EXPERT
Dr. Heraj Patel, DPM
Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist)
Dr. Heraj Patel is a podiatrist practicing in Thousand Oaks, CA. Dr. Patel is a medical doctor specializing in the treatment of the foot , ankle and related parts of the leg. As a podiatrist, Dr. Patel diagnoses and treats conditions of the feet. The feet are key body parts that give a person stability, absorb shock, allow for walking and standing and are necessary for overall well-being. So, the feet need expert care. Podiatrists can specialize in surgery, wound care, sports medicine, diabetic care and pediatrics.
Dr. Heraj Patel, DPM
- Thousand Oaks, CA
- University of California
- Accepting new patients
No results found
How can I straighten my toes naturally?
Hello
You can try to tape them in a plantar sling taping.
You can try to tape them in a plantar sling taping.
How do you relieve pain after ankle surgery?
Hello
I would try topical Voltaren gel or CBD rub. Other than that, make sure your pain is not due to CRPS, which is common after surgery.
Dr. Patel
I would try topical Voltaren gel or CBD rub. Other than that, make sure your pain is not due to CRPS, which is common after surgery.
Dr. Patel
How is heel pain treated?
First, you must determine cause of heel pain. It usually is treated with a steroid injection and a pair of custom inserts for offloading. If that fails, then fracture boot or PRP READ MORE
First, you must determine cause of heel pain. It usually is treated with a steroid injection and a pair of custom inserts for offloading. If that fails, then fracture boot or PRP injections.
Should I go to the doctor for a dislocated ankle?
Yes, you need X-rays and long-term treatment. If you do not see a specialist, then you will have long-term arthritis.
Foot neuropathy?
Hello,
I would consider gabapentin. We use a gabapentin compound cream that works very, very well. In choosing through narcotics, Vicodin has the lowest amount of Tylenol, so READ MORE
Hello,
I would consider gabapentin. We use a gabapentin compound cream that works very, very well. In choosing through narcotics, Vicodin has the lowest amount of Tylenol, so it's safer than Percocet. OxyContin alone is low strength.
I would consider gabapentin. We use a gabapentin compound cream that works very, very well. In choosing through narcotics, Vicodin has the lowest amount of Tylenol, so it's safer than Percocet. OxyContin alone is low strength.
Does a torn ligament in the ankle require surgery?
Hello,
Yes, a torn ligament in an active, young, under 65 individual should likely be repaired in the OR for better stability.
Dr. Patel
Yes, a torn ligament in an active, young, under 65 individual should likely be repaired in the OR for better stability.
Dr. Patel
How long does it take for nerves to heal after foot surgery?
Nerve pain can take up to a year post-op to improve. I would recommend use of voltaren gel.
What to do right after twisting your ankle?
Hello,
We treat ankle sprains as fractures. So, I suggest getting into a boot for 2 weeks. After that, a lace-up ankle brace.
Dr. Patel
We treat ankle sprains as fractures. So, I suggest getting into a boot for 2 weeks. After that, a lace-up ankle brace.
Dr. Patel
How do I know if my ankle injury is serious?
We follow the Ottawa ankle fracture rules. However, it is advisable after any ankle injury to go into a CAM boot or lace up brace. X-rays are usually only needed if experiencing READ MORE
We follow the Ottawa ankle fracture rules. However, it is advisable after any ankle injury to go into a CAM boot or lace up brace. X-rays are usually only needed if experiencing bone pain.
Dr. Patel
Dr. Patel
Why does my ankle pop when I walk?
Popping ankles are a common problem. It normally means you have hyper flexible joints. As long as there is no pain, you're fine. It can be a precursor, however, to sprains around READ MORE
Popping ankles are a common problem. It normally means you have hyper flexible joints. As long as there is no pain, you're fine. It can be a precursor, however, to sprains around your ankle. I would try to walk with a lace up ankle brace.
Dr. Patel
Dr. Patel
Can a podiatrist perform surgery?
Yes, most podiatrists are surgically trained in foot and ankle procedures. A select few are trained in reconstruction of the ankle.
What's wrong with the bottom of my feet?
Hello,
If your pain is on the bottom after a long run or walk, it is likely plantar fasciitis. Try wearing Powerstep inserts and massaging your arch.
If your pain is on the bottom after a long run or walk, it is likely plantar fasciitis. Try wearing Powerstep inserts and massaging your arch.
How long does it take for a broken foot to heal?
Hello,
Normal bone healing timeframe is 6-8 weeks. Increase your calcium intake along with vitamin D to help lay new bone faster.
