Located just southwest of Anaheim, CA and the Disneyland Resort, lies Garden Grove. The city’s houses just over 170,000 residents and welcomes millions of visitors each year. The City of Garden Grove city limits is just blocks from the Disneyland Resort, allowing the city to take advantage of the millions of tourists who flock to Anaheim each year to visit the amusement parks.
Historical Garden Grove
For much of the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Garden Grove community was not much more than a cross roads. The surrounding area was filled with fields of oranges, walnuts, chili peppers, and strawberries. After the end of World War II, as all of Orange County experienced a surge in population, Garden Grove also grew, finally incorporating in 1956.
Annual Strawberry Festival in Garden Grove
Each year over Memorial Day Weekend, the City hosts the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival, one of the largest local festivals in the US with over 250,000 visitors flocking to Garden Grove each year. The festival has been an annual tradition since 1958. The festivities include carnival rides, art and craft vendors, food vendors, a parade filled with celebrities, and the cutting of the world’s largest strawberry shortcake. The festival plays such a large part in local culture that the city even painted some of their fire hydrants to look like strawberries as a tribute to the festival and the impact the strawberry industry has on the community.
Grove District Anaheim Resort
The parts of Anaheim and Garden Grove that surround the Disneyland Resort is known as the Anaheim Resort. The south end of the resort lies within the Garden Grove city limits, making it the Grove District of the Anaheim Resort. The Grove District boasts nine upscale hotels, with more than 3,000 rooms and 85,000 square feet of event space.
The Grove District is conveniently located just one mile from the original Disneyland and blocks from the Disneyland Resort. Th e John Wayne Airport lies just 15 minutes away, making arrival and departure as easy as can be.
The upscale hotels in the Grove District include hotels by international chains like Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, and Wyndham. The Grove District includes sixteen casual and upscale dining options including:
Buca di Beppo
Parks in Garden Grove
The City of Garden Grove maintains several beautiful city parks, as well as an ocean themed splash pad that’s perfect for cooling off on a summer afternoon. Children and adults alike can relax and enjoy the sun at the splash pad on Atlantis Way. The cost is only $2 per person, making it an affordable way to entertain children all summer long.
Garden Grove Splash Pad
If you’re one of the millions of people in America that struggle with thick, unsightly toenails, however, the splash pad might not be somewhere you dare venture. People with thick toenails often find themselves embarrassed about their feet and avoid situations where taking off their shoes might be required. This need not be the case, however. Thick, discolored toenails may be a sign of toenail fungus. Dr. Jeffery Kleis, DPM, is a podiatrist that specializes in the treatment of toenail fungus with laser therapy. Dr. Kleis can prescribe treatment that can help relieve the symptoms of toenail fungus, restoring clear, healthy looking toenails and eliminating your foot-embarrassment.
Toenail Fungus in Garden Grove
Toenail fungus is caused by microbes that exist everywhere in the environment and thrive in moist, dark places. Fungi, mold, and yeast can all infect the nails and these microorganisms are nearly always present in environments with sufficient moisture and lack of sunlight. Moist, dark areas are prime places for fungi microbes to thrive, but they exist in nearly every environment, and we are always coming into contact with them.
Up to 10% of the population is estimated to suffer from toenail fungus infections. This condition is so common because the microbes that cause the infection are all around us all the time. When we wear tight fighting shoes that trap sweat and moisture next to our skin, we help to create an environment where fungus can take hold on our feet and toenails.
Healthy nails are more resistant to infection from fungus causing microbes. People most at risk for developing toenail fungus are athletes, elderly people, and people with other health conditions that lower their immune system. Some of the most common places to come into contact with toenail fungus are public pools, gyms, and showers, but the microbes are present everywhere in our environment.
Toenail Fungus Symptoms
In the beginning, toenail fungus can be hard to spot. It can look like a white or yellow spot under the tip of the toenail. The first symptoms of toenail fungus can be so slight, however, that most people don’t know they have it until their toenails start to thicken and become misshapen.
Symptoms of toenail fungus infections include:
- Thick Toenails
- Misshapen Toenails
- Discolored Toenails
- Flaky Toenails
- Toenails That Fall Off
Thick, brown toenails are an indication that you likely have a toenail fungus infection. Fungal infections can also give you discolored toenails that are white, green, yellow, or black. Toenails that flake off and crumble are also a sign of toenail fungus.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kleis today to discuss a course of treatment that will have you rushing to put on sandals once again!
Who Can Get Toenail Fungus?
Anyone can get toenail fungus. The fungi, mold, and yeasts that cause toenail fungus are commonly found in most moist, wet areas. Going barefoot in public showers is a common way to come into contact with fungus causing pathogens. Not everyone who comes into contact with toenail fungi will actually get toenail fungus. Persons with weakened nails are especially prone to developing nail fungus.
