A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) is the medical specialist for the foot and ankle. Podiatrists are licensed to diagnose and treat conditions of and relating to the foot and ankle. Treatment can be medical, surgical, or biomechanical. (Biomechanics is the study of how the foot and leg function when the foot contacts the ground.) The podiatrists’ extensive knowledge of biomechanics allows them to alleviate many conditions with conservative therapy rather than surgery. However, when necessary surgically trained podiatrists have the capability to fix the most complex foot and ankle conditions. For more information on our local Podiatrist in Port Washington, please continue reading this informational page.
Candidates for admission to Podiatric Medical Schools are expected to complete baccalaureate degrees before admission. As with institutions granting MD (medical doctor) and DO (doctor of osteopathy) degrees, the colleges will consider candidates who show unusual promise and have completed a minimum of 90 semester hours at accredited undergraduate colleges or universities. About 95 percent of all first-year students entering the colleges of podiatric medicine possess baccalaureate degrees, and about 10 percent have master’s degrees.
Applicants for admission are required to complete the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) as a prerequisite. The course of instruction leading to the DPM degree is four years in length. The first two years are devoted largely to classroom instruction and laboratory work in the basic medical sciences, such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and pathology. During the third and fourth years, students concentrate on courses in the clinical sciences, gaining experience in college clinics, community clinics, and accredited hospitals. Clinical courses include general diagnosis (history taking, physical examination, clinical laboratory procedures, gait analysis, biomechanics, and diagnostic radiology), therapeutics (pharmacology, physical medicine, orthotics, shoes, and prosthetics, surgery, anesthesia, and operative podiatric medicine. After completing the four-year course and receiving the DPM degree, the graduate is required to complete postdoctoral work before state licensure.
As they near graduation, prospective podiatric physicians seek postdoctoral residency programs. These programs, designed to strengthen and refine the practitioner’s medical, surgical, biomechanical and /or orthopedic skills, are based in hospitals accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). These programs are at usually two or three years in length and may extend to four years.
Following residency, the podiatric physician may enter practice or continue their education through Fellowships in specialized areas of study.
Podiatric Physicians are licensed in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico to treat the foot and its related or governing structures by medical, surgical, mechanical, or other means. In addition to private practices, they serve on the staffs of hospitals and long-term care facilities, the faculties of schools of medicine and nursing, as commissioned officers in the Armed Forces and US Public Health Service, in the Department of Veterans Affairs, and in municipal health departments. Many podiatrists today are also part of group medical practices.
In its continuing efforts to protect and improve public health and welfare, APMA has recognized and approved two specialty boards that certify in three areas: podiatric orthopedics, podiatric surgery, and primary podiatric medicine. These boards confer certification on a podiatric practitioner who has satisfactorily passed written and oral examinations and has demonstrated knowledge and experience in his or her chosen specialty.
Those boards are the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine and the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.
Our staff and podiatrist in Port Washington at Great Neck Family Foot Care maintain a high level of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of the following foot and ankle conditions. If you are currently experiencing pain in your feet or ankles, please do not hesitate to contact our offices at (516) 482-5999 to schedule an appointment. The best path to a full recovery is early diagnosis and treatment.
Port Washington an affluent community located on the North Shore of Long Island. It is one of the hamlets that make up the Town of North Hempstead within Nassau County. Its scenic area, including rolling hills and winding coastline, attracts people from all over with plenty of marinas, parks, and golf courses available. It is also the home of four different unincorporated villages. Which includes the following: Baxter Estates, Sands Point, Port Washington North, and Manor haven. In 2017, Forbes magazine named Port Washington as one of the wealthiest places to live in the United States, ranking 418th overall. The community also includes five public and two private elementary schools, one public junior high school and two private junior high schools, as well as one private and one public high school.
The podiatrists at Great Neck Family Foot Care are trained and Board Certified foot and ankle surgeons that treat all foot disorders. Doctors on-call 24/7 for emergencies.
House Calls Available: If you are unable to visit the office due to a debilitating injury or disability, Great Neck Family Foot Care will make accommodations in order to visit your residence for the appointment. Please notify a staff member when scheduling an appointment to arrange a house call with our specialist.
Have a question? Call us at (516) 482-5999 or fill out the form below.
