General Practitioners

• Warts
• Arthritis
  Conditions affecting the feet due to complications with arthritis can take many forms, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Osteoarthritis typically affects the joint connecting your big toe to your foot, though it can also be found in the midfoot or ankle region. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis typically affects both feet and deals with the same joints on each foot. Gout, which normally affects the big toe, is comprised of needle-like crystals that trigger inflammation in the joints. Psoriatic arthritis causes sausage-like swelling in the toes. Lastly, ankylosing spondylitis can lead to plantar fasciitis and pain at the Achilles tendon.
• Plantar Fasciitis
  Because plantar fasciitis is known to worsen over time, it’s recommended that you meet with a podiatrist as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and advised treatment plan.
• Medical Weight Loss
  If you’re experiencing any discomfort or pain due to one of the above forms of arthritis, consider over-the-counter pain medication and investing in comfortable footwear. Pain medication coupled with top of the line comfort footwear is a great way to ease the pain that often comes with arthritis. If you’re overweight, it’s also recommended to think about setting a weight loss goal to ease some of the pressure on your feet, as well stay as active as possible. Applying ice or heat to the affected area is another way to calm the discomfort you may experience. It’s important to do research and see whether inserts may be beneficial for you. General foot care, like pampering your feet and keeping them well maintained, is also recommended. Lastly, you should seek professional advice and learn about potential surgery options, if necessary.
• Pediatric Care
  Dr. Patel grew up in Bridgewater, New Jersey and received his Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University. He earned his medical degree from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, where he graduated with several honors and scholarships. As Chief Podiatric Resident at Hoboken University Medical Center, a prestigious program known for its intense trauma and complex foot & ankle reconstruction exposure, he specialized in conservative & surgical treatment of various foot & ankle disorders from pediatrics through geriatrics. His expertise ranges from treatment of minor foot disorders to advanced surgical reconstruction of the foot and ankle including trauma, limb salvage procedures and elective surgery. Dr. Patel has completed courses in AO fixation, forefoot and rearfoot joint fusions, and foot & ankle arthroscopy.
• Emergency Care
• Diabetic Foot Care
  Princeton Foot & Ankle Associates, PC is available to treat foot and ankle ailments such as diabetic foot care, ingrown toenails, fungal toenails, warts and painful calluses. Our practice specializes in general foot care. Please call our office in Princeton (609) 924-1922 or West Windsor (609) 799-0043 for an appointment.

Endocrinologist

• Diabetes Care

Radiologist

• Ultrasound
  Dr. Panagakos has extensive experience in all aspects of foot and ankle surgery, including trauma, reconstructive procedures and elective foot procedures. Dr. Panagakos is known for performing complex and revisional foot and ankle procedures for adults and children. His specialties include surgically managing bunions, flatfeet, tendon tears, foot and ankle fractures and arthritic conditions of the lower extremity. Dr. Panagakos performs the newest bunion procedures such as the 3D Lapiplasty correction and Minimally Invasive surgery (MIS). Dr. Panagakos also performs a variety of Arthroscopy procedures for the foot and ankle, where he can repair cartilage defects of the ankle joint and remove arthritic debris with a minimally invasive approach. He performs the minimally invasive Subchondroplasty procedure for ankle lesions. Dr. Panagakos routinely provides conservative treatments to alleviate painful conditions for both adults and children. His in office procedures include Ultrasound Guided Injections, Ingrown nail procedures, Wart procedures, skin and nail biopsies and epidermal nerve fiber density testing for peripheral neuropathy.
• MRI
  In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
• X-Rays