Athletes are prone to toenail fungus, partly because of the tight fitting shoes they wear and sweaty workouts they endure. Athletes are also prone to repeated nail trauma, which weakens the nail and provides an opportunity for nail fungus to begin.
Elderly people are more prone to developing toenail fungus, due to an overall weakened immune system caused by age. Other conditions that make a person more susceptible to toenail fungus include diabetes, AIDS, cancer, psoriasis, and taking immuno-suppressive medications like steroids.
Athletes With Toenail Fungus
Athletes are more susceptible to toenail fungus for several reasons. First, they are more likely to cause repetitive trauma to their toenails, weakening the nail bed and giving fungi a place to take hold. Also, the types of shoes worn by athletes tend to be tight in order to provide proper support for training. The tightness of the shoes, however, means that there is little air flow, trapping sweat and moisture inside the shoe and providing ideal conditions for toenail fungi to grow.
Toenail Fungus in Older People
As men and women age, they become more susceptible to a variety of ailments. The cell regeneration slows down and healing doesn’t happen as quickly as it used to. The natural aging process, even for people who are otherwise in excellent health, makes older people more likely to get toenail fungus. It’s so common among the elderly that people often think nothing of Grandpa’s ugly thick toenails or expect Grandma to wear sandals when her toes look like “that.”
But, being over 55 doesn’t mean you have to give in to toenail fungus or stop showing your toes. Beautiful, healthy nails are possible at any age with laser treatments for toenail fungus. Laser treatments for toenail fungus don’t have any side effects, are not painful, and don’t require anesthesia or pain medication. This makes it appropriate for patients of all ages, including older people with toenail fungus.
Toenail Fungus In People With Health Conditions
Underlying health conditions like diabetes and heart disease can lower the body’s overall ability to fight infection. Lowered immunity makes it easier for toenail fungus to take hold and grow. In fact, people with diabetes are more than twice as likely to get toenail fungus as the general population. Not only are people with health conditions more likely to get toenail fungus, but they are also less likely to qualify for oral medications to fight it. The possible side effects of oral treatments for toenail fungus make it difficult for people with diabetes, heart conditions, or liver disease to qualify for treatment.
Laser toenail fungus treatment is safe for everyone. The focused, laser technology uses pulses to ensure that the surrounding tissues aren’t harmed and that the treatment remains safe and pain-free. Dr. Kleis uses two different lasers in his office, allowing him to target a wider range of fungus causing organisms. The lasers target only the microbes beneath the nail and don’t harm the surrounding tissues. The treatment is pain-free and doesn’t require an anesthetic. Most patients see improvement in their nails after a single treatment.
If you’re not sure if you’re a candidate for oral anti-fungal treatments for toenail fungus, call Dr. Kleis at (714) 760-4944 to schedule a consultation. Dr. Kleis can schedule laser toenail treatment that won’t put your health at risk!
Natural Remedies for Toenail Fungus
While there are a number of home remedies for toenail fungus touted online, most of them have limited success. If your toenail fungus is just getting started or is contained on the surface material of the toenail, you may have success with some of these treatments.
- Vicks VapoRub
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Tea Tree Oil
- Essential Oils
- Snakeroot Extract
- Listerine
- Garlic
- Healthy Diet
Vicks VapoRub for Toenail Fungus
Vicks VapoRub is a common at-home treatment for nail fungus. While its efficacy has not been clinically proven, it may be worth a try if your toenail fungus is not advanced. To use Vicks VapoRub to treat your toenail fungus, apply once a day and keep your foot otherwise clean and dry. It generally takes several months to tell if the treatment is working.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide is proven to kill fungal microbes and can help relieve unsightly toenail fungus. The problem lies in the ability to get the hydrogen peroxide to reach the nail bed where the fungus lives. The nail itself acts as a protective shield for the fungus, preventing the hydrogen peroxide from doing its job.
To use hydrogen peroxide to treat toenail fungus, a person should soak their feet for thirty minutes per day in a hydrogen peroxide solution and otherwise keep their feet clean and dry.
Tea Tree Oil
Melaleuca, or tea tree oil, is a type of essential oil with anti-fungal and antibacterial qualities. While some studies have shown tea tree oil to be effective against toenail fungus, the problem lies in getting the oil to penetrate the nail to kill the microbes living beneath. To treat toenail fungus with tea tree oil, pain the affected nails twice a day, using a cotton swab, and keep the feet clean and dry.
Essential Oils
There are a number of essential oils that claim to cure fungal infections. These include Oregano Oil, Clove Oil, Lavender, and Thyme. There are also some essential oil blends that claim to effectively treat toenail fungus. These claims have not been clinically proven and it can be difficult to apply the oils in a way that they reach the affected tissue within and under the nail itself. To use essential oils to treat toenail fungus at home, use a carrier oil to dilute the oils and apply daily to the affected area.
