Dr Marc Katz: Tampa Podiatrist Discusses Treatments for Foot Problems

Tampa Podiatrist: CDC Amputations Falling Dramati

2012-01-26T20:32:00.001-05:00

The CDC has announced the falling rate of lower extremity amputations in those with diabetes. There are so many factors involved but I want to tell you about Podiatrists being one of the major players.

Podiatrists have made it their goal to do everything possible to prevent foot and leg amputations. This is the big feather in their cap. Each day podiatrists participate in the Medicare shoe program to prevent amputations. Podiatrists are key players treating ulcers and taking pressure off of the foot and not just giving up and amputating feet or legs. They are a major component of the limb salvage team, saving peoples limbs and lives while saving the healthcare system millions of dollars.

Visit your podiatrist today to have your feet checked if you have diabetes. And if you have any foot infection or ulcer, don't wait. Your podiatrists can change your life!

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/01/25/cdc-diabetes-amputations-falling-dramatically/

Dr. Marc Katz, a Tampa podiatrist helps his patients prevent amputations on a daily basis. He is committed to improving the lives of those with diabetes.

Visit Dr. Katz's Website

Check out Tips for those with diabetes.
Diabetes Tips

Dr. Marc Katz, A Tampa Podiatrist discusses Derrick Rose's Turf Toe

2012-01-23T22:07:00.000-05:00

Check it out.

http://tampaingrowntoenail.wordpress.com/2012/01/23/tampa-podiatrist-discusses-derrick-roses-turf-toe/

Tampa Podiatrist discusses Paula Deen and Diabetes

2012-01-22T16:20:00.000-05:00

As a podiatrist, I see many patients with diabetes. Diabetes has profound effects on the feet causing nerve damage known as neuropathy. In addition, diabetes can lead to foot infections, ulcers and even amputation. This is a serious disease that has become a modern day epidemic.

So it is not surprising that many are furious with the Paula Deen for waiting 3 years to inform the public of her diabetes while promoting unhealthy food.

http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2012/01/19/diabetics-call-paula-deen-hypocrite-for-hiding-disease-while-promoting-sugar/

Dr. Katz encourages all people with diabetes to take the disease serious. He recommends that all people with diabetes seek care from a podiatrist for exams and certainly to see a podiatrist immediately with any foot, ankle or leg problems. In addition, Dr. Katz helps his patients with appropriate diet and coordinates care with their primary care physicians.

See Dr. Katz's site for more information and to contact his office.

Tampa Podiatrist, Dr. Marc Katz, Offers New Techniques for Foot and Heel Pain Relief!

2012-01-07T15:23:00.000-05:00

Do You Suffer from Foot Pain - Call Tampa Podiatrist, Dr. Marc Katz

Tampa Foot Pain? Get Relief

Dr. Marc Katz provides treatments for all foot and ankle pain. He uses minimally-invasive and non-invasive advanced techniques to get you back to your activities quickly while avoiding surgery.

He specializes in the following:
Laser toenail fungus treatments - http://www.notoenailfungus.com
Advanced Techniques for Heel and Achilles Pain - http://www.fixfootpain.com

Cryosurgery for Painful Neuroma - http://www.tampacryosurgery.com

Specialized Permanent Ingrown Toenail Removal
Minimally-invasive Correction of Flexible Hammertoes
Same Day Customized Orthotics
Musculoskeletal Laser for Joint Pain and Soft Tissue Sprains and Strains
See Dr. Katz's General Website - http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com

Dr. Katz Treats the Following problems:

Call Dr. Katz Today to Get the Most Advanced Treatment in Tampa with Minimal Down Time!

813-875-0555

Do You Suffer from Foot Pain - Call Tampa Podiatrist, Dr. Marc Katz

2011-11-01T09:12:00.000-04:00

Tampa Foot Pain? Get Relief

Call Dr. Katz Today to Get the Most Advanced Treatment in Tampa with Minimal Down Time!

813-875-0555

Toenail Fungus Laser Treatments in Tampa - Choose the Best!

2011-10-25T09:58:00.000-04:00

You have many options for treatment of toenail fungus in the Tampa Bay area. Dr. Marc Katz is the most experienced laser podiatrist in the area. He has done in excess of 1000 procedures. In addition, he has developed a superior technique and treatment to give you the best results.

Some offices are informing patients that they only need one treatment. Dr. Katz notes that this is not ideal and is done as a cost cutting measure. Based on extensive experience, 3 treatments are necessary for best results.

Dr. Katz uses one of the most effective lasers on the market. He notes that there are many types of lasers including the Q-switched lasers. These offer no advantages for success and their notion that one treatment is all that is needed, is flawed. We've had patients treated with the Q-switched and Pinpointe laser among others and they have had poor results. Dr. Katz suggests that you do your homework and do it right the first time.

Call Dr. Katz now for Complimentary Consultation! 813-875-0555

Visit our websites
http://www.notoenailfungus.com
http://www.vibranttampatoenails.com

Like us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Laser-Removal-of-Toenail-Fungus/158691564149628

Hammertoe Pain: See Dr. Katz for Advanced In Office Correction in Tampa!

2011-10-24T14:21:00.000-04:00

Dr. Katz performs a minimally invasive procedure for hammertoe deformities that are flexible. If you can unbend your abnormal toe and make it straight then you may be a candidate. The simple in office procedure involves release of the soft tissues causing the deformity and pain. No stitches are needed and you may return to work quickly, says Katz. In my office, we've developed techniques and protocols to make you better and return to your life and activities quickly. That's what separates us from other podiatrists, says Katz.

Hammertoes

Hammertoes are a contracture of the toes as a result of a muscle imbalance between the tendons on the top and the tendons on the bottom of the toe. They can be flexible or rigid in nature. When they are rigid, it is not possible to straighten the toe out by manipulating it. Frequently, they develop corns on the top of the toe as a result of rubbing on the shoe. They may also cause a bothersome callous on the ball of the foot. This occurs as a result of the toe pressing downward on the bone behind the toe. This area then becomes prominent and the pressure of the bone against the ground causes a callous to form. (Corns and Calluses)

They tend to slowly get worse with time and frequently flexible deformities become rigid. Treatment can be preventative, symptomatic or curative. (For information on hammertoe of the big toe see Hallux hammertoe)

Preventative treatment of hammertoe is directed toward the cause of the deformity. A functional orthotic is a special insert that can be prescribed by your podiatrist to address the abnormal functioning of the foot that causes the hammertoe. Functional orthotics can be thought of as contact lenses for your feet. They correct a number of foot problems that are caused by an abnormally functioning foot. Our feet, much like our eyes, change with time. Functional orthotics slow down or halt this gradual change in the foot. Often when orthotics are used for flexible hammertoes, the toes will overtime straighten out and correct themselves. Calf stretching exercises are also helpful. Calf stretching can help to overcome part of the muscle imbalance that causes the hammertoe.

Symptomatic treatment of hammertoes consists of such things as open toed shoes or hammertoe pads. There are over the counter corn removers for temporally reducing the painful callous often seen with the hammertoe. These medications must be used with caution. They are a mild acid that burns the callous off. These medications should never be used for corns or callouses between the toes. Persons with diabetes or bad circulation should never use these products.

Curative treatment of hammertoes varies depending upon the severity of the deformity. When the hammertoe is flexible, a simple tendon release in the toe works well. The recovery is rapid often requiring nothing more that a single stitch and a Band-Aid. Of course if several toes are done at the same time, the recovery make take a bit longer.

Call Dr. Katz today to see if you are a candidate for this amazing technique!

813-875-0555

http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com

For heel and Achilles pain: http://www.fixfootpain.com

Laser Toenail Fungus: http://www.notoenailfungus.com

Painful neuroma, get advanced treatment: http://www.tampacryosurgery.com

Advanced Podiatry of Tampa Uses New Heel Pain Treatment

2011-10-24T09:08:00.002-04:00

Have you seen many doctors for heel pain relief? Do you keep getting offered the same treatment over and over? Do you want to avoid, injections, medications and surgery?

Good News!

Dr. Marc Katz, a Tampa Podiatrist, has developed a breakthrough non-invasive technique to finally get relief!

Dr. Katz uses a combination of Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology and Super Pulsed Laser. He is the only physician in the Tampa Bay area to develop and use such a unique technique to relieve your pain and heal your foot.

Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology

Super Pulsed Laser Therapy

Call Today and Get the Most Advanced Treatment for Your Heel Pain!

813-875-0555
http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com

Foot & Ankle News from Dr. Marc Katz

2011-09-01T09:39:00.000-04:00

Foot & Ankle News from Dr. Marc Katz

The Most Successful Laser Toenail Fungus Treatments in Tampa!

2011-08-23T11:06:00.001-04:00

Dr. Marc Katz provides his patients with the best toenail fungus treatments using the best technology.

Dr. Katz notes that one or two treatments are not sufficient to get the best results. He stated that many doctors in Tampa only offer one treatment and this is not in the best interest of the patient. This method of treatment becomes much more costly when additional treatments are necessary.

Dr. Katz is the most experience Laser Podiatrist in Tampa Bay. He has treated over 1000 patients in the past 1-1/2 years.

Get the best treatment from the most experienced podiatrist. CALL 813-875-0555!

Visit Our sites for more information:

http://www.notoenailfungus.com

http://www.vibranttampatoenails.com

Dr. Katz, a Tampa Podiatrist, Develops New Technique for Heel Pain Relief!!

2011-08-23T10:55:00.000-04:00

Foot, Ankle & Leg Relief: Integrative Podiatry - Holistic Podiatry

2011-04-13T21:22:00.000-04:00

http://www.tampaintegrativepodiatry.com/Home.php

Holistic Podiatry: A Foot and Ankle Functional Approach

2011-04-07T21:24:00.000-04:00

Integrative Podiatry Services

Digital X-Ray- This form of x-ray provides greater detail than traditional x-ray with less radiation than larger traditional units. No toxic chemicals are required to develop the x-ray. This is one of the ways that we help the environment stay safer and cleaner.   For more information: http://thetampapodiatrist.com/services_scanx.html

Diagnostic Ultrasound - This modality allows for radiation-free examination of soft tissue, stress fractures and foreign bodies within the tissue. Dr. Katz also has a doppler feature allowing for assessment of neovascularization or new blood flow to an area of injury or to a mass.    For more information: http://thetampapodiatrist.com/services_ultrasound.html
Peripheral Vascular Analysis- Accurate measurement of pedal blood flow is essential in establishing a base line for the treatment of peripheral vascular disease, diabetic ulcers, wound care, intermittent claudication, Raynaud's disease, diabetic neuropathy, etc. We utilize state-of-the-art Doppler/waveform analysis.   For more information: http://www.unetixs.com/revo.html

Extracoporeal Pulse Activation Therapy - Dr. Katz performs a non-invasive myofascial therapy to heal tendons, ligaments, muscle and connective tissue.   This can be incorporated into to your overall treatment plan. This therapy induces physiologic changes that increase blood flow, reduce pain receptor activity and change muscle tone leading to release of tissue trigger points. This therapy allows the body to produce a natural response to inflammation and injury leading to significant long-term relief when used in combination with other alternative therapies. For more information: http://www.curamedix.com/pdf/D-Actor_50.pdf

Biostimulation Therapy/Super-pulsed MR4 Laser - Dr. Katz chose this laser because of its safety and excellent healing potential. The laser light is a painless, safe, non-invasive, drug-free and effective option leading to reduced pain and acceleration of healing naturally. The laser has a unique combination of radiances that work synergistically for optimal pain relief and healing. These include: super pulsed laser, pulsed broadband infrared SLDs, pulsed red light, static magnetic field and electrical stimulation.
Therapeutic Laser Biological Effects:
Rapid Cell Growth, Faster Wound Healing, Increased Metabolic Activity, Reduced Fibrous Tissue Formation, Anti-Inflammatory Action, Increased Vascular Activity and Stimulated Nerve Function.    For More information:
http://thetampapodiatrist.com/services_super_pulsed_laser.html

Homeopathic/Bioregulatory Medicine - Dr. Katz uses ultrasound-guided injections and oral remedies to enhance other treatment modalities. Homeopathic preparations support the body's ability to self-regulate and detoxify/drain at the cellular level. This natural support allows the foot and ankle to enter the appropriate healing pathway. Traditional medicines such as cortsione and anti-inflammatories actually have the opposite effect and deter the body from the natural healing process. In a person that already has decreased immune function, traditional medications can actually provide no relief or make the condition worse.

Nutritional Therapies and Healing Strategies - Dr. Katz will review your lifestyle to help you make positive changes. Proper nutrition and diet has been shown to provide long-term prevention of chronic disease. On the other hand, poor nutrition is now being recognized as the major factor in today's obesity and disease epidemic.   Dr. Katz will help you implement diet, nutrition and exercise changes to pave your path to wellness. Dr. Katz will use nutritional therapies combining herbs, vitamins, amino acids and mineral supplements to bring your body back into balance. He uses pharmaceutical grade nutritional supplements from industry-leading companies.   These products are supported by extensive research.   These therapies and strategies will be complemented by other personalized treatments to heal your foot, body and soul.

Functional Laboratory Analysis - This complex analysis is individualized for each patient and is based on extensive history and physical examinations. Dr. Katz will use this analysis to supplement the history and exam process to ultimately understand and treat your foot and ankle problem. The tests used analyze the core clinical imbalances that lead to various disease conditions and ultimately your foot and ankle problems. The science-based process of functional lab testing goes far beyond standard testing and reveals imbalances in body physiology that can lead to foot and ankle disease. By improving these imbalances, patients will return to foot, ankle and full body wellness. The body is a complex web and changes based on diet, stress, gut imbalance and toxins.

In addition to standard blood tests such as CBC, Metabolic panels, lipids and thyroid testing, Dr. Katz uses the following functional testing to get to the source of your foot, ankle and leg problem:

GI Stool Analysis: Around 70% of the immune system resides in the gut(intestines). Appropriate balancing of the GI system can improve the immune system and your body's ability to fight inflammation of the foot, ankle and leg.

Food Allergy Testing(IgG4): Food reactions may produce inflammation, degenaration and immune responses leading to foot and ankle problems

Organic Acids: This metabolic test will evaluate nutrient balance, intestinal health, neurotransmitter activity and detoxification demands. Imbalances lead to autoimmune disorders, blood sugar dysregulation, dermatitis, muscle and joint pain weight gain. All of these imbalances relate closely to foot and ankle problems.

Fatty Acids: These substances are critical in foot and ankle wellness. Fatty acids are essential for vascular, neurologic, joint and immune health, all involving the foot and ankle.
Fat-soluble vitamins: A, E, D, Beta Carotene and CoQ10. These are important antioxidants and play an important role in vascular and bone health.

Lipid Peroxides: This will assess free radical formation that can lead to multiple degenerative and immune system problems.
Cortisol and DHEA: Adrenal Stress is a major factor in chronic diseases and poor immune function.

Nutrient and Toxic Elements: Deficiencies and Excess can uncover problems such as neuropathy, poor wound healing, bone loss and many immune problems.

Regenerative Therapies: Common foot and ankle conditions associated with chronic pain and instability often involve weak and torn connective tissue such as ligaments and tendons. In addition, joint degeneration is common. Dr. Katz uses prolotherapy and platelet rich plasma injections to assist the body in natural repair by forming new healthy tissues fibers and collagen for repair. Regenerative medicine is gaining great attention due to excellent outcomes that can be obtained naturally.

Minimally-Invasive Surgery: Dr. Katz provides convenient minimally-invasive procedures in the comfort of his office. These procedures can allow faster return to work and activities and allow for avoidance of risky anesthesia. Dr. Katz often uses natural immune optimizing therapies to promote natural rapid healing with less risk of infections and complications.

