Podiatrists
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Podiatrists
Feb 2009
I am looking for a good podiatrist in the East Bay (preferably
close to North Oakland) to address some ongoing foot pain I have
and probably get new orthotics. My insurance is Healthnet - Hill Physicians Medical Group.
Thanks.
Chris
Dr. Michael DiGiacomo on Pill Hill has really helped me with foot problems. 445 30th
St., 465-8012. Good luck.
Linda
I like Dr. Mark Wolpa. He is in Berkeley, but it isn't far from N. Oakland. I have seen
him a few times and have always been happy. In addition to being a good doctor, he is
very pleasant to work with.
Here is is contact info and website:
Dr. Mark Wolpa
2500 Milvia Street
Berkeley, CA 94704
510-849-3800
http://www.berkeleyfootclinic.com/staff.php
Aug 2008
I am looking for some current recommendations for a podiatrist,
preferably in the East Bay. Specifically I am looking for help with a
bunion and hammer toes. Do you have any experience with a
podiatrist you feel is ultra competent? If so, please share.
Thanks!
Oh My Achin' Feet!
Both my husband and I go to Ana Sorkin. She's great and located near
Summit in Oakland. We had athletes foot and toe fungus and she has a
great treatment program that does not involve taking those
liver-destroying pills.
clean toes mcgilicutty
Great podiatrist: Dr Beatrice Schmugler. For Feet's Sake Podiatry in
Berkeley on Milvia. And all her associates are really good too. For
our family this practice has handled some complicated orthotics for
our son the dancer, ingrown toe nails for both sons, painful bone
spur, plantar fasciitis plus I am diabetic and have all those
issues. Excellent office. phone: 841-5771.
happy feet
Aug 2008
My 8 year old is walking on the inside of his heel on one foot and
I'd like to get a doctor to look at it to see how to correct it.
Anyone had this issue and/or able to recommend a good podiatrist?
East of the tunnel would be great.
Thanks
bma
Dr. Glasser is a terrific podiatrist, who has treated and cured me
for 2 foot ailments, cured both my son and daughter's foot
problems , especially helped my daughter whose pediatrician was
not able to correctly diagnose the problem. Great bedside
manners.
crystal
I highly recommend Dr. Anna Sorkin (510-444-8733). She is a
wonderful podiatrist who treated me for a bunion and eventually
did the surgery (though she did not push it at all). She is
patient, kind, knowledgable, and professional. Check out the
older BPN posts, as this is where I first heard about her. She is
so great that I wish she could be my primary doc!
Ariel
Aug 2008
I have a toe nail that is cracking horizontally and I'd like to go
to a Podiatrist to have it looked at. I'd like to find an East Bay
Podiatrist and would prefer someone who also treats runners.
I have had good luck with Dr. Mark Wolpa. I went to his Berkeley
office, but I just found out he has an office in Lafayette, as
well.
Berkeley Office
2500 Milvia Street
Berkeley, CA 94704
510-849-3800
Lafayette Office
970 Dewing Ave
#100
Lafayette, CA 94549
925-283-9904
I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Anna Sorkin in Oakland--she is
fabulous! I was so impressed with her that I've referred four family members to
her and we all keep going back, even though some relatives have to travel very
far to visit her. She custom built orthotics for me that have helped relieve
foot pain that I never thought would go away. Even my back feels better since I
started seeing her! She is smart, nice and really knows her stuff. 419 30th
Street in Oakland Phone: (510) 444-8733
Love my Podiatrist!
Dec 2007
Can anyone recommend a sports podiatrist especially accustomed
to working with long distance runners? It would be great if
he/she had an office in North Berkeley/Albany/El Cerrito area
and took Blue Cross.
Carrie
Michael DiGiacomo is a sports podiatrist in Oakland, he has autographed photos of all
the sports figures he's worked with all over his waiting room. His number is
465-8012, he's on 30th St. right by Telegraph Ave.
ramisima
Dr. Hannaford in Marin is a podiatrist who is a runner, specializes in runners and has
worked with some of the best runners in the country. He doesn't take insurance but
you can get a receipt and then try to get your insurance to pay. I paid out of pocket
and it was totally worth it.
used to have running problems
Nov 2007
Our three year old son has very flat arches (so flat that his
whole foot turns so the top of the arch is almost touching the
floor) and is slightly knock-kneed. Our pediatrician is not
particularly worried about it but we'd like to get a second
opinion. I've checked the archives but it seems like all of the
recommendations are for ''grown-up'' podiatrists. Does anyone
know of a podiatrist who also treats children?
