Blog | Jeffrey Kleis, DPM - Costa Mesa Podiatrist

State of the Art Medical Foot Technology in Costa Mesa

Several technology developments emerge yearly to apply themselves to medical practice and over the course of about sixty years three have emerged significant to current specialty medicine.  Two technologies that are increasing in overall use and study are Low Level Laser Treatments and Extracorporeal Shock-wave Therapy.  These types of tools and therapies have earned a place in certain medical specialties for their potential to improve the life condition in patients.  These therapies are in the proving stages for their ability to reduce pain or symptoms via non-invasive means for several medical conditions.

The third technology development is a result of study and not from a concrete “device.”  The root of technology that assists in medical decisions is information derived from more than fifty years of advanced understanding of the human genome.  The study of DNA has contributed to medicine by providing a map of one’s personal heritage.  The detail in each individual’s composition at the genetic level and can target what traits make us prone to certain disease and can steer doctors to the best paths of therapy for treatment. The information also contributes to the prevention steps that each individual can take to thwart health issues that are part of their family’s legacy. Our histories and personal evidence (derived from our genes and our DNA) can lend vital insight into what problems we can expect medically.  

Costa Mesa Laser Toenail Fungus Technology

The first functioning laser beam was constructed in Hughes Research Laboratories in 1960 by Theodore H. Maiman who based the project on the theoretical work of Charles Hard Townes and Arthur Leonard Schawlow.  The word “laser” was originally an acronym stemming from the description of the first device as light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.  At the point of its first publication announcement in July 1960 “Laser” seemed like science fiction, and who knew how quickly it would immerse itself in mainstream culture.  Unlike many other government backed projects and developments of its time, the publication of its creation came only 2 months after the original development, perhaps because Hughes Research was already under government contract and the total applications of the new device could not even be realized.  The potential of the discovery wasn’t as dramatic as what really did happen.   Remember that the first demonstration of the laser’s capability focused light in large room (like a barn) through a large device and completed tasks like slicing apples, searing a steak, and cutting designs in aluminum siding.  The full spectrum of the tool’s use was not imagined, nor was its ultimate shrinking from a barn-housed device to something that could fit in the palm of hand or later be programmed by a computer to execute EXACT surgical removal of damaged tissue or cancer.

“Laser” is used so commonly now within our current language it holds its own significance as multi-use word.  Hearing or seeing it in print implies focused light, energy, speed, and exactness.  Lasers in varying degrees of sophistication and purpose have now branched into every niche of commerce, home life, and medicine.  We have laser printers, laser scanners, laser cutters for all applications of manufacturing, laser pointers (sights), laser lights, and laser surgical tools to pin-point and correct some of the most delicate areas of the body with precision and an exactness that may be derived by computer and applied by the skilled hands of experience.

Dr. Kleis, DPM has worked with laser technology for the last ten years and has enthusiastically embraced the potential of lasers for non-invasive healing.  For nail fungus treatment he utilizes two types of lasers: Cutera GenesisPlus™, and the Lunula Laser™.  This is the only office in Orange County, California that offers a pairing these unique treatment options for targeting the source problem of toenail fungus as well as other yeast and bacteria infections of the feet.  Call (714) 760-4944 to set up an appointment in the Costa Mesa office.

Lasers for medical purposes serve the needs of several specialties such as Ophthalmology, Dermatology, and Podiatry, and they have been used to assist in the removal of everything from cancerous tissue to warts.  Use in treatment has become a standard for practitioners who understand the value of this technology in that it speeds up treatment, eliminates these problems with no side-effect cautions, and thus promotes a quicker cure.

In the case of Dr. Kleis’ practice, low-level light and minimal heat can target areas of the body to suppress fungus, mold, and bacteria growth.  These are living organisms that reside in a colony, populating space or creating their own through cellular division hidden among your nail beds and toes.  The low-level light and heat from the laser basically kills the primary cells without doing harm to the base structure of the patient’s body.  In the past, drugs were used to eradicate the fungus, mold, and bacteria; unfortunately though, orally consumed medications to kill a living organism residing in or on the body also has the potential to injure the host (us) as well.    