General Podiatric Medicine: Of course, Dr. Katz still offers traditional podiatry to his patients. His treatments may integrate traditional and holistic podiatry for the best outcome. In some cases traditional medication and treatment can provide the patient with adequate relief. Dr. Katz still provides his patients with wound care and limb salvage surgery. In addition, all common foot and ankle conditions are treated by Dr. Katz.
http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com

Laser Toenail Fungus Treatments:
http://www.vibranttampatoenails.com

Cryosurgery:
http://www.tampacryosurgery.com

Call for an appointment

Marc A Katz DPM
508 S. Habana Ave., Suite 200
Tampa, FL 33609
(813) 875-0555

katzdpm@yahoo.com

http://www.tampaintegrativepodiatry.com

Dr. Marc Katz, Tampa Podiatrist, Discusses Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis

2010-10-13T10:45:00.000-04:00

Heel pain, additionally known as plantar fasciitis or heel spurs, is among the most common foot ailments handled in a podiatrists office. In our fast-paced lives, the aching heel has develop into an epidemic. This is as a result of the combination of lengthy work days, obesity and exercise. Persons are additionally gaining weight and losing their muscle energy and flexibility. Those are all contributing factors to heel pain.

Typical signs consist of deep pain while getting out of bed in the morning and after sitting. Most folks additionally experience pain toward the end of the day or the day after exercise/strenuous activity. Others describe their pain as radiating or sharp shooting pain which most probably involves a nerve in the heel area.

A major ligament-like structure referred to as the plantar fascia is partially liable for supporting the foot arch and for absorbing shock when walking. The fascia extends from the heel to the ball of the foot. The fascia is a flat band identical in makeup to a ligament. For quite a lot of reasons, the fascia weakens and causes the arch to fall, therefore creating a lower arch or "flat foot". Consequently, there is excessive stretch or tension on the fascial band which results in inflammation or swelling and continuously small tears of this band. With repeated pressure of the fascia at the heel bone or calcaneus, a spur or bone enlargement develops. That is the body's method of responding to stress. While a tissue is stressed, the body develops more of that tissue, in this case bone.

Along with the swelling of the fascia, there is continuously a related inflammation, entrapment or enlargement of nerves across the heel. It has been shown that those nerves are a prominent source of the pain experienced with plantar fasciitis.

So what exactly causes the pain in the heel?
It is an aggregate of swelling of the fascia and the nerves of the heel. The heel spur itself causes no pain even though on x-ray it looks pointed and appears as a piercing object. If truth be told, many people have fasciitis without the spur.

Dr. Marc Katz, a Tampa Podiatrist, notes that in his 22 years of practice he rarely removed the bone spur. He also said that over the past 10 years he has used advanced treatments to heal the pain and more recently has used a cutting edge tretament referred to as Cryosurgery with a high success rate. Dr. Katz is the first Cryostar certified Cryosurgeon within the Tampa Bay area. He has treated patients from all over the US and many other countries.

How will we deal with Heel Pain?
Treating heel pain can be irritating for the patient and physician. Treatments can take months and infrequently as long as a year. This does not imply that there might be constant pain for that time frame, however, it is very important to seek early treatment.

There are lots of therapies for heel pain. Your doctor should customize a treatment plan relying on individual components including lifestyle, footwear, activities and any other associated illnesses. Treatment should concentrate on the individual as a whole. Many elements each physical and physchological is also vital to consider. Evaluations consist of a history and physical exam, x-rays, diagnostic ultrasound and MRI if necessary. Referrals to other consultants may be needed if there are related medical conditions.

Treatment would possibly include anti inflammatory tablets, ice, cortisone injections, custom orthotic arch supports, padding, strapping, night splints, detachable casts, stretching, physical therapy, shockwave, cryosurgery, homeopathic and herbal drugs, modification in activities, weight reduction programs, wearing other sneakers, modification in life style.

Dr. Katz mentioned that Cryosurgery has shown good long term results! This more moderen remedy is really helpful after attempting different treatments. However, from time to time it will function as a primary line of treatment for certain patients. This procedure is completed within the office and is minimally invasive and permits the affected person to quickly go back to common activities when compared to the traditional surgery.

Patients can help prevent recurrence of the situation by wearing customized orthotics, stretching, strengthening and weight-loss.

Treatment of heel pain can be a challenge. Find a podiatrist that is compassionate and willing to spend the essential time and check out different treatment options.

Dr Marc Katz is a Board-certified Tampa Podiatrist that provides innovative leading edge techniques for reduction of foot and heel problems including Cryosurgery or Cryotherapy of the foot. Dr. Katz is the most well-known Cryostar qualified Cryosurgeon in the Tampa Bay Area. For more information:

http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com

http://www.tampacryosurgery.com

Dr. Katz provides Comprehensive Medical Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Brandon and Clearwater

2010-10-10T22:18:00.000-04:00

So where do you begin if you want to have the laser treatment? Well, Dr. Katz, a board-certified podiatrist, has done much of theresearch for you! After conducting his own personal research over thepast number of years he chose the CoolTouch laser. There are a number of lasers on the market and he chose the CT3 plus zoom 1320nm laserwhich allows for the most powerful, flexible and safest treatment. Other lasers that did not make the cut included Pinpointe, Noveon, KLaser, Palomar Lux, Aerolase, Fotona and other lasers that operate witha wavelength of 1064nm or have a double wavelength around the 800 and 900nm range. Dr. Katz found these to have less power and affinity for the nail tissue. Also, he felt these lasers did the not have theuser-control versatility he found in the CoolTouch laser. He felt there were few safety features compared to the CoolTouch.

For more information see other articles:
http://tampalasertoenailfungus.notoenailfungus.com/2010/10/06/laser-toenail-fungus-treatments-in-tampa-brandon-st-petersburg-and-clearwater.aspx

After using the CoolTouch, Dr. Katz planned to enhance the treatment by altering the treatment protocol. He has adjusted the many laser settings to take advantage of two methods of fungus damage and death.The first is by heating the nail, which is a common method used by manyother physicians. For his second step in furthering the success ratefor his patients, Dr. Katz researched methods of fungus destruction byaltering the genetics or DNA of the actual fungus. He optimized the laser variables based on his studies, providing his patients twomethods of destruction and the best results.

Still not satisfied, Dr. Katz took the treatment even further providing an even greater benefit to his patient. He developed his own antifungal liquid formulation used during treatment which improved thelaser’s ability to transport the ingredients in the solution deep into the nail and nail bed where the most resistant infections often reside.

See Dr. Katz’s video of the laser procedure being performed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDYFigQX7zo

http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/health/doctor_jo/513-new-treatment-for-foot-fungus

Dr. Katz has pioneered other treatment such as cryosurgery for foot pain and constantly strives to move treatments such as laser to the nextlevel. When it comes to laser toenail fungus treatment, Dr. Katzclearly has the best treatment available in the Tampa Bay area. He evenhas patients traveling from other states to take advantage of hisunique laser protocol. You’re just a google search away from readingthe many articles written by Dr. Katz discussing his treatments.

So the success of your laser treatment not only depends on the typeof laser, but also on the innovation of the doctor providing thetreatment. All laser treatments are not created equal. This is whereDr. Katz shines above the rest. Dr. Katz has now developed the ToeLaze Complete – TLC Procedure. This includes comprehensive medical treatment for your toenail fungus using the Cooltouch laser and a complete low-cost maintenance program. Dr. Katz states that there are no frills. He avoids gimmicks like UV light for your shoes and antifungal socks.

In terms of cost, you can pay more or less for your treatment, butyour best bet is to go with the first board-certified doctor in Floridato develop his own advanced treatment protocol using the CoolTouchlaser. Dr. Katz has priced the treatments fairly to allow more patientsto have access to this groundbreaking technology.

For more information please visit Dr. Katz’s sites:
http://www.NoToenailFungus.com
http://www.VibrantTampaToenails.com

Also learn about Dr. Katz’s pioneering work with cryosurgery:
http://www.TampaCryosurgery.com

Finally, for general office information and more information on all of Dr. Katz’s services, go to:
Http://www.TheTampaPodiatrist.com

New ToeLaze Complete(TLC) Procedure

2010-09-27T22:18:00.000-04:00

See Dr. Katz's new procedure for toenail fungus removal.

http://vibranttampatoenails.com/index.php/toelaze-complete-tlc-the-ultimate-laser-toenail-fungus-removal-treatment/

When considering treatment please keep in mind that there are less expensive treatments available. Dr. Katz's procedure is far superior and will provide you with the best results.

See http://www.notoenailfungus.com

ToeLaze Complete (TLC) Procedure Developed by Dr. Marc Katz for Removal ...

2010-09-25T10:52:00.000-04:00

ToeLaze Complete (TLC): The Ultimate Laser Toenail Fungus Removal Treatment!

2010-09-19T21:19:00.001-04:00

Dr. Marc Katz, a Tampa podiatrist has done it again. First he developed the CryoMax procedure for nerve destruction to relieve foot pain. The procedure is known throughout the US, Canada and many other countries. Now, Dr. Katz has developed the ToeLaze Complete procedure, also known as the TLC procedure!

Dr. Katz started with one of the safest and most effective laser in the industry, the Cooltouch CoolBreeze CT3 Plus Zoom. He then developed an advanced three staged procedure that provides patients with removal of toenail fungus and the absolute best laser toenail fungus results.

Katz explains that most physicians use the laser with typical protocol and settings and treat the nails using heat to destroy fungus. He notes that toenail fungus is highly resistant to treatments and that is why topical medications don’t work and even strong oral medications have a low success rate. The oral medications can also cause liver damage, loss of taste, stomach problems and other ailments.

When having a treatment, many different areas of the nail and nail bed require intense treatment. The most resistant area is the skin of the nail bed. Dr. Katz notes that it is not just the surface of the skin but the fungal infection is within the actual skin layer. This is often the same infection that causes athlete’s foot. Most laser and laser protocols do only a fair job of penetrating this layer and treating long enough to kill the fungus. Other areas that carry the infection include the actual nail plate itself and the nail surface. Nail discoloration with dark yellow, brown and black is a result of infection extending through the nail and attached to the nail bed. The surface fungus will often look white and be at the base of the nail and along the sides, the nail grooves. So the problem is multi-faceted and requires a well thought out protocol for optimal results.

Dr. Katz had developed the ToeLaze Complete (TLC) Procedure over time based on his extensive research and vast experience with patients. He has refined the protocol and it will likely continue to evolve over time.

Dr. Katz has developed 3 major components for his TLC Procedure. The first is the typical raising of temperature to kill the fungus. This is usually the only mechanism that the typical laser treatment will provide. It is Dr. Katz’s strong belief that the treatment must go well beyong the heat mechanism and must address all layers of infection within the nail and the nail bed. So, he has developed a method of altering setting within the laser to penetrate the nail, nail bed surface and nail bed skin evenly with heat making sure to provide the optimal amount of heat to all of these areas. Most laser protocols are fairly random and static and provide uneven heat to some layers and not others.

The second component involves the use of the actual red light laser beam to cause photoinactivation of the fungus leading to the destruction of the genetic material of the fungus. This can only be accomplished through prolonged exposure to the laser beam with settings altered to again evenly and completely affect all layers. This is done through multiple passes over the nail with significantly different setting for each pass. Dr. Katz believes that this mechanism provides a much greater amount of fungal death and the inability of the fungus to reproduce and reinfect the nail.

The third mechanism is truly unique and allows particles within a solution to penetrate into the the nail plate and into the actual nail bed skin layer. Katz has personally formulated the solution and notes that the particles penetrate by a mechanism known as photophoresis. This mechanism allows the anti-fungal particles to penetrate into the most resistant layer killing the hardiest fungus that hides in the deep layers.

It is easy to see that the TLC Procedure takes a simple laser technique and elevates the laser treatment to an extraordinary procedure with superior results. This is a technique that seperates Dr. Katz from other Laser Toenail Fungus providers.

While there is no absolute cure for toenail fungus infections, Dr. Katz’s TLC Procedure is the closest you will get! In addition, there are excellent maintenance options to prevent recurrence of fungal infections. Katz states that in very severe cases some patients have infections deep within the base and growth area of the nail and may require nail removal followed by the laser treatment still using the TLC protocol.

http://www.vibranttampatoenails.com

http://www.notoenailfungus.com

Tampa Podiatrist Discusses Heel Pain and Fasciitis

2010-09-12T20:11:00.000-04:00

Toenail fungus fight turns to lasers - St. Petersburg Times

2010-09-10T17:28:00.000-04:00

Toenail fungus fight turns to lasers - St. Petersburg Times

Proud To Help a Brave Soldier with His Foot Pain

2010-08-27T20:26:00.000-04:00

Proud To Help a Brave Soldier

Great Note from a patient that I wanted to share. These are the real people that are fighting for our freedom and in harms way for us. I am very pleased that I was able to help this patient serve as he wished.

Here is what he wrote,

“Dr. Katz,I just wanted to say thanks for the treatments I’vereceived from you and your staff. For the past 7 months I’ve been constantly on my feet, climbing mountains with 40+ lbs of gear in Afghanistan and
so far no pain! Your advanced cryosurgery procedures have allowed me to train my men and take them into combat without having to sit around for weeks recovering from surgery. Again thank you

1LT D B
Platoon leader”

My Patient in Afghanistan

www.tampacryosurgery.com

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Tampa Fungus Toenail Laser

2010-08-23T12:11:00.002-04:00

As the laser toenail market is heating up, discovering the very best remedy for your fungal nails may be baffling. There are numerous varieties of lasers, a wide range of doctors and numerous claims that can be confusing. You will notice a wide range of charges for laser toenail treatment. Many prospective people are tempted to go for the most affordable fee however that will not be your smartest option. Dr. Marc Katz, a Board-Certified Tampa podiatrist talks about one of the best therapy accessible right now and gives his opinions regarding laser options. Dr. Katz makes a point of giving his patients and potential people wanting treatment all the information necessary to make an knowledgeable treatment choice.

So where do you begin if you want to have the laser therapy? Well, Dr. Katz has completed much of the research for you! After conducting his own analysis over the past number of years he chose the CoolTouch laser. There are a number of lasers on the market and he selected the CT3 plus zoom 1320nm laser which allows for the most powerful, flexible and safest treatment. Other lasers that did not make the list included Pinpointe, Noveon, K Laser, Palomar Lux, Aerolase, Fotona and other lasers that operate with a wavelength of 1064nm or have a double wavelength around the 800 and 900nm range. Dr. Katz found these to have much less power and affinity for the nail tissue. Also, he felt these lasers did the not have the user-control versatility he discovered in the CoolTouch laser. He felt there were few safety options compared to the CoolTouch.

After using the CoolTouch, Dr. Katz planned to reinforce the therapy by altering the therapy protocol. He has adjusted the numerous laser settings to take advantage of two methods of fungus death. The primary is by heating the nail, which is a typical method utilized by many different physicians. For his second step in furthering the success rate for his sufferers, Dr. Katz researched strategies of fungus destruction by altering the genetics or DNA of the actual fungus. He optimized the laser variables based mostly on his studies, offering his sufferers two methods of destruction and the perfect results.

However, not satisfied, Dr. Katz took the treatment even further offering an even better advantage to his patients. He developed his own personal antifungal liquid formulation used during the treatment which improved the laser’s capability to transport the ingredients within the liquid deep into the nail and nail bed where the most resistant fungi typically reside.

Dr. Katz has pioneered other remedies like cryosurgery for foot pain and consistently strives to move therapies like laser to a new level. In the case of laser toenail fungus remedies, Dr. Katz clearly has the best remedy here in the Tampa Bay area. He even has patients coming from from different states to reap the benefits of his distinctive laser protocol. You’re only a google search away from studying the many posts written by Dr. Katz discussing his treatments.

So the success of your laser remedy not only relies on the kind of laser, but additionally on the innovation of the physician providing the treatment. All laser treatments aren't created equal. That is why Dr. Katz shines above the rest.