When it comes to your feet and maintaining the health of them, it helps to have as much knowledge about care and treatment as possible. Whether you are suffering from some mysterious, minor discomfort in your foot or just got out of surgery, it’s normal to have plenty of questions about your condition. In this post, we will take a look at the four most commonly asked questions related to podiatry and provide you with the answers.
Do you have a podiatry related question that you don’t see included above? Don’t hesitate to contact our podiatrist in Port Washington today. We are eager to answer anyone’s questions about their foot needs. Whether you are suffering from a painful fungal toenail infection, suspect that you have broken a bone, or have any other foot condition that is bothering you, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
What is a podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a Doctor of Pediatric Medicine (DPM) and a surgeon. He is a specialist, who limits his practice to treating conditions that affect the feet, ankles, and legs. Podiatrists treat patients of all ages from children to the geriatric. Long Island Podiatrists treat all conditions of the foot and ankle, including deformities, infections, fracture, sports injuries, skin and nail problems.
What kind of training do podiatrists have?
Podiatrists must earn a Bachelor of Science degree, a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree (DPM), and serve a three-year residency. There are only 9 podiatric colleges in the U.S. They offer courses in anatomy, physiology, patient care, clinical practice, and podiatric medical care, generally in a four-year program. You will want to check out the training of any podiatrist who lands on your list. It is important to seek out a podiatrist who is board certified in his or her specialty.
Is that it? Isn’t there some sort of board review?
Podiatrists must have a state license to practice but the requirements vary from state to state. Generally, podiatrists have to take a state licensing examination or receive a Board Certification from the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine.
Are podiatrists allowed to practice in hospitals?
Yes, Board Certified podiatrists qualify to perform surgery on bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the foot, ankle and lower leg.
If you think you may need surgery, you will want to check that the podiatrist under consideration is on staff at a hospital convenient to you and that your insurance will cover the costs of your treatment. The Podiatrists at Great Neck Family Foot Care are Board Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
I see that some podiatrists teach at hospitals? Is this important?
Yes, it is. A doctor who has teaching privileges at major hospitals is undoubtedly abreast of the latest developments in his field. He will understand the latest technologies, like laser therapy for nail fungus, the latest treatments for hammer toe, and important advances in wound care, especially important to Diabetes sufferers. You want — and your feet deserve — the latest treatments. Choose a podiatrist in Port Washington that can deliver them to you.
How important is the number of years of experience that a doctor has?
The number of years of practice that any medical doctor has is a very important factor to consider. That holds true for podiatrists as well. You want someone who has honed his diagnostic skills by seeing many types of foot and ankle conditions and has had opportunities to use the latest technology.
To talk more about this topic, or anything else, please contact our podiatrist in Port Washington. For more than 17 years, Dr. Alec Hochstein and our staff at Great Neck Family Foot Care have provided our patients the best in podiatric care, including Dr. Hochstein’s advanced training in surgery and wound care. We are proud that we are part of the Great Neck, Long Island, and the New York Metropolitan community. We want to care for you, and your family.
Without a doubt in our minds, how to choose the right Long Island podiatrist for your family is an important question.
In the everyday bustle that is today’s modern world, you probably don’t give a lot of thought to your feet…that is, until they bother you for one reason or another.
When you need a doctor for a foot-related condition, you want a podiatrist. But you don’t want to choose just any podiatrist. You want one that is a family physician because your grandparents, your parents, your kids might all need a podiatrist at some time, right? So when you choose the right podiatrist it isn’t just for you. It’s for your family. With that in mind, we have a few answers to questions you may encounter in your search for the best podiatrist in Port Washington for your family.
If there’s one thing all parents can agree on, it’s that the only thing worse than enduring painful heel or ankle pain themselves is seeing their own child have to endure similar foot pain. If you are the parent of an athlete or just a child who is generally very active, it is quite likely that at some point in their childhood they’ll end up with some sort of children’s foot problem, whether that is a twisted ankle, fractured heel, or something else.
If you are currently dealing with a children’s foot problem, here are a few ways that you can help your child soothe and alleviate that pain:
So long as your child’s ankle or heel pain isn’t so bad that they can’t even walk on their foot, consider dressing the foot in a compression sleeve. By wearing this during the day when they are walking, it will reduce swelling, inflammation, and irritation, and make it easier for them to walk correctly with less pain.
Even though a compression sleeve could be a great solution, it is still important to ensure that your child properly rests their foot whenever possible so that the recovery process can be expedited and they don’t cause the foot to experience further injury.
