The congenial New York foot specialist Dr. Rock Positano is known nationally for helping patients avoid foot and ankle surgery. Which explains why he was featured on the front page of The New York Times expressing dismay at those women who choose cosmetic foot surgery to force their feet into high-end designer shoes. It happens regularly, says Positano, and then the same women seek his help to repair the damage done. "Sadly, I can't do a thing for them," he says. "It's too late."
Positano is director of the Non-Surgical Foot and Ankle Service at Hospital for Special Surgery, and author/editor of an orthopedic medical textbook. His research has led him to conclude that hip and knee replacements are regularly required because the feet were not analyzed and attended to. "It all starts with the feet," he says. "We know that now."
At Positano's office, clients walk on a special mat that transmits information to a computer; the screen shows precisely how the foot is making contact with the ground. Professional customized orthotics might be recommended to re-balance the foot and the rest of the body.
On The Faith Middleton Show we'll look at which shoes are most foot friendly; why cosmetic foot surgery is thriving; and how to take care of the feet to avoid knee and hip surgery, as well as sprained ankles. In addition, we'll talk about how to keep knees and hips stable after replacement.
Dr. Rock Positano's thesis on foot health was approved with honors and distinction by the Yale University School of Medicine.
Here's some reading from The Washington Post:
- Podiatrists Offer Tips for Preserving Foot Health During Pedicure Season
- How Runners Can Keep Their Feet Happy
- Comfort Shoes Aren’t Necessarily Good for You. How To Find the Support You Need.
- High-Heeled Shoes May Look Good, but They’re Bad for Your Feet
- Is Barefoot Running Better for You?
Join the conversation by email, on Twitter, or on Facebook.
GUEST:
- Rock Positano is Director of the Non-surgical Foot and Ankle Service at Hospital for Special Surgery.
MUSIC:
- “Gne Gne,” Montefiori Cocktail
- “Boogie Shoes,” KC and the Sunshine Band
- “These Boots Were Made for Walkin’,” Emilie-Claire Barlow
- “Footloose,” Kenny Loggins
Lori Mack, Jonathan McNicol, and Marian Roy contributed to this show.