Anon
Hi -- read your posting regarding your son's feet and wanted to give
you my professional 2 cents. I have been a pediatric physical therapist
for 17 years, working inpatient at a children's hospital, with CCS, and
now privately. I BEG you to return to your pediatrician and firmly
state your concerns and the reasons WHY you are concerned. Many (not
all) foot problems in children are really issues at the hip rather than
the foot itself -- how the hip is seated in the socket can affect what
the foot does in response. If your son's hips turn inward, so will his
feet, thus causing the foot to pronate and arch to flatten out.
Children naturally pronate more than adults and as the hip socket
deepens, this corrects as well. Something to consider. I would have
your MD or an orthopedist check him out before you spend a lot of money
on orthotics (quite expensive). Don't let anyone talk you into
something to correct that foot until you are sure where the issue is
coming from. GOod luck!
trish
I took my 9-year-old son to see Dr. Tanaka in El Cerrito. The office is
pretty bare - and seems to be generally geared to adults - but the
doctor himself was wonderful! My son was really nervous about going,
but Dr. Tanaka was gentle and respectful, talked directly to my son
(rather than to me ABOUT him, as so many doctors seem to do), and
discussed things in an entirely clear manner so that we were both
comfortable. We'll be back to see him again.
Kathleen
I just saw a podiatrist, though I'm not sure she sees children. I got the
recommendation for her from this website, but the contact info was wrong. I
am so glad I tracked her down anyway - she was wonderful! Clear,
communicative, efficient, thorough, and warm.
Anna Sorkin - 444-8733
She's at 30th and Summit near Summit hospital.
Finally pain-free!
May 2007
Can anyone recommend a professional and experienced podiatrist? I have been seeing
Dr. L V Grant DPM, but he's retiring in July 2007, and he's no longer performing any
surgical procedures. I am thinking of having my bunions removed. Any recommendations
would be greatly appreciated.
Anon
I had a bunionectomy done in March with Dr. Darci Park, who is
part of the Financial District Foot and Ankle Center in San
Francisco. I don't know if she takes Pacificare, but they have a
pretty good website at http://www.fdfac.com and their # is
415.956.2884. I was very happy with the results and had no
problems, plus Dr. Park makes her cell phone available to you and
encourages you to call at any time with questions or problems.
adina
March 2007
Has anyone use Dr. Jay Glasser Podiatrist?
I need a bone chip and spur removed from my left foot and big toe.
I don't know anyone who's had this surgery or used Dr. Glasser in the past, this makes
me comfortable.
If you can recommend him or un-recommend him or any other Podiatrist please send me your
advice.
Thanks J.
Hello. I don't know about your particular foot issue but I would highly
recommend Dr. Glasser. My teenage son has had 3 ingrown toenails
successfully surgically removed by Dr. Glasser. He is very knowledgable
and has a great bedside manner. He explained the procedure to me and my
son very clearly and was very gentle. My son is very wary of doctors and
really respects and likes Dr. Glasser. recommends Dr. Glasser
I went to him based on older recs on
BPN but his office was pretty
gloomy, staff wasn't too nice, and he just didn't put me at ease.
Nothing terrible, but if I need a podiatrist again I'll find
someone else. anon
Hi - I've used Dr. Glasser and others in his practice and always
found Dr. Glasser and his staff to be very efficient and
knowledgeable. I would recommend.
kathy
Feb 2007
I have a toe problem which may require surgery. I have seen several podiatrists but
would like another opinion. The particular problem I have is called ''hallux
limitus.'' If any of you out there know of someone really good and/or have had my
particular problem, please let me know! alison
Dr. Digiacamo in Oakland is an excellent podiatrist/surgeon.
My husband had a delicate tendon surgery and it went
unbelievably well. Be prepared to spend a long time in the
waiting room though.
hop-a-long's wife
Aug 2006
I am looking for recomendations of podiatrists who can remove a
toe nail that is succumbing to toe nail fungus. I have Kaiser,
but they will not perform this procedure since I am not in any
dire pain. Also has anyone had success with having a toe nail
removed and regrowing without fungus? Can you recommend the
doctor who did this for you? Thank you
anonymous
I have not had a toenail removed, but I haved used Dr. Mark Wolpa for other foot-
related issues and can recommend him very highly. His office is at 2500 Milvia, his
telephone number is 510-849-3800.
