Nicholas Desai, DPM is a Podiatrist practicing at Houston Methodist Podiatry Associates in Sugar Land, TX. He is a trusted local provider on kellysearch.com, dedicated to providing comprehensive podiatric care. Registered with The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation - Podiatric Medical Examiners Advisory Board, Dr. Desai practices under the rules and regulations of the Texas Podiatric Medical Practice Act, ensuring a high standard of care for all his patients. Podiatrists (DPMs), also known as foot and ankle specialists, are the healthcare experts to diagnose and treat foot and ankle conditions, from common issues like bunions and ingrown toenails to complex surgeries, often collaborating with primary care physicians for comprehensive patient care. He serves all ages.
Dr. Desai's primary focus is dedicated to adult and pediatric foot disorders. By leveraging the latest 21st century technology, he provides patients with a customized, individualized approach with a core emphasis on a quick, efficient recovery. With over 25 years of dedicated experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and care to his patients. He earned his degree from New York College Of Podiatric Medicine in 1999, completed an internship at St Barnabas/Cornell/Nypresbyterian Hospital Netwrok (graduated 2000), and undertook residency training in Podiatrists at Ny Presbyterian Hospital Network/Metro-Lincoln-Fcny (graduated 2001). Dr. Desai is currently welcoming new patients, and they are encouraged to call (281) 240-3338 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Nicholas Desai offers consultations in several languages, including Gujarati, Hindi, and Spanish.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Desai is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Desai's approach to podiatric care is deeply patient-centered, emphasizing thorough diagnostic evaluations and personalized treatment plans. He prioritizes clear communication, ensuring patients understand their conditions and available options. His comprehensive approach extends beyond immediate symptoms, considering the overall health of each patient's foot and ankle to deliver effective and lasting solutions.
By working together, you and Dr. Desai can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Amerigroup (Wellpoint)
Assurant Health
Cigna
Elderplan
Guardian
Humana
Principal Financial Group
WellPoint
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- MHNet - Behavioral Health
- Medicaid
- Midwest Health Plan
- Molina Healthcare
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Navigate POS
- UnitedHealthCare
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Desai offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Diabetic (Charcot) Foot: When high blood sugar damages nerves and blood vessels in the feet of people with diabetes, it can lead to Charcot foot, a condition a podiatrist can help treat to prevent serious complications.
- Plantar Wart: A plantar wart is a common, small, hard growth on the sole of your foot caused by a virus, and a podiatrist can help remove it.
- Ankle Injury: Pain, swelling, and difficulty walking can all signal an ankle injury, which a podiatrist can evaluate, creating a personalized recovery plan to get you back on your feet.
- Ingrown Toenail: Painful, inflamed skin around a toenail signals an ingrown toenail; a podiatrist offers various treatments, from nail trimming to surgery, to resolve this problem.
- Foot Sprain: Foot sprains cause pain and swelling, and a podiatrist will help determine the severity and recommend appropriate treatment to get you back on your feet.
- Nail and Nail Bed Infection: Nail and nail bed infections, like ingrown toenails or fungal infections, are diagnosed and treated by podiatrists who can prescribe medication or perform procedures to clear the infection.
- Difficulty With Walking: Pain or discomfort in your feet and ankles that makes walking difficult can be evaluated and treated by a podiatrist.
- Non-Unions and Malunions of Fractures: When a fracture in your foot or ankle doesn't heal completely (non-union) or heals improperly (malunion), a podiatrist can provide specialized care to address the problem.
- Ankle Fracture: Ankle fractures can be very painful and limit your mobility; a podiatrist specializes in treating these injuries, helping you heal and regain full function.
- Onychomycosis: If you have a toenail or fingernail that's discolored, thickened, or otherwise unhealthy due to a fungal infection (onychomycosis), a podiatrist can help you get rid of it.
- Ankle Impingement: Ankle impingement occurs when structures within the ankle joint become compressed, leading to pain and stiffness, but your podiatrist can provide effective treatment options to alleviate discomfort.
- Hammer Toe: Hammertoes are bent toes that can cause pain, blisters, and corns; a podiatrist can recommend treatments to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Desai offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Ankle Surgery: Depending on the specific issue, ankle surgery may involve arthroscopy (minimally invasive) or more extensive open surgery to fix your ankle.
- Flatfoot Correction: Many options exist to correct flat feet, ranging from simple supportive measures to more involved surgical procedures, depending on the severity.
- Bunionette Surgery: If a bunionette (tailor's bunion) causes significant pain or discomfort, surgery can help remove the bump and improve foot function.
- Ingrown Toenail Surgery: Ingrown toenail surgery offers a lasting solution for persistent ingrown toenails, improving comfort and preventing recurrence.
- Ingrown Toenail Treatment: This service focuses on correcting ingrown toenails, using techniques like partial nail removal or other methods to eliminate pain, infection, and prevent future ingrown nails.