Healthy Diet
Perhaps the best advice for anyone with toenail fungus, whatever treatment you pursue, is to improve your diet. Better gut health is proven to increase overall health and boost the immune system. Health problems associated with diet, such as diabetes, increase a person’s chance of getting toenail fungus.
Whether you pursue an over the counter treatment or in office laser treatment for toenail fungus, pursuing a healthier diet is a good move for anyone. Increased fresh fruit and vegetable intake and decreased processed and high sugar foods will improve your overall health and help you recover beautiful, fungus-free nails after treatment.
Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus in Garden Grove
Dr. Kleis uses two different lasers to treat toenail fungus. The Cutera Genesis Plus and the Q Clear lasers allow Dr. Kleis to target a wider range of the microorganisms that cause toenail fungus. Laser treatment for toenail fungus poses no risk, as there are no side effects. The entire procedure is pain-free and no recovery time is required. Patients report a slight warming sensation in the area that is targeted by the laser treatment, but the healthy tissues remain unharmed, allowing them to return to normal activity as soon as the procedure is complete.
Call Dr. Kleis today to schedule a consultation about laser treatment for your toenail fungus.
Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus FAQs
Can laser treatments get rid of toenail fungus?
Laser treatments for nail fungus have been clinically proven to work. Nail fungus is often eliminated after a single laser treatment. Most patients report that the appearance of their toenails is improved after a single treatment. However, a second or third treatment may be required for severe infections.
How Does Laser Toenail Fungus Treatments Work?
Focused laser light targets the fungal organisms that live in and under the toenail and nail bed. The light heats the tissue, destroying the fungal microbes and killing the toenail fungus.
The laser is pulsed to avoid overheating the surrounding tissues, making the treatment pain-free. No pain relievers will be required after the procedure and no anesthetic is necessary to perform it.
How much do laser treatments for toenail fungus cost?
Costs for laser toenail fungus treatments vary, depending on the severity of the infection and the number of treatments required. When you visit with Dr. Kleis, he will work with you to determine the best course of treatment and go over the expected cost with you.
Can I make payments on laser treatments for nail fungus?
We offer financing through Care Credit. You can fill out an application online and get approval before you schedule your treatments. Make payments you can afford while achieving better nail health!
Do laser treatments work for toenail fungus?
Laser treatments are one of the most effective ways to treat toenail fungus. Often in as little as one treatment, patients will see clear, beautiful nails begin to appear. Toenails grow slowly, however, and the damaged nail must be given time to grow out and be cut off before the whole nail will look perfectly restored.
How many laser treatments does it take to get rid of nail fungus?
Many times a single laser treatment will relieve toenail fungus. In very serious cases, it may take a second or even third treatment. Your podiatrist will be able to let you know how many treatments to expect.
Will Medicare Cover Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus?
Normal foot care is not generally covered by Medicare, though some Medicare supplement plans do provide coverage for additional benefits, including foot care. If a patient has underlying health issues that affect the feet, such as diabetes and diabetic nerve pain, Medicare will sometimes pay for a podiatrist visit to address that condition.
Medicare Part B plans will sometimes include benefits that cover podiatry and could include benefits for laser treatment. Call your plan provider or allow our office to assist you in determining benefit coverage from your Medicare supplement plan. Call Dr. Kleis at (714) 760-4944 to speak to a customer care specialist who can help you determine your Medicare and supplemental benefits.
Does Insurance Pay For Laser Nail Treatments?
While advanced toenail fungus can cause problems with a person’s ability to move and exercise, it is generally considered an aesthetic issue and isn’t covered by insurance. However, plans vary and you should ask your insurance provider or allow one of our customer care specialists to inquire for you. To see if your insurance plan will pay for Laser Nail Treatments, call our office at (714) 760-4944
Does Laser Nail Treatment Hurt?
Laser nail treatments last about thirty minutes. The laser is focused only on the affected toenail and doesn’t harm any healthy tissues. The area will feel warm during treatment, but no pain is experienced. A pulsing laser is used to avoid overheating the area or causing damage to surrounding tissues. No anesthetic is required and, generally, no pain relievers are necessary following treatment. Patients are immediately able to resume regular activities, including wearing shoes and painting their toenails.
How do I Prepare For Laser Nail Therapy?
When arriving for your laser nail treatment appointment, you should ensure that your feet are clean and free of all nail polish. Wear clean socks and plan to spend a minimum of an hour at the office. You will be able to wear your shoes again immediately after the treatment and drive yourself home from the office. If your toenail fungal infection is severe, Dr. Kleis may ask you to schedule an additional treatment session.
For additional questions about preparing for upcoming toenail laser treatments, please call our office at (714) 760-4944