One way to reduce the swelling in a children’s foot problem is to submerge the foot in a warm Epsom salt bath.
Get a tub and combine Epsom salt with warm water. Allow your child to soak their injured foot in the salt water for approximately 20 minutes. By doing this, not only will the experience lessen swelling in their foot, but it will also soothe the injured area and alleviate some of the pain. You can do this a couple times a day until the problem seems to subside.
Of course, if your child is suffering from a more serious ankle or heel injury or the salt water doesn’t seem to be helping, you should take your child to our podiatrist in Port Washington to receive proper treatment.
Whether your child is suffering from minor pain due to overuse of their foot or they are recovering from an ankle or heel surgery, gentle stretches and light exercises make the recovery process go by even faster. So long as you have gotten the green light from the doctor, try a few stretches and exercises at home.
If you don’t feel comfortable letting your child do the exercises on their own or if their recovery demands more serious treatment, ask your doctor about the possibility of working with a physical therapist. This way, you can ensure your child is getting the treatment they need without damaging their foot with incorrect exercises.
Hot therapy and cold therapy have both been tried-and-true remedies for decades, so they are definitely worth trying in order to help your child deal with their children’s foot problem. If you have access to a heating pad, instruct your child to elevate and rest their foot and compress the heating pad to the affected area. In addition to heat therapy, allow your child to ice the injured area for 15-20 minutes at a time before removing the ice for a few minutes and repeating the process. Both of these methods will soothe the area, alleviate pain, and reduce swelling.
If you are looking for more information on how to relieve heel and ankle pain or if you have a concern about a foot-related injury, please don’t hesitate to contact our podiatrist in Port Washington today. We are committed to helping men, women, and children get the proper treatment they need for foot injuries and other foot conditions.
Heel pain is nothing to take lightly. When your feet hurt, it can affect nearly every part of your day–from walking to your car to standing at work. You may have heard of plantar fasciitis, and you’re likely wondering if this condition is the source of your foot pain. Here’s what you need to know about plantar fasciitis, and what to do if you suspect you have it.
Plantar fasciitis is a type of pain in the bottom of your heel caused by inflammation. Besides bones, the inside of your feet is also home to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Ligaments are made of tissue, and their purpose is to connect bone to other bones. A ligament called the plantar fascia gives plantar fasciitis its name. This ligament is the longest in your foot, running along the bottom of your foot from your heel bone to your toes. When the part of this ligament near your heel becomes inflamed, it can be extremely painful for you.
Plantar fasciitis is sometimes called an “overuse injury.” This is because the condition occurs when patients put stress on their plantar fascia ligament by stretching or tearing it. This can happen many ways, including running, jumping, and wearing high-heeled shoes. People whose jobs involve standing and walking for long periods of time may cause stress to their plantar fascia, resulting in plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is very common–an estimated one in 10 adults will have to deal with it in their lifetime. Some people are more likely to get the condition than others. People with either flat feet or high arches are likely to have heel pain at some point in their lifetime. Women also tend to have this type of heel pain more often than men. People who are overweight or obese add additional stress to their feet, making plantar fasciitis more likely. Runners are also more susceptible to the condition.
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. If you’re experiencing pain on the bottom of your foot near your heel, plantar fasciitis is likely the cause. Most people experience this pain when stepping out of bed in the morning. After walking for a few minutes, the pain begins to go away. Plantar fasciitis can also cause pain after–but not usually during–exercise.
If you are experiencing foot pain, it’s important to get checked out by our podiatrist in Port Washington. Our doctor will thoroughly examine your feet and recommend a course of action specific to your condition. Some of the most common treatments for heel pain include:
If you suspect you have plantar fasciitis, it’s important to visit your doctor for an examination. Contact us today at Great Neck Family Foot Care to make an appointment with our caring podiatrist in Port Washington.
Are you suffering from a mysterious, chronic case of heel pain that seems to plague you every time you walk and even when you’re resting? There’s no reason to live with the pain and discomfort when there are plenty of solutions to remedy the issue with your heel, even if you can’t figure out what is causing it. If you can’t understand why you are experiencing the pain and have thought of multiple solutions that don’t seem to work, scheduling an appointment with a podiatry specialist is your best option. However, if you are still trying to figure out what is causing your mysterious heel pain on your own, here are three could-be culprits.