Also, I'm wondering if your toenail problem might be better addressed by a
dermatologist? My husband had some problems with his fingernails, and he went to a
dermatologist for them
anon
May 2006
I have had ankle and heel pain for almost six months now,
and, despite having an MRI, bone scan, cat scan, and
regular x-rays, two Kaiser podiatrists, two orthopaedists and
a neurologist cannot make a diagnosis. I am back in a
removable cast for the third time, need a wheelchair for any
distance, and am desperate to know what to do. I do have a
shorter leg on that side from a broken pelvis many years
ago, and probably overdid it cycling before the pain started.
If anyone has any ideas or recommendations for a good
podiatrist/orthopaedist, I'd love to hear from you.
Thanks,
C.
I like Alison Jo Cook on foothill in Hayward. She also sees patients in concord 2-3
days /week.
jess
I really like Dr. Elliot Handwerker in Orinda. My primary physcian
recommended him and I thought he was really good and solved my problem
quickly. Office is ran nicely with no long waits in the lobby. His
number is 925.254.5046
jennifer
Dec 2004
My arches have now officially fallen after my second pregnancy. I want to know if
typically health insurance companies like mine, Blue Cross, will cover the cost of
orthopedic inserts for your shoes--or just the office visit to have them made? I
already know of a shoe store where you buy non-custom inserts without a
podiatrist's evaluation, and it comes out to about $150 per pair....is this the same
with what you'd get after seeing an actual foot doctor?
Tired Feet
Most insurance plans do not cover custom made orthotics. You
can get an appointment with a podiatrist covered but not
usually the orthotic. They can run upwards of $300 depending on
what you need.
There is also a store on San Pablo up near Solano Ave called
The Next Step and the owner named Cyrus is very knowledgeable
about tailoring an off the shelf insert to meet your needs.
Bring your customary shoes and he will watch you walk in them
and offer support where you need it. Good shoes and an off the
shelf orthotic may run you $150.
dawn
When I had the same problem, I found a good insurance covered
happy medium by getting a referral to a podiatrist from my
primary physician (I have an HMO) who then ordered some orthotic
inserts that were available to doctors only, but not totally
custom. I believe they cost about $40. Of course the
podiatrist was covered by insurance. Ask your primary and
or/call a podiatrist about this. After wearing the orthotics
for about three months my feet improved and I no longer need
them all the time anyway.
cheryl
June 2004
I am looking for a good podiatrist in the east bay who makes
sport or active orthotics. Long ago I had a pair of ultra
thin, super strong orthotics that were perfect for running
shoes. The podiatrist that made these orthotics is no longer
in the area. I have Kaiser and saw a podiatrist there that had
never heard of these orthodics. I seem to remember that they
were made of some special carbon material. My original pair
was stolen with a pair of shoes years ago and I never replaced
them. Any leads would be great!
Ruth
We have been looking for a podiatrist (foot doctor) for our
three-year-old. She was born with one toe crossing slightly over
the other, and we would like to consult with a specialist about
what can or should not be done. Our pediatrician seems
unconcerned, but we would like to have an expert opinion. Can
anyone give us some leads? We live in Berkeley, so the closer
the better. Thanks a lot!
Beatrice
I recently saw Anna Sorkin, who was recommended on this list,
and thought she was excellent. My husband saw her too and liked
her as well. I don't know if she treats children (one of the
posts asked about a 3 y.o.) but I know she has a child, at
least.
Fran
April 2004
Does anyone have a recomendation for a good podiatrist? Or a great one?
My problem with just one toenail
keeps getting worse.
Thanks for your suggestions!
I would like to recommend Dr. Anna Sorkin in Oakland across
from Summit Hospital. She's very knowledgeable and personable
and her staff is polite and helpful. Her office number is
(510) 444-8733.
hope this helps
March 2004
I am looking for recommendations for any of these 3 podiatrists
in Alameda: Anthony Poggio, Dale Wright and Ted Mihok.
Thanks!
Jesi
I LOVE Dr. Mihok!!! My husband had to see him and said he
liked him, thought he was funny and very good at what he does.
WHen I had to go for a minor tratment (one that involved
needles, which I am terrified of), I went to se him, and he
made me feel so at ease. He is EXCELLENT at what he does, and
while some folks who I have referred to him have said that they
didn't think he was extremely outgoing and exhuberent, they
have all had 100% postive things to say about the work he
does. I know some folks who have seen his partner, Dr. Poggio,
and have like him a lot too. His office staff is friendly,
helpful and cheerful, and you can't go wrong with either of
those doctirs, though my favorite is Dr. Mihok. I can't speak
highly enough of him!
Feelin' no more foot pain
Oct. 2003
I had a serious crush injury to my ankle last year.
I've had two surgeries and my range of motion is still
very bad. The joints are heavily damaged. I've been
dealing exclusively with surgeons who don't believe in
alternative medicines - don't prescribe them at all.