- Foot Surgery: If conservative treatments fail to resolve foot or ankle issues, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged bones, ligaments, or tendons.
- Reconstructive Ankle Surgery: For severe ankle fractures, arthritis, or other significant injuries, this procedure involves repairing or replacing damaged parts of the ankle to restore its structure and function.
- Ankle Ligament Reconstruction: For chronic ankle instability following an injury, this surgery uses grafts to reconstruct the torn ligaments and allow the ankle to function normally.
- Hammer Toe Repair: If you have a hammer toe causing pain or discomfort, surgery can help restore your toe's natural position.
- Fracture Care: A podiatrist offers fracture care to manage broken bones in the foot and ankle, ranging from simple treatment to complex surgical repair and rehabilitation.
- Ankle Fusion: This surgery permanently connects the bones in your ankle joint, offering long-term pain relief for those with severe arthritis or injuries.
- Wound Care and Management: This service focuses on treating wounds on your feet and ankles to prevent infection, reduce pain, and help them heal properly.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Desai is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- By following a podiatrist's personalized treatment plan, a patient successfully managed their Diabetic (Charcot) Foot, preventing further complications and improving their overall quality of life. Regular check-ups and diligent self-care allowed the patient to regain control of their foot health.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan, the patient experienced significant relief from the plantar wart's discomfort, regaining their full mobility and comfort. The patient felt empowered by the podiatrist's guidance in managing their condition effectively.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Houston Methodist Podiatry Associates
16605 Southwest Fwy Ste 335, Sugar Land, TX, 77479
Phone: (281) 240-3338
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- Texas Technical University (Other Education) - 2011
- Rice University (Other Education) - 2007
- NY Presbyterian Hospital Network/Metro-Lincoln-FCNY (Residency Hospital) - 2001
- St Barnabas/Cornell/NYPresbyterian Hospital Netwrok (Internship Hospital) - 2000
- NEW YORK COLLEGE OF PODIATRIC MEDICINE (Medical School) - 1999
- University of Texas / Austin Campus (Undergraduate School) - 1995
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Podiatric care with Dr. Desai:
- What is the difference between a Podiatrist and an Orthopedic Surgeon?
- Dr. Desai is a podiatrist, specializing in the medical and surgical care of the foot and ankle. Orthopedic surgeons, on the other hand, treat the entire musculoskeletal system, though some may have additional training in foot and ankle care. A podiatrist's entire training is focused on the foot and ankle.
- Do I need a referral to see a Podiatrist?
- To see Dr. Desai, you may not need a referral. Many insurance plans, like PPOs, allow direct appointments. However, some plans, such as HMOs, require a referral from your primary care physician. Please call your insurance provider to confirm your plan's specific requirements.
- What are custom orthotics and how are they different from store-bought insoles?
- Custom orthotics, prescribed by Dr. Desai, are medical devices made from a precise mold of your feet. They are designed to correct specific biomechanical issues and provide support exactly where it's needed, unlike generic, cushioned store-bought insoles.
- I have diabetes. Why is it so important for me to see a podiatrist?
- Dr. Desai can help you manage your diabetes-related foot health. Diabetes can cause nerve damage and poor circulation, making even small foot problems serious. Regular check-ups are essential to prevent complications and avoid amputations.
- What causes heel pain, and how do you treat it?
- Dr. Desai typically finds that plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot, is the most frequent cause of heel pain. He often starts with conservative treatments like stretching, icing, supportive shoes, and custom orthotics. Other options may be considered if these methods don't provide relief.
- My child's feet point inward when they walk. Is this a problem?
- In-toeing is very common in young children and often resolves on its own. However, if your child's in-toeing persists, is severe, or causes tripping, Dr. Desai can evaluate their gait and bone structure to determine if any intervention is needed. He can assess if stretching or special footwear is necessary.
- Do all bunions require surgery?
- Not at all. Many bunions can be managed without surgery. Dr. Desai focuses first on conservative treatments to relieve pain and pressure, such as recommending wider shoes, padding, and custom orthotics. Surgery is typically reserved for cases where pain is severe and significantly limits daily activities.
- What's the best way to treat an ingrown toenail?
- Dr. Desai advises against attempting to treat an ingrown toenail at home. DIY procedures can worsen the problem or lead to infection. A podiatrist can perform a safe, in-office procedure to remove the offending nail border and provide lasting relief. For recurring issues, a portion of the nail root can be permanently removed.
Houston Methodist Podiatry Associates
16605 Southwest Fwy Ste 335
Sugar Land TX 77479
Phone: (281) 240-3338
Nicholas Desai, DPM is regulated by the the rules and regulations of the Texas Podiatric Medical Practice Act in Texas and is licensed by The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation - Podiatric Medical Examiners Advisory Board.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1417999012
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation - Podiatric Medical Examiners Advisory Board website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Nicholas Desai are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.