WHO WE ARE

Our foot and ankle surgeons and podiatrists in NYC and Long Island are dedicated to providing the best in surgical and non-surgical treatments for orthopedic conditions affecting the foot and ankle. If you’ve been searching for a Podiatrist in NYC that Accepts Aetna, we’ve got you covered.

All our doctors are extensively trained in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions of the lower leg, ankle, and foot.

We treat conditions including heel pain and plantar fasciitis, arch pain, bunions, hammertoes, arthritis, tendinitis, fractures and sprains of the foot and ankle.  We also specialize in surgical and nonsurgical treatment of diabetic problems affecting the foot including diabetic ulcers and Charcot’s foot. We provide custom orthotics and shoes.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Our practice philosophy is to examine patients on the whole rather than only from the foot and ankle. Many diseases present initially in the lower extremities, just as they may also in the later stages. A specialist, therefore, must always be able to think like a generalist–while still being a specialist. We are a group of professional, empathetic and interested practitioners who specialize in all conditions of the lower extremity within an inviting and state of the art office setting. Our office staff is cheerful, up to date and eager to assist you in all of your needs outside of the exam room.

Since the very early days of our training, each of us has discovered the love for our profession and the absolute art that medicine and surgery can and should always be.

We thank you in advance for your consideration in providing us with the absolute privilege of treating your conditions.

THE EXPERIENCED TEAM AT FAASNY

We are a group of professional, empathic and interested practitioners who specialize in all conditions of the lower extremity within an inviting and modern office setting. Our office staff is cheerful, up to date and eager to assist you in all of your needs outside of the exam room.

DR. FRED DE LUCIA

Dr. De Lucia completed his training at the New York Hospital Medical Center of Queens after graduation from New York University and the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He is dual Board Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. He also proudly serves as an Honorary Police Surgeon of the New York City Police Department.

DR. JOSEPH ALENCHERRY

Upon graduation from Cornell University and New York College of Podiatric Medicine, Dr. Alencherry completed residency training at New York Hospital Queens. He is dual Board Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. He is a teaching faculty of New York-Presbyterian Queens hospital.

Recent Blog Posts From Our Podiatrist in NYC that Accepts Aetna

RECOVERING FROM AN ACHILLES TENDON INJURY

Injuries to the Achilles tendons are known for creating an immense amount of pain and will require prompt treatment. Pain stemming from the lower extremity can complicate your daily life as we use our feet and ankles for a wide variety of tasks. Patients who experience Achilles tendon injuries are often unable to continue engaging in activities without feelings symptoms of pain and discomfort. At Foot and Ankle Surgeons of New York, a Podiatrist in NYC that Accepts Aetna can help relieve your pain!

WHAT IS THE ACHILLES TENDON?

The Achilles tendon is located between the back calf muscle and the heel. When it is injured, your inability to walk will signify your need for a Podiatrist in NYC that Accepts Aetna. Pain originating from this part of the body can make even the simplest actions suddenly become a more arduous task. 

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS?

Those who play recreational sports (dancing, running, basketball, etc.) and men over the age of 30 are more likely to experience this kind of injury. Other factors can potentially include the following stimulants:

• Flat Feet – People who are flat-footed have little to no arch when they walk. When they take a step, they are stretching the tendons in the ankle and leg.
• Steroid Injections – Your doctor may use an injection to reduce pain in the ankle, but it can also weaken the muscles near the Achilles tendon, leading to an injury.
• Obesity – Heavier weight means more pressure on your ankles. 
• High Heels – Those who wear heels put extra strain on the calf muscles.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

An Achilles tendon injury often occurs after a sudden movement of lifting off the ground as opposed to landing. For example, a sprinter may injure their Achilles tendon once they take off, not once his feet return to the ground. Most patients report hearing a snapping or popping sound upon receiving the injury. Some of the other symptoms include the following:

• Radiating pain in the calf muscle.
• Swelling in the heel.
• Inability to point toes forward.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY PROCESS LIKE?

