Dr. Patel can help patients who have injured their feet or ankles with modern and innovative treatments. At his practices in Flushing and Nomad, NY, his patients from throughout New York City can have their feet and ankles treated in comfort.
The feet absorb much of the pressure and stress taken in by the body with every step taken. This pressure, combined with poorly fitting shoes, and complications from other medical issues like diabetes, makes the feet susceptible to injury. There are sports related injuries like turf toe, plantar fasciitis, bunions and stress fractures. Fractures are other common injuries in the toes and feet.
Ankles are also frequently injured because of their important roles of moving the foot through the walking motion and being the first major joint to absorb the pressure from any movement. Ankles are often strained or sprained due to the number of ligaments and tendons present in the area, which are essential to movement, but can be pulled or stretched resulting in a painful injury. Fractures are also common ankle injuries.
If you think you have an injury to your foot or ankle that is an obvious fracture you should seek treatment immediately. Indicators that medical attention is necessary include: redness, swelling, bruising or difficulty walking. If you are in pain, and the RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) at home treatment is not reducing the pain or swelling within three days, you should make an appointment with Dr. Patel for assessment and treatment.
Treatment will depend on your injury. Dr. Patel will prescribe either prescription or over the counter oral anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, which can be used to decrease pain, swelling, and inflammation. If a bone is broken, the injured area will be numbed with a local anesthetic and he may attempt to “reduce” the fracture, or line up the ends of the bones so they can heal properly and fuse back together. If the the ends of the bone do not stay in place after a reduction, surgery may be needed. In some cases, metal plates and screws may be installed to hold the bones together. Stress fractures are treated with rest and immobilization. Patients are instructed to stay off the affected area until healing is complete. Crutches and/or a special boot or cast may be used to immobilize the area. Sprains are also treated with a period of immobilization, the length of which will depend on the extent of the injury.
Please contact our office for additional information regarding our insurance providers.
"Dr. Patel was so attentive and thorough with my foot injury. Has a great bedside manner and made me feel really well taken care of throughout my entire healing process."
"On top of all the amazing service he provides, he makes sure the patient heals fast as he has this down to a science! Love Dr. Patel and I recommend anyone.."
"He was able to pinpoint the causes of my foot/leg pain right away, and he helped me get great orthotics. He also explained everything to make sure I understood. "
"The best and cool doctor ever."
"Your feet could not be in better hands. Dr. Patel has been able to help me where others have not; excellent for diabetic care."
"Went to Dr Patel a few years ago for an ankle injury. I still continue to go to him for any foot related problems. He takes his time with his patients on their issues."
"Dr Patel takes the time to listen. He is extremely compassionate and empathetic. He is always available for questions and/or concerns. Dr Patel truly cares."
"A doctor with a caring touch for the gentle feet. I highly recommend to anyone searching for a reliable podiatrist."
