Pain – Laser Therapy

Drug free pain relief is our primary goal. Laser treatment is the use of wavelengths of light to create therapeutic effects. During laser treatment, the infrared laser light interacts with tissues at the cellular level, and metabolic activity increases within the cell, vastly improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane. Laser treatment has the power to immediately and dramatically reduce and/or potentially eliminate pain, discomfort and inflammation. Effects are realized with the first treatment, but a series of treatments are recommended to ensure sustained and prolonged relief. Laser treatment is painless and increases circulation, drawing water, oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain. As the injured area returns to normal (homeostasis), function is restored and pain is relieved.

Laser treatment has been widely used in Europe by physical therapists, nurses and doctors as far back as the 1970s. Now, after FDA clearance in 2002, laser therapy is being used extensively in the United States. Also, there are more than 100 rigorously controlled, scientific studies that document the effectiveness of a laser for clinical conditions like pain, inflammation, arthritis, tendonitis, neuroma, nerve pain, joint pain-DJD/RA of any joint (especially the ankle), Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis and any type of inflammatory disease or condition. It is also effective in treating fractures, ingrown toenails, athletic injuries, sprains, strains, shin splints, post surgical therapy and more.

Pigmented Lesions

Pigmented lesions are darker in color than normal skin because melanin is abnormally concentrated in one area of the skin. Pigmented lesions could be birthmarks, flat moles, and various freckles/sun spots. Some diseases and infections can also cause pigmentation of skin.

In our office we have the Q-clear laser, which is a FDA, approved laser that delivers an intense beam of light that is absorbed by the melanin in the skin. This light is converted to heat and is absorbed by the cells being targeted destroying them, while leaving the surrounding normal skin unaffected.

The results of laser treatment depend on the depth of the melanin and the color of the lesion and are, to some degree, unpredictable. Several treatments may be required. Successfully treated lesions may recur. Some lesions do not disappear completely, but will be significantly lighter in color after treatment. Laser treatment may make the underlying skin color darker or lighter. Blistering and crusting of skin sometimes occurs. If this happens, you must not pick or scratch the area to avoid permanent scarring. Photographs will be taken of the area to be treated so that progress can be monitored.

Your practitioner will guide the laser to the treatment areas with a small hand piece.

The length of the treatment will depend on the size of the area being treated.

Spider and Varicose Veins

Minimal Incision Surgery - Vein Scleroderma
What are varicose veins and spider veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can be blue, red, or flesh-colored. They often look like cords and appear twisted and bulging. They can be swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are often found on the thighs, backs of the calves, or the inside of the leg. During pregnancy, varicose veins can form around the vagina and buttocks.

Spider veins are like varicose veins but smaller. They also are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. Often, they are red or blue. They can look like tree branches or spider webs with their short, jagged lines. They can be found on the legs and face and can cover either a very small or very large area of skin.

How are varicose and spider veins treated?

Varicose veins are treated with lifestyle changes and medical treatments. These can:

• Relieve symptoms
• Prevent complications
• Improve appearance

Your doctor may recommend a lifestyle change if your varicose veins don’t cause many symptoms. If symptoms are more severe, your doctor may recommend medical treatments. Some treatment options include: Compression stockings, which help pressure on your veins.

At Affordable Foot and Leg Clinic, we can cosmetically treat your spider veins with laser therapy. The number of sessions needed will depend on your body and skin type. This technique sends very strong bursts of light through the skin onto the vein. This makes the vein slowly fade and disappear. Not all skin types and colors can be safely treated with lasers. Most people see improvements after a few sessions.

Laser treatments last for 15 to 20 minutes. Generally, 2 to 5 treatments are needed to remove spider veins in the legs. Laser therapy usually isn’t effective for varicose veins larger than 3 mm (about a tenth of an inch). You can return to normal activity right after treatment.

Varicose veins can be treated cosmetically with sclerotherapy, in which most patients see immediate results. It is always recommended to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Stam in order to plan the best treatment for your particular needs.

Stem Cell Injections

Stem cell injections are used to treat a variety of conditions including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, arthritis and is very helpful to patients suffering from ligament, tendon or joint injuries. Stem cell injections are particularly popular among athletes and trainers as stem cells speed up the recovery time following an injury.

Call Affordable Foot and Leg today to learn more about stem cells.

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

PRP is a noninvasive treatment that uses the patient’s blood to collect platelets, which contain growth factors that initiate cell growth, blood vessel growth and collagen synthesis. PRP can be effective in treating joint and tendon pain, among other conditions.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Stam today to find out if PRP is right for you.