In terms of cost, you possibly can shell out more or less for your treatments, but your best bet is to go with the foremost board-certified physician in Florida that developed his own superior treatment protocol utilizing the CoolTouch laser. Dr. Katz has priced the remedies reasonably to allow more patients to gain access to this revolutionary technology.
Author Resource:- Dr. Marc Katz is a Tampa podiatrist that focuses on superior technologies and treatment for the Tampa area. In addition, Dr. Katz offers compassionate care for all foot problems in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater

http://www.NoToenailFungus.com
http://www.VibrantTampaToenails.com
www.TheTampaPodiatrist.com
www.vibranttampatoenails.com/index.php/dr-marc-katz-discusses-the-advantages-of-the-cooltouch-laser-compared-to-pinpointe-laser-for-toenail-fungus/
http://painfoot.blogspot.com/2010/07/toenail-fungus-free-with-cooltouch.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDYFigQX7zo

Dr. Marc Katz Chosen To Be On Fox 13 News in Tampa Performing Laser Toenail Fungus Treatment

2010-08-21T16:03:00.002-04:00

http://www.vibranttampaoenails.com

http://www.notoenailfungus.com

Advanced Technology Leader, Dr. Marc Katz, Offers the Best Laser Toenail Fungus Treatments in Tampa

2010-08-21T15:48:00.000-04:00

Don't Just Have Laser Treatment for Your Toenails. Have the Best in Tampa Bay with the Only Board-certified Podiatrist that Has His Own Unique Protocol.

In Order to Give You the Opportunity to Have the Best Treatment without Cost Being an Issue, We Will Match the Cost of Anyone Offering Laser Treatments with the Cooltouch CT3 Plus 1320 Laser.

Just Give Us a Call 813-875-0555!

http://www.vibranttampatoenails.com

http://www.notoenailfungus.com

NOW Comprehensive Treatment for 1-5 Toes is $550!

GET The Optimal Comprehensive Treatment for All 10 toes, $750!

Costs includes 3 treatments. In addition, we will check at the end of your treatment year to see if you need additional treatment!

Original Treatment Fee $900-1200

We Proudly Serve the Following Areas:

Anna Maria, Apollo Beach, Auburndale, Avon Park, Balm, Bartow, Belleair, Bradenton, Brandon, Brooksville, Carrollwood, Clearwater, Cortez, Crystal River, Cypress Gardens, Dade City, Davenport, Dover, Dundee, Dunedin, Durant, Eaton Park, Elfers, Ellenton, Englewood, Forest Lakes, Fort Meade, Fort Myers, Frostproof, Fruitville, Gibsonton, Grove City, Gulfport, Haines City, Hernando, Highland City, Holiday, Homeland, Homosassa, Hudson, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Inverness, Lake Alfred, Lake Hamilton, Lake Placid, Lake Wales, Lakeland, Land O Lakes, Largo, Lecanto, Lithia, Longboat Key, Lutz, Madeira Beach, Manasota, Mango, Masaryktown, Mulberry, Myakka City, New Port Richey, North Port, Northdale, Odessa, Oldsmar, Orlando, Osprey, Palm Harbor, Palmetto, Parrish, Pinellas Park, Plant City, Poinciana, Port Richey, Redington Beach, Riverview, Ruskin, Safety Harbor, Saint Petersburg, San Antonio, Sarasota, Sebring, Seffner, Seminole, Siesta Key, Spring Hill, Sun City Center, Sun City, Tampa, Tarpon Springs, Temple Terrace, Valrico, Venice, Wauchula, Wesley Chapel, Westgate, Wimauma, Winter Haven, Ybor City, Zephyrhills, Zolfo Springs

Dr. Katz Reaches a Major Milestone for Laser Toenail Fungus Treatments!

2010-08-16T08:40:00.000-04:00

Dr. Katz has now treated 250 patients for toenail fungus using the revolutionary new laser protocol that he developed. He is the first to provide patients with this new laser protocol providing his patients with the best treatment in the Tampa Bay area. Dr. Katz is a Cooltouch-certified laser physician and is board-certified in surgery.

Proudly serving all areas including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Lakeland, Plant City, Zephyrhills, Orlando, Brandon, Bradenton, Venice, Sebring, Tarpon Springs, Spring Hill and Sarasota.

Http://www.vibranttampatoenails.com

Http://www.notoenailfungus.com

Laser Toenail Fungus Tampa

2010-08-10T12:16:00.000-04:00

A Guide to Finding the Finest Laser Toenail Fungus Therapy in Tampa

Laser Toenail Fungus Tampa: Find the Best Treatment in Tampa Bay

2010-08-10T08:01:00.000-04:00

As the laser toenail market is heating up, finding the best therapy for fungal nails might be difficult. There are numerous kinds of lasers, quite a lot of doctors and a lot of claims that may be confusing. You will notice a wide range of charges for laser toenail treatment. Many potential people are tempted to go for the cheapest fee however that will not be your smartest option. Dr. Marc Katz, a Board-Certified Tampa podiatrist talks about the most effective treatment accessible today and gives his opinions regarding laser options. Dr. Katz makes a point of giving his patients and potential patients all the info necessary to make an informed treatment choice.

So how do you begin if you want to have the laser therapy? In detail, Dr. Katz has completed much of the research for you! After conducting his personal analysis over the past few years he selected the CoolTouch laser. There are a number of lasers available on the market and he chose the CT3 plus zoom 1320nm laser which allows for the most powerful, flexible and safest treatment. Different lasers that didn't make the cut included Pinpointe, Noveon, K Laser, Palomar Lux, Aerolase, Fotona and other lasers that function with a wavelength of 1064nm or have a double wavelength across the 800 and 900nm range. Dr. Katz discovered these to have less power and affinity for the nail tissue. Additionally, he felt these lasers did the not have the user-control versatility he found with the CoolTouch laser. He felt that there were been few safety options in comparison with the CoolTouch.

After using the CoolTouch, Dr. Katz intended to enhance the therapy by altering the protocol. He has adjusted the numerous laser settings to take advantage of two methods of fungus inactivation and death. The first is by heating the nail, which is a common method used by many different physicians. For his second step in furthering the success rate for his sufferers, Dr. Katz researched strategies of fungus destruction by altering the genetics or DNA of the actual fungus. He optimized the laser variables primarily based on his studies, offering his sufferers two strategies of destruction and the very best results.

Still not pleased, Dr. Katz took the remedy even further offering an even greater benefit to his patient. He developed his personal antifungal liquid formulation used throughout the therapy which improved the laser’s capability to move the ingredients within the liquid deep into the nail and nail bed where the most resistant fungus often reside.

Dr. Katz has pioneered different remedies including cryosurgery for foot pain and always strives to take remedies just like laser to a higher level. On the subject of laser toenail fungus treatment, Dr. Katz clearly has the most effective treatment accessible within the Tampa Bay area. He even has patients coming from from different states to benefit from his unique laser protocol. You’re just a google search from reading the numerous articles written by Dr. Katz discussing his treatments.

So the success of your laser therapy not only depends on the kind of laser, but additionally on the innovation of the doctor providing the treatment. All laser remedies are not created equal. That is where Dr. Katz shines above the rest.

When it comes to cost, you may pay more or less for your laser treatment, however your best bet is to go with the original board-certified doctor in Florida to develop his own advanced treatment protocol using the CoolTouch laser. Dr. Katz has priced the therapies reasonably to permit extra patients to have access to this groundbreaking technology. Author Resource:- Dr. Marc Katz is a Tampa podiatrist that focuses on advanced technologies and remedy for his people. As well as, Dr. Katz offers compassionate care for all foot problems in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater

http://www.NoToenailFungus.com
http://www.VibrantTampaToenails.com
http://www.TheTampaPodiatrist.com
http://www.TampaCryosurgery.com
http://painfoot.blogspot.com/2010/07/toenail-fungus-free-with-cooltouch.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDYFigQX7zo

Be Informed: The Best Laser Toenail Fungus Treatment in Tampa Bay

2010-08-05T09:03:00.001-04:00

So where do you begin if you want to have the laser treatment? Well, Dr. Katz, a board-certified podiatrist, has done much of the research for you! After conducting his own personal research over the past number of years he chose the CoolTouch laser. There are a number of lasers on the market and he chose the CT3 plus zoom 1320nm laser which allows for the most powerful, flexible and safest treatment. Other lasers that did not make the cut included Pinpointe, Noveon, K Laser, Palomar Lux, Aerolase, Fotona and other lasers that operate with a wavelength of 1064nm or have a double wavelength around the 800 and 900nm range. Dr. Katz found these to have less power and affinity for the nail tissue. Also, he felt these lasers did the not have the user-control versatility he found in the CoolTouch laser. He felt there were few safety features compared to the CoolTouch.

For more information see other articles:

http://vibranttampatoenails.com/index.php/dr-marc-katz-discusses-the-advantages-of-the-cooltouch-laser-compared-to-pinpointe-laser-for-toenail-fungus/

http://painfoot.blogspot.com/2010/07/toenail-fungus-free-with-cooltouch.html

After using the CoolTouch, Dr. Katz planned to enhance the treatment by altering the treatment protocol. He has adjusted the many laser settings to take advantage of two methods of fungus damage and death. The first is by heating the nail, which is a common method used by many other physicians. For his second step in furthering the success rate for his patients, Dr. Katz researched methods of fungus destruction by altering the genetics or DNA of the actual fungus. He optimized the laser variables based on his studies, providing his patients two methods of destruction and the best results.

Still not satisfied, Dr. Katz took the treatment even further providing an even greater benefit to his patient. He developed his own antifungal liquid formulation used during treatment which improved the laser’s ability to transport the ingredients in the solution deep into the nail and nail bed where the most resistant infections often reside.

See Dr. Katz’s video of the laser procedure being performed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDYFigQX7zo

Dr. Katz has pioneered other treatment such as cryosurgery for foot pain and constantly strives to move treatments such as laser to the next level. When it comes to laser toenail fungus treatment, Dr. Katz clearly has the best treatment available in the Tampa Bay area. He even has patients traveling from other states to take advantage of his unique laser protocol. You’re just a google search away from reading the many articles written by Dr. Katz discussing his treatments.

So the success of your laser treatment not only depends on the type of laser, but also on the innovation of the doctor providing the treatment. All laser treatments are not created equal. This is where Dr. Katz shines above the rest.

In terms of cost, you can pay more or less for your treatment, but your best bet is to go with the first board-certified doctor in Florida to develop his own advanced treatment protocol using the CoolTouch laser. Dr. Katz has priced the treatments fairly to allow more patients to have access to this groundbreaking technology.

For more information please visit Dr. Katz’s sites:

http://www.NoToenailFungus.com

http://www.VibrantTampaToenails.com

Also learn about Dr. Katz’s pioneering work with cryosurgery:

http://www.TampaCryosurgery.com

Finally, for general office information and more information on all of Dr. Katz’s services, go to:

Http://www.TheTampaPodiatrist.com

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE BEST LASER TOENAIL FUNGUS TREATMENT IN TAMPA BAY!

2010-07-19T20:36:00.000-04:00

Dr. Katz Develops a New Laser Treatment Protocol to Destroy Toenail Fungus.

Look no further, Dr. Katz uses the most advanced laser technique in the Tampa Bay Area to get rid of your fungal toenails. While there are other lasers and other physicians performing laser fungus removal, none compare to Dr. Katz's expertise and experience using advanced technology.

Dr. Katz has published many articles based on his extensive research into laser toenail fungus treatments. As a result, you will be getting the best treatment available anywhere in the extended Tampa Bay area. Do a Google search on Dr. Katz and see many of his published research articles.

Dr. Katz chose the CoolTouch laser as he believes that it is superior to other lasers on the market. However, the great benefit to you is his advanced laser technique that he developed after extensive research and trials. Dr. Katz is known for his ability to take treatments to the next level by developing his own well researched protocols.

There are many variables in your treatment. The fungus is destroyed by heat and also by exposure to mid-infrared light. When settings are optimized this light causes inactivation of the genetics or DNA of the fungus. Dr. Katz developed this unique treatment protocol adding great benefit for the patient.

You can only have this advanced laser toenail fungus treatment with Dr. Katz. If you are ready to have your toenail fungus removed, have it done by the best!

Regular Treatment Cost $900. Call Now Special Pricing! Costs include 2-3 treatments.

Treatment for 1-5 toes is now $550.

The optimal treatment is now $750 for all 10 toes.

Ask about our complimentary laser consultation???

If you have a Flex-Spending Account, an HSA or an HRA your treatment would qualify for use of healthcare savings dollars.

http://www.notoenailfungus.com/

http://www.vibranttampatoenails.com/

Proudly serving all areas including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Lakeland, Plant City, Zephyrhills, Orlando, Brandon, Bradenton, Venice, Sebring, Tarpon Springs, Spring Hill and Sarasota.

Toenail Laser Fungus Treatment with Dr. Marc Katz: Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater

2010-07-11T13:20:00.000-04:00

Toenail Fungus Free with the CoolTouch Laser: Dr. Marc Katz provides treatment for Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater and all surrounding areas

Finally you can get rid of your discolored, cracked fungal toenails or onychomycosis with the latest laser advances. Lasers are used each day for cosmetic procedures treating people with safe light energy. There is no x-ray type radiation involved.

Are you tired of your unsightly nails? Do you want to avoid strong medications that can cause liver damage? Are you tired of liquids and creams that are time consuming to apply with minimal results?

While there are several laser products available, Dr. Marc Katz, a Tampa podiatrist, has done his homework. Before jumping into various technologies, he felt the need to research each possibility and find the best, most effective solution for his patients, not the most popular and best marketed treatment.

He rejected Pinpointe lasers early for several reasons. These lasers are merely a laser designed for dental procedures with modifications to capture a new market, toenails. So the design and treatment is less than optimal. The Pinpointe has a small spot size that can lead to a problem known as stacking. Stacking comes from overlapping of the laser beam in the same area possibly leading to burns and damage. Small spot size can also lead to missed areas of treatment. Dr. Katz also did not like the fact that the treatment is performed with minimal control of the beam distance and this leads to inconsistent treatments with poorly controlled outcomes. Additionally, the beam was not accompanied by cooling to avoid surrounding tissue damage. The current single treatment with Pinpointe has also become problematic. There is increasing evidence that to be effective, two or even three treatments are necessary and best for the patient.

Initially, a comparison was made between the Pinpointe laser and a new laser entering the market. With increasing research,different promising options became clear that combined superior treatment and safety features. The new laser entering the market used costly disposable attachments that were not environmentally friendly. This added significant cost to the doctor and patient and had no advantages to warrant the increased cost. In addition, Katz was in search of a company with a track record and history of stability.

As research proceeded, Dr. Katz liked the Cooltouch CT3 Plus Zoom laser, one of the most advanced lasers on the market today with a track record. The Cooltouch offers various types of skin treatments for many conditions. Dr. Katz points out that toenails are simply modified skin, so the Cooltouch laser is a perfect fit. He also liked the higher wavelength of the beam and feels that the hard thick nail can be more safely penetrated and treated with this different wavelength. In addition there are added features that improve the appearance of the nail by resurfacing, similar to skin resurfacing and rejuvenation. This is strictly a Cooltouch feature.

The CoolTouch CT3Plus CoolBreeze produces 1320nm laser energy that is specifically absorbed by water and water associated with collagen in the tissues of the nail matrix. The laser is so sophisticated that it can detect and reach the proper target temperature set by the doctor leading to death of the fungus. The treatment then stops instantly and then the nail is cooled with a spray. This allows for fungal death without damaging the skin or the nail growth plate. Cooltouch's impeccable safety results from its incorporating pulsed cooling and real-time temperature feedback into its treatments. In addition, the CoolBreeze Handpiece boasts an adjustable spot size from 3 mm to 10 mm allowing for adjustments based on nail size for most accuracy. Other lasers currently being used do not incorporate these important features for patients leading to less desirable outcomes and fewer safety features. The Cooltouch laser can be controlled and the treatment temperature to kill the fungus can occur automatically while incorporating safety. Each patient can receive a customized treatment leading to the best possible outcome.

