Dr. Nilesh Patel

Nilesh P. Patel, DPM, AACFAS – South Austin Podiatrist

Dr. Nilesh Patel is a podiatrist and board-certified foot and ankle surgeon known for his clear communication, surgical experience, and patient first approach. Patients often appreciate his straightforward style, his willingness to explain treatment options, and his focus on long term results, not quick fixes.

Dr. Patel earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Barry University in Miami, Florida, after graduating with a degree in Chemistry from Oregon State University. He completed a three year residency at St. Vincent Hospital in affiliation with the University of Massachusetts in Worcester, Massachusetts, where his training emphasized reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery. During residency, he trained under highly respected foot and ankle trauma surgeons and developed extensive experience managing complex foot and ankle conditions.

In early 2015, Dr. Nilesh Patel joined Dr. Randy Lisch’s Happy Feet practice, which has since grown into Austin Foot & Ankle Center. He continues the long standing tradition of high quality care the practice has provided the community for more than 30 years. Dr. Patel is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and is a proud member of the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Dr. Patel believes the best outcomes come from a true partnership with his patients, built on listening, education, and trust. His goal is to help patients return to their daily activities with less pain and results that hold up over time.

Outside the office, Dr. Patel enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, traveling, camping, fishing, snowboarding, and staying active through golf and basketball.

Education & Credentials

Professional Education: 2007-2015
Surgical Resident – PGY3 Chief Resident
St. Vincent Hospital/WMC-PMSR-36/RRA-Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle, Trauma, Sports
Medicine, Diabetic Limb Salvage
BUSPM – Barry School of Podiatric Medicine – Miami, FL

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
Clinical Core Rotations – Miami, VA Medical Center

Post Graduate: 2000-2005
Oregon State University – Corvallis, OR
Bachelor of Science
Honor Roll/National Diversity Scholarship/Public Service Scholarship
Major – Chemistry/Forensic Science

Degrees: DPM, BS

Licenses: Podiatry: State of Texas
Board Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery

Professional Memberships
American Podiatric Medical Association
Fellow, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons

Social Links

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• YouTube

FAQs

What’s the difference between a foot doctor and a podiatrist?

There is no difference. A foot doctor is simply another name for a podiatrist. A podiatrist is a medical specialist trained specifically in diagnosing and treating conditions of the foot and ankle.

Dr. Nilesh Patel is not only a podiatrist, he is also a board certified foot and ankle surgeon, which means he has advanced training and certification in both non-surgical and surgical treatment of foot and ankle conditions.

Can I go straight to a foot doctor?

In most cases, yes. Many patients can schedule an appointment directly with a podiatrist without a referral. If you are dealing with foot pain, heel pain, an ingrown toenail, a sports injury, or a chronic issue like plantar fasciitis, you can contact our Austin office directly.

If your insurance requires a referral, our team can help you confirm that before your visit.

What is the most common problem treated by a podiatrist?

One of the most common issues we see is heel pain, often caused by plantar fasciitis. Other frequent concerns include bunions, ingrown toenails, ankle sprains, tendon injuries, and diabetic foot problems.

As an Austin foot doctor, Dr. Patel treats everything from everyday foot pain to complex surgical cases.

What are the signs I should see a podiatrist?

You should consider seeing a podiatrist if you experience:

• Persistent foot or ankle pain
• Swelling that does not improve
• Heel pain first thing in the morning
• Numbness or tingling in your feet
• Thick, discolored, or painful toenails
• A wound on your foot that is not healing
• Pain while walking, running, or standing

Foot pain is not something you have to “just live with.” Early treatment often prevents bigger problems later.

What conditions can podiatrists treat?

Podiatrists treat a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, including:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Bunions and hammertoes
• Achilles tendon injuries
• Ankle sprains and fractures
• Sports injuries
• Ingrown toenails
• Fungal toenails
• Diabetic foot complications
• Arthritis in the foot and ankle

As a board certified foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Patel can provide both conservative care and surgical solutions when needed.

Which doctor is best for feet?

If your concern involves the foot or ankle, a podiatrist is typically the most specialized doctor to see. Podiatrists complete years of focused training specifically on foot and ankle conditions.

If you are searching for an experienced Austin foot doctor, Dr. Nilesh Patel offers comprehensive care, advanced treatment options, and surgical expertise when necessary.

Ready to See an Austin Foot Doctor?

Foot pain has a way of affecting everything, your workouts, your workday, even simple things like walking the dog or standing in the kitchen. The good news is you do not have to push through it.

If you are looking for an experienced Austin foot doctor, Dr. Nilesh Patel is here to help. As a board certified foot and ankle surgeon, he treats everything from everyday heel pain to more complex foot and ankle conditions, with a focus on getting you back to doing what you enjoy.

Give us a call and let’s get you scheduled:

We look forward to helping you get back on your feet, comfortably.