by Ron Hathaway

Drs. Paul M. Koslow (L) and Edwin J. Rosenblatt

odiatrist Edwin J. Rosenblatt, DPM, DABFS was born and raised on the Lower East Side. A graduate of the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, and former Chairman of its Dept. of Surgery, Dr. Rosenblatt is gregarious and good natured. His scope of knowledge on foot medicine, born of his 40 years of practice, is amazing. His new partner, Paul M. Koslow, DPM, AACFAS is younger and quieter, but no less knowledgeable in the art of foot healing. A native of Roslyn, Long Island, Koslow graduated from Brandeis University and the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He did his surgical residency at Methodist Hospital in Park Slope, Brooklyn, and has been in practice for five years.

Their partnership was born out of a need on both their parts to reach out to the whole population in the neighborhood, young and old, and be able to accept a wide range of insurance plans.

“Pediatricians refer to us their young patients who may suffer from flat feet or ingrown nails,” says Koslow.

“Or patients with socks jammed into a shoe,” adds Rosenblatt with a twinkle. “Some pediatrician sent us this 2-year old who would put his shoes on and start to limp. I stuck my fingers in the shoe to discover there was a sock jammed in the toe area...”

Koslow and Rosenblatt are treating many diabetes-related foot problems in our neighborhood.

“Many diabetics don’t know they have the disease,” says Koslow. “They complain of numbness and a tingling in their feet, and those are usually the symptoms of a non-compliant diabetic.

“You must pay attention to a diabetic’s shoe gear,” he continues. “If there’s a stone inside their shoe, they may develop a dangerous infection without ever noticing it.”

Medicair covers a pair of shoes per diabetic patient per year. Koslow and Rosenblatt guide their patients who take advantage of this program. They also insist that their diabetic patients come in regularly to cut their nails, a tricky task when one has poor vision and little or no sensation in one’s toes.

Arthritis-related foot pain is also common. “Orthotic foot supports can help to some degree, to provide shock absorption,” says Koslow. “Braces can help people with severe ankle pain.” Younger patients inquire about physical exercise.

“Exercise is not always recommended,” says Rosenblatt. “If you suffer from Plantar Fasciitis (undue stress on the foot), we recommend not to run, or you’ll end up requiring bed rest.”

Both podiatrists caution their patients regarding pedicurist services. “We get three-four cases of infection every week from pedicure done with unsterile instruments,” says Rosenblatt with a chuckle. “They send us a lot of business...”

Seward Park Podiatry, LLC is at 200 East Broadway, 212-260-2582