Does anyone know of a foot and ankle specialist or
surgeon out there who considers alternatives to
surgery? I don't care if this person is in Montana or
India. I'll go anywhere. It's an extremely
complicated injury and I need to find a doctor who
won't give up on me.
I'm also looking for a good myofascial release person
who does rehab work.
Thank you.
Podiatrist Dr. Kam Wong (in Berkeley at 839-5219) is very bright,
knowledgeable, and committed to non-invasive methods of cure.
Several people I know (incl. my wife) are very pleased with his
care. I've gotten to know him personally as well (through adult
soccer) and he is truly a prince among men.
Kaveh
Sept. 2003
I'm looking for a good podiatrist who's an expert in orthotics
-in the Berkeley/Oakland area
-HealthNet/Hill physicians HMO
Thank you
I know the BEST podiatrist! I don't know how much of an issue
this will be for you, but he's in Alameda, right across from
the Alameda Hospital, on Clinton. His name is Dr. Ted Mihok,
and his partner's name is Dr. Poggio. I've only used Dr.
Mihok, and I absolutely LOVE him. His office staff is
wonderful as well. He accepts Healthnet (that's what we have
too). Unfortunately I can't find his number right this minute,
but he's listed.
Good Luck!
Jessica
I have a great podiatrist to recommend, and she is a part of Hill
Physicians. Dr. Anna Sorkin can be seen at the offices of Dr.
Stephen Sommer on Piedmont Avenue. She is only there on Fridays. I work
on my feet,really long hours, and have had a lot of trouble with bruised
heels, plantar fasciatis etc. I was really frustrated with the substandard care I got at Kaiser, and experienced something totally different with Dr. Sorkin. She listens, she has a variety of solutions from least to most complex, and she is willing to try all of them to get you relief. You can reach Dr. Sommer's Office at 654-2494.
January 2002
I am looking to change podiatrists. I looked at the web site and there was
only one recommendation. My insurance is PacifiCare through ABMG. Any
suggestions?
Robbie
My insurance is also through ABMG, and the only podiatrist on the list
when I went was Dr. Wolpa in Berkeley. I did not have a particularly
good experience with him. If you need orthotics (which is mostly what
podiatrists seem to do), and if your orthotics are not covered in your
insurance (which is likely), it's more worthwhile, in my opinion to try
Dr. Hannaford. He is smart, personable, practical, and he has offices
in SF & San Rafael. He has a little bit of a bias toward runners, which
I find refreshing, but I think he needs to be reminded that not
everybody is a runner. My consultation with him, which included a quick
in-office video analysis of my running gait, and a look at my shoes and
existing orthotics, and discussion of where my feet hurt and how cost
around $75. My husband went to him, and got his orthotics through him.
I think the whole thing was somewhere between $300-400, which included
the office visit and everything you need (e.g., readjustments) for a
year. Nice office staff too. SF office, 415-387-7577, way out on
Calif. St. San Rafael office, 415-499-8000, not as inconvenient as it
seems.
I've seen Dr. Jay Glasser on San Pablo ave between Marin and Gilman sts. in
Berkeley, for Plantar Fasciaitis. Both times (years apart) he was very
straightforward and helped me by getting me custom orthotics. Don't know what kind of insurance his office takes, but I recommend him highly (his number is in the phone book. I don't have it).
Note from Myriam:
1178 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706 510-526-1335
I would recommend Dr Valmessay from St Francis Hops in SF at the Sports Medicine Clinic, 415-353-6400. He is especially good if you are athletic as he works with athletes all the time and their goal is to get you back to doing what you want to be doing. I have been using him for years and find him to be very nice, easy to get in to see and a great Dr with wonderful recommendations from the medical community. He is however in SF, good luck.
kogorzalek
2000
I need a recommendation of a good podiatrist--Kaiser (my insurance) or
non-Kaiser, preferably East Bay, but Marin near the Richmond bridge would
also be OK. I have developed severe pain in one foot when walking over the
past few months. I visited "La Foot" on College Ave, and they think it is
due to my walking too many years on very flat feet without sufficient
support. Unfortunately, the shoes they recommended shift the pain to a
different spot, but don't eliminate it, and non-custom arch supports help a
bit, but not enough.
Joan
Podiatrist: Dr. Michael DiGiacomo, 465 8012, really helped me with foot
pain. I believe he is/was the podiatrist for the Oakland A's. It's been
years since I saw him, and his office may have moved, but it was on Pill
Hill. I'm not sure which insurances he accepts.
Linda
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