Dr. Patel
Normal bone healing timeframe is 6-8 weeks. Increase your calcium intake along with vitamin D to help lay new bone faster.
Dr. Patel
Are high heels safe for my feet?
Hello,
Yes, you can put a lot of strain on your joints by continuing to wear high heels. The ball if your foot in particular will get an excessive loading that would cause arthritis READ MORE
Hello,
Yes, you can put a lot of strain on your joints by continuing to wear high heels. The ball if your foot in particular will get an excessive loading that would cause arthritis over time. Wearing high heels in moderation is not a problem or if you put a custom insole inside that supports your arch that would also work.
Dr. Patel
Yes, you can put a lot of strain on your joints by continuing to wear high heels. The ball if your foot in particular will get an excessive loading that would cause arthritis over time. Wearing high heels in moderation is not a problem or if you put a custom insole inside that supports your arch that would also work.
Dr. Patel
Is the pain in my toe because of an ingrown toenail?
Hello,
Ingrown toenails can be conservatively treated with Epsom salt soaks, Neosporin and tapered cotton tip applicators to help life the edge of the nail up. If this fails READ MORE
Hello,
Ingrown toenails can be conservatively treated with Epsom salt soaks, Neosporin and tapered cotton tip applicators to help life the edge of the nail up. If this fails you need to see a podiatrist to inject and numb the toe and cut out the infected border.
Dr Patel
Ingrown toenails can be conservatively treated with Epsom salt soaks, Neosporin and tapered cotton tip applicators to help life the edge of the nail up. If this fails you need to see a podiatrist to inject and numb the toe and cut out the infected border.
Dr Patel
I have a recurrent problem of ingrown toenails. What should I do?
Hello,
If you don’t get them professionally cut back to the root, ingrown toenails can and will return. The best home preventions are soaking in Epsom salt and using q tips READ MORE
Hello,
If you don’t get them professionally cut back to the root, ingrown toenails can and will return. The best home preventions are soaking in Epsom salt and using q tips to lift up the edges when they start to roll in.
Dr. Patel
If you don’t get them professionally cut back to the root, ingrown toenails can and will return. The best home preventions are soaking in Epsom salt and using q tips to lift up the edges when they start to roll in.
Dr. Patel
How are calluses treated?
Hello,
Calluses require a lot of maintenance you will need to shave them down regularly or use a glycolic acid foot cream. You can try to add metatarsal pads from amazon in READ MORE
Hello,
Calluses require a lot of maintenance you will need to shave them down regularly or use a glycolic acid foot cream. You can try to add metatarsal pads from amazon in your shoes to help
offload the toes and reduce the amount of callus formed.
Dr. Patel
Calluses require a lot of maintenance you will need to shave them down regularly or use a glycolic acid foot cream. You can try to add metatarsal pads from amazon in your shoes to help
offload the toes and reduce the amount of callus formed.
Dr. Patel
I have a little bone growth just under my toe. Will it have to be treated with surgery?
Hello,
If it is a bone growth, you need to rule out a bone tumor. Yes, technically for bone, the only way to remove it is with surgery.
Dr. Patel
If it is a bone growth, you need to rule out a bone tumor. Yes, technically for bone, the only way to remove it is with surgery.
Dr. Patel
What shoes should I wear for hammertoe?
Hello
Shoes with a wide toe box made of mesh would be the best. I would also buy some hammer toe crest pads online to help straighten toes.
Dr .Patel
Shoes with a wide toe box made of mesh would be the best. I would also buy some hammer toe crest pads online to help straighten toes.
Dr .Patel
Is foot amputation the only solution for gangrene?
Hello,
With gangrene of the foot, it usually means the infection has spread into the tissues and bone. If it’s "wet gangrene," meaning the skin is soft and draining, then it READ MORE
Hello,
With gangrene of the foot, it usually means the infection has spread into the tissues and bone. If it’s "wet gangrene," meaning the skin is soft and draining, then it will have to be amputated.
“Dry gangrene” on the other hand, where the skin is dry and calloused over, will basically auto amputate, meaning that the body will cut off circulation to that section and it will eventually die and fall off.
Dr. Patel
With gangrene of the foot, it usually means the infection has spread into the tissues and bone. If it’s "wet gangrene," meaning the skin is soft and draining, then it will have to be amputated.
“Dry gangrene” on the other hand, where the skin is dry and calloused over, will basically auto amputate, meaning that the body will cut off circulation to that section and it will eventually die and fall off.
Dr. Patel
