_edited.png)
.png)
Foot TREATMENT in NYC
Nail Fungus
What leads to
Nail fungus
Toenail fungus is caused by several types of microorganisms, including dermatophytes (fungi that feed on dead skin and nail tissue), Candida (a type of yeast), and various molds. These microscopic organisms thrive in warm, dark, and moist environments—making the inside of shoes an ideal place for fungal growth and spread.
Treatment for Nail Fungus
Since feet—and especially toenails—are often overlooked in daily care routines, it’s important to include preventative care to help reduce the risk of nail fungus. Keeping your feet clean, dry, and properly groomed can go a long way in preventing fungal infections before they start.
-
Keep your toenails short, clean, and dry. Trim them regularly and avoid cutting too close to the skin to reduce the risk of infection.
-
Wash your feet daily with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes where moisture can linger.
-
Wear shower shoes or sandals in public areas like pools, gyms, and communal showers to avoid contact with surfaces that may harbor fungus.
-
Use anti-fungal powder or spray on your feet and inside your shoes to help control moisture and prevent fungal growth.
-
If your feet sweat a lot, change your socks frequently and choose moisture-wicking materials to help keep your feet dry throughout the day.
At Empire Podiatry, we take toenail fungus seriously and begin with an accurate diagnosis. A simple nail biopsy helps us confirm the presence and type of fungal infection before starting treatment.
Treatment plans are personalized based on the severity of the infection and your overall health. We begin by carefully trimming and thinning the affected nail to improve its appearance and increase the effectiveness of treatments.
Advanced Treatment Options
Laser Therapy for Fungal Nails
We are proud to offer state-of-the-art laser therapy as a modern, non-invasive solution for toenail fungus. This
FDA-cleared procedure uses concentrated light energy to safely penetrate the nail and destroy the fungus beneath it—without harming the surrounding tissue.
How it works:
The laser targets fungal organisms under the nail plate. The heat from the laser disrupts the fungal cells, helping to eliminate the infection over time. The procedure is safe, quick, and virtually painless, with no need for anesthesia.
Benefits include:
- No oral medications or blood tests required
- Minimal to no discomfort
- No downtime—resume normal activities immediately
- Great for patients who prefer non-pharmaceutical options or haven’t responded to other treatments
- Depending on the severity of the infection, multiple sessions may be recommended for the best results.
Onychomycosis Micro-Perforation Therapy
Another effective option we offer is a safe and painless procedure that creates tiny micro-holes in the nail plate to allow topical antifungal medication to penetrate more deeply into the infected areas.
This minimally invasive treatment significantly enhances the effectiveness of topical therapies. Many patients begin to see visible improvement within 2 to 8 weeks, and like laser therapy, there is no downtime.
For mild to moderate infections, we may also prescribe a medicated antifungal nail lacquer for at-home use. In more severe cases, oral antifungal medications may be necessary to fully clear the infection.
Our team at Empire Podiatry is committed to finding the most effective and comfortable treatment plan for your needs. Schedule a consultation today to get started on your path to clearer, healthier nails.
THE INGROWN TOENAIL REMOVAL PROCEDURE
This outpatient procedure normally uses local anesthesia to numb the toe. In some cases, a patient experiencing anxiety may choose to receive light sedation. The entire procedure should take less than 15 minutes to perform, though this can vary depending on if there are multiple ingrown toenails present.
Ingrown toenail removal involves removing part of the nail, recutting the toenail into a straight edge, and treating the nail bed underneath. Specific procedures including the following common procedures:
Wedge Resection
This is the most common kind of ingrown toenail removal procedure, in which only the offending slant of the toenail is removed. This is also known as a slant-back procedure.
Toenail Removal
In this procedure, also known as nail plate avulsion, the doctor might end up removing the entire toenail due to severe infection. It can take several months up to a year for the toenail to grow back.
Matrixectomy
This surgery not only removes the offending nail border but also a small portion of the nail bed to prevent reoccurrence of the ingrown toenail.
RESULTS FROM INGROWN TOENAIL REMOVAL
YOU WILL IMMEDIATELY NOTICE THE CHANGE IN YOUR TOE AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE.
A full toenail removal will take several months up to a year for the toenail to grow back. Ingrown toenail surgery is effective and will prevent recurring pain and infection. However, if you wear a certain kind of shoe or participate in activities that create pressure on your toe, you can get an ingrown toenail again. If you recognize the signs early enough, you should be able to treat them without surgery.
Ingrown Toenail Removal
FAQ
The biggest way to know if you need surgery is if you have tried to treat your ingrown toenail at home and have been unsuccessful. In addition, if there are signs of infection, such as extreme pain, pus, redness, or even fever, you should get medical care immediately. Finally, if you have a health condition such as bad circulation or nerve damage, you should avoid home treatment and seek treatment from a medical professional.
Not really. You will be numb for the duration of the procedure. However, after the procedure, if you wear shoes too soon, the pressure may be painful against your healing toe, especially if you have the entire toenail and/or toe bed removed. It’s important to follow doctor instructions to minimize discomfort and speed the healing process.
Most private health insurance companies will cover some if not all of the cost. If your insurance doesn’t cover the procedure or if you do not have insurance, there are financing and payment plans available.
understanding
Nail fungus
Nail fungus is a condition that occurs when a microscopic fungus enters one or more nails.
This condition often begins as an infection in the skin called tinea pedis, which is commonly referred to as athlete’s foot. As the nail fungus penetrates deeper into the nail, it may cause the nail to discolor, thicken, and develop crumbling edges- an unsightly and potentially painful problem.
Expert Foot & Ankle Care Tailored to You
At Empire Podiatry, our mission is to deliver expert, integrity-driven foot and ankle care for every step you take—whether you’re an athlete in motion, a child growing into movement, or someone seeking relief from chronic pain.
We proudly care for patients of all ages and activity levels with compassion, respect, and a commitment to excellence. Our patient-first philosophy is supported by the latest advancements in podiatric technology, ensuring that each treatment is as effective, innovative, and individualized as possible.