Meet Narendra Patel, DPM

Education

• Medical School
  The New York College of Podiatric Medicine, New York, NY
• Masters
  Surgical Technology, Triton College, River Grove, IL 
• Undergraduate
  University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 

Training

• Residency
  Podiatric Surgical Residency Geisinger-Community Medical Center of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Scranton, PA
• Residency
  Podiatric Primary Medicine, New York College of Podiatric Medicine and Affiliated Hospital, New York, NY
• Externship
  Diabetic Foot Care & Inpatient Hospital Management, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
• Externship
  Diabetic Foot Care & Inpatient Hospital Management, St. Michael's Medical Center, Newark, NJ

Board Certifications

• Board-Certified, Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery
  Board-Certified, Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery, American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery
• Board-Certified Foot and Ankle Surgery
  Board-Certified, American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery

Social Media

Foot and Ankle

•  Ankle Joint Replacement
• Foot Deformity & Fracture Correction
• Ankle Deformity & Fracture Correction
• Charcot Reconstruction
• Charcot Specialist
• Chronic Nerve Pain
• Deformity Correction
• Total Ankle Replacement
• Nerve Repair
• Injection-Based Treatment

Patient Story #1

Deb says, “I am passionate about sharing my experience because I have always believed that knowledge needs to be shared with others, especially those searching for it.”

Hi, Deb! Tell us about your experience prior to surgery. What were your symptoms?

Prior to my first bunion surgeries (right & left) [in] 2019, I had some pain with direct pressure underneath my right foot and big toe. I gradually became uncomfortable in most of the shoes and boots I usually wore. I rarely wore high heels, but when I did my feet hurt especially in the toe box. I gradually had more pain, during and after walking with and without shoes. I wasn't aware that I had bunions until 2017.

What were some of the obstacles you faced when trying to find relief?

In 2017 I consulted with a podiatrist who gave me a plan; however, I couldn't get medical clearance because of a reoccurring UTI.

In 2019 I had heard great things about [another podiatrist]. After meeting with him, he said that I was a great candidate for surgery. I had both feet done in the same year. My left foot healed with no complications.

[After I had] surgery to remove screws from my right foot, I had been complaining of ongoing pain on the top and the medial side of my foot, in addition to the neuroma pain. [I had] surgery on the right foot to shave off more bone from the inside bump. I was still complaining of the same pain.

[When] I reported that I still had pain in and around where the bunion had been, however, [my podiatrist] felt there wasn't anything more that he could offer. I was seen by a few more providers which led to an MRI. Even with the MRI, it seemed that no one had an idea of how to help me. During the time of MRI, the bunion had grown back and the big toe crossed over the second toe. Even light touch to the top of my foot was painful and I could only wear specific shoes to avoid pain and fatigue.

From 2021 until May of 2023, I decided that I would have to 'JUST DEAL' with the symptoms.

I had x-rays and a cortisone shot on the top of the right big toe. The injection did not help. I had two more injections [after that], one injection on top and one injection on the innerl side. [My doctor] also taped up my foot and I was given an oral, five-day steroid.

What eventually brought you to Dr. Patel and Barrington Orthopedic Specialists?

While wearing the tape I had increased pain in both the bunion and neuroma. My follow-upappointment [about this issue] was the first time (that I recall) discussing nerve pain. [Another doctor] then told me about a seminar that he had recently attended, and about Dr.Patel.

On 6/03/23, [I had my] first appointment with Doctor Patel. From the minute I walked into the Schaumberg location, I felt welcomed. I was anxious to hear what Dr. Patel would tell me. I had been praying all the way from the Quad Cities that this doctor, Dr. Patel, would be able to figure out why my foot hurts and that he would be able to help me.

How was your initial experience with Dr. Patel and the BOS team?

I remember talking with Hannah(Dr. Patel’s Assistant). I remember that she seemed to have an understanding of what I was trying to communicate. I had so much history with my foot at that time that I wasn't even sure where to begin, but Hannah seemed to understand me.