Dr. Katz notes that other lasers take 30 minutes for treatment compared to the more effective Cooltouch which only takes about 15 minutes. Dr. Katz recommends 2-3 treatments and feels that this is extremely important. There are different growth phases of the nail and fungus and the best results occur when the patient receives at least 2 treatments. The cost of 2-3 treatments with the Cooltouch is usually the same or less compared to one treatment with the Pinpointe laser and compared to newer lasers entering the market. The CoolTouch does not rely on costly disposable items that inflate the price. This certainly benefits the patient.

Dr. Katz feels that the CoolTouch laser is superior to all other advancements for fungal toenails. However, patients need to follow a comprehensive maintenance regimen to prevent recurrence of the toenail infection. He also notes that while success rates are high, no treatment can guarantee success all of the time. Dr. Katz recommends that you consult with your doctor about results and ways to prevent recurrence.

Dr. Katz has performed many laser procedures to date and continues to research ways to take the standard laser protocol to the next level for his patients. Dr. Katz has developed his own advanced technique with the CoolTouch laser to improve the success of treatments. There are many variables in a treatment. The fungus is destroyed by heat and also by exposure to mid-infrared light. When settings are optimized this light causes inactivation of the genetics or DNA of the fungus. Dr. Katz has developed his own unique treatment protocol, to take advantage of this fungus inactivation, adding great benefit for the patient.

All of the lasers mentioned here have been FDA cleared for podiatry, dermatology and general surgery use. So they are appropriate for toenail treatments if proven worthy by your doctor. Author Resource:- Dr. Marc Katz is a Tampa podiatrist that specializes in advanced technologies and treatment for his patients. In addition, Dr. Katz provides compassionate care for all foot problems.
http://www.vibranttampatoenails.com
http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com
http://www.notoenailfungus.com

Laser Toenail Fungus Treatment in Tampa

2010-06-19T15:00:00.001-04:00

A toenail fungus among us

By JACKIE SILVER

Tribune correspondent

Published: June 12, 2010

Thirty-five million people in the United States, and 700 million globally, suffer from toenail fungus.
With sandal season just around the corner, what's the solution?
There are home remedies, and there are thousands of products advertised on the Internet, but the resolution for toenail fungus remains elusive. There also are safety concerns related to oral medications.
Tampa podiatrist Marc Katz says laser treatments are the best answer.
Katz researched the latest lasers on the market and settled on the Cooltouch CT3 Plus Zoom laser, which he calls "one of the most proven lasers on the market today." The laser is so sophisticated that it can detect and reach the proper target temperature to kill the fungus. The treatment then stops immediately, and the nail is cooled with a spray, allowing for fungal death without damaging the skin or the nail.
Katz points out that toenails are simply modified skin, so the Cooltouch, which can treat many skin issues, makes sense.
He also likes that the Cooltouch has a higher wavelength beam, which he feels more safely penetrates and treats the hard, thick nail.
"Other lasers take 30 minutes for treatment compared to the more effective Cooltouch, which only takes about half the time," Katz says. "I recommend two treatments. There are different growth phases of the nail and fungus, and the best results occur when the patient receives at least two treatments."
Now, instead of hiding those tootsies in closed-toed shoes, you have options. For, information, check out www.vibranttampatoenails.com/.

Jackie Silver is the founder and president of Aging Backwards, LLC and author of "Aging Backwards: Secrets to Staying Young." Send your questions or comments to jackie@agingbackwards.com. Sign up for her free newsletter at www.aging backwards.com/ and fol

Laser Toenail Fungus Article in the Tampa Tribune Health Section

The CoolTouch Laser Shines Above the Competition for Toenail Fungus

2010-06-04T23:24:00.003-04:00

Even with the current lasers on the market and new lasers being introduced this summer, Cooltouch still clearly has more advanced features.

I still prefer the Cooltouch as you can rapidly and accurately treat all toenails without the use of disposable accessories used by other lasers that can increase the treatment cost by hundreds of dollars. The Cooltouch is used on skin and nail is a modified skin. Other lasers are reworked dental lasers.

Cooltouch offers a long track record as a company with many years of treatments and much respect from the FDA. Other competing lasers cannot make those claims with regard to overall success.

To date I have done well over 100 CoolTouch cases and I'm seeing excellent results. I'm able to customize the treatment settings for each patients condition based on severity and other factors. And based on my research, the 1320 laser wavelength on the CoolTouch is more effective at killing fungus through temperature and photoablation. I have developed a technique to provide additional treatment success by altering treatment setting allowing for the damage of the genetic material or DNA in the fungus.

So regardless of FDA approval the CoolTouch is superior based on my research. Unlike other competing companies, Cooltouch has a long history of financial stability and the treatment is advanced with excellent support and communication. I believe that CoolTouch is truly light years ahead of its competition.

Dr. Katz is proud to offer the best, most cost effective laser toenail fungus treatments in his office in Tampa. All factors considered, the patient is getting the best treatment with the CoolTouch and they also have the advantage of Dr. Katz's expertise with advanced technology.

Laser Toenail Fungus featured on FOX 13 with Dr. Marc Katz in Tampa

2010-05-13T19:13:00.000-04:00

Laser Toenail Fungus Breakthrough: Dr Katz Announces New Treatment Protocol with the CoolTouch CoolBreeze

2010-05-01T17:13:00.001-04:00

Dr. Katz has developed his own technique with this laser to improve the success of treatments. There are many variables in your treatment. The fungus is destroyed by heat and also by exposure to mid-infrared light. When settings are optimized this light causes inactivation of the genetics or DNA of the fungus. Dr. Katz has developed his own unique treatment protocol, to take advantage of this fungus inactivation, adding great benefit for the patient.

www.VibrantTampaToenails.com

Vibrant Tampa Toenails

2010-04-16T08:42:00.000-04:00

Check out our new informative website, for information on laser toenail fungus treatments by Dr. Marc Katz in Tampa.

www.VibrantTampaToenails.com

Tampa Toenail Laser Fungus Treatment with the CoolTouch CoolBreeze Laser

2010-04-13T17:00:00.000-04:00

Tampa Toenail Laser Fungus Treatment with the CoolTouch CoolBreeze Laser

Tampa Podiatrist, Dr. Katz is proud to announce his choice for toenail fungus laser treatment.

The CoolTouch CoolBreeze CT3 Plus Zoom laser, the most advanced treatment on the market today!

This laser is superior to other lasers on the market.

Call TODAY for a consultation. The Best in the Tampa Bay Area.

813-875-0555

* Quick, in office treatment
* Safe and Effective
* Virtually Painless with no downtime from your regular activities
* Alternative to harmful prescription medication

Dr. Katz: Tampa's Trusted Source for Advanced Foot Treatments

The CHOICE is CLEAR!

www.notoenailfungus.com
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com

CoolTouch Laser Superior to Pinpointe Laser for Toenail Fungus

2010-04-11T15:50:00.000-04:00

THE COOLTOUCH, A SUPERIOR ALTERNATIVE TO PINPOINTE AND BETTER FOR THE PATIENT!

Are you tired of your discolored thick? Do you want to avoid strong medications that can cause health problems? Are you tired of liquids and creams that are time consuming to apply with poor results?

Finally you can get rid of your discolored, cracked fungal toenails or onychomycosis with the latest laser advances. While lasers may seem scary to some, they are used each day for cosmetic procedures treating people with safe light energy.

While there are several laser inventions available, Dr. Marc Katz, a Tampa podiatrist, has done his homework. Before jumping into various technologies, he needed to research each option and find the best, most effective solution for his patients, not the most popular and best marketed option.

He rejected the Pinpointe laser immediately for good reason. The Pinpointe is basically a laser designed for dental procedures with modifications to capture a new market, toenails. So the design and treatment is less than optimal with no track record. The Pinpointe has a small spot size that can produce a problem known as stacking. Stacking comes from overlapping of the laser beam in the same area possibly leading to burns and damage. Small spot size can also lead to missed areas of treatment. Dr. Katz also did not like the fact that the treatment is performed with no control of the beam distance or desired temperature for fungal death and this leads to inconsistent treatments with poorly controlled outcomes. Also, the beam was not accompanied by cooling to avoid surrounding tissue damage. The current single treatment with Pinpointe has also come into question. There is increasing evidence that to be effective, two or even three treatments are essential and best for the patient. The single treatment regimen resulted from the fact that the doctor was charged each time the laser was turned on, hardly in the best interest of the patient. This was confirmed after Dr. Katz talked with many unhappy colleagues that are planning on switching away from the Pinpointe laser treatment.

Initially, a comparison was made between the Noveon and Pinpointe lasers. With more research,different promising options became apparent that combined superior treatment and safety features. While the Noveon was promising, it failed its initial FDA approval for onychomycosis and ran into financial problems. Also, some of the lower wavelengths had questionable results and the safety features with the Noveon added more costs to the procedure. As of this writing, the Noveon is not available but may be in the future. It should also be noted that the laser also was initially developed for dental procedures. All of the lasers mentioned here have been FDA cleared for podiatry, dermatology and general surgery use. So they are appropriate for toenail treatments if proven worthy by your doctor.

As research proceeded, Dr. Katz liked the Cooltouch CoolBreeze CT3 Plus Zoom laser, one of the most proven lasers on the market today with a track record. The Cooltouch allows for various types of skin treatments for many conditions.

Dr. Katz points out that toenails are simply modified skin, so the Cooltouch laser makes sense. He also liked the higher wavelength of the beam and feels that the hard thick nail can be more safely penetrated and treated with this different wavelength. In addition there are added features that improve the appearance of the nail by resurfacing, similar to skin resurfacing and rejuvenation. This is strictly a Cooltouch feature.

The CoolTouch CT3Plus CoolBreeze produces 1320nm laser energy that is specifically absorbed by water and water associated with collagen in the tissues of the nail matrix. The laser is so sophisticated that it can detect and reach the proper target temperature set by the doctor leading to death of the fungus. The treatment then stops instantly and then the nail is cooled with a spray. This allows for fungal death without damaging the skin or the nail growth plate.

Cooltouch's impeccable safety comes from its incorporating pulsed cooling and real-time temperature feedback into its treatments. In addition, the CoolBreeze Handpiece uses an adjustable spot size from 3 mm to 10 mm allowing for adjustments based on nail size for the best outcome. Other lasers currently being used do not incorporate these special features for patients leading to less desirable outcomes and minimal safety features. The Cooltouch laser can be controlled and the treatment temperature to kill the fungus can occur automatically while incorporating safety. Each patient can receive a customized treatment leading to the best possible outcome.

Dr. Katz notes that other lasers take 30 minutes for treatment compared to the more effective Cooltouch which only takes about half the time. Dr. Katz recommends two treatments and feels that this is very important. There are different growth phases of the nail and fungus and the best results occur when the patient receives at least 2 treatments. The cost of 2 treatments with the Cooltouch is usually the same or less compared to one treatment with the Pinpointe laser. This absolutely benefits the patient.

Dr. Katz feels that the CoolTouch CoolBreeze laser technology is superior to all other remedies for fungal toenails. However, patients need to follow a comprehensive maintenance regimen to prevent recurrence of the toenail infection. He also notes that while success rates are high, no treatment can guarantee success all of the time. Dr. Katz recommends that you talk to your doctor about results and ways to prevent recurrence.
No Author Photo
About the Author :

BIO: Dr. Marc Katz is a Tampa podiatrist that specializes in advanced technologies and treatment for his patients. In addition, Dr. Katz provides compassionate care for all foot problems.

www.notoenailfungus.com

www.thetampapodiatrist.com

www.tampacryosurgery.com
Also visit MOWSPACE to read more about marc katz

Dr. Marc Katz performs Laser Toenail Fungus Treatments in Tampa using the CoolTouch Laser

2010-04-08T20:56:00.000-04:00

Dr. Marc Katz of Tampa Announces Toenail Fungus Treatment with the CoolTouch CoolBreeze Laser

2010-04-01T14:22:00.000-04:00

Dr. Katz is proud to announce his choice for toenail fungus laser treatment.

The CoolTouch CoolBreeze CT3 Plus Zoom laser, the most advanced treatment on the market today!

This laser is superior to other lasers on the market.

Call TODAY for a consultation. The Best in the Tampa Bay Area.

813-875-0555

* Quick, in office treatment
* Safe and Effective
* Virtually Painless with no downtime from your regular activities
* Alternative to harmful prescription medication

Dr. Katz: Tampa's Trusted Source for Advanced Foot Treatments

The CHOICE is CLEAR!

www.notoenailfungus.com
www.thetampapodiatrist.com

CoolTouch Laser Zaps Toenail Fungus

2010-03-22T12:50:00.000-04:00

Do you have discolored thick toenails? Do you want to avoid strong medications that can cause liver damage? Are you tired of liquids and creams that are time consuming to apply with poor results?

Finally you can get rid of your discolored, cracked fungal toenails or onychomycosis with the latest laser advances. While lasers may seem scary to some, they are used daily for cosmetic procedures using safe light energy.

While there are several laser technologies available, Dr. Marc Katz, a Tampa podiatrist, has done his homework. Before jumping into various technologies, he wanted to research each treatment and find the best, most effective solution for his patients, not the most popular and best marketed treatment.

He said no to the Pinpointe laser immediately for several reasons. The Pinpointe is essentially a laser designed for dental procedures with modifications to capture a new market, toenails. So the design and treatment is less than optimal. The Pinpointe has a small spot size that can produce a problem known as stacking. Stacking comes from overlapping of the laser beam in the same area possibly leading to burns and damage. Small spot size can also lead to missed areas of treatment. Dr. Katz also did not like the fact that the laser treatment is performed with no control of the beam distance or desired temperature for fungal death and this leads to inconsistent treatments with poorly controlled outcomes. Additionally, the beam was not accompanied by cooling to avoid surrounding tissue damage. The current single treatment with Pinpointe has also become controversial. There is increasing evidence that to be effective, two or even three treatments are necessary and best for the patient. The single treatment protocol resulted from the fact that the doctor was charged each time the laser was turned on, hardly in the best interest of the patient.

Initially, a comparison was made between the Noveon and Pinpointe lasers. With more research,different promising options became clear that combined superior treatment and safety features. While the Noveon was promising, it failed its initial FDA approval for onychomycosis and ran into financial problems. Additionally, some of the lower wavelengths had questionable results and the safety features with the Noveon added additional costs to the procedure. As of this writing, the Noveon is not available but may be in the future. It should also be noted that the laser also was initially developed for dental procedures. All of the lasers mentioned here have been FDA cleared for podiatry, dermatology and general surgery use. So they are appropriate for toenail treatments if proven worthy by your doctor.

As research proceeded, Dr. Katz liked the Cooltouch CT3 Plus Zoom laser, one of the most proven lasers on the market today with a track record. The Cooltouch allows for various types of skin treatments for many issues. Dr. Katz points out that toenails are simply modified skin, so the Cooltouch laser makes sense. He also liked the higher wavelength of the beam and feels that the hard thick nail can be more safely penetrated and treated with this different wavelength. In addition there are added features that improve the appearance of the nail by resurfacing, similar to skin resurfacing and rejuvenation. This is only a Cooltouch feature.

The CoolTouch CT3Plus CoolBreeze produces 1320nm laser energy that is specifically absorbed by water and water associated with collagen in the tissues of the nail matrix. The laser is so sophisticated that it can detect and reach the proper target temperature set by the doctor leading to death of the fungus. The treatment then stops immediately and then the nail is cooled with a spray. This allows for fungal death without damaging the skin or the nail growth plate. Cooltouch's impeccable safety emanates from its incorporating pulsed cooling and real-time temperature feedback into its treatments. In addition, the CoolBreeze Handpiece features an adjustable spot size from 3 mm to 10 mm allowing for adjustments based on nail size for most effectiveness. Other lasers currently being used do not incorporate these advanced features for patients leading to less desirable outcomes and minimal safety features. The Cooltouch laser can be completely controlled. The treatment temperature to kill the fungus can occur automatically while incorporating safety. Each patient can receive a customized treatment leading to the best possible outcome. This is truly unique.