Looking for more information to help you get rid of mysterious heel pain? Or are you suffering from another foot-related ailment? Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you might have. We are happy to discuss our full list of podiatry services.
Many people are all too familiar with carpal tunnel syndrome, a common condition involving nerve entrapment at the wrist which leads to burning and pain in the hand and fingers. A very similar, but less recognized condition commonly can lead to pain in the foot and ankle. This is known as tarsal tunnel syndrome.
The tarsal tunnel is an area on the inner portion of the ankle where several
important soft tissue structures pass behind the ankle bone and travel to the bottom of the foot. One of these structures is a large nerve that supplies sensation to the bottom of the foot and toes. This nerve can become compressed or squeezed where it wraps around the ankle, leading to pain in the ankle, foot and/or toes. These painful symptoms usually include burning feet, pins and needles and tingling sensations. Many factors may be involved in the development of tarsal tunnel syndrome, but the problem is more common in patients with flat feet and those who are extremely active.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome may lead to nerve damage if left untreated, so establishing the diagnosis as soon as possible is essential. An examination by a foot and ankle specialist may be followed by a nerve conduction study to test for tarsal tunnel syndrome, which is a common cause of burning feet. It is important to differentiate tarsal tunnel syndrome from other problems, such as nerve pain which is caused by a pinched nerve in the lower back.
The initial treatment of tarsal tunnel syndrome can involve several conservative measures. This will frequently involve shoe inserts to stabilize foot motion, oral anti-inflammatory medication, injection therapy, and physical therapy. Patients who do not respond well to conservative treatments may require surgery to release the nerve.
There are many causes of burning feet, including, dermatologic disorders such as Tinea Pedis (Athletes foot), metabolic disorders such as diabetes, as well as nerve entrapments (Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome). If you are suffering from symptoms of burning feet the doctors at Great Neck Family Foot Care can help feel free to call us at today.
Diabetes is a disease affects multiple organs in the body. It affects a patient’s immune system, nervous system, and the circulatory system just to name a few. In a controlled diabetic patient, the effects of diabetes are usually well controlled. When complications of the disease occur, often the feet are the first to be affected. Long Island Diabetic patients are strongly advised to have a routine foot exam with our podiatrist in Port Washington twice a year. This will prevent any foot problems that are so often associated with diabetes. A routine diabetic foot exam includes testing for blood flow, nerve function, skin condition, and joint function.
Diabetes can affect the circulation and cause decreased arterial blood flow to the feet. With decreased oxygen getting to the small vessels in the feet and toes, the skin loses hair and becomes less pliable, and often has a dry, thin appearance. If the patient with decreased circulation develops a wound, it is much less likely to heal and can become infected. A routine foot exam assesses the amount of blood flow to the feet and non-invasive testing such as ultrasound can be preventative.
Diabetes can affect nerve function. Many times, one of the first symptoms of diabetes is the loss of sensation in the feet (neuropathy). Patients can step on something sharp and not feel it, which can lead to infection and several other complications. Nerve function can easily be tested by our podiatrist in Port Washington non-invasively.
Part of the diabetic foot exam includes close inspection of the skin of the feet and in between the toes. The skin is examined for calluses caused by increased pressure to an area, bruising, blisters, dry skin and an opening in the skin. Preventative measures including proper shoe gear and daily moisturizing of the skin will prevent complications. The skin exam also includes an exam and treatment of the toenails. The nails can become thickened and brittle with diabetes and become difficult to care for at home. Our podiatrist in Port Washington can properly care for the nails and recommend proper moisturizing products and shoegear.
Lastly, the diabetic foot is inspected for bone and joint abnormalities. Bony deformities such as bunion and hammertoe deformities or any other joint contracture can be caused by an increased area of pressure on the skin. This combined with a compromised immune system, poor circulation and/or neuropathy can cause a skin ulcer, an infection which often leads to gangrene or worse, amputation.
To avoid diabetic foot complications, every diabetic controlled or uncontrolled should see our podiatrist in Port Washington at Great Neck Family Foot Care least once a year for a comprehensive diabetic foot exam. This will save both money and headache for the patient and guarantee good foot health despite having diabetes.
Getting rid of bunions through surgery is an essential task that may take you off of your feet for several days or even weeks. That’s why we have compiled a few home bunion surgery recovery tips to speed up your healing process. While our services are among the best way to get over bunion surgery, these methods are a great way to alleviate pain while you’re at home.
