Podiatrist offers practical advice for those aching feet

Dr. Alan Rothstein sees thousands of feet in his practice

By Barbara Sherman

The Regal Courier, Nov 25, 2009

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He advises people, "Don't ignore minor infections. People come in with ulcerations. One woman had an ulceration due to shoes she bought on sale."

The key to good foot health is education, prevention and follow-up care, according to Rothstein.

"Seniors can have hammertoes, bunions and pinched nerves," he said. "None is life-threatening, but surgery might be necessary.

"We work together with primary care doctors and endocrinologists and vascular surgeons - we work together as a team."

Rothstein is an advocate for good nutrition and exercise within reason - but no less than 15 minutes a day.

"If you're a couch potato, don't go and run a 5K race," Rothstein said. "Gradually increase exercise with proper fitting shoes. Walking is good, and swimming is better. Dancing with the proper shoes is good exercise and a good social activity.

"And go shoe shopping at the end of the day, not in the morning. Go into a shoe store where they actually fit you. Luckily most women would rather be comfortable than fashionable. And no flip-flops - they offer no support."

Rothstein also counsels against some forms of do-it-yourself care.

"Many seniors are stiff - they can't reach down and touch their feet," he said. "Don't perform bathroom surgery. People can't see and don't have the right instruments. But people can inspect their own feet if they can reach them. Get a hand-held mirror and look at the bottom of your feet.

"In general, I encourage people to be active, social and ask their doctor what's wrong but then don't worry too much about it."

Rothstein was born and raised in New York and got most of his education and training in California. In 1980 he opened an office in Portland, and in 1985 he opened a satellite office in the Willowbrook Center, which eventually became his sole office.

"It's been a lovely community to work in," Rothstein said. "The demographics have changed, and I have a diverse practice. I'm seeing three generations of patients. I'm now seeing the children and grandchildren of my first patients."

His office features four treatment rooms and a surgical suite plus x-ray and ultrasound equipment. In addition, he performs surgeries at Legacy Meridian Park Hospital and Providence St. Vincent Medical Center.

"Insurance dictates where you go," Rothstein said. "There is tremendous fear among seniors that doctors will not take them as new patients. Some doctors are not accepting any more Medicare patients.”

Rothstein's office is located at 11515 S.W. Durham Road, Suite E1. The phone number is 503-624-0364.

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