Dr. Katz notes that other lasers take 30 minutes for treatment compared to the more effective Cooltouch which only takes about half the time. Dr. Katz recommends two treatments and feels that this is very important. There are different growth phases of the nail and fungus and the best results occur when the patient receives at least 2 treatments. The cost of 2 treatments with the Cooltouch is usually the same or less compared to only one treatment with the Pinpointe laser. This certainly benefits the patient.

Dr. Katz feels that the laser is superior to all other remedies for fungal toenails. However, patients need to follow a comprehensive maintenance regimen to prevent recurrence of the toenail infection. He also notes that while success rates are high, no treatment can guarantee success all of the time. Dr. Katz recommends that you talk to your doctor about results and ways to prevent recurrence.

So the jury is still out says Katz, but in his opinion the Cooltouch is clearly light years ahead of the Pinpointe and Noveon lasers. Author Resource:- Dr. Marc Katz practices in Tampa Florida. As a podiatrist, he is known for his use of advanced technology for his patients. In addition, Dr. Katz provides compassionate care for all foot problems. www.notoenailfungus.com www.thetampapodiatrist.com

Tampa podiatrist, Marc Katz, Discusses Laser Toenail Treatments

2010-03-16T19:21:00.000-04:00

DR MARC KATZ IS LIGHT YEARS AHEAD WITH THIS NEW TECHNOLOGY

Dr. Katz: Tampa's Trusted Source for Advanced Foot Treatments, The CHOICE is CLEAR!

An update:
Please keep a close eye on this site. Dr. Katz has purchased one of the most advanced lasers on the market. The laser is being modified for toenail fungus treatments and will be in action as soon as the upgrades are complete. There around 50 patients waiting for the procedure. Sign up soon so that we may contact you for treatment.

See this site for sign-up
http://www.notoenailfungus.com

Laser Toenail Fungus Treatment in Tampa

2010-03-07T20:01:00.000-05:00

There are many lasers coming onto the scene for treatment of fungal toenails. While all are FDA approved for podiatry and dermatology use, there still has not been a laser approved strictly for fungal toenails or onychomycosis. The Noveon laser by Nomir medical had claimed that it would be approved but it recently ran into stumbling block with the FDA. So their FDA approval is in question.

Based on this uncertainty, I have resumed my research for the best possible laser option for my patients. I am still of the opinion that the Nd:Yag laser in the 1064nm spectrum is not the best option. This is especially true of the Pinpointe which has a small spot size that can lead to a problem known as stacking. Stacking comes from overlapping of the laser beam in the same area possibly leading to burns and damage. Small spot size can also lead to missed areas of treatment. I also do not like the fact that the procedure is performed manually with minimal control of the beam distance. The current single treatment with Pinpointe has also come into question. There is increasing evidence that to be effective, two or even three treatments are necessary.

So, I will continue my search for the best treatment options for my patients. Ideally, I would like a laser that has a 10mm spot size allowing for even treatment of the complete nail with a beam the covers the whole nail. Also, I like the idea of a cooling system integrated to prevent excess heat. So I may be close to finding the laser that combines the best of the Noveon and the best of the Pinpointe without their negatives. The CoolTouch lasers have many of these features and are available in wavelengths other than 1064, so that likely will be an excellent option. Dr. Katz is also working on a comprehensive program to prevent recurrence of infection after treatments. He also believes that 2-3 treatments will be necessary for the best results, however, most doctors are currently charging the full price for only one treatment.

All told, lasers may only have general FDA approval for podiatry and dermatology and no specific FDA approval for onychomycosis. However, there will still be significant value in the treatments compared to the current available treatments which include strong medications that can cause liver problems.

So keep watching for updates as new research unfolds!

For more information see http://www.notoenailfungus.com

Also see Dr. Katz's other sites:
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com

Dr. Marc Katz Discusses Heel Pain

2010-02-14T16:50:00.000-05:00

Heel pain, also referred to as plantar fasciitis or heel spurs, is one of the most common foot conditions treated in a podiatrists
office. In our fast moving lives, heel pain has become an epidemic. This is due to the combination of long work days and lack of exercise. People are also gaining weight and losing their muscle strength and flexibility. These are all contributing factors to heel pain. The foot structure often weakens and does not function well leading to pain.

Typical symptoms consist of pain when getting out of bed in the morning and after sitting. Many people also experience discomfort at the end of the day or the day after exercise/strenuous activity. Others describe their pain as radiating, burning or sharp shooting pain which is likely a nerve in the heel area.

The plantar fascia, a major support structure, is partially responsible for supporting the foot arch and for absorbing shock while walking. The fascia extends from the heel to the ball of the foot. The fascia is a flat band similar in makeup to a ligament. For various reasons, the fascia weakens and causes the arch to fall, thus developing a lower arch or "flat foot". As a result, there is excessive stretch or tension on the fascial band which causes inflammation or swelling and often small tears of this band. With repeated stress of the fascia on the heel bone or calcaneus, a spur or bone enlargement develops. This is the body's way of responding to stress. When a tissue is stressed, the body forms more of that tissue, in this case bone.

In addition to the swelling of the fascia, there is likely a related irritation, entrapment or enlargement of various nerves around the heel. It has been shown that these nerves are a major source of the pain experienced with plantar fasciitis.

So what causes the pain in the heel?
It is a combination of swelling of the fascia and the irritated nerves of the heel. The heel spur itself causes no pain even though on x-ray it looks pointed and appears as a sharp object. As a matter of fact, many people have fasciitis without the spur.

Dr. Marc Katz, a Tampa Podiatrist, notes that in his 21 years of practice he has rarely removed the actual bone spur. He also stated that over the past 10 years he has used advanced treatments to heal the pain and more recently has used a cutting edge technology known as Cryosurgery with a high success rate. Dr. Katz is the first Cryostar certified Cryosurgeon in the Tampa area for foot problems.

How do we treat Heel Pain?

Treatment of heel pain can be frustrating for the patient and physician. Healing can take months and sometimes as long as a year. This does not mean that there will be constant pain for that period of time, however, expectations need to realistic. It is important to seek treatment as early as possible.

There are many treatment options for heel pain. Your doctor should customize a treatment plan depending on individual factors including lifestyle, foot types and any other associated illnesses. Treatment should not only concentrate on the heel but also on the person as a whole. Many factors both physical and physchological may be important to consider. In addition, weight control, systemic medical conditions and injuries should be evaluated. Evaluations consist of a thorough history and physical, x-rays, diagnostic ultrasound and MRI if necessary. Referrals to other specialists may be needed if there are associated medical conditions.

Treatment may include anti-inflammatory pills, ice, cortisone injections, custom orthotic arch supports, padding, strapping, night splints, removable casts, stretching, physical therapy, shockwave, homeopathic and natural medicine, change in activities, weight-loss programs, wearing different shoes, change in activities and change in life style.

Dr. Katz customizes his treatments to each patient and exhausts conservative treatments prior to considering more invasive treatments. He stated that Cryosurgery has shown some excellent long-term results! This newer treatment is recommended after trying other treatments. However, at times it may serve as a first line treatment for certain patients. This procedure is done in the office and is minimally invasive and allows the patient to quickly return to normal activities. This is an excellent option before more invasive heel surgeries.

The patient is always advised that to help prevent recurrence of the condition, custom orthotic devices, continued stretching and body weight control are necessary.

Treatment of heel pain can be a challenge. Find a Podiatrist that is compassionate and willing to spend the necessary time and try different treatment options. Author Resource:- Dr Marc Katz is a Board-certified Tampa Podiatrist that provides innovative cutting edge techniques for heel pain relief. He prides himself on compassion and concern for all patients. Dr. Katz specializes in foot infections, cryosurgery, wounds and minor in-office procedures. Dr. Katz treats all foot, ankle and leg conditions. For more information

http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com

http://www.tampacryosurgery.com

Relief for Ingrown Toenails: How to make it Permanent

2010-02-10T21:51:00.001-05:00

Dr. Marc Katz, a Tampa podiatrist, discusses permanent procedures and treatments for ingrown toenails.

An ingrown toenail is simply a curving of the nail border into the flesh of the toe. When the pressure from the incurvated nail becomes overbearing, the underlying skin or tissue is pierced and this provides entry for harmful bacteria. It is common for bacteria to be around the nail without an infection. However, when the skin breaks and these bacteria enter the area, a bacterial infection begins. Ingrown nails can also result from the development of fungus in the nails which cause deformity and secondary bacterial infection. Some people will not get an infection initially but will just have pain and redness.

Signs of an infection include pain, redness, swelling, foul odor and yellow drainage. Some people develop ingrown toenail infections on a regular basis. These are often treated with soaking and antibiotic pills. Typically, these treatments only provide short-lived relief.

If the infection has been present for a long period, x-rays may be taken to make sure there is no bone infection. Bone infection is a serious problem and must be treated in other ways. Also, those with poor circulation can develop gangrene from an infection. It is highly recommended that the patient with these conditions seek early treatment to avoid more serious conditions.

Generally, ingrown nails present problems multiple times over a period of months or years. Initially, there is pain and redness which then results in infection.

Why some treatments provide only temporary relief:

Why is only short term relief provided with these seemingly strong treatments? While there is an infection present, it can not be healed without draining the infection or abscess from the side of the toe where the nail is piercing the skin. This piece of nail serves as a foreign body and must be removed for proper healing.

Unfortunately, many people seek treatment for these conditions and are treated for months with antibiotics and never heal until they see a Podiatrist for removal of the piece of nail and drainage of the infection. The removal of the nail portion and drainage of the infection should actually be the first treatment received. All other treatments, including antibiotic pills or creams and soaking, are secondary to what is known as incision and drainage or drainage of infection.

Treatments are often done by you, the patient. This is known as "bathroom surgery" and is often performed with various homemade instruments. Often relief will be obtained but eventually many patients end up seeking professional help due to excessive pain and infection.

It should be noted that frequently after drainage of the infection, oral antibiotics are not necessary. The problem with taking antibiotics over and over for this condition is that the bacteria modify themselves so that the antibiotic no longer works and antibiotic resistance is the result.

How can I get permanent relief from Ingrown Toenails?

Assuming that the infection is controlled and circulation is adequate for healing, there are procedures to remove the ingrown nail permanently. Normally only a small portion of nail is removed, not the complete nail. The result is cosmetically pleasing once full healing has occurred. There is a 95% success rate!

There are several methods for the permanent procedure. The most common method is using a chemical for the destruction of the nail root or growth area, also known as the matrix. Common chemicals used include phenol and sodium hydroxide.

After removal of the problematic nail portion, the chemical is then used to destroy the root. A light bandage is applied. Care at home is simple and recovery involves cleaning the area and applying antibiotic cream. Most people have minimal pain after the procedure. Some redness, swelling and clear drainage are normal for several weeks to a month depending on the individual reaction to the chemical. There are rarely complications, however, as with any procedure you physician will review possible complications.

So, there is no need to suffer with ingrown nails when you can have this procedure. The procedure is safe and performed in the office with a local anesthetic. The procedure takes about 10-15 minutes.

BIO:

Dr Marc Katz is a Board-certified Tampa Podiatrist that provides innovative cutting edge techniques for foot pain relief.
He prides himself on compassion and concern for all patients. Dr. Katz specializes in foot infections, cryosurgery, wounds and minor in-office procedures. Dr. Katz treats all foot, ankle and leg conditions. For more information

http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com http://www.tampacryosurgery.com

Update on Fungal Toenail Lasers

2010-02-04T09:25:00.000-05:00

There are many lasers coming onto the scene for treatment of fungal toenails. While all are FDA approved for podiatry and dermatology use, there still has not been a laser approved strictly for fungal toenails or onychomycosis. The Noveon laser by Nomir medical had claimed that it would be approved but it recently ran into stumbling block with the FDA. So their FDA approval is in question.

Based on this uncertainty, I have resumed my research for the best possible laser option for my patients. I am still of the opinion that the Nd:Yag laser in the 1064nm spectrum is not the best option. This is especially true of the Pinpointe which has a small spot size that can lead to a problem known as stacking. Stacking comes from overlapping of the laser beam in the same area possibly leading to burns and damage. Small spot size can also lead to missed areas of treatment. I also do not like the fact that the procedure is performed manually with minimal control of the beam distance. The current single treatment with Pinpointe has also come into question. There is increasing evidence that to be effective, two or even three treatments are necessary.

So, I will continue my search for the best treatment options for my patients. Ideally, I would like a laser that has a 10mm spot size allowing for even treatment of the complete nail with a beam the covers the whole nail. Also, I like the idea of a cooling system integrated to prevent excess heat. So I may be close to finding the laser that combines the best of the Noveon and the best of the Pinpointe without their negatives. The CoolTouch lasers have many of these features and are available in wavelengths other than 1064.

All told, lasers may only have general FDA approval for podiatry and dermatology and no specific FDA approval for onychomycosis. However, there will still be significant value in the treatments compared to the current available treatments.

So keep watching for updates as new research unfolds!

Noveon Laser for Toenail Fungus in Tampa

2010-01-13T19:11:00.000-05:00

http://www.notoenailfungus.com

There are an estimated $4.0 billion spent on fungal infections, including $1.5 billion for onychomycosis or toenail fungus. Around 35 million people in the United States, and 700 million worldwide, suffer from toenail fungus. Patients and physicians alike have few or no treatment options due to the safety concerns associated oral medications available as the current standard of treatment. Many of these strong drugs can cause liver damage! This is certainly a risk that many are not willing to take.

There are home remedies and there are thousands of products being pushed on the internet, however, the solution for toenail fungus remains elusive. Dr. Marc Katz, a Tampa podiatrist, sees dozens of people each week complaining of the unsightly nail deformities. These patients have spent hundreds of dollars on remedies with no success. They have become so frustrated, says Dr. Katz. People just want to wear their sandals in sunny Florida without feeling self-conscious.

I’m always looking for the most advanced technology to help my patients and now I’ve found the answer, LASER. And not just any laser therapy. In my opinion, the Noveon seems to be the winner.

At first, Dr. Katz investigated the Pinpointe laser but was not impressed. His opinion was that the laser had not been properly studied and he notes that the Pinpointe still has NOT been FDA approved for fungal nails or onychomycosis in the US. In addition, the Pinpointe uses an Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm in the infrared region that has a higher incidence of burns and can turn normal cells into potentially cancer causing cells.

The Pinpointe and other Nd:Yag beams are not controlled and dependent on the user placing the beam correctly and keeping it at a set distance. Without this control the treatment success can vary and spots can be missed. Also, a problem known as pulse stacking can lead to burns and over-treatment of an area. Katz stated that the Noveon has overcome this problem by using pods that control the distance and the amount of the beam contacting the nail. The actual laser device controls the treatment seamlessly allowing for the best outcome with a reproducible dose of laser at a specified distance every time. This truly distinguishes the Noveon from Nd:Yag lasers(Pinpointe, Aerolase, CoolTouch, Lux and other cosmetic lasers). The Noveon has been developed and studied for nail fungus and the Nd:Yag is a cosmetic laser for skin and hair.

The Noveon uses 2 different wavelengths of low energy near infrared beams that produce death using light(not heat) without harming the normal tissues. Katz states that this allows for more thorough treatments and better results with less chance of injury.

If you are already going to have the treatment and spend the money you should have the best, said Katz. And he believes that it is worth the wait for FDA approval of the Noveon which should be in early 2010.

