An interview with Dr. Amnon Barnea DPM, WALK NYC Podiatry

Did you know that studies show that between 20 and 45% percent of women over 50 experience foot problems? This is due to a combination of factors including aging, menopause and lifestyle choices like footwear.  I fall into that group and it was a happy day when I was referred to Dr. Amnon Barnea, DPM, and Founder of Walk NYC Podiatry.  Dr. Barnea is a thoughtful and caring “problem solver” who focuses on root cause of foot and ankle conditions….including sports injuries, trauma, biomechanics, surgery and simpler matters like an ingrown toenail….to help his patients move more comfortably and confidently through their daily life.  It is a pleasure to welcome Dr. Barnea as a contributor to the Three Tomatoes, starting with my interview below.

Q: You have been practicing podiatry since 2004 and founded Walk NYC Podiatry in 2009.  What drew you to specialize in foot and ankle care, and how has your approach evolved over the years?

A: I’ve always been fascinated with the human body – nature’s greatest creation, and with engineering. Ever since I was a child, I tried to figure out how to fix everything around the house myself, so my father started calling me “the engineer.”

The foot and ankle are among the most sophisticated and mechanically brilliant structural designs in the human body, reflecting an extraordinary balance of stability, flexibility, and function. This is evident in the fact that ankle replacements are far less common and far less successful than knee or hip replacements because we still can’t truly reproduce the complex 3-dimensional movement of the ankle joint with an artificial implant, given its complexity.

Over the years, my approach has evolved from the more “cookie-cutter” treatments you learn in medical school and residency to unique, highly individualized treatments that truly fit each patient’s needs and lifestyle – both in the short term and the long term.

Q: Your practice emphasizes “root cause” rather than just treating symptoms.  What does this mean for women who may be experiencing new foot issues?

A: One of the main reasons I wanted to have my own practice was so I could provide the type of medicine I’ve always believed in: modern medicine grounded in “old-school” values.

As an example, if a patient comes in with a painful bunion deformity, I don’t just prescribe medication, give an injection, and tell them to wear better shoes. I focus on the biomechanical malfunction that caused the bunion to develop in the first place. I explain it at eye level, in plain language, so patients truly understand the underlying issue and become actively engaged in their own care. When patients understand the “why,” they become partners in the solution.

Q: You have been featured in major publications like Esquire, Harper’s Bazaar, and Oprah’s website.  What trends are you seeing in women’s foot health that prompted these media outlets to seek your expertise?

A: I believe our philosophy has resonated with patients over the years, and I’ve been fortunate that my practice has earned a reputation for top-notch medical care, integrity, and a unique approach to problem-solving.

Women today are more active and engaged in fitness, prioritize comfort and supportive footwear, are shifting toward preventative care rather than waiting for pain or deformity to develop, and most importantly, have a growing understanding that foot health is directly tied to overall well-being.

WOMEN’S FOOT HEALTH IN MIDLIFE

Q: What are the most common foot problems you see in midlife women and why does these issues tend to emerge during this life stage?

A: We see a wide variety of issues in midlife women, from skin and toenail conditions to orthopedic foot and ankle problems. The most common orthopedic issues are bunions and hammertoes, heel and arch pain, neuromas (a pinched nerve), pain in the ball of the foot (metatarsalgia), and gait imbalance.

These deformities are usually created at a younger age but progress slowly over time. At some point in midlife, they reach what I call “critical mass” and finally become painful. As we join the “many birthdays club,” bones lose density, muscles lose strength and elasticity, joints become more rigid and less able to compensate, and overall shock absorption decreases. The same structure that quietly compensated for years can no longer do so, and symptoms begin to appear.

Q:  How do hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause affect foot health?  Are there specific considerations women should be aware of?

A: Hormonal changes – especially the drop in estrogen, directly affect the tissues that keep the foot stable, cushioned, and pain-free.

Estrogen supports collagen, joint cartilage, bone density, nerve sensitivity, and the plantar fat pads that provide natural shock absorption. As levels decline, support structures lose strength, the fat pads under the heel and forefoot thin, shock absorption decreases, arches can weaken, cartilage wears faster, bones become more prone to stress injury, and some women develop burning or hypersensitive feet.

Women can be proactive by staying active to preserve strength and circulation, maintaining a routine of stretching and strengthening, following a bone-healthy diet, and wearing shoes with solid structural support and cushioning. Most importantly, when alignment and stability begin to change, proper biomechanical support becomes essential to reduce strain and prevent many of the problems that commonly develop during this stage of life.

Q:  You’ve written about how feet affect knee pain, hip pain, and back pain.  Can you explain this connection and why it’s particularly relevant for women in midlife?

A: This topic is truly at the core of what I do. I’m on a mission to help people understand that whether they realize it or not, the feet are actually connected to the rest of the body. In fact, they are the foundation of the human structure.

In addition to being a podiatrist, I sometimes joke that I’m a “marriage counselor.” The feet and the ground are “married,” and through a deep understanding of biomechanics, I help them have a happier marriage. This is where my love of engineering comes into play, because the laws of physics tell us that the foundation of any structure affects everything above it.

I can’t tell you how many patients I’ve seen with long histories of knee, hip, or back pain where no one ever asked them to take off their shoes and socks to look at their feet. For example, something as simple as one leg being slightly longer than the other can be a hidden cause of chronic back pain.

The body “knows” that better alignment between bones leads to better function, less wear and tear on the joints over time, and ultimately less pain. And very often, that alignment starts from the ground up.

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Dr. Barnea is the owner and founder of Walk NYC Podiatry, PC established in 2009. He has been practicing both in New York and in Florida since completing his residency in 2004 from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine (a three year surgical residency program). He earned his Podiatric Medical degree from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, PA.

Dr. Barnea is Board-Certified by the American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry, he is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association, the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine and the American College of Foot & Ankle Pediatrics.