Nestled in the Saddleback Valley in Orange County California, Mission Viejo is home to 96, 346 residents. The land that is now Mission Viejo was purchased by “Don Juan” Forester. The land was primarily used as grazing for sheep and cattle, its hilly geography of little use to farmers. For much of the 1900s, the area was considered undevelopable by the city planners of the day.
That would change in 1960, however, when urban planner Donald Bren arrived on the scene. Bren designed roads and neighborhoods that incorporated the valley’s hilly contours into a cohesive urban masterpiece. Today, the city is widely considered the largest master-planned community in the United States, with only Highlands Ranch, Colorado, another Bren-designed city, to rival it. The city was built in the 1970s and 1980s, with homes in such high demand that tracts often sold before homes could begin construction.
Mission Viejo Style
The architectural style of most of the homes and businesses in Mission Viejo adhere to the Spanish mission-style, with barrel-tile roofs and stucco walls. Mission Viejo was the first of Donald Bren’s communities to demonstrate his love for the Spanish mission-style architecture, though some of his later developments also displayed this obsession. Bren went on to create the cities of Irvine and Newport Beach, which also manifest hints as to Bren’s architectural preferences.
Climate and Agriculture of Mission Viejo
Mission Viejo enjoys a semi-arid Mediterranean climate with summer highs in the low 80s and winter lows that remain well above freezing. Despite the pleasant weather, the area was never used to any great degree for agricultural production. The geography of the hills and valleys made farming the land difficult and more easily cultivated land was in plentiful supply in the early 20th century in California.
Art and Culture in Mission Viejo
The City of Mission Viejo strives to support the artists and musicians who live in the community. The city hosts a variety of events throughout the year to promote artistic learning and musical appreciation.
Symphony in the City of Mission Viejo
Each year the City of Mission Viejo sponsors the Symphony in the Cities, featuring the Pacific Symphony. The event is held along the Village Green at the Community Center on Veteran’s Way. The event kicks off at 4:00 PM with a “Prelude in the Park.” Thousands of visitors flock to Mission Viejo to enjoy the patriotic sing-along and participate in the Musical Playground presented by the Pacific Symphony. The Musical Playground features hands-on activities for children that allow them to earn to conduct, make instruments, participate in a drum circle, and meet the musicians from the symphony. Parking for the event is provided at the Civic Center at 200 Civic Center Drive and free shuttles run from 4 PM to 9 PM from the parking lot to the event.
Symphony in the Cities
Norman P. Murray Community Center
Mission Viejo Golf
For golf-lovers, Mission Viejo has several great options to choose from. From public courses to private country clubs, these challenging greens will have you sharpening your golf skills in no time.
Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club
The Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club is a public access golf course, featuring a championship-length course designed by PGA professional Tom Lehman and golf architect Casey O'Callaghan. The Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club is located just off of Avery Parkway. The 240-acre club provides a challenging course for golfers of all skill levels, as the course incorporates Trabuco Creek as a lateral hazard on seven different holes.
Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club
Casta del Sol Golf Course
Located just below Lake Mission Viejo, the Casta del Sol Golf Course is a public course offering a 3,760-yard course with streams running between nearly every hole. A cozy clubhouse bar offers a relaxing place to unwind after a game or hold a business meeting. And, several men's and women's golf groups offer plenty of opportunities to connect with other golfers in Mission Viejo and all of Orange County.
Casta del Sol Golf Course
Mission Viejo Country Club
The Mission Viejo Country Club offers a members-only golfing experience that they're sure you're going to love. From the breathtaking views to the championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, the Country Club promises recreational diversions to suit every member of the family. Membership is by invitation only, at this exclusive country club, though they welcome all inquiries.
Mission Viejo Country Club
Toenail Pain a Problem in Mission Viejo
For residents of Mission Veijo who suffer from thick, discolored toenails, a day on the golf course may be out of the question. Thick toenails are often considered to be simply an aesthetic problem. But those who experience the pressure and pain from walking and standing with the condition know that thick toenails can cause serious problems.
Thickening Toenails
If you notice that your toenails are getting increasingly thick and difficult to cut, you may have a toenail fungus infection. The microbes that cause toenail fungus flourish in dark, moist places. You can come into contact with the microbes that cause toenail fungus in places like public pools or showers. Wearing tight shoes while doing sweaty work or exercising can also give fungus an opportunity to take root in your toenails.
In the beginning, toenail fungus is difficult to spot, but you may notice that your toenails start to thicken and get more and more difficult to cut. This is a sign that you have a fungus infection in your toenails and should seek treatment.
