Dr. Alencherry graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Biology and Concentration in Applied Economics & Management. He earned his medical degree in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York City. He continued his education with a four year Residency at the New York Hospital Queens, where he was appointed Chief Resident in his final year.
He has comprehensive training in elective, reconstructive and trauma surgery of the foot and ankle. He also is trained in the most advanced non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments of common foot and ankle conditions. He has an interest in treating the pediatric population and has experience treating congenital deformities. In addition, he has completed several courses and has received training in external fixation and deformity correction techniques at the Ilizarov Institute in Russia.
He is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He is a Fellow of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine and of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
He is an active committee member for the New York State Podiatric Medical Association and a proud member of the American Podiatric Medical Association. He serves as the Director of Clerkships for the Podiatric Surgery and Medicine Residency program at New York Presbyterian/Queens Hospital. He is also affiliated with Northshore University Hospital, Long Island Jewish Hospital, Lenox Hill Hospital, and is actively involved with their Residency programs.
A bunion is a deformity of the big toe that is characterized by the outward pointing of the big toe, and a prominent bump that forms on the inside of the foot. It can cause foot pain, difficulty wearing shoes, and is unfortunately fairly common. Bunions occur most commonly in women, and the risk of developing a bunion increases with age. Despite the condition being an uncomfortable development, there are several options that the best podiatrist in Nassau County, NY can provide a patient. Foot and Ankle Surgeons of New York can help relieve your pain with our team of expert physicians.
Causes of Bunions
Bunions have a variety of causes, and the source is not always apparent. A bunion is formed by a force or stress that pushes the big toe against the second toe, causing the joint to swell and stick out. Some causes thought to cause or contribute to bunion growth are:
- Genetics.
- Repeated wearing of Ill-fitting footwear.
- Stress on the foot from a medical condition such as arthritis.
Bunion Symptoms
Some symptoms related to bunion growth that may indicate it’s time to seek medical attention include:
- Swelling, redness, or soreness around your big toe and the bunion.
- A visible bump on the toe joint.
- Corns or calluses that may develop on the big toe or the second toe.
- Pain that occurs continuously or intermittently.
- Restriction of movement in the big toe, mainly if the bunion is caused by arthritis.
Treatment of Bunions – The Best Podiatrist in Nassau County, NY
There are both conservative and surgical treatments for bunion growth, and the treatment that is right for you ultimately depends on the severity of your bunion and your doctor’s professional recommendation. Surgical interventions are often only recommended after all other alternatives have been exhausted, or if the condition is particularly severe.
Non-surgical interventions:
- Keep the area comfortable, while also wearing comfortable shoes and rotating different pairs. This helps reduce the stress of particular regions of the foot. It is recommended that narrow shoes are avoided. Extra comfort can be added by using over the counter bunion pads and shoe inserts.
- Taping the toe into the proper position. Your doctor can help you learn how to tape your foot into a normal position, which may help alleviate discomfort.
- Icing the area after wearing shoes can help reduce pain, soreness, and inflammation.
Surgical Interventions:
- Removal of swollen tissue from the big toe joint.
- Straightening of the toe joint, which may include removal of part of the bone.
- Realignment of the bones of the feet and your big toe.
- Joining the areas of the joint permanently.
Treatment of bunions can significantly improve your quality of life. Painfulness, soreness, and inflammation can make everyday tasks difficult. Here at Foot and Ankle Surgeons of New York, the best podiatrist in Nassau County, NY, we seek to reduce your pain and help create a treatment plan that works for you. Contact us today to learn more about your options for bunion treatment.
What Are Hammertoes?
Naturally, hammertoes are deformities that take place within the toes of a patient, creating several complications and annoyances to deal with. Known as a contracture (bending) this issue can create deformities within the toes themselves. Abnormal bending will likely put pressure on the toes when they are compacted by the presence of shoes. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can make regular movements painful and will likely lower an individuals’ quality of life. Fortunately, the best podiatrist in Nassau County, NY over at Foot And Ankle Surgeons of New York is fully capable of diagnosing your hammertoe, treating it, and then outlining potential causes so that the issue can be prevented in the future.
Common Causes of Hammertoes
- Improper Footwear: Like most deformity issues, hammertoes are made worse through the use of footwear that is uncomfortable and not fitted properly. Crowding your toes into tight spots are seen as the most common footwear issue with hammertoes. This can be stimulated by frequently wearing tight shoes such as high-heels and others. The best podiatrist in Nassau County, NY recommends unfurling your toes so that they’re not in a curled position.