Surgeons

• Orthopedics
  Dr. Panagakos grew up in Brooklyn, NY and received his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Rutgers University. Dr. Panagakos received his medical degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He completed a very distinguished surgical residency at Hahnemann University Hospital/Drexel College of Medicine, a busy level-1 trauma center. Dr. Panagakos was the Chief of Podiatric Surgery at PENN Medicine Princeton Medical Center, from December 2013 to January 2023. Dr. Panagakos is one of very few surgical podiatrists to obtain four board certifications. He is Board Certified in Foot Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He is Board Certified in Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. He is Wound Care certified by CMET. He is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine, and a Founding Fellow of the Academy of Physicians in Wound Healing.
• Arthroscopy
• Wound Care
  Wound care is particularly important for those with diabetes. It’s possible that what appears to be a small wound could turn into more severe foot complications down the road if left untreated. It’s common for those with diabetes to experience neuropathy. Neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that affects the body and can cause you to lose feeling in the feet. If you’re no longer experiencing feeling in your feet and a wound develops, it’s very possible it may go unnoticed if you don’t check your feet daily.
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Ankle Surgery
  When it comes to receiving foot and ankle surgery, it’s typically a case by case situation. Some factors that play a role in whether or not you need surgery include the severity of your symptoms as well as your response to other conservative, noninvasive treatment methods.
• Bunion Surgery
  Being able to walk in a surgical boot, as opposed to being completely non-weight bearing (in a cast with scooter or crutches) for 6-8 weeks, means that you will be getting back to a better quality of life faster; may return to most occupations more quickly; and will be less inconvenienced by bunion surgery.
• Bunions
  A bunion is a bony, painful swelling that is often formed on the first joint of the big toe. Bunions can be extremely painful due to the weight of all your body resting on it each time you take a step. Everyday activities, such as walking and wearing shoes, can cause you extreme discomfort if you have a bunion.
• Arthroscopy
• Ingrown Toenails
  Ingrown toenails can form when the side of a toenail begins to grow into the flesh surrounding the nail. As a result, the affected toe—most commonly the big toe—may become red, swollen, painful, and—in severe cases—infected.
• Reconstructive Surgery
  Dr. Panagakos has published numerous journal articles on Foot and Ankle Reconstructive surgery. His research can be found in the prestigious journals of The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. He has lectured and demonstrated innovative surgical techniques to training residents in the NJ and PA area. He has presented research at The Annual Scientific Foot and Ankle Surgery Conferences multiple times. Dr. Panagakos is also a peer reviewer for multiple journal publications, most notably The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the Foot and Ankle Online Journal. In addition to English, he is fluent in Greek. His hobbies include sports, cooking and spending time with his family.

Dermatologists

• Corns
  Corns are hardened bumps, normally found on the top or on the side of the toes. Some may also be found on the bottom of the feet. Corns are typically small and circular and have either hard or soft centers. Hard corns are generally found on the more firm areas of the foot, while soft corns are typically found in areas prone to be more moist, such as in between the toes.
• Ulcer
  While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.
• Calluses
  To tell if you have plantar warts, you should check the soles of your feet for bumpy growths. Sometimes these growths may come with a tiny black dot in the center. You may also have plantar warts if you experience pain when walking or standing up. Because plantar warts are easily confused with other foot conditions like corns or calluses, it’s important you seek professional help for proper treatment.
• Fungus
  The area of the toes is generally warm and damp, unfortunately making it a great area for fungus to grow. If left untreated, the fungal infection can spread, which is why it’s so important to get professional help early on and look into your treatment options.
• Lesions

Physical Therapists

• Sports Medicine
  Some common contributors that lead to foot and ankle injuries in the realm of sports include not stretching properly or failing to warm up, wearing the incorrect footwear needed for your particular sport, as well as not taping or providing your feet and ankle with the needed support. There are a number of foot conditions that can develop if certain safety measures are ignored. Some of the most common conditions related to sports injuries include Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures, to name a few.
• Physical Therapy
  Possible conditions that may arise due to injury of the Achilles tendon include tears, ruptures, tendinitis, peritendinitis, tendinosis, tendinopathy, and bursitis. When trying to diagnose if one has issues with their Achilles tendon, a podiatrist will commonly check for any pain, swelling, or discoloration around the heel or lower leg area. Different treatments for issues concerning the Achilles tendon vary, but may include over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers for intense discomfort, alternating ice and heat therapy, custom-made orthotics, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery. To help prevent injury to the Achilles tendon, it’s recommended to regularly perform stretches involving the muscles of the lower leg.
• Flatfoot Correction
• Heel Pain
• Ankle Sprain
  There are many factors that play into the cause of ankle sprains. Simple, everyday activities like walking can lead to an ankle sprain if the activity is being done on an uneven surface. The same goes for running or exercising. Those who partake in sports may be more susceptible to obtaining a sprained ankle because they’re more likely to fall or land uncomfortably after a jump, which can lead to an injury.
• Geriatrics
• Orthotics and Prosthetic Therapy

