NY Foot Health is supported by the Public Education and Information Committee of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA).
NY Foot Health is supported by the Public Education and Information Committee of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA). As we strive to bring you more information about how to keep your feet healthy, we would also like to share more about the field of podiatry. Over the next several newsletters, we will feature stories on NYSPMA member podiatrists.
We start our series with Karen Langone, DPM. Dr. Langone is in a private practice in Southampton, New York. She received her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from SUNY Stony Brook. She then went on to the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. She chose this school after seeing how very busy their clinic was, knowing she would get great experience in treating patients during her schooling. She then completed a one year training program after her graduation. Two years after completing her training, she opened her practice which she has run for the last 30 years.
Dr. Langone specializes in biomechanics, injuries, and sports medicine care. She also spends one day a week working at a wound care center. As a new patient in her practice, you could expect a very thorough history and physical. She stresses that an examination, although you are being seen by a podiatrist, it is not all about your feet. You can expect to have your overall medical conditions evaluated, an examination of the front and back of your legs, muscle strength, range of motion, and flexibility. Both your walking/gait and your fall risk will also be studied. After completing all of this, you and Dr. Langone will discuss your diagnosis and your options for care. She relates the importance of understanding that the reason this examination is so thorough is that the feet are connected to the rest of your body and serve as a great indication of the rest of your health.
During these unprecedented times, it is important to continue to be evaluated for your foot concerns. In some cases, this can be done as a virtual visit. If you do come to the office, Dr. Langone has ensured patient safety by having patients wait in their cars until an exam room is available and verifying that masks are being worn appropriately. If you are not wearing it correctly, she and her staff will assist in the proper wear. Additionally, there are HEPA filters in all rooms, and the doctors in the practice are all following all precautions and wearing appropriate protective equipment. She strives to keep her office safe as your health matters!
Overall, Dr. Langone, who currently serves as President of the American Association for Women Podiatrists and as a Trustee of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association, is proud to be a podiatrist. She believes that podiatrists go into this field because they want to help others. She sees podiatrists as the doctors who are giving people the ability to walk, move around, and do what they want to do. Finally, she is enthusiastic about the new slogan for NY Foot Health, stating that it personified exactly what we do. And so, we share:
NY Foot Health: Helping New Yorkers Put Their Best Foot Forward!