In an exclusive interview, Dr. Ho Yim, a well-respected podiatrist with clinics in Flushing and Brooklyn, shared insights into the range of foot and ankle services he offers to the Chinese community. With a focus on treating various foot ailments, Dr. Yim employs state-of-the-art laser technology to alleviate the discomfort associated with nail fungus, ensuring a painless and side-effect-free experience for his patients. Additionally, he specializes in custom orthotics to relieve foot pain, demonstrating significant effectiveness in treatment.
Dr. Yim holds esteemed positions as an attending physician at New York Hospital in Queens, Brooklyn Hospital, and the Veterans Hospital. He is certified in both Foot Surgery (ABFAS) and Podiatric Medicine (ABPM). His commitment lies in addressing root causes while providing effective symptom relief, allowing patients to overcome their foot-related challenges. With extensive clinical experience, he adeptly treats a wide array of conditions, including diabetes-related issues, deformities in children, and various skin and nail diseases.
Highlighting a common concern, Dr. Yim noted that individuals with diabetes often experience numbness or burning sensations in their feet due to high blood sugar and nerve damage. This can lead to a lack of awareness regarding foot injuries. He recommends regular foot examinations every three months and seeking immediate medical attention for any injuries to prevent severe infections or even amputations.
Dr. Yim also addressed plantar fasciitis, which manifests as heel pain. He advises patients to stay active, noting that walking can alleviate pain gradually. Stretching and icing are suggested, and for severe cases, custom orthotics or injections might be necessary, with surgery as a last resort.
Unfortunately, many in the Chinese community overlook foot ailments, often allowing conditions to worsen. Drawing from his clinical experience, Dr. Yim emphasized the importance of early intervention, stating that many issues can be easily resolved if treated promptly. For instance, conditions such as flatfoot and bowlegs in children can be corrected with exercises or orthotic inserts if identified early, as they become more difficult to manage with age. Furthermore, heel spurs are common among certain professions, particularly in restaurant staff, caregivers, and manual laborers, underscoring the need for timely and appropriate treatment to avoid complications like tendinitis and back pain.
Dr. Yim’s Flushing clinic is located at 42-31 Colden St., #202A, Flushing, NY 11355 (above Red Apple Preschool), with appointments available at 718-886-6868. Hours of operation include Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1 PM to 4 PM, Thursdays from 9 AM to 12 PM, and Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM, with closures on Fridays, Sundays, and Mondays. His Brooklyn location is at 5521 8th Ave., Unit 4C, Brooklyn, NY 11220. Appointments can be made by calling 718-975-7111, with hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 AM to 12 PM, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2 PM to 5 PM, and Sundays from 9 AM to 1 PM, while closed on Fridays and Mondays. Dr. Yim speaks English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Shanghainese, and accepts various insurance plans, offering discounts for uninsured patients.