- Unexpected Trauma: Athletes or others who need to use their feet for constant motion may risk injury by doing so. Injuries such as stubbing, jamming, or even breaking may serve as a catalyst for the development of hammertoes. If you feel that your injury may have created a hammertoe, contact your local foot surgeon in NYC immediately.
- Abnormal Balance: Instability can cause the toe to contract, thus leading to the development of hammertoes and other deformities.
What Can I Do To Prevent Hammertoes?
- Space Within Shoes: Providing enough room to breathe is essential in the prevention of hammertoes.
- Padding: Ask the best podiatrist in Nassau County, NY about special pads that can be provided in order to help create space and protect the toes.
- Shoe Size: A mistake made more regularly than you may think, focusing on the correct shoe size will increase comfort and will likely help protect you from hammertoes.
By contacting the best podiatrist in Nassau County, NY over at FAASNY, you’ll be given a proper diagnosis on your hammertoe and will be provided with treatment plans/options. Reach out for further information and to schedule an appointment.
Sports injuries are a common occurrence at any level of play. These injuries are not only difficult to prepare for but can also be mentally draining. Most athletes are driven by their presence on the field, refusing to abstain from playing. Certain injuries may not require surgery, depending upon their severity. Although some unwelcome developments may make surgery necessary, especially if you are young and hoping to get back onto the field. If you’re searching for the best podiatrist in Nassau County, Foot and Ankle Surgeons of New York are here to treat your sports-related injuries.
What Are Sports Injuries That Require Surgery?
There are many sports injuries of the lower extremities that may require surgery, although the two of the more common ones that affect the feet/ankle are ankle fractures and plantar fasciitis. The best podiatrist in Nassau County, NY, is experienced in treating both of these types of injuries.
Ankle Fracture
- Ankle fractures occur when one or more of the bones within the ankle joint have suffered a break. This can range from one small fracture to several cracks in the bone.
- You often see these type of injuries present among basketball, football, soccer, and tennis players due to the lateral movements their respective sports require.
- However, ankle fractures usually occur at random through accidental means.
- Symptoms may include swelling, pain, and instability.
- Surgery is often required to repair the bone break, especially in younger athletes looking to make a quicker recovery. The best podiatrist in Nassau County, NY, can perform a procedure to help correct the break and promote a hasty recovery.
- During the procedure, the broken bone fragments are repositioned back into their prior alignment. Depending upon the severity, screws or metal rods may be inserted to help keep the fragmented bones positioned properly while they heal.
Plantar Fasciitis
- Your plantar fascia is located along the bottom part of your foot and it connects your heel bone to your toes. Plantar fasciitis develops as increased inflammation, creating large amounts of discomfort and even stabbing pain.
- By persistently staying on your feet, you may be at risk for developing this condition. Sports that require you to stay on your feet with little time for rest may make you more susceptible to this issue.
- Symptoms usually don’t occur until after activity, with signs of pain and high discomfort.
- Specific surgeries such as plantar fascia release can be conducted in order to help correct the issue. Typically, surgery will be recommended if the pain is severe and non-surgical treatment has proven to be ineffective.
Frequently Asked Questions about Podiatrists:
Can a podiatrist do surgery?
A podiatrist does have the ability to do surgery, as well as reset any broken bones, prescribe medication, and order or conduct lab tests or x-rays.
What are the common conditions treated by a podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a healthcare professional that deals mainly with the feet and lower limbs. They have the ability to diagnose and treat related conditions, as well as prevent or correct any deformities. They can help relieve you of pain in these areas, treat infection, or even help with mobility.
When should you visit a podiatrist?
You should schedule an appointment with a podiatrist if any of the following pertain to you. You have persistent swelling or pain in your foot or lower limbs that have not reduced or gone away with two to five days. You often experience a burning, numbing, or tingling feeling at the bottom of your foot.
Contacting The Best Podiatrist in Nassau County
In the event that you suffer an injury that requires surgery, let the trained professionals over at the Foot and Ankle Surgeons of New York treat your injury. If you seek the best podiatrist in Nassau County, NY, our experienced team is trained to handle a multitude of sports injuries. We can set you up for a hasty recovery process after the procedure to ensure that you can get back out on the field, competing at a high level. Contact us if you require a sports-related injury procedure.