New Laser Treatment for Fungus Toenails
What is the procedure? How does it work?
The fungus that lives under the toenails is treated with a gentle laser light. The light passes through the toenail, killing the fungus underneath without causing damages to the nail or the skin around it. At the time of the procedure the toenail will not become instantly clear, but as it grows out, the new nail may grow out as normal. It can take 6-9 months for a toenail to completely grow out. This is a new a approach.
Do I have to have more than one treatment?
One treatment kills the fungus under the toenail in most people
Is the procedure painful?
No. The laser treatment is painless.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure take about 30 minutes.
Will the fungus come back?
You will be instructed on preventive care techniques to reduce recurrence of the infection. Some individuals are more likely to become reinfected than others and may require additional treatments.
When can I paint my nails or have a pedicure?
You can apply polish immediately after the treatment. It is important to remove all nail polish and nail decorations the day before your treatment.
Is this covered by my insurance?
Health insurance plans do not cover this procedure or treatment.
How long have you been doing this?
Clinical trails have been going on since last year with an initial success rate over eighty-five percent.
This is the first time this treatment has been offered to the public.
What is FDA cleared mean?
Our laser has been cleared for dermatological use by the FDA. This is considered a dermatological procedure.
Who developed the laser procedure?
This procedure to kill fungus under toenails was developed around a new state-of-the-art laser produced by Patholase Corporation in Chico California.
In-Office Open Extremity MRI System
At Manhattan Podiatry Associates, our state-of-the-art new MRI device, Esaote O-Scan MRI, offers a valuable tool to the clinician, providing a window into the human body and foot without x-ray radiation or invasive techniques.
Our MRI scanner allows for an examination in a stress-free environment free of claustrophobia.
What is ESW Treatment?
Extracoporeal shock wave treatment is a FDA approved procedure used to treat chronic plantar fasciitis and heel spur syndrome. It's technology is similar to Lithotripsy technology used to break up kidney stones without surgery. ESWT uses high intensity sound waves (acoustic) to treat plantar fasciitis and heel spur syndrome. It is a non-surgical hi-tech method which boasts a tremendous success rate. The Ossa Tron made by Healthtronics or the Epos Ultra made by Dornier are the shock wave generators. The shock waves are created by a medical grade spark plug enclosed in a soft plastic dome filled with water. During ESWT this dome is placed close against the symptomatic heel so that the shock waves pass through the dome to the heel.
Who is a candidate for ESW Treatment?
ESWT, used to treat plantar fasciitis and heel spur syndrome, is not used as a first line treatment. It is only considered after conservative treatment fails. Conservative treatment may include at least two or more of the following: Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin or Naprosyn, use of inserts in your shoes, one or multiple injections of the heel with an anti-inflammatory agent such as cortisone, a course of physical therapy and/or physical therapy stretches, weight loss, shoe modification or plantar fascial night splints along with rest from excessive or abusive activity and the application of heat or cold. If these treatments don't completely resolve your symptoms, then ESWT, which is a non-surgical treatment, may be utilized.
Pulsed Dye Laser
The latest state-of-the-art treatment for warts is pulsed dye laser therapy (PDL).
- No Surgery
- No Post-Op Dressings
- Minimal Discomfort
PDL works by shining a beam of laser light on the wart. The pulse of laser energy affects the blood supply to the wart and it eventually disappears. Treatment usually takes less than 30 seconds. It's safe for children and adults.
Computerized Gait Analysis and Orthotic Fabrication
State-of-the-art computerized technology is utilized for gait and biomechanical evaluation. This evaluation provides both static and dynamic information which is then used for the fabrication of custom made foot orthotics.
Ultrasonography
Our in-office ultrasonography unit allows for the immediate visualization and diagnosis of soft tissue injuries and foot problems.
Fluoroscopy
Real time imaging of bones and joints with minimal radiation. Fluoroscopy allows our doctor's to visualize bones and joints while they are moving which allows for more accurate diagnosis.
Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment
Platelet rich plasma works to heal plantar fasciitis and achilles tendonitis naturally without surgery.
What is PRP?
Tendonitis affects almost everyone at some point in their lives and in most cases will heal on its own or with basic treatments such as rest or anti-inflammatory medicine.
However, in cases where tendon injuries become chronic, it is often because of actual structural changes to the tissue including thickening (where the tendon or sheath is replaced with scar tissue) or micro tears in the tendon. This leads to continuous pain and loss of function.
PRP is platelet-rich plasma, also known as autologous blood concentrate. Platelets are a specialized type of blood cell which contains the growth factors needed to heal injured tissues including tendons, ligaments and joints. The goal is to enhance the healing environment to cure the chronically affected tissue naturally and without the side effects of medicine or surgery.
Why does PRP work?
Human platelets are naturally rich in connective tissue growth factors. By injecting these growth factors into damaged ligaments and tendons, it stimulates a natural repair process by the body's own healing system. Essentially, we are using the bodies own blood cells and directing them where they are needed to heal damaged tissue.
What conditions benefit from PRP?
- Plantar fasciitis and tears of the plantar fascia
- Achilles tendonitis and tendocalcinosis
- Posterior Tibial Tendonitis and tendonosis
- Peroneal tendonitis
- Ankle sprains
- Cartilage and joint capsule tears
- Joint pain and plantar plate injuries
- Non-healing ulcers or wounds
How is PRP done?
In the office, blood is drawn from the patient's arm and placed in a special centrifuge. The platelets are then separated from the red blood cells and concentrated. The concentrated platelets are then put in a syringe and injected into the injured area. The process is done under either local anesthesia or twilight anesthesia which minimizes pain. The entire process usually takes less than 30 minutes
What is the success rate?
There have been many studies documenting the effectiveness of PRP treatment. The studies have generally resulted in a success rate of 80 to 85% with patients experiencing a complete relief of their pain and the results are generally permanent.
JCAHO Accredited Office Based Surgery Center
Our primary office at 133 E. 54th Street has been certified by The Joint Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) as an outpatient office based surgical center (OBS). We are the first office in NYC to get this designation utilizing intravenous anesthesia.
What this means to the referring physician and patient is the comfort in knowing that treatment is in an office which adheres to the highest level of patient care and safety including strict adherence to OSHA and HIPAA regulations with constant monitoring by JCAHO. The Joint Commission serves as an independent audit of our organizations level of compliance.
In-Office Outpatient Surgical Facilities
With In-Office Outpatient Surgical Facilities, hospitalization is rarely required, but available when necessary. Board Certified Anesthesiologists on staff complement our Board Certified Podiatric Surgeons. Board Certification signifies the attainment of a level of medical excellence that assures optimal care.