After my x-rays, Dr. Patel pointed out some things about my foot that I had never heard of before meeting him. I had an epiphany. Every bell and whistle was going off in my head. Everything that Dr. Patel was saying made complete sense. I didn't say anything, but I was thinking, 'WHY IS THIS THING WITH MY FOOT A HIDDEN SECRET!?!?' I couldn't help wondering what was wrong with me and why this was the first time [I was hearing this.]

It didn't take long for Dr. Patel to figure out what treatment I was going to need and that yes, he could help me. Everything that he said sounded like common sense. He had myattention and my trust.

Tell us about your procedure. What did you end up needing to find relief?

I was not sure what surgery was going to be necessary for my case. I knew that I had multiple issues within my foot.

My procedure included:

• Right MTP joint fusion
• Bunionectomy
• Nerve harvest
• A muscle graft
• Nerve transfer to graft

My surgical nurse Kate was amazing. The anesthesiologist was great. I felt well-informed and well taken care of.

What do you see as the difference between your previous attempts to find relief and your procedure with Dr. Patel?

The difference between the surgery from Dr. Patel and the first bunion surgery was correcting both the structural and neurological symptoms.

Tell us about your recovery. What were the challenges?

Once I got the hang of standing on one foot and making some adjustments, recovery went well for the first week or two. The issue I had was with the hard cast. I was having a lot of pain and pressure in the distal part of my foot. My toes were purple and I was concerned about circulation. I was having what physical therapy refers to as “flowering pain.” I did go to the ER, and they were kind enough to split the sides of the cast as long as I agreed to wear an ACE bandage while I was sitting or standing.

I am so appreciative of Hannah's patience with me because I felt like I was calling her a lot. Hannah and Mo were both kind and understanding. Even though I was not their only patient, they both made me feel as though I was.

How are you feeling now? Update us on your progress.

I wish that I was further along; however, I am getting better. I have less swelling and better [range of motion]. I still have the “flowering pain” that runs along the scar, under and around the great toe, and in and around the other toes. My foot actually JUMPS at night. I wear my shoes (Brooks) throughout the day. I've tried some of the shoes that Mo told me about, but they cause me an increase in symptoms.

The couple of times I have walked barefoot for a short distance, it feels like I am walking on a wadded towel, especially under my toes and in the arch. Walking barefoot even briefly causes me a lot of pain. Most of my pain happens from walking too much and at night.

Dr. Patel has already told me that pain is normal for up to one year. Even though the process is ongoing, I am doing better every day.

Is there anything you would like to say to the BOS team?

My heart is full of respect and gratitude for everyone at BOS, but I am especially grateful for the knowledge, the dedication, the concern, and the experience of Dr. Patel that made my surgery possible. I appreciate you, Hannah, Mo, and Lisa.

Provider Q&A: Dr. Narendra Patel

When foot and ankle pain strikes, a person’s entire life can be upended. Fortunately, podiatrists like Dr. Narendra Patel at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists are dedicated to helping patients get back on their feet without pain.

As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with decades of experience, Dr. Patel has treated countless patients with various foot and ankle conditions. His expertise lies in both surgical and non-surgical treatments for conditions such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, fractures, peripheral nerve injuries, ankle replacement, Charcot and sports injuries.

Today, we speak to Dr. Patel about his passion for podiatry, what he loves about helping patients, and his approach to providing personalized and compassionate care.

Hi, Dr. Patel! Tell us about your background. What led you to become a surgeon?

I always wanted to be a doctor. Typical Indian upbringing. I found the profession of Podiatry very interesting. You specialize in helping everyone from infants to the elderly with all their foot and ankle ailments. Being able to operate on someone and restore their ability to walk has been my main motivator.

What made you choose to specialize in podiatry?

During my job working in the operating room during college, I spoke with many podiatrists and the profession. I found it fascinating and here I am since 1997 still loving what I do.

What are some of the most common conditions that you treat?