One of the best home bunion surgery recovery tips is to prepare your home for your recovery before surgery. This includes moving clutter out of the way in walking areas. You’re going to struggle to walk and may need assistance, such as a cane or a walker, for a while. By removing clutter you make it easier to get around in the house without difficulty.
It is also a good idea to stock your kitchen with enough food for your recovery. After all, you probably aren’t going to have the ability to go out and go shopping for food items. Make sure that your bathroom is stocked with all your toiletries as well. Running out of toilet paper while recovering from bunion surgery is going to be a rather scary situation!
It is also important to prepare your bedroom in a constructive way. This process includes adding extra pillows to your bedroom to ensure that you have enough to elevate your leg. You should also place small bottles of water and pain medication on your bedside stand to ensure that you have it if you need it during the night.
Another one of our home bunion surgery recovery tips is to ensure you have all the care items you need on hand. Make sure to buy a few ice pads that you can freeze in the freezer and use to alleviate pain in your bunion surgery area. These pads will help reduce swelling and provide important pain relief. Avoid plastic bags filled with water and ice because these are typically too flimsy for your recovery. When applying the ice pack, keep your leg elevated to reduce swelling.
You should also buy some non-steroid painkillers such as ibuprofen. This can help keep your foot from swelling and provide relief against pain while you are walking. You can also talk to your doctor about getting high dosage versions of these medications in a prescription. Just make sure that you follow the dosing instructions properly to avoid personal injury!
Finally, stock up on high-quality bandages to replace wet or broken ones on your leg. It is also important to get crutches or a walker to ensure you can move easily through your home. While your new bandages can help protect you temporarily, they cannot replace a totally new wrap applied by a medical professional.
If you need bunion surgery or need help recovering from your surgery, we can provide you with high-quality service that can’t be beaten. For example, we can wrap your foot again after your bandages have gotten old and tattered. By getting this done professionally, you ensure that your surgery area isn’t agitated and doesn’t get infected, thus causing it to require further treatment.
Beyond that help, we can show you exercises that can help you recover the strength in your foot after bunion surgery. We can also give you tips on what types of medication are the best for your pain relief. Our professional staff is dedicated to providing you with the kind of foot care you need to recover from your surgery. If necessary, we can also perform your surgery to ensure it is done properly.
So don’t hesitate to contact us today to learn more about our excellent services. With our help, you can get back on your feet after bunion surgery quickly and efficiently!
Having a sterile pedicure by Stephanie is pure heaven! I moved to Florida and fly up to get my pedicures done only by Stephanie! I do not trust anyone else. The staff is wonderful, always helpful. Dr Hochstein performed bunion surgery on both of my feet. The surgery was performed beautifully. I have minimal scars and my feet look great. I can actually wear shoes again without pain. I have recommended them to many people and will continue to do so. – Laura D.
I live in the Bronx and come to Stephanie for a sterile pedicure. I will not let anyone else touch my feet! Stephanie is amazing, the staff is amazing and always so helpful when scheduling my appointments. Stephanie also does keryflex on 2 of my nails, they look amazing and I am more confident wearing sandals. Highly recommend coming to Stephanie for a sterile pedicure, she is one of kind! She is personable and I love the conversations we have when I’m in the chair, she is always a friendly and cheerful person! – Jessica D.
Dr. Hochstein was attentive, friendly and knowledgeable. He listened as I told him my symptoms and confidently gave me a diagnosis. He made me feel comfortable and I did not have to wait that long to see him. I was an emergency case that was added on last minute. I am extremely happy with the service I received and the care. I was feeling much better the next day. I am looking forward to a continued relationship for all my foot care needs. This is one of the best podiatrists that Great Neck has to offer. You will not be disappointed!!! Thank you!! Dr. Hochstein and Staff. – Farrah R.
I have been a patient of Dr. Alec Hochstein for over 5 years. Dr. Hochstein and staff are like family. When anyone in my family ever has a foot complaint, or injury, and their have been many, I know help is only a phone call away. Although they are always busy, I have never had occasion where the office would not see me or my family in a timely manner. They run a tight ship which I appreciate, when it comes to doctors visits. The office is ultra modern, Dr. Hochstein has always stayed ahead of the curve, I believe he was the first doctor I ever had who used digital rays and an electronic chart. Thanks for always taking such great care of us. – Martin S.