As with any injury, all cases are different, but mild and moderate injuries may heal without the need for surgery. When the Achilles tendon is ruptured, a minimally invasive procedure performed by your Podiatrist in NYC that Accepts Aetna will stitch the torn tendon back together. Each patients’ feet and ankles vary, so the length of time for recovery will also vary.

Several ways you can help expedite this recovery process may include the following:

• Rest and elevation – Resting your leg in an elevated position takes the pressure off your joints and muscles.
• Heel lift – A heel lift can help limit stretching in the ankle.
• Stretching and mobility – Your doctor can recommend stretching techniques and use mobility training to help your body recover. 

HOW CAN I PREVENT THIS INJURY?

At FAASNY, we recommend the following prevention tips in order to protect yourself from an Achilles tendon injury: 

• Always stretch before exercise – Stretching is crucial for warming up the muscles in your calf. Only stretch up to your limit; without feeling any sort of pain or discomfort.
• Increase your exercise slowly, not abruptly – Increasing the amount of exercise slowly puts less stress on your leg muscles. When it is done significantly, your fatigued muscles are more prone to injury.

Contact Our Podiatrist in NYC that Accepts Aetna!

If you or someone you know has questions regarding an injury to the Achilles tendon or a general question regarding the foot/ankle, make an appointment with a Podiatrist in NYC that Accepts Aetna at FAASNY today for more information!

FOOT AND ANKLE TRAUMA

We provide expert treatment for ALL types of foot and ankle trauma: ankle fractures, Lisfranc injuries, metatarsal fractures, talus and calcaneus fractures, Achilles tendon ruptures, posterior tibial tendon tears, peroneal tendon tears, and ankle ligament sprains and tears. For more information, please contact our Podiatrist in NYC that Accepts Aetna.

Ankle Fractures

Ankle fractures can develop through a multitude of stimulants. Commonly, simply rolling your ankle inward or outward catalyzes this type of injury. With us now being fully submerged in winter, the risk of obtaining an ankle injury or fracture increases drastically. Slipping and falling on ice is one of the most frequent occurrences for triggering these injuries. By taking preventative measures, your safety will be improved, and this will decrease the risk of ankle fracture. Remember, be careful while engaging in your daily activities during this time and wear proper footwear to help create traction and promote balance.

Metatarsal Fractures

Structurally, the metatarsal is composed of five bones in the foot. You can find them behind each toe, as they are the long bones in the foot. Typically, metatarsal surgery is recommended for the treatment of the following conditions:

• Bunion Deformity
• Tailor’s Bunion Deformity
• Painful Calluses (Found on the bottom of the foot)
• Ulcerations (that have not been healing)
• Fractures
• Rheumatoid Arthritis

Talus and Calcaneus (Heel Bone) Fractures

The foot is made up of three main parts: the midfoot, hindfoot, and forefoot. The calcaneus, or heel bone, is located in the hindfoot. It is located beneath three bones that make up the ankle joint: tibia, fibula, and talus. The heel bone and the talus make up what is called the subtalar joint. This joint allows for sideways movement of the hindfoot and promotes balance on uneven surfaces.

Although uncommon, fractures of the calcaneus can occur. Only 2% of all adult fractures are of tarsal bones, and only about half of those are calcaneus fractures. There are several ways that the calcaneus can become fractured. Common catalysts may include the following:

• Twisting injury.
• Motor vehicle accident.
• Fall from an elevated surface.

Achilles Tendon Ruptures

An Achilles tendon rupture is a complete or partial tear that occurs when the tendon is stretched beyond its capacity. Forceful jumping or pivoting, or sudden accelerations of running, can overstretch the tendon and cause a tear. An injury to the tendon can also result from falling or tripping.  A rupture may also be the result of chronic disorder or degeneration of the Achilles tendon (“the straw that broke the camel’s back”). Achilles tendon ruptures are most often seen in “weekend warriors” – typically, middle-aged people participating in sports in their spare time. Less commonly, illness or medications, such as steroids or certain antibiotics, may weaken the tendon and contribute to ruptures.