Ankle and foot broken bones. I also enjoy surgically treating sports injuries and treating arthritis of the foot and ankle, especially total ankle joint replacement.

What do you enjoy most about working with the team and the facility at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists?

[BOS is a] one-stop shop. You can get seen for most orthopedic injuries with our walk-in clinic. We have an MRI on-site, and if you need surgery, we have a surgery center. We also have physical therapy services.

What do you find most rewarding about treating patients who struggle with foot and ankle pain?

Simple. Restoring the ability to walk without pain.

You’re an educator as well. What is rewarding about working with residents and teaching the next generation of surgeons?

This actually keeps me at the top of the game as I teach the residents all the newest things I have learned. We must pay it forward.

What advice do you have for patients who are interested in maintaining the health of their feet and ankles?

Pain is not normal. Your body is telling you to get medical advice. Listen to your feet.

Tell us one fun fact about yourself!

I love photography and traveling. You can see my pictures at @nersimages on Instagram.

To learn more about Dr. Patel, visit his page on our website! If you’d like to schedule a consultation, contact our office at (847) 285-4200 or schedule online here.

Patient Story #2

Back On Course: How Ankle Replacement With Dr. Patel Helped Vince Golf Again

Ankle injuries can be debilitating for people who enjoy sports, especially those who rely on their feet and ankles. This was the case for Vince, an avid golfer who had been struggling with chronic ankle pain for years following an emergency surgery.

With Dr. Narendra Patel at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, Vince found a long-term solution to his pain. Dr. Patel is a board-certified, fellowship-trained podiatrist whose experience and expertise in ankle replacement surgery made him the perfect fit for Vince's needs.

Keep reading to learn more about how Dr. Patel and the BOS team were able to help Vince tee up without pain or stiffness.

Hello Vince!

Tell us a bit about life before your ankle replacement. What were your symptoms? How were they affecting your daily life?

45 years ago I was involved in a head-on car accident. Both bones broke and the ankle was destroyed. I underwent surgery and was told in 5-25 years I would have severe arthritis. Over the years the arthritis built up to the point I struggled to walk and do everyday things. Basically, my symptoms were extreme pain and stiffness.

Why did you ultimately decide to pursue ankle replacement surgery?

I pursued ankle replacement surgery because my family kept telling me I needed to do something before it got to the point of not being able to walk.

How did you find Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, and what stood out about Dr. Patel?

We had friends that had gone to Barrington Orthopedic for other surgeries and they recommended we go there. My son looked through all the specialists and told us Dr. Patel would be a good fit.

Tell us a bit about your procedure. What did your ankle replacement entail?

A 3-inch screw was removed, and there was a lot of scar tissue that had to be cleaned up before the new ankle was put in. Because of all the scar tissue the surgery went longer than Dr. Patel expected.

What has your recovery process been like? How did the BOS team assist you?

The recovery process was slow due to some areas that took a while to heal. The BOS

Team was excellent, including all the PT therapists.

What has been the most rewarding part of your rehabilitation? The most difficult part?

The most rewarding part of my rehabilitation is every day I improved and now I am back to playing golf and walking without pain. The most difficult part was getting the strength back in my whole body.

How is your new ankle? Has it changed things for you?

My new ankle is working out great. Yes, it has changed. Prior to the surgery after I had played a round of golf I would walk off the course with a stiff leg. Now after golf I walk out like any other person would.

What would you say to another person considering ankle replacement surgery?

I would tell them to get it evaluated and not to be afraid to have the surgery.

Visit Greater Chicago’s Top Ankle Surgeons If you’re struggling like Vince was, the team at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists can help. With a team of top ankle surgeons in the Greater Chicago area, including Dr. Patel, we specialize in ankle replacement surgery and other advanced treatments for foot and ankle conditions.

Don't let foot or ankle pain hold you back any longer. To learn more about Dr. Patel, visit his page on our website. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, contact our office at (847) 285-4200 or schedule online here.