Desantis Nicholas DPM

In July 2012 I started experiencing left-​heel pain during normal walking. I wore only supportive athletic shoes, but the problem worsened. It was _​not_​plantar fascitis. It felt like I was walking on a rock inside my heel. My GP referred me to any of 3 podiatrists so I could get prescription insoles, and I stupidly chose Dr. Desantis b/​c he was much closer to home. I am not a screamer, but when he examined my foot and poked at my heel, it hurt so much that I cried out in pain. He said, «You don’t have to scream.» (!) Then he watched me walk down the hall, and said, «There’s nothing wrong with your foot. Here’s some prescription-​strength Aleve. I’m not going to write a prescription for insoles, because the problem must be in your spine. You should go back to your GP and have her order an MRI.» Seriously? With no back pain or sciatica whatsoever. I mean, even my spouse could feel that my left heel had a lump that my right heel didn’t have! And with my insurance, an MRI would’ve cost me about $ 1500. So I decided to wait. I taped my foot every day and iced it every night, to help the swelling go down.
In November, a massage therapist told me about Dr. Bigg Yee Thom, who had helped her with a condition that had defied Western medicine. The first time I saw Dr. Thom, she felt my heel and said, «It feels like you’re walking on a walnut, doesn’t it?» Yes! I saw Dr. Thom weekly for 3 months, and each time my foot got better. Dr. Thom uses electro-​pulse acupuncture plus Tui Na. I was very skeptical about acupuncture, but the treatment worked!
In June 2013 I spent 3 weeks in Spain, walking everywhere, with no pain at all.
I never wasted my money on an MRI, thank God.
So: Dr. Desantis is a useless quack, and Dr. Thom rocks.

What a fantastic dr. He was kind and listened to what was said. If you need a podiatrist he should be your doctor

Waste of my time. This guy is a joke. It’s a waste of my time writing a review but thought it would save anyone else the trouble.

Dr. Desantis helped me with a bunion issue and he was the most professional and gracious physician I have ever had the pleasure to be treated by (and I’m a healthcare professional). I was hesitant about having surgery and he took the time to listen and advise me on the option best for me. My health and well being were his top priority. I would definitely refer Dr. Desantis to anyone looking for «best practice» podiatric care.

I saw Dr. Desantis about 6 months ago. I came in with pain in my foot and had already seen my general practitioner with xrays. I already had what I believed was the diagnosis (someone I know worked for a podiatrist for 15 years.) Although he was pleasant, he ignored the possible diagnosis. He gave me painful injections that did nothing. After 6 months of continued pain and the issue getting worse, I saw another podiatrist this morning. Sure enough it was exactly what I thought it was 6 months ago. I will need surgery, as was originally told to me. If a non-​medical back office assistant with only 1^st aid training knew it was neuroma, why doesnt a medical expert??? I would suggest you go elsewhere because even if you know the problem he will still get the diagnosis wrong.

I really enjoy visiting Dr. Desantis because he is straight forward and I feel he genuinely cares for his patients. His East Coast attitude makes him seem down to earth and I like that he doesn’t «baby» his patients.

i hate to write negative reviews but i have to agree with the reviewers below. i went in to see dr. desantis for a black toe nail. he was extremely condescending and it almost felt like he was making fun of me for being nervous. i have to follow up on this toenail, as it is still clinging on for dear life, but trust me, i will be finding another dr.
pro: the receptionist is very nice, easy parking

I’m writing this review now, 3 years since i visited this doctor. The negative reviews on this site were on point with my experience, including his apparent lack of patient sympathy. He seemed unmoved by history of my pain and discomfort, noting that many of his patients have severe discomfort requiring surgery. I replied by emphasizing that even a 10−20% reduction in pain OVER THE DURATION of my expected life span, was well worth seeking diagnosis and treatment. The mere fact that I needed to explain that speaks volumes. I simply didn’t feel like my pain and discomfort were taken very seriously, and he didn’t seem interested in extensive diagnosis. After 3 years of continuing discomfort, I’m now researching again for foot doctors with some answers.

This was the worst experience I have EVER had with a doctor! I would give him zero stars if I could. Dr. Desantis was extremely rude, insensitive, and made me feel so uncomfortable I almost left in the middle of the appointment. I have never felt this way with a doctor. Plus he couldn’t give me any advice on how to solve my foot pain, and frankly had no interest in my pain at all. He was more concerned with the fact I was wearing sandals and my feet weren’t clean enough for him. He said this was being disrespectful to him! He made me feel like some bum with bad hygiene! That’s like going to the dentist and them telling you its disrespectful to them that you didn’t brush your teeth after your last meal before sitting in their chair. When I called back to make a complaint, the receptionist apologized like she had gotten these types of complaints before. She said they would not charge me for my co-​pay and would not bill my insurance, but she did. I was not complaining in order to get a refund, but they couldn’t even get that right. STAY AWAY, find a different doctor.

Awesome Podiatrist (Foot & Ankle Specialist)! Dr. Desantis is a cool guy originally from the east coast with a nice personality and great care. I recently injured my foot and it was killing me for 2 months so I went in to see an Orthopedic Dr. a month ago and it was a joke. Very generic consultation, no personality, and no cure/​relief for my issue.
After another month of pain, I went in to see Dr. Desantis and he was very precise, detailed, and helped address my pain and concern. I wound up getting a shot of cortisone, which usually is quite discomforting, but he did it with care and a gentle touch where it didn’t hurt a bit. I absolutely recommend Dr. Desantis to anyone looking for a great Podiatrist/​Foot Specialist. He knows his stuff and is a good guy. A+