Dr. Katz has been chosen by Nomir medical to be one of the early adopters of this cutting edge technology to get rid of toenail fungus. The laser is powerful, proven and allows for reproducible results in a safe environment. Patients are already waiting in line for the treatments, says Katz. The treatment is not covered by insurance but the demand is still huge! The cost will likely be between 800 and 1200 dollars for the full treatment course.

There is no pain involved with the procedure. Most patients will undergo 3 separate treatment sessions with virtually no side-effects. Each treatment session lasts 20 minutes or less and is performed in a comfortable office setting.

So get ready to say goodbye to unsightly toenail fungus.

Noveon laser for Toenail Fungus Infection

2009-12-15T11:42:00.001-05:00

Noveon laser for Toenail Fungus Infection
By Marc Katz

There are an estimated $4.0 billion spent on fungal infections,
including $1.5 billion for onychomycosis or toenail fungus.
Around 35 million people in the United States, and 700 million
worldwide, suffer from toenail fungus. Patients and physicians
alike have few or no treatment options due to the safety
concerns associated oral medications available as the current
standard of treatment. Many of these strong drugs can cause
liver damage! This is certainly a risk that many are not willing
to take.

There are home remedies and there are thousands of products
being pushed on the internet, however, the solution for toenail
fungus remains elusive. Dr. Marc Katz, a Tampa podiatrist, sees
dozens of people each week complaining of the unsightly nail
deformities. These patients have spent hundreds of dollars on
remedies with no success. They have become so frustrated, says
Dr. Katz. People just want to wear their sandals in sunny
Florida without feeling self-conscious.

I’m always looking for the most advanced technology to help my
patients and now I’ve found the answer, LASER. And not just any
laser therapy. In my opinion, the Noveon seems to be the winner.

At first, Dr. Katz investigated the Pinpointe laser but was not
impressed. His opinion was that the laser had not been properly
studied and he notes that the Pinpointe still has NOT been FDA
approved for fungal nails or onychomycosis in the US. In
addition, the Pinpointe uses an Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm in the
infrared region that has a higher incidence of burns and can
turn normal cells into potentially cancer causing cells.

The Pinpointe beam is not controlled and is dependent on the
user placing the beam correctly and keeping it at a set
distance. Without this control the treatment success can vary
and spots can be missed. Katz stated that the Noveon has
overcome this problem by using pods that control the distance
and the amount of the beam contacting the nail. The actual laser
device controls the treatment seamlessly allowing for the best
outcome with a reproducible dose of laser at a specified
distance every time.

The Noveon uses 2 different wavelengths of low energy near
infrared beams that produce death using light(not heat) without
harming the normal tissues. Katz states that this allows for
more thorough treatments and better results with less chance of
injury.

If you are already going to have the treatment and spend the
money you should have the best, said Katz. And he believes that
it is worth the wait for FDA approval of the Noveon which should
be in early 2010.

Dr. Katz has been chosen by Nomir medical to be one of the
early adopters of this cutting edge technology to get rid of
toenail fungus. The laser is powerful, proven and allows for
reproducible results in a safe environment. Patients are already
waiting in line for the treatments, says Katz. The treatment is
not covered by insurance but the demand is still huge! The cost
will likely be between 800 and 1200 dollars for the full
treatment course.

There is no pain involved with the procedure. Most patients
will undergo 3 separate treatment sessions with virtually no
side-effects. Each treatment session lasts 20 minutes or less
and is performed in a comfortable office setting.

So get ready to say goodbye to unsightly toenail fungus.

About the Author: Dr. Marc Katz is a podiatrist at Advanced
Podiatry in Tampa. He specializes in advanced cutting edge
treatments to provide his patients with the latest treatments.
http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com
http://www.notoenailfungus.com/

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=465279&ca=Medicines+and+Remedies

What is Posterior Tibial Tendonitis?

2009-12-06T08:59:00.000-05:00

Posterior Tibial Tendonitis

Tendonitis can be a common problem in the foot as we continuously walk and use our feet on a daily basis. The posterior tibial tendon can be especially prone to tendonitis as it helps to maintain the arch of the foot and prevent excessive flattening (pronation) of the foot while walking, standing or running. Posterior tibial tendonitis can be a precursor to posterior tibial tendon dysfunction where there is progressive loss of strength in the tendon and a progressive flattening of the arch.

Anatomy

The posterior tibial tendon starts in the deep portion of the calf and runs behind the prominent bone on the inside of the ankle. The tendon continues along towards the foot and inserts into multiple locations on the inside and the bottom of the arch. With each step a tremendous amount of tension and stress is placed is on the posterior tibial tendon as it helps to maintain and recreate the arch of the foot. With each step there is a natural depression and recreation of the arch that allows for shock absorption. The amount of shock absorption or depression of the arch is variable from person to person depending on the architecture of their foot (flatfeet versus a very high arch). It would seem that only a flatfooted person would get posterior tibial tendonitis but this is not always the case. It can happen to people with any foot type, weight or activity level.

Symptoms

Symptoms of posterior tibial tendonitis include pain and swelling along the inside of the ankle and arch along the course of the tendon. Pain is present with exercise, extended periods of walking or standing. This discomfort will usually increase as the disease progresses and is localized along the course of the tendon around the inside of the ankle or along the inside of the arch. This pain initially is absent when at rest but may progress to the point where pain is present even when not active. Pain and swelling are signs of injury to the tendon. The sheath or sleeve that surrounds the tendon will produce excessive amounts of lubricating fluid in an attempt to allow the tendon to glide easier during the healing process. This excessive fluid production results in the swelling the patient sees and feels on the inside of the ankle and arch. In advanced cases the injury to the tendon that started as tendonitis may progress to a full or partial tear of the tendon.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis can often be made from your doctor by the history and physical exam. In many instances a MRI or ultrasound will be performed to determine the extent of damage to the posterior tibial tendon. A simple assessment of tendon strength can be performed by standing on the "tip of the toes" on each foot. The affected foot may feel weak and painful in cases of tendonitis. In advanced cases the patient may not be able to lift the heel from the ground as much or not at all in comparison to the unaffected foot.

Treatment

Treatment can depend on how long the symptoms have been present and if the amount of strength that is lost (if any) in the tendon. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, rest and orthotics are often first courses of treatment. Injections of cortisone type medications are performed on rare occasions and often accompanied by cast immobilization. These are all designed to decrease the inflammation in and around the tendon and to decrease the stresses placed on the tendon. In more severe cases a cast from the knee down may be utilized from four to six weeks to allow the tendon to completely rest without placing the day-to-day demands of walking on it. If these measures fail to produce acceptable results surgical intervention may be necessary to clean around the tendon and repair any defects in the tendon. Surgical repair is more commonly needed when there is a progressive weakness in the tendon. As mentioned earlier this loss of strength is called posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and is covered in detail in that section.

Achilles Tendonitis, What is it? What are the treatments?

2009-11-18T21:41:00.001-05:00

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the human body. It is located at the back of the ankle joint and can be felt as a large, cord-like structure attaching to the back of the foot. Since tendons serve to attach muscles to bone, the Achilles tendon also attaches the large calf muscles, the gastrocnemius and soleus, to the back of the heel bone, the calcaneus.

The muscle mass and strength of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles are greater than all of the other muscles of the lower leg combined. Therefore, the pull of these muscles on the Achilles tendon is very large since these muscles help balance the body while standing, push the body forward during walking, spring the body forward during running, and spring the body upward during jumping. Because of the large amount of stress which the Achilles tendon is subjected to during running and jumping activities, the Achilles tendon is prone to injury.

The most common form of injury to the Achilles tendon is called Achilles tendonitis, which is an inflammatory condition causing pain in the Achilles tendon. Achilles tendonitis generally occurs in people who are active in sports activities. Types of sports that commonly are associated with Achilles tendonitis are basketball, tennis, running, football, soccer, volleyball and other running and jumping sports.

Achilles tendonitis tends to occur more frequently in older athletes than in younger athletes. As a person ages into their thirties and especially into their forties and fifties, the ligaments and tendons of the body tend to lose some of their stretchiness and are not as strong as before. This predisposes older individuals who are active in running and jumping activities, to tendon injuries such as Achilles tendonitis. However, Achilles tendonitis can also occur in teenagers who are very active in running and jumping sports.

Diagnosis
Achilles tendonitis is diagnosed by a history and physical examination of the patient who describes pain at the back of the ankle with walking and/or running activities. The pain generally will be associated with an increase in running or jumping intensity or frequency. It is also often associated with a change from running in a thick heeled shoe to a thin heeled shoe, such as going from training shoes to racing flats and/or racing spikes in cross-country and/or track. The pain from Achilles tendonitis is often so severe that running is impossible and even walking is uncomfortable.

During the physical examination, the podiatrist will feel and push lightly around the Achilles tendon to see if it is tender or has any irregularities in its surface. Achilles tendonitis may cause the tendon to be thickened in areas, may cause swelling of the area around the tendon, and can even feel like the tendon has a painful bump on it. In addition, the person with Achilles tendonitis will limp while barefoot, but walk more normally with heeled shoes on. X-rays are not helpful in diagnosing Achilles tendonitis but may be taken to rule-out other pathology. MRI scans are only indicated if a partial or complete rupture of the Achilles tendon is suspected by the podiatrist.

Treatment
Achilles tendonitis generally responds very well to conservative treatment as long as it is diagnosed and treated early. Surgery is rarely indicated unless the Achilles tendonitis is particularly severe and chronic, or if the tendon has ruptured completely.

Initially, the podiatrist may treat the Achilles tendonitis by putting heel lifts into the patient's shoes. In addition, the patient may be asked to avoid barefoot walking or walking in low-heeled shoes. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve) may also be prescribed to calm the inflammatory process in the tendon. Icing may be suggested to help decrease the inflammation and pain in the tendon. Stretching exercises for the calf muscles may also be given to the patient to help loosen the calf muscle and Achilles tendon so that the tendon is not under as much stress during normal daily walking activities. The stretching should not be done however if it causes pain in the Achilles tendon.

Initially, the patient with Achilles tendonitis will be asked to modify their activities to decrease their running and jumping activities and do alternative physical activities, such as swimming, which don't put as much stress on the Achilles tendon. As the tendon starts to feel better, the podiatrist will allow a gradual return to normal running and jumping activities. If normal return to activities is not possible within a few weeks, then many times the podiatrist may additionally prescribe physical therapy and/or functional foot orthotics to help the tendon heal more rapidly. The foot orthotics generally are used during both the sports activities and walking activities to allow for more normal foot and Achilles tendon function. If the physician is concerned about a partial tear of the tendon the patient may be placed in a below the knee cast. It can take several weeks or even months for the tendon to heal depending upon the severity of the injury to the tendon. It is not uncommon for a patient to return to activities too quickly and re-injure the tendon. Careful monitoring of a return to full activity is important and the patient must have patience during this period of time.

Why Noveon laser is better than Pinpointe laser

2009-11-05T19:03:00.002-05:00

Tough Questions About Foot Fungus Laser Treatment
CBS Atlanta Questions Local Podiatrist About PinPointe Laser Treatment
By Adam Murphy, CBS Atlanta Consumer Investigator
POSTED: 6:29 pm EST November 3, 2009
UPDATED: 6:40 am EST November 4, 2009
'
ATLANTA -- The Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia has been promoting a foot fungus laser treatment on its Web site.
Mary Long with the FDA said, "The PinPointe Laser has been cleared for marketing by the FDA for soft tissue cutting. It has not been cleared or approved by the FDA for the treatment of toenail fungus."
However, the Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia is advertising the foot fungus laser treatment online and it even claims it's 88 percent effective. CBS Atlanta questioned the Piedmont Podiatry about the promotion at their Atlanta practice and they shut the door on us.
The FDA said that doctors can use the laser for any type of treatment, but they are not able to advertise treatments that are not FDA approved.
"Promotion of medical devices for unapproved or uncleared uses violates FDA regulation," said Long.
The Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia told CBS Atlanta Tuesday that the FDA guidelines for promotion of the PinPointe Laser only apply to the manufacturer.
The FDA responded with this statement, "No, it does not only apply to manufacturers. Section 906 of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act refers to our authority over promotion of unapproved uses of legally marketed devices by practitioners."
If the FDA decides to take action, the Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia could lose its laser.

All About Hammertoes

2009-10-23T21:38:00.000-04:00

Curative treatment of hammertoes varies depending upon the severity of the deformity. When the hammertoe is flexible, a simple tendon release in the toe works well. The recovery is rapid often requiring nothing more that a single stitch and a Band-Aid. Of course if several toes are done at the same time, the recovery make take a bit longer. For the surgical correction of a rigid hammertoe, the surgical procedure consists of removing the damaged skin where the corn is located. Then a small section of bone is removed at the level of the rigid joint. The sutures remain in place for approximately ten days. During this period of time it is important to keep the area dry. Most surgeons prefer to leave the bandage in place until the patient’s follow-up visit, so there is no need for the patient to change the bandages at home. The patient is returned to a stiff-soled walking shoe in about two weeks. It is important to try and stay off the foot as much as possible during this time. Excessive swelling of the toe is the most common patient complaint. In severe cases of hammertoe deformity a pin may be required to hold the toe in place and the surgeon may elect to fuse the bones in the toe. This requires several weeks of recovery.

Complications associated with the surgery are infection, excessive swelling leading to delays in healing and potential deviation of the toe. If excessive bone is removed during the surgery, the toe may be a bit floppy. The toe always has a floppy feeling for several weeks following the surgery. This is normal and generally not permanent.

If pinning the toe is not required during the procedure, then the surgery could be preformed in the doctor’s office under a local anesthesia. Some patients prefer the comfort of sedation during the surgery and if this is the case or if a pin must be placed, then the surgery could be preformed in an outpatient surgery center.

Dr Marc Katz: Tampa Podiatrist at Advanced Podiatry

http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com

Cryosurgery for foot pain relief! Dr. Marc Katz

2009-10-14T20:48:00.001-04:00

Cryosurgery, also known as Cryotherapy or Neuroablation, is a minimally invasive FDA approved procedure done by Dr. Katz in the office for pain relief. Finally get relief from heel pain, plantar fasciitis and Morton's neuroma using advanced Cryosurgery.

The Procedure
The procedure is minimally invasive and takes approximately 15 minutes to perform. Effective treatments are available for heel pain, Morton's neuroma, plantar fasciitis and many other painful foot conditions and masses.

In a typical in-office procedure where the neuro-stimulator feature is not utilized, the painful area is infiltrated with a local anesthetic, so that the cryoprobe can be introduced without discomfort. A puncture just large enough for the probe to easily pass through is made through the skin.

Next, a small diameter instrument called a trocar is placed through the puncture site to create a pathway for the cryoprobe to be inserted. The probe is inserted through the puncture site to the area of pain.

The freeze cycles are then initiated. Upon completion of the freeze cycles, the probe is removed and an antibiotic ointment placed over the puncture site with a sterile dressing applied.

Sutures are not necessary due to the small size of the puncture. The dressing may be removed within 24 hours and a shower is then permitted. Postoperative discomfort is minimal. It is suggested that you decrease your normal level of activity over the first 48 hours.

How it works
The simplest way to describe what happens is to use the analogy of applying ice to an injury. One of the oldest treatments known to man is the application of ice to painful areas. This dates back to the time of Hippocrates who among his many accomplishments also wrote the first records detailing ice therapy.

The application of ice serves two purposes. First it reduces swelling and inflammation to the site at which it is applied and secondly, it causes a mild �numbing� effect for as long as it is applied. In fact applying ice is often still the first line of treatment for minor injuries. Athletes will often soak their elbows in ice baths or wrap their knees and shoulders in ice after games to help reduce swelling and muscle soreness afterwards.

Now think of how effective this ice therapy could be if the ice could be applied directly to the area of most pain (under the skin where the damaged tissue and inflammation exist) instead of just on the surface of the skin. In essence applying a concentrated ice pack directly to the damaged and inflamed tissues involved. Better yet, how about applying this ice pack directly on the nerves responsible for transmitting the sensation of pain? Would direct numbing of the nerve stop the sensation of pain? Yes it can, and that's how cryosurgery helps relieve pain.

