the most common source
of heel pain, often caused by running, walking, bad shoes, being
overweight, and beginning an exercise program. The major symptom
of plantar fasciitis is heel pain when taking the first steps
after getting out of bed in the morning or after sitting a long
time. Pain may lessen after taking a few steps, but often gets
worse the longer you are on your feet.
If pain doesn’t diminish within one week,
a visit to a podiatrist trained in treating this condition is
advisable. Treatment includes rest, ice, anti-inflammatory drugs,
orthotics, stretching, cortisone injections, night splints, and
physical therapy. This course of therapy successfully treats 90
percent of patients. In the past, if these treatments failed,
the only recourse was surgery. However, with the advent of ESWT,
Extracorporeal Shock-Wave Therapy, conditions such as chronic
heel pain and tendonitis can be improved with one quick visit.
The office procedure has none of the risks involved
with traditional surgery, and you can return to work the next
day. ESWT has a 94 percent success rate one year after one treatment.
ESWT fosters healing by promoting the growth
of new blood vessels and connective tissue. It also creates an
analgesic effect that helps your pain immediately after the procedure.
Healing starts the first day and continues gradually over the
next 12 weeks. ESWT is offered here at Allentown Family Foot Care.
Anodyne Therapy System
Dr. Fritz was first introduced to the Anodyne
Therapy System while serving as a Consultant at the Navy Seal
Training Center on Coronado Island, San Diego, California. Anodyne
Therapy is an FDA-approved light-emitting device that speeds the
healing of wounds, even in difficult to treat diabetic ulcers.
There are 16 million diabetics and others in this nation who could
benefit from this new innovative technology.
More exciting news is a current study testing
the device on diabetic neuropathy (loss of sensation or feeling),
a previously irreversible condition that often leads to amputation.
A joint study conducted at three Colorado medical centers followed
49 diabetics with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who had peripheral
neuropathy in their feet. Most showed improvement after six thirty
minute treatments. After 12 treatments, all had improved responses
to standard tests that measure the impairment of sensation in
diabetics, and their risk of amputation was greatly reduced. The
study was presented last year at the American Diabetes Association
Scientific Sessions.
How does it work? Sixty light-emitting diodes
are fitted into flexible pads that can be applied directly to
the skin or any part of the body. When the monochromatic near-infrared
photo (light) energy device - MIRE for short - is applied directly
to the skin, the light energy helps release small molecules of
nitric oxide from hemoglobin in the bloodstream. Nitric oxide
increases blood flow and helps deliver healing cells and nutrients
to the treatment area.
In addition to treating wounds (even surgical
wounds that heal too slowly) and neuropathy, it's been used on
arthritis, fractures, bursitis and tendinitis. No side effects
have been reported, but the device is not recommended for people
who may be pregnant or who have active cancer.
Keryflex™
Nail Restoration System
Keryflex is the new, easy-to-use nail restoration
system designed to help podiatrists cosmetically manage their
patients' nail fungus and other toenail disorders. This safe,
rapid in-office procedure, restores the appearance of the natural
nail.
Keryflex Delivers Three
Benefits to You:
- Models and restores the toenail
- Creates a smooth, natural-looking surface
- Is both flexible and durable
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