Nilin Rao, DPM is a Podiatrist practicing at his Austin, TX clinic, dedicated to providing comprehensive podiatric care. He is registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Podiatric Medical Examiners Advisory Board and adheres to the Texas Podiatric Medical Practice Act. 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. This area of practice involves diagnosing and treating conditions related to foot & ankle surgery as part of a comprehensive healthcare plan. He serves all ages.
Dr. Rao is a podiatric surgery specialist in Austin, TX, affiliated with HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center and Northwest Hills Surgical Hospital. He is accepting new patients. Dr. Rao earned his degree from Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine and is Board Certified in Foot Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, and Board Certified in Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. His approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He provides consultations primarily in English and can be reached at (512) 407-8188 to schedule an appointment.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Rao is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Rao's approach to podiatric care is deeply patient-centered, emphasizing thorough diagnostics and personalized treatment plans. He excels at providing comprehensive care for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, from routine issues to complex surgical interventions. His dedication to clear communication and collaboration ensures patients understand their condition and treatment options, ultimately fostering a positive and productive therapeutic relationship.
By working together, you and Dr. Rao can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO
- Blue Advantage HMO
- Blue Choice
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Essentials HMO
- BlueCard PPO
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- HMO Premier HMO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- National POS
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate Plus POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Preferred PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Signature Administrators PPO
- UnitedHealthCare
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Rao offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Foot Sprain: If you've injured your foot by twisting or turning it, you might have a sprain; a podiatrist can assess the damage and create a recovery plan.
- Foot Fracture: If you've injured your foot and suspect a fracture, a podiatrist can help; they'll assess the damage, create a treatment plan that could involve immobilization, pain management, or even surgery, and help you recover.
- Hammer Toe: Improperly functioning tendons and muscles can cause hammer toe, resulting in a bent toe joint; your podiatrist can diagnose and treat this problem.
- Metatarsalgia: Experiencing pain in the front of your foot? It might be metatarsalgia. See a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment to help manage this painful condition.
- Osteoarthritis of Foot: Experiencing chronic foot pain due to the wearing down of joint cartilage (osteoarthritis)? A podiatrist can assess your condition and recommend treatments like medication, physical therapy, or surgery.
- Bunion: If you have a bunion, a painful bony bump at the base of your big toe, seeing a podiatrist is important to get proper diagnosis and treatment, ranging from conservative options to surgery.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Experiencing heel pain that worsens after rest or activity? A podiatrist can help manage your plantar fasciitis with treatments like stretching, orthotics, and other therapies.
- Osteoarthritis of Ankle: Ankle osteoarthritis is the wearing down of cartilage in the ankle joint, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling, and a podiatrist can help manage it with treatments like physical therapy, medication, and in some cases, surgery.
- Rupture of Achilles Tendon: If you've injured the tendon at the back of your ankle, it could be a ruptured Achilles tendon, a condition diagnosed and treated by podiatrists.
- Achilles Tendinitis: Pain and swelling in your heel or along the back of your ankle could be Achilles tendinitis, a condition effectively diagnosed and treated by a podiatrist to reduce pain and improve mobility.
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition causing pain and numbness in the foot, due to pressure on a nerve in the ankle, and a podiatrist can diagnose and treat 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.
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. Rao offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair: If you've ruptured your Achilles tendonthe one in your lower legthis surgery repairs the tear, allowing you to walk and move normally again.
- Ankle Arthroscopy: Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure using a small camera to diagnose and repair ankle problems.
- Bunion Surgery: Bunion surgery aims to correct the deformity caused by a bunion, reducing pain, improving the appearance of the foot, and restoring mobility.
- Bunionette Surgery: This surgery aims to realign the little toe and remove the bony growth (bunionette) causing pain and potentially improve mobility.
- Foot Dislocation Treatment: A dislocated foot requires specialized care to reset the joint, typically involving a podiatrist's expertise in manual manipulation or surgical intervention.
- Foot Dislocation Treatment Open: Open foot dislocation treatment involves surgery to repair a severely displaced foot joint.
- Foot Fracture Treatment Closed: Treatment for a broken foot that doesn't require surgery, often involving casting or splinting.
- Foot Fracture Treatment Open: If you have a severe foot fracture that needs to be surgically repaired, this is the type of treatment you may receive.
- Foot Ligament Tendon Repair: Foot ligament and tendon repair surgery fixes torn or damaged ligaments and tendons in your foot and ankle, restoring stability and function.
- Hammer Toe Repair: Surgery for a hammer toe can improve the appearance and mobility of your affected toe.
- Heel Bone Spur Removal: Heel bone spur removal surgery is a treatment option to eliminate a painful bony outgrowth on your heel, allowing for improved mobility.
- Nail Avulsion and Excision: Nail avulsion and excision is a procedure to remove a severely damaged or infected toenail.
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. Rao 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:
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan from a podiatrist, a patient successfully managed their foot sprain and returned to their usual activities without further pain or discomfort.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan for a foot fracture, a patient experienced significant pain relief and regained mobility quickly. Their podiatrist's guidance empowered them to manage their recovery effectively and return to their normal activities.
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:
Practice
1600 W 38th St Ste 210, Austin, TX, 78731
Phone: (512) 407-8188
View on Map - Practice
601 E Whitestone Blvd Ste 226, Cedar Park, TX, 78613
Phone: (512) 259-3338
View on Map - Practice
17300 N Perimeter Dr Ste 150, Scottsdale, AZ, 85255
Phone: (602) 734-1834
View on Map
- Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine (Medical School)
- American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (Foot Surgery)
- American Board of Podiatric Medicine (Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Podiatric care with Dr. Rao:
- What is the difference between a Podiatrist and an Orthopedic Surgeon?
- Dr. Rao is a podiatrist (DPM), specializing exclusively in the medical and surgical care of the foot and ankle. Orthopedic surgeons (MD/DO) treat the entire musculoskeletal system, though some may have a fellowship in foot and ankle care. Dr. Rao's entire training is focused on the foot and ankle.
- Do I need a referral to see a Podiatrist?
- To see Dr. Rao, 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 specific plan's requirements.
- Do all bunions require surgery?
- Not at all. Many bunions can be managed without surgery. Dr. Rao 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.
- 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 is severe, persistent, or causing tripping, Dr. Rao can evaluate their gait and bone structure to determine if any intervention is necessary.
- I have diabetes. Why is it so important for me to see a podiatrist?
- Dr. Rao emphasizes the importance of podiatric care for people with diabetes because diabetes can cause nerve damage and poor circulation in the feet. Small injuries can easily become serious infections without being noticed. Regular checkups with Dr. Rao are essential to prevent complications, manage foot health, and avoid amputations.
- What are custom orthotics and how are they different from store-bought insoles?
- Custom orthotics, prescribed by Dr. Rao, are medical devices made from a precise mold of your feet. They are designed to correct specific biomechanical issues and provide support where it's needed most, unlike generic, cushioned store-bought insoles.
- What causes heel pain, and how do you treat it?
- Dr. Rao typically sees heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot. He begins with conservative treatments like stretching, icing, supportive shoes, and custom orthotics. Other options are available if these methods don't provide relief.
- What's the best way to treat an ingrown toenail?
- Dr. Rao advises against attempting to treat an ingrown toenail at home. DIY procedures can worsen the problem or lead to infection. A podiatrist can safely and effectively remove the offending nail border in the office, often with lasting results. For recurring problems, permanent nail root removal may be necessary.
1600 W 38th St Ste 210
Austin TX 78731
Phone: (512) 407-8188
Nilin Rao, 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): 1689107450
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. Nilin Rao 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.