Podiatrists

• General Podiatry
  To ensure your convenience, below is the information you need about our podiatry office, including our hours, location, appointment scheduling and insurance acceptance.
• Achilles Tendonitis
  There are many different causes of heel pain, including strains or sprains, tarsal tunnel syndrome, stress fractures, Achilles tendonitis, and heel bursitis. One of the most common causes of heel pain for children and teenagers specifically is Sever’s disease. Sever’s disease can develop due to overuse or repetitive microtrauma of the heel bone's growth plates. This condition is often seen among those who are active in sporting activities.
• Ankle Sprain
  Ankle pain, while initially thought of as an issue for athletes, can affect anyone at anytime. Simple, everyday activities, such as walking or running on an uneven surface, have the possibility of causing serious harm to one’s ankle. That is, however, not to discount athletic injuries; in fact, half of all ankle sprains are inflicted during an athletic activity. The most common causes of ankle injuries include tripping or falling, landing awkwardly after jumping, a sudden impact such as a car crash, or twisting, rolling, and rotating of the ankle.
• Arthritic Foot Care
• Bunions Problems
  Bunions are complex deformities that can be very painful. Princeton Foot & Ankle Associates, PC are pleased to offer a new, patented treatment for bunion correction—Lapiplasty
• Calluses
• Diabetic Foot Care
  Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact
• Flat Feet
  When it comes to treating flat feet or fallen arches, it’s suggested you get plenty of rest. Frequently ice the affected area to help reduce swelling. Performing daily stretches are a great way to loosen up your muscles and relieve strain. It may also be beneficial to look into orthotics or shoe inserts to help relieve the pain.
• Fungus Toenails
  Fungal infections occur due to fungus getting through the cracks of the toes or cuts in your skin. Common signs that you may have a fungal infection include thicker than normal toenails, oddly shaped toenails, discoloration, a yellowish hue to the nail, and separation of the nail and nail bed. Fungal infections can affect anyone but are most common among men, those with diabetes or athlete’s foot, and smokers. The risk of having toenail fungus also increases as you age, if another family member has it, and if you have a weaker immune system.
• Geriatric Foot Care
  As you age, it’s important to pay good attention to your overall health; this includes the well being of your feet. The feet are considered the foundation of the body; if their hygiene becomes at risk, it’s possible you can find yourself immobile and in pain. To avoid this, it’s recommended that senior citizens, in particular, take early action in maintaining the health of their feet.
• Hammertoes
  Hammertoes can be identified by an abnormal bend in the middle joint of the toe. This abnormal bending can lead to added pressure on the toe when wearing shoes. It can also cause pain or discomfort when walking or running. Because hammertoes typically worsen overtime and become increasingly more rigid, it’s recommended that you seek the help of a podiatrist for treatment options if you believe you’re experiencing the symptoms of this deformity.
• Heel Spurs
  There are different causes that may lead to a heel spur including poorly fitted shoes, excess weight or obesity, repetitive stress from running or jogging on hard surfaces, and arthritis. Treating a heel spur often requires a lifestyle change as well as getting plenty of rest. Using cold compresses is another method to help alleviate the discomfort of a heel spur. To prevent further damage, it may be useful to look into wearing shoe inserts or custom orthotics.
• Heel Pain
• Foot Pain
• Ingrown Toenails
  Treatment for an ingrown toenail will vary on a case by case basis. One form of treatment requires lifting the ingrown nail and placing a splint or piece of cotton underneath. Another method for a more severe case would involve partially removing the nail. For cases that need extreme care, the nail itself and tissue would have to be removed.
• Foot Neuroma
  Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.
• Foot Orthotics
• Plantar Fasciitis
  Plantar fasciitis affects the plantar regions of the foot, namely the heel, arch, and midfoot. When too much stress is put on the plantar fascia, or the connective tissue that stretches from the heel to the ball of your foot, inflammation, overtightening, and tearing may arise. This can cause foot pain. Because of plantar fasciitis, you may experience tearing with the first steps you take in the morning each day.
• Podiatric Deformities
  Some factors that contribute to the formation of Morton’s neuroma include wearing high heels or ill-fitting shoes that put extra pressure on your toes or the balls of your feet. There has also been a tie to the development of Morton’s neuroma and certain high-impact sporting activities. Activities you may want to avoid from participating in too frequently include both jogging and running. Too much repetitive trauma can cause a strain on the feet and increase the chances of developing a foot complication. Other sports that require the use of tightly worn shoes, such as skiing or rock climbing, may also increase your chances of getting Morton’s neuroma. Certain foot deformities can also lead to the development of Morton’s neuroma. Some of these deformities that increase the likelihood of getting this condition include bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet.
• Podiatric Surgery
  While providing a variety of treatments for various foot and ankle conditions, we also specialize in foot surgery, amniotic stem cell injections, PRP injections, and Cartiva implants for the treatment of arthritis.