For more information visit:

http://www.tampacryosurgery.com/

Dr. Katz offers Utrasound Examination of the Foot and Ankle

2009-10-06T22:13:00.004-04:00

Ultrasound Examination of the Foot and Ankle

Musculoskeletal ultrasonography is a very powerful diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of wide array of foot and ankle problems. Dr. Katz performs ultrasound in the office to help diagnose your foot problem. Ultrasound is used typically for soft tissue problem, not bone conditions., however stress fractures can often be detected earlier than x-ray. Some of the foot disorders that ultrasound is used for are the following:

Foreign bodies
Morton's neuroma
Soft tissue masses
Bursitis or capsulitis of the joints
Ligament injuries
Tendonitis or tendon tears
Heel spurs or plantar fasciitis
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Ultrasound guided injection or aspirations
Stress fractures

What is Ultrasound? Most people know about ultrasound to image a baby or a gallbladder, but it has growing application in musculoskeletal disorders. Ultrasound is based on sound waves. Sound waves are emitted from a transducer probe that is applied to the body and these sound waves will past into the body and then are reflected back to the transducer probe to be recorded. The recorded image is based on the density of the object that the sound waves encounter. An object with a high density appears white or brighter on the recorded image, while objects of low density will appear black or dark on the image. Intermediate densities will appear gray. The sound waves are recorded back to the machine, which will produce the image. This image will appear on the computer screen and is recorded permanently by a hard copy film . Your doctor will read these images and discuss the findings with you at your visit.

Ultrasound is completely safe and painless. It also has no contraindications. There is no problem in having the examination if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker, or other medical conditions that may prevent you from having a MRI or CT scan. Ultrasound also does not produce any radiation as with a CT scan or x-rays.

This test can be performed in the office which is very convenient for the patient.

http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com/services_ultrasound.html

Tips for wearing high heels

2009-09-29T09:57:00.000-04:00

Wearing super-high heels over extended periods of time can cause painful bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails and Morton's neuroma, a nerve irritation in the ball of the foot. For those who insist on wearing heels, Dr. Marc Katz offers these tips:
• Switch out heels for running shoes when walking longer distances.
• Choose a square toe shoe over a pointed narrow one. Open-toed shoes are also preferred over closed-toe styles.
• Reduce heels by even an inch to reduce pressure on the ball of the foot.
• Select thicker, more stable heels.
• Walk barefoot regularly to stretch the leg muscles.

http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com

Dr. Katz discusses High Heels and Foot Pain

2009-09-29T09:55:00.000-04:00

Really high heels are all the fashion — plus some pain

By SUSAN THURSTON

St. Petersburg Times

I'm sensing a Revolution of the Amazons.
Tall women beating down on the Manolo Blahniks and Steve Maddens of the footwear fashion world, taking Christian Louboutin and his cronies hostage.
No doubt, just about everybody loves a great pair of high heels. They make you look sexy, slender and super sensational, in general.
But are all these 5-, 6- and even 7-inch heels really that necessary? And what message do they send those over-gifted in the height department?
Sky-high heels have been in vogue for quite a while, taking sizable space in most shoe stores. Last year, Louboutin said his 6- and 7-inch stilettos were selling so well that he planned to introduce an 8-inch platform this fall.
Holy skyscrapers.
For tall girls like me (I'm almost 5-foot-9, which is actually short in the tall category, but taller than most), this is hardly good news. Strap on a pair of half-footers, and we may need an oxygen mask.
"The fashion world is killing me," declared 6-foot-2 Christine Alexander, noting that it's hard enough to find pants that are long enough.
This footwear phenomenon is not fair. Short girls should not have the luxury of being tall on demand. They already don't have to worry about towering over their date or hitting their head on a ceiling fan. They can hem their slacks, and they get to call themselves petite.
Tall girls, on the contrary, can't shrink for the occasion. Tall today, tall tonight, regardless of footwear. Sure, you can hide pounds or do the opposite and become America's Next Top Model. But what if you're not?
Six-foot-four Julie Krueger is a customer-service manager for a disposable-glove manufacturer. Her height doesn't do squat for her at work but certainly gets her noticed, and not always positively. Adding another few inches just isn't an option.
"I love to dress in the current fashion (but) can't do the 4- to 5-inch heels and still fit through a door," said Krueger, a member of Tall N Terrific, a social club for tall people.
To compensate, the 43-year-old from South Tampa, Fla., wears ballet flats and gladiator sandals, which thankfully are in style. Instead of skinny jeans, she opts for wide-legged pants that look good with flats.
She admits it's frustrating.
Keeping up with fashion also can have painful results. Tampa podiatrist Marc Katz said about 10 percent of his patients have problems related to high heels. A few even want surgery to remove the pinkie toe to better fit into narrow-toed high heels, a procedure he refuses to do.
"For a lot of people it's such a fashion thing," Katz said. "They refuse to take them off."
Even at 6-foot-2, Alexander loves high heels but only wears them sparingly. Put on a pair of super stilettos, and she "would have to build a man to kiss."
"Us tall people do not blend in with the crowds to begin with and then to put another 5 inches under us?" she said. "Me, personally, I hate being called 'Amazon.' "

Ganglion Cysts of the Foot

2009-09-23T22:36:00.002-04:00

Ganglion Cysts

A ganglion is a soft tissue mass that most commonly occurs on the wrist in women between 25 and 45 years of age. They are also seen commonly on the foot. A ganglion is a firm, rubbery mass that occurs on the top of the foot. On the foot, the most common area of involvement is in front of the ankle or on the outside of the ankle. A common characteristic of a ganglion is that they will enlarge and then shrink is size. They generally occur without any apparent cause. Ganglions arise spontaneously from a weakness in the soft tissue covering of a joint or tendon sheath. Ballooning out of the tissue occurs and it fills with a thick mucoid fluid. In many instances, ganglions are not painful until they reach a size that causes irritation from shoe pressure. On occasion they will compress a nearby skin nerve and cause tingling into the top of the toes. Tapping on the ganglion will often result in this same tingling sensation into the toes. Other common masses on the foot are giant cell tumors, fibromas and lipomas.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made by taking a thorough history of the clinical course of the condition. Physical exam will reveal a firm, rubbery mass that appears encapsulated and will have a discreet boundary. They tend to be firmly adhered to the underlying deep tissues under the skin. A x-ray will reveal the shadow of the soft tissue swelling. On occasion there may be a small bone spur in the area of the ganglion. Spurring indicates a level of arthritis in the joint near the ganglion. A MRI or CT scan will clearly define the mass but is not necessary to make the diagnosis. If a ganglion were suspected within the deep structures of the foot a MRI would be useful to identify the size and extent of the mass.

Treatment

Small ganglions that are not symptomatic or painful usually require no treatment. A non-surgical form of treatment is termed "needling". This involves numbing the area with a local anesthesia. Once the area is numb a large gauge needle is placed into the ganglion. Aspiration of ganglion fluid is attempted, however, because of the thickness of the fluid it is often difficult to draw the fluid out. The ganglion is then punctured with the needle several times. A steroid medication may then be placed into the mass and a snug bandage applied. This treatment has a 70% recurrence rate. The definitive treatment for a ganglion is surgical excision. (See surgical excision of a ganglion)

What is a Foot Neuroma

2009-09-19T21:21:00.003-04:00

Neuroma
Dr. Katz specializes in cryosurgery for neuroma pain. The most advanced treatment available today. See www.TampaCryosurgery.com

A neuroma is the swelling of nerve that is a result of a compression or trauma. They are often described as nerve tumors. However, they are not in the purest sense a tumor. They are a swelling within the nerve that may result in permanent nerve damage. The most common site for a neuroma is on the ball of the foot. The most common cause of neuroma in ball of the foot is the abnormal movement of the long bones behind the toes called metatarsal bones. A small nerve passes between the spaces of the metatarsals. At the base of the toes, the nerves split forming a "Y" and enter the toes. It is in this area the nerve gets pinched and swells, forming the neuroma. Burning pain, tingling, and numbness in one or two of the toes is a common symptom. Sometimes this pain can become so severe, it can bring tears to a patient's eyes. Removing the shoe and rubbing the ball of the foot helps to ease the pain. As the nerve swells, it can be felt as a popping sensation when walking. Pain is intermittent and is aggravated by anything that results in further pinching of the nerve. When the neuroma is present in the space between the third and fourth toes, it is called a Morton's Neuroma. This is the most common area for a neuroma to form. Another common area is between the second and third toes. Neuromas can occur in one or both of these areas and in one or both feet at the same time. Neuromas are very rare in the spaces between the big toe and second toe, and between the fourth and fifth toes. Neuromas have been identified in the heel area, resulting in heel pain.

A puncture wound or laceration that injures a nerve can cause a neuroma. These are called traumatic Neuromas. Neuromas can also result following a surgery that may result in the cutting of a nerve.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Neuromas is made by a physical exam and a thorough history of the patient's complaint. Conditions that mimic the pain associated with Neuromas are stress fracture of the metatarsals, inflammation of the tendons in the bottom of the toes, arthritis of the joint between the metatarsal bone and the toe, or nerve compression or nerve damage further up on the foot, ankle, knee, hip, or back. X-rays are generally taken to rule out a possible stress fracture or arthritis. Because nerve tissue is not seen on an x-ray, the x-ray will not show the neuroma. A skilled foot specialist will be able to actually feel the neuroma on his exam of the foot. Special studies such as MRI, CT Scan, and nerve conduction studies have little value in the diagnosis of a neuroma. Additionally, these studies can be very expensive and generally the results do not alter the doctor's treatment plan. If the doctor on exam cannot feel the neuroma, and if the patient's symptoms are not what is commonly seen, then nerve compression at another level should be suspected. In this instance, one area to be examined is the ankle.

Just below the ankle bone on the inside of the ankle, a large nerve passes into the foot. At this level, the nerve can become inflamed. This condition is called Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. Generally, there is not pain at this site of the inflamed nerve at the inside of the ankle. Pain may instead be experienced in the bottom of the foot or in the toes. This can be a difficult diagnosis to make in certain circumstances. Neuromas, however, occur more commonly than Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome.

Treatment

Treatment for the neuroma consists of cortisone injections, orthotics, chemical destruction of the nerve, or surgery. Cortisone injections are generally used as an initial form of treatment. Cortisone is useful when injected around the nerve, because is can shrink the swelling of the nerve. This relieves the pressure on the nerve. Cortisone may provide relief for many months, but is often not a cure for the condition. The abnormal movements of the metatarsal bones continue to aggravate the condition over a period of time.

To address the abnormal movement of the metatarsal bones, a functional foot orthotic can be used. These devices are custom-made inserts for the shoes that correct abnormal function of the foot. The combination treatment of cortisone injections and orthotics can be a very successful form of treatment. If, however, there is significant damage to the nerve, then failure to this treatment can occur. When there is permanent nerve damage, the patient is left with three choices: live with the pain, chemical destruction of the nerve, or surgical removal or decompression of the nerve (see neuroma surgery).

http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com

http://www.tampacryosurgery.com

Fungal Toenails or Onychomycosis

2009-09-17T12:49:00.004-04:00

An update: The newest treatment will soon be a laser treatment to kill the fungus in the nail. The laser is called Noveon. The company, Nomir, will have FDA approval shortly and Dr. Katz will be one of the early users! This will be the only FDA approved laser for fungal toenail infections.

The most common cause of yellowed, thick and /or deformed toenails is a fungal infection of the toenail. The fungus that infects the nail, most commonly, is the same fungus that causes athletes foot. It tends to be slowly progressive, damaging the nail to a greater and greater degree over time. The infection usually starts at the tip of the nail and works its way back. It usually is not painful and often not noticed until it has gotten well established. A single toenail or any number of nails can be affected. It can also occur on just one foot. Over time, the nail becomes thickened, crumbly, and distorted in appearance. Sweaty feet contribute to the initial infection process and contribute to its spread. The fungus prefers an environment that is moist, dark, and warm, which is why it affects the toenails much more often than fingernails. It does not spread through the blood stream. The infection limits itself to the nails and skin. It is often found in association with areas of dry scaly skin on the bottom of the foot or between the toes. The dry scaling skin is frequently found to be chronic athletes' foot. It is not highly contagious, and family members are almost as likely to contract it from some other source as they are from the family member who has the infection. Keeping common showering areas clean is recommended, and sharing shoes should be avoided.

Diagnosis

Not all thicken or yellowed toenails are caused by a fungal infection. Injury to a toenail can cause the toenail to grow in a thickened or malformed fashion. This can be due to an established fungal infection or may be due to the damage caused to the nail root when it was injured. In these instances, treatment with anti-fungal medications will not correct the malformed nail. Other causes of thickened toenails are small bone spurs that can form under the toenail and psoriasis. Taking a scraping of the toenail and culturing it makes the diagnosis.

Treatment

It is best to treat the condition as soon as it is noticed. In early cases, over the counter medications may be sufficient. It is also important to treat any concomitant athlete’s foot that may be present. In more advanced cases, a prescription medication may be needed. There are effective topical and oral medications available for the treatment of fungal toenails. If sweating feet are a problem, changing shoes and socks during the day is recommended. There are some topical medications available that help to reduce the sweating of the feet. On occasion, your doctor may recommend removing the toenail.

http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com

http://www.tampacryosurgery.com

Vascular Disease of the Foot and Leg

2009-09-14T20:10:00.003-04:00

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Circulation disorders includes a large number of different problems with one thing in common, they result in poor blood flow. Specifically, the term peripheral vascular disease refers to blood flow impairment into the feet and legs (although it could include the arms and hands as well).

Blood is circulated throughout the human body by the strong, muscular pump called the heart. With each heartbeat, blood is pushed along through blood vessels called arteries that carry the oxygen and nutrient rich blood to all parts of the body including the legs and the feet. The individual cells in the body take up the oxygen and nutrients. Then a second set of blood vessels known as veins carry the oxygen depleted blood back to the heart and lungs to get more oxygen, and again be pumped throughout the body. Peripheral vascular disease may refer to arterial inflow disorders, (arterial insufficiency) or venous outflow disorders (venous insufficiency).

Arterial Insufficiency

Arterial inflow disorders are categorized by the size of the artery involved. If a large artery in the thigh or behind the knee becomes blocked by cholesterol deposits this is referred to as large vessel disease or atherosclerosis. The result may be a painful ischemic foot, which means there is a severe lack of arterial blood flow from the heart into the foot. If smaller arteries like those in the lower leg or foot is blocked, this is referred to as small vessel disease, or arteriosclerosis. This too can result in ischemia of the foot. Small vessel disease is seen more often in diabetics, but can affect non-diabetics as well. If the skin of the feet or legs lacks adequate blood flow a sore will develop which may be difficult to heal. These sores are known as ischemic ulcers. Any blockage to arterial inflow will result in a circulation problem to the body tissues down stream. Occasionally a small blockage will occur in the small arteries that supply blood to a toe. This is known as a "Blue Toe Syndrome." Another arterial inflow problem may result when the smooth muscles that control the size of the arteries go into spasm. The arterial muscle spasm can block the blood from circulating into the foot. One common vasospastic disorder is called Raynaud's Syndrome. A second vasospastic disorder is called acrocyanosis.

Venous Insufficiency

Venous outflow disorders refer to problems getting blood from the foot back to the heart. There are two sets of veins in the feet and legs to help bring the blood back toward the heart. The superficial venous network refers to veins located just beneath the skin. The deep venous networks are veins located closer to the bones and are not visible when looking at the foot or legs.