Peroneal Tendon Tears

Depending on your specific condition, peroneal tendon injuries can be either acute (sudden) or chronic (developing). Athletes that participate in activities involving repetitive ankle movements are highly susceptible to these types of complications. Those who have higher foot arches are also at risk of developing issues. Without proper treatment, peroneal tendon injuries can easily worsen over time. Prompt podiatrists attention is critical upon experiencing symptoms. Foot and Ankle Surgeons of New York, a Podiatrist in NYC that Accepts Aetna, can evaluate your condition and diagnose your injury. Depending on your case, there are non-surgical and surgical options.

Ankle Sprain

An ankle sprain is an injury to one or more ligaments in the ankle, usually on the outside of the ankle. Ligaments are bands of tissue-like rubber bands – that connect one bone to another and bind the joints together. In the ankle joint, ligaments provide stability by limiting side-to-side movement. Some ankle sprains are much worse than others. The severity of an ankle sprain depends on whether the ligament is stretched, partially torn, or completely torn, as well as on the number of ligaments involved. Ankle sprains are not the same as strains, which affect muscles rather than ligaments.

METATARSAL FOOT SURGERY

Podiatrist in NYC that Accepts Aetna

Knowing you’re on the verge of a surgical procedure can undoubtedly take a toll on your mental stress, but the potential long-term relief for a constant problem is too ideal to pass up. Several patients are wary of surgery because they’re aware of the elongated recovery process. But if you’ve taken the necessary preparations before hopping on the operating chair, your recovery process could be expedited. For example, metatarsal surgery treats the weight-bearing portions on a person’s foot. At Foot And Ankle Surgeons Of New York, a Podiatrist in NYC that Accepts Aetna, we are trained to treat several foot-related complications you have been experiencing. After undergoing an evaluation, your doctor may recommend this procedure for your discomfort.

Structurally, the metatarsal is composed of five bones in the foot. You can find them behind each toe, as they are the long bones in the foot. Typically, metatarsal surgery is recommended for the treatment of the following conditions:

• Bunion Deformity
• Tailor’s Bunion Deformity
• Painful Calluses (Found on the bottom of the foot)
• Ulcerations (that have not been healing)
• Fractures
• Rheumatoid Arthritis

The Operation

Depending upon which complication you’re dealing with, different methods could be utilized for metatarsal foot surgery. For example, calluses that are causing pain will need to be removed in conjunction with the operation. Essentially, the procedure involves the cutting of the metatarsal bone itself. During this process, the bone can be sliced all the way through; then it is elevated and held into its correct position through the assistance of a device (metal pin or screw). Patients will need to wait for a decent amount of time before your surgeon can remove the pin. Pressure will need to be withheld from the foot, likely through the assistance of crutches and other devices. Once this process is completed, your surgeon can remove the pin in a follow-up visit and the recovery stages will begin to take place.   

Before Surgery

Before the operation, patients may look to visit a physical therapist. This will give them the opportunity to learn about the equipment they may need to use after surgery and can improve strength in the foot. It’s also recommended that patients abstain from eating or chewing gum after midnight on the day of their operation. This is an essential step because the anesthesia will likely not work as effectively on a full stomach.

The Day of Surgery

Patients should arrive at the hospital wearing baggy, comfortable clothes. The foot and leg should be easily accessible, so no elastic on the bottom of the pants would be preferred. At Foot And Ankle Surgeons Of New York, a Podiatrist in NYC that Accepts Aetna, we ensure all of our clients are entirely comfortable with the procedures going to take place on the day of surgery.

After The Surgery

The days following your metatarsal surgery you might experience some uncomfortable symptoms such as swelling, bruising, leakage, and fevers. Although these might be alarming to experience, they are entirely normal. Depending on the severity of the operation, you will have to make accommodations to the foot that was operated on. Keeping pressure off of the recently operated area is crucial for a quick and full healing process.

If you’re considering a metatarsal surgery, you’ll want to visit a foot and ankle surgeon that is trusted and well experienced. Foot And Ankle Surgeons Of New York is a Podiatrist in NYC that Accepts Aetna that has well-trained specialists working for their team. Please contact them today if you’re searching for relief of any foot/ankle problems you are experiencing.