Laser treatment in the case of targeted therapy has proven itself to be truly non-invasive and less damaging to the vitality of the human being to whom the invasion has attached itself.  The world cannot eliminate the conditions under which fungus, mold, and bacteria introduce themselves to the body, but a non-chemical means of disabling them is better than permitting them to build immunity to current drugs.

Dr. Kleis’ experience with laser technology has honed his skill in utilizing these technology tools for non-invasive healing. This is the only office in Orange County, California that offers a pairing these unique laser treatment options for targeting the source problem of toenail fungus as well as other yeast and bacteria infections of the feet.  Call (714)760-4944 to set up an appointment in the Costa Mesa office.

Extracorporeal shock-wave therapy in Costa Mesa for Heal Pain

In extracorporeal shock-wave therapy, a special machine is used to deliver high-energy sound waves (acoustic waves) through your skin to target the distressed area of the body or specific soft tissue area afflicted.  It has been most widely applied to kidney stones, gallbladder stones, and even stones in the liver, but requires sedation to keep the patient still for the targeting.  Since initial investigation of the treatment (available since the mid-1980s) there has been one reported side effect, a report of bone density increase in the surrounding areas of people undergoing the therapy.  This sparked the interest in the field of Orthopedic medicine and it has been used in fracture treatment as well as soft tissue, where no sedation is needed.

The sound wave stimulates the ligament in question and strengthens its connection with the multiple bones and ligaments with which it interacts.  For the podiatrist, this type of treatment is believed to stimulate healing of ligaments like the plantar fascia for people suffering from plantar fasciitis.  In cases where a significant ligament like the plantar fascia is injured, walking and the gate of the walk in standard heel-toe momentum can be painful.  The stimulation from of this type of shock-wave does not penetrate the skin but does mimic the impact of standard motion and its affect on the ligaments of the foot.  It helps reveal the areas of greatest sensitivity (connection points or soft tissue) areas affected and can plot a course for further targeted treatment.  The extracorporeal shock-wave can cause some pain and leave a person with a need of some extended post treatment recovery time.

Dr. Kleis, DPM has also been introduced to the potential of shockwave or acoustic-wave therapy for non-invasive healing. His applications of the therapy are more focused on specific types of arthritis or injury conditions.  This is the only office in Orange County, California that offers unique treatment options for problems of the feet.  Call (714) 760-4944 or to set up an appointment in the Costa Mesa office.

Clinical data is essential for the information about the efficacy of shockwave or acoustic-wave therapy in specific treatments. This requires specific diagnosis and a means for measuring verifiable improvement.  Shock-wave or acoustic-wave therapy has produced positive results in treatment of the plantar fascia and other ligament-related conditions in different areas of the body. 

Technical Discoveries Assisting Foot Care in Costa Mesa

Some technical discoveries are not solely based on an instrument or device.  In the last century we have come to understand more of the human genome by its discovery or elaboration of its function in 1953.  Since then the double helix design of DNA and how the genes are fixed within the strands are revealing more information about our personal history (heritage).  While it includes traits like eye-color, hair-color, longevity, it has also enabled medical professionals to see patterns in how health issues carry forward through generations and can be fought.  These types of studies utilize several tests (most commonly blood) that help identify one’s genetic signature but these tests also works in tandem with the raw data information (our documented histories) as part of the equation for diagnosis.

Therapies for many medical issues, including forms of cancer, non-Hodgkins lymphoma and osteoarthritis, are imaginable in prescribed treatments that are founded in gene-level introduction according to the individual genetic composition.  These have different means of distribution through the body at the molecular level.

Enough study has taken place to reduce the once exhaustive test battery into a simplified process that takes days instead of weeks to yield results.  At the rate of discovery and advancement, it could be predicted that by the mid-21st century people might be seeking gene therapies to thwart several maladies that can affect their body in advance of the problem – but that is future and it is a future of personal choice.  The knowledge base of the human genome grows daily, and it is possible to mine the information for the best steps to take in treating today’s issues.

Dr. Kleis, DPM always requests the most current blood examinations, x-rays and personal medical histories from his clients.  It’s what is necessary to rule out or understand what other inherited health problems might be present.  This thoughtful and thorough evaluation of your situation is what sets this practice apart from others.  Call (714) 760-4944 to set up an appointment in the Costa Mesa office for any issues regarding pain in walking, standing, or exercising or issues regarding your feet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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