Varicose veins refer to an enlargement of the veins and a loss in the ability of the vein to properly maintain blood flow back toward the heart. When this occurs blood can collect in the feet and legs. Superficial varicose veins may appear as unsightly cords or a small bunch of grapes, which usually appear on the tops of the feet, around the ankles and may extend upward to the knees and thighs. Deep varicose veins while usually not visible will result in chronic swelling of the feet, ankles and legs. When the blood is not circulated from the feet back to the heart gravity will cause the fluid to collect in the feet and ankles. This results in swelling, called edema. Chronic edema over a long period of time may cause a discoloration of the skin around the ankles. The skin can become inflamed, and is know as venous stasis dermatitis. If left untreated the skin will become weakened and a weeping sore will develop, usually on the inside of the ankle called a venous stasis ulcer.

A potentially serious consequence of blood collecting in the feet and legs is the formation of blood clots in the veins. A superficial vein blood clot will result in a painful, inflamed superficial vein called superficial phlebitis. When a blood clot forms in a deep vein, it is called deep venous thrombosis, or deep phlebitis. This is a serious condition that causes painful swelling of the leg and may result in part of the clot breaking free. If the clot should travel back up to the heart and get caught in the lungs, it is referred to as a pulmonary embolus which can be life threatening and requires emergency treatment.

http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com

http://www.tampacryosurgery.com

Vascular Disease of the Foot and Leg

2009-09-14T20:10:00.001-04:00

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Arterial Insufficiency

Venous Insufficiency

Relief for Ingrown Toenails

2009-09-13T15:36:00.001-04:00

What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail is simply a curving of the nail border into the flesh of the toe. When the pressure from the curved or deformed nail becomes excessive, the underlying skin or tissue is pierced or opened and this provides entry for harmful bacteria. It is common for bacteria to be around the nail without an infection. However, when the skin breaks and these bacteria enter the area, a bacterial infection begins. Ingrown nails can also result from the development of fungus in the nails which cause deformity and secondary bacterial infection. Some people will not get an infection initially but will just have pain and redness.

Signs of an infection include pain, redness, swelling, foul odor and yellow drainage. Many people develop ingrown toenail infections on a regular basis. These are often treated with soaking and antibiotic pills. Typically, these treatments only provide short term relief.

If the infection has been present for a long period, x-rays may be taken to make sure there is no bone infection. Bone infection is a serious problem and must be treated in other ways. Also, those with poor circulation can develop gangrene from an infection. It is highly recommended that the patient with these conditions seek early treatment to avoid more serious conditions.

Generally, ingrown nails present problems multiple times over a period of months or years. Initially, there is pain and redness which then results in infection.

Why some treatments provide only temporary relief:

Why is only short term relief provided with these seemingly strong treatments? While there is an infection present, it can not be healed without draining the infection or abscess from the side of the toe where the nail is piercing the skin. This piece of nail acts as a foreign body and must be removed for proper healing.

Unfortunately, many people seek treatment for these problems and are treated for months with antibiotics and never heal until they see a Podiatrist for removal of the piece of nail and drainage of the infection. The removal of the nail portion and drainage of the infection should actually be the first treatment received. All other treatments, including antibiotic pills or creams and soaking, are secondary to what is known as incision and drainage or drainage of infection.

Treatments are often done by you, the patient. This is known as “bathroom surgery” and is often performed with various homemade instruments. Often relief will be obtained but eventually many patients end up seeking professional help due to excessive pain and infection.

It should be noted that often after drainage of the infection, oral antibiotics are not always necessary. The problem with taking antibiotics over and over for this condition is that the bacteria modify themselves so that the antibiotic no longer works and antibiotic resistance is the result.

How can I get permanent relief from Ingrown Toenails?

Assuming that the infection is controlled and circulation is adequate for healing, there are procedures to remove the ingrown nail permanently. Normally only a small portion of nail is removed, not the complete nail. The result is cosmetically pleasing once full healing has occurred. There is a 95% success rate!

There are several methods for the permanent procedure. The most common method is using a chemical for the destruction of the nail root or growth area, also known as the matrix. Common chemicals used include phenol and sodium hydroxide.

After removal of the abnormal nail portion, the chemical is then used to destroy the root. A light bandage is applied. Care at home is simple and recovery involves cleaning the area and applying antibiotic cream. Most people have minimal pain after the procedure. Some redness, swelling and clear drainage are normal for several weeks to a month depending on the individual reaction to the chemical. There are rarely complications, however, as with any procedure you physician will review possible complications.

So, there is no need to suffer with ingrown nails when you can have this procedure. The procedure is safe and performed in the office with a local anesthetic. The procedure takes about 10-15 minutes.

Dr. Katz prides himself on compassion and concern for all patients. Dr. Katz specializes in foot infections, wounds and minor in-office procedures. Dr. Katz treats all foot, ankle and leg conditions.

For more information see:

http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com

http://www.tampacryosurgery.com

Preventing Diabetic Foot Problems

2009-08-31T21:01:00.000-04:00

Tips for the Diabetic Patient
Ulcerations, infections and gangrene are the most common foot and ankle problems that the patient with diabetes must face. As a result, thousands of diabetic patients require amputations each year. Foot infections are the most common reason for hospitalization of diabetic patients. Ulcerations of the feet may take months or even years to heal. It takes 20 times more energy to heal a wound than to maintain a healthy foot.

There are two major causes of foot problems in diabetes:
1. Nerve Damage (neuropathy): This causes loss of feeling in the foot, which normally protects the foot from injury. The protective sensations of sharp/dull, hot /cold, pressure and vibration become altered or lost completely. Furthermore, nerve damage causes toe deformities, collapse of the arch, and dry skin. These problems may result in foot ulcers and infections, which may progress rapidly to gangrene and amputation. However, Daily foot care and regular visits to the podiatrist can prevent ulcerations and infections.
2. Loss of circulation (angiopathy): Poor circulation may be difficult to treat. If circulation is poor gangrene and amputation may be unavoidable. Cigarette smoking should be avoided. Smoking can significantly reduce the circulation to the feet. There are certain medications available for improving circulation (Trental) and by-pass surgery may be necessary to improve circulation to the feet. Chelation therapy is an alternative form of treatment for circulatory problems that is not well recognized by the medical community at large. Daily foot care and regular visits to the podiatrist can often prevent or delay the need for amputation.

Do the Following to Protect Your Feet
1. Examine Your Feet Daily
Use your eyes and hands, or have a family member help.
Check between your toes.
Use a mirror to observe the bottom of your feet.
Look for these Danger Signs:

Swelling (especially new, increased or involving one foot)
Redness (may be a sign of a pressure sore or infection)
Blisters (may be a sign of rubbing or a pressure sore)
Cuts or Scratches or Bleeding (may become infected)
Nail Problems (may rub skin, cause ulceration, infection)
Maceration, Drainage (between toes)
If you observe any of these danger signs, call your podiatrist at once.

2. Examine Your Shoes Daily
Check the insides of your shoes, using your hands, for:

Irregularities (rough areas, seams)
Foreign Objects (stones, tacks)

3. Daily Washing and Foot Care
Wash your feet daily.
Avoid water that is too hot or too cold. Use lukewarm water.
Dry off the feet after washing, especially between the toes.
If your skin is dry, use a small amount of lubricant on the skin.
Use lambs wool (not cotton) between the toes to keep these areas dry.

4. Fitting Shoes and Socks
Make sure that the shoes and socks are not too tight.
The toe box of the shoe should have extra room and be made of a soft upper material that can “breath”.
New shoes should be removed after 5-10 minutes to check for redness, which could be a sign of too much pressure: if there is redness, do not wear the shoe. If there is no redness, check again after each half hour during the first day of use.
Rotate your shoes.
Ask your podiatrist about therapeutic (prescription) footwear, which is a covered benefit for diabetic patients under many insurance plans.
Tell your shoe salesperson that you have diabetes.

5. Medical Care
See your podiatrist on a regular basis.
Ask your primary care doctor to check your feet on every visit.
Call your doctor if you observe any of the above danger signs.

Avoid These Dangerous Acts
Do Not Walk Barefoot - Sharp objects or rough surfaces can cause cuts, blisters, and other injuries.
Do Not Use Heat on the Feet - Heat can cause a serious burn, especially if the patient has neuropathy.
Do Not Apply a Heating Pad to the Feet
Do Not Soak Your Feet in Hot Water
Do Not Use Chemicals or Sharp Instruments to Trim Calluses - This could cause cuts and blisters that may become infected.
Do Not Cut Nails into the Corners - cut nails straight across.
Do Not Smoke - smoking reduces the circulation to your feet.

Visit Dr. Katz's site for more tips and information

Dr Marc Katz: Tampa Podiatrist at Advanced Podiatry

2006-05-18T20:04:00.000-04:00

Dr Marc Katz: Tampa Podiatrist at Advanced Podiatry

2006-04-07T22:12:00.000-04:00

Dr Marc Katz: Tampa Podiatrist at Advanced Podiatry

2006-02-17T21:13:00.000-05:00

It's More Than A Red String
By MICHELLE BEARDEN mbearden@tampatrib.com
Published: Jan 23, 2006

TAMPA - Carrollwood podiatrist Marc Katz and pop megastar Madonna have more in common than anyone would guess.
Though they don't know each other, one could call them soul mates.
Both embrace kabbalah, a mystic Jewish tradition of contemplation of divine secrets that some believe were given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. From its hidden beginnings to its very public reincarnation on the celebrity scene, kabbalah has achieved that rare status of being both hip and holy.
The Material Girl, who wears a kabbalah-inspired red string bracelet and flashes Hebrew text on screens at her concerts, claims the ancient teachings have helped her find spiritual clarity. As for Katz, "it's given me some peace in an otherwise hectic life."
Madonna was just the first celebrity to catch kabbalah fever. Count Demi Moore and husband Ashton Kutcher, Roseanne Barr, David and Victoria Beckham, Britney Spears and Sandra Bernhard among other faithful followers.
In Hebrew, kabbalah means "to receive." Practitioners believe they can open themselves to a heightened sense of awareness if they master certain meditative techniques. The result: They can break out of the earthly world, experience the presence of God and help unlock the secrets of the universe.
The most important element of the practice is studying the Torah, the first five books of the Bible. Ultimately, the reader should learn how to decode it.
"Some people describe it as reading between the lines," says Phil Shenefelt, 62, a convert to Judaism and Tampa dermatologist. "It's about understanding the white part of the paper as well as the black.
"There's a lot of mental aspect to kabbalah. But it's really more about the heart."
According to Jewish law, only married men 40 and older are permitted to engage in kabbalah. Followers say that restriction had to do with the traditions of the time; today, the prohibition is largely ignored.
''Because kabbalah is so esoteric, and not centered in this world, it was believed that anyone who delved into this should have two feet planted firmly in the ground," says Rabbi Joel Wasser of Congregation Kol Ami. "It may be a law, but it's not on the same level as others, like eating pork."
With the media hype comes misinformation, so last year Wasser taught a course, "Kabbalah: You Asked for It, Now You Got It." And yes, women were allowed.
"Anything that brings people closer to God is a good thing," says the rabbi. "So if Madonna and all those other stars are wearing red bracelets and talking up kabbalah, what's the big deal? If it inspires Jewish and other spiritual people to take the next step and study the real texts, maybe even learn the Torah, then that's a good thing."
Such spiritual exploration has helped Katz reconnect with his Jewish roots. The 44-year-old doctor and his wife, Susan, his office manager, have two young children, three dogs and two cats. Juggling the demands of a busy practice and a high-energy home can be draining; with kabbalah, he says, he has learned how to find a healthy and calm balance.
"It's taught me how to see beauty in things or in people who just pass by," Katz reflects. "There's so much out there that's good for your soul, whether it's a flower or something somebody has said. For me, I've learned to take those simple things and make them holy."
Katz was reared in an Orthodox home, but while in college he began gravitating to a more personal brand of his faith.
He's found it in Or Ahavah ("Light of Love"), the only Jewish Renewal community in the Tampa Bay area. Following the tenets of the Jewish Renewal movement, Or Ahavah is for spiritual seekers who want to deepen their connection to God within Judaism. The group, founded five years ago by Phil's wife, Debrah Shenefelt, meets in members' homes, holding intimate and participatory services that include traditional prayers, kabbalistic meditation, visualization, chanting, song, music and storytelling.
"This community has given me an outlet to really get involved in my faith in a way that is real to me," Katz says. And his growing knowledge of kabbalah has "awakened my soul."
Craving A Connection
Such endorsements don't surprise Debrah Shenefelt, who is studying to be a rabbi in the Jewish Renewal movement. With so much separation in the world, she says, "more people are craving a connection, a unity, a oneness." Being part of a close-knit community with a common goal of seeking God through creative means may be the answer for that population, she says.
She was once among the drifters. Raised in a conservative home that "wasn't very Jewish," Shenefelt began seeking meaningful ways to practice her faith. With the blessings of her rabbi, she launched the first creative service at Congregation Rodeph Sholom in Tampa; a few years ago, she branched off with Or Ahavah, which includes affiliated and nonaffiliated Jews of diverse backgrounds.
Now she feels acceptance and encouragement among like-minded thinkers.
"Through nontraditional means, I came to love our traditions," Shenefelt says. "Kabbalah brought me to the Torah. I'm back home."
New students of kabbalah need to look for three traits in a teacher, she says. The person should be educated in traditional text, able to communicate that authentic text in a clear and concise manner, and able to treat the information with reverence, respect and love.
The 'Divine Blueprint'
This weekend, Shenefelt brings a teacher to Tampa who she says meets all three criteria. Melinda Ribner, a spiritual psychotherapist and author of several books on kabbalah, will give two programs on kabbalistic teachings and Jewish meditation.
Ribner, who studied under the late, legendary Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach and received a nonrabbinical ordination to teach Jewish meditation, says such knowledge can only benefit a person seeking a more spiritual life.
"If we understand the divine blueprint for the world, and if we know what our soul consists of and what our body needs, then we can reach for the highest good," she says. "The information is not only interesting, but practical."
And it's not just for Jews, Ribner says. While kabbalah is an integral part of Judaism, its teachings are universal. She says some Christian groups have adopted their own version of kabbalah to fit into their ideology.
And she also envisions another unlikely group taking an interest in the teachings.
"Kabbalah offers answers to some of the most basic questions of life. And some of those are extremely technical and scientific," Ribner says. "If scientists were to study those mystical texts, it just might assist them in their own work."

Conditions Treated by Dr. Katz, Tampa Podiatrist

2006-02-12T21:39:00.000-05:00

Marc A. Katz, DPM
508 S. Habana Ave., Suite 200
Tampa, FL 33609 (813)875-0555

Dr. Katz is highly trained in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the foot and ankle. Personalized treatment programs are developed to satisfy individual patient needs.

Wound and Ulcer Healing
Diabetic Care
Limb Salvage Surgery
Diagnostic Ultrasound
Diagnostic Flouroscan (Low Radiation Real-time X-ray)
Same Day Custom Inserts (Arch Supports)
Physical Therapy
Infection Treatment
Wound Care with Hyperbaric Oxygen
Advanced Skin Graft Substitutes
State-of-the-Art Bone Infection Treatment
Neuropathy Treatment
Pain Management
Hospital Consults
Special Braces for Arthritis
Custom Wound Healing Devices
Diabetic Shoes
Workers Compensation

Heel and Arch Pain
Foot and Ankle Pain
Nerve Pain and Neuromas
Foot Fatigue
Fungal Nail and Athlete's Foot
Ingrown Toenails
Wounds and Ulcers
Infections of the Foot, Ankle & Leg
Bunions
Hammertoes
Sweating Feet and Foot Odor
Diabetic Care
Swollen Feet, Ankles or Legs
Arthritis
Sprains and Strains
Fractures
Injuries
Foot Burning & Numbness
Corns and Calluses
Warts
Poor Circulation

Dr Marc Katz: Tampa Podiatrist at Advanced Podiatry

2006-02-12T21:36:00.000-05:00

Dr Marc Katz: Tampa Podiatrist at Advanced Podiatry