Dr. Kleis is the leading provider for laser nail fungus treatments in Southern California. He has successfully treated hundreds of patients for toenail fungus infections, restoring their natural beautiful nails. Before your toenails get any thicker, you should schedule a consultation with Dr. Kleis to see if laser toenail treatment is right for you.
How To Cut Thick Toenails
If you have toenails that are thick and difficult to cut, it can be helpful to soak your feet for ten or fifteen minutes in warm water before trying to cut the nails. For extra pampering, try adding some Epsom salts to the warm water, creating a soothing foot bath and softening the nails so they will cut more easily.
Once the nails are softened from the foot soak, use very sharp nail trimmers and make short cuts along the top of the nail, being careful not to split the nail down into the nail bed. Be sure to clean the instruments between each toe so that you don’t spread the toenail fungus infection from one toe to the next.
How To Treat Thick Toenails
Very thick toenails are a sign of toenail fungus infection. If you have thick, unsightly toenails that are difficult to cut or maintain, you may need to treat the cause with toenail fungus treatments using laser technology.
Laser toenail fungus treatment is one of the most effective treatments for thick toenails and is free from any side effects. The treatments are painless and don’t require any anesthesia or pain relief afterward. The lasers treat only the infected tissues, targeting the fungus organisms in a way that won’t damage the healthy tissue around the nail.
Pulsing laser technology avoids overheating the tissue around the nail and ensures that the treatments aren’t uncomfortable. The fungus infection is destroyed, usually in a single session, and your nails will grow out beautiful and normal, no longer thick and ugly.
To inquire about laser treatment for thick toenails, call Dr. Kleis at (714) 760-4944
Toenail Fungus in Mission Viejo
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:
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Thick Toenails
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Misshapen Toenails
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Discolored Toenails
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Flaky Toenails
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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!
Toenail Fungus Pain
The fungi, mold, and yeast that cause toenail fungus infections do not cause pain in and of themselves. However, if left untreated, the nail will often become thick and distorted, making the wearing of shoes extremely uncomfortable and causing pain when standing or walking.
Aside from being uncomfortable, the fungus infected nail will sometimes lift off the nail bed, creating a gap where bacteria can grow. Bacteria cause infections that can be painful and often smell bad. If you have distorted toenails that are causing you pain or have an odor that you can’t seem to get rid of through proper hygiene, you should schedule a visit with Dr. Kleis to have your condition evaluated. Whether you are suffering pain from a toenail fungus infection or a bacterial infection, Dr. Kleis can recommend the appropriate course of action.
How do I know if it’s toenail fungus?
There are a number of conditions that look similar to toenail fungus. The only way to know for sure is to see your podiatrist. He or she will perform an examination and may need to take a scraping of the nail for lab analysis. Once toenail fungus has been diagnosed, treatment can be prescribed.
What is the best treatment for toenail fungus?
The best treatment for toenail fungus is lasers. Clinical studies show that 80% of patients showed clear toenails after a single treatment. It is important to note that the treatment kills the fungi, but it can take up to a year for the toenail to completely grow out and eliminate the appearance of toenail fungus. But, that doesn’t mean the fungus isn’t gone. Lasers kill toenail fungus, usually in a single treatment, using heat to kill the fungus or mold cells without causing discomfort to the patient.
To see if you are a candidate for laser treatment for toenail fungus, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kleis by calling (714) 760-4944 today.
Toenail Fungus Medication
There are several prescription oral medications for toenail fungus, as well as several topical medications. Oral medications must be taken for several weeks to several months and can have serious side effects.
Topical medications are less effective than oral medicines, as it can be difficult for the medications to penetrate the nail and attack the fungus beneath. However, topical medications do not have the same side effects as oral medications.
Laser nail fungus treatments are effective and have zero side effects. Nearly all patients report at least some improvement in the appearance of their nails after just one treatment and a clinical study reported no adverse side effects from laser use.
Toenail Fungus Removal
Dr. Kleis uses two different lasers in his office to remove toenail fungus. The Cutera Genesis Plus and the Q-Clear lasers allow Dr. Kleis to use different light wavelengths to penetrate the nail and kill a wider spectrum of organisms within the nail. Most patients experience improvement in the appearance of their toenails after a single laser treatment. Removing toenail fungus with lasers is pain-free and doesn’t require any recovery time.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kleis to see if laser treatment to remove toenail fungus is right for you!
Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus in Mission Viejo
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.
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.
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Vicks VapoRub
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Hydrogen Peroxide
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Tea Tree Oil
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Essential Oils
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Snakeroot Extract
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Listerine
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Garlic
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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 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