Matrixectomy: Frequently asked questions

Procedure preparation:

Start your prescribed antibiotic 1 day prior to the procedure. No ginger, garlic, or greens 3 days prior to the procedure and discontinue aspirin x 2 weeks prior to the procedure to decrease bleeding. Avoid blood thinners as directed (Plavix/clopidogrel for 5 days. Warfarin & Eliquis/apixaban for 3 days. Xarelto/rivaroxaban & Lovenox/enoxaparin for 1 day, etc). Scrub the foot with soap and water 2 times the day before and the day of the procedure.

Procedure:

The doctor will numb the toe with marcaine (“novocaine”), make an incision to the root of the toenail and remove it. He will then remove the root of your toenail from the nail bed and suture the area closed.

Aftercare:

You will need to elevate the foot most of the day for the first few days, gradually decreasing thereafter. Once home you will remove the dressing and apply Neosporin ointment plus & sterile gauze and reapplying daily. The sutures will be removed in the office after about three weeks. Do not shower or submerge the toe in water until the toe is healed. If discomfort occurs an over the counter device, a TENS unit, is recommended although discomfort is generally resolved in 7-10 days.

Recovery:

You will be gentle weight bearing and gradually returning to normal activity over a month. It is recommended to wear a sandal for a few weeks until the toe is healed. Recovery on average takes about a month.

Cold Laser Therapy, also known as Low-Level Laser Therapy

What is it?

Cold laser therapy is a non-invasive innovative technology used to stimulate healing, relieve pain and inflammation, and restore function in the body. Cold laser therapy sessions are not covered by insurance and are $35 per treatment.

How does it work?

Cold laser to promote healing by accelerating and enhancing the body’s natural defense and repair mechanisms. By using the photo-stimulation of specific wavelengths, 830 nm laser wavelengths, which affect the light reactive biological cell receptors also known as chromophores, in the body.

Studies have shown that cold laser therapy increases Adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, production in cells. ATP is the source of energy for use and storage of cells, so by stimulating ATP production, the cells’ ability to perform and complete biological processes is greatly enhanced.

According to published studies, some benefits and effects of cold laser therapy include:

• Increases collagen production, cell metabolism, microcirculation, pain threshold, tissue and bone repair, endorphin levels, vasodilation, cell membrane potential, lymphatic response & enzyme response.
• Reduces edema magnitude, reception and transmission of sensory nerves & inflammatory duration
• Enhanced nerve regeneration and creates stronger healed tissue structures.

Some example of conditions that cold laser therapy is both safe and effective in aiding healing of include:

• Arthritis & joint pain
• Muscle pain & inflammation
• Sprains & strains
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Fractures
• Skin lacerations & ulcers
• Heel spurs
• Plantar fasciitis
• Nerve pain & neuropathy