Dr. Richard Popowitz
Orthopedic Surgery
Nanuet, NY
25 years experience male
About
Bio
Double board certified in orthopedics and sports medicine
Assistant team physician for Miami Marlins professional baseball team 2004-present
Associate professor Dominican college 2004- present
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Orthopedic Surgery
Sports Medicine
Doctor Q&A
65 Answers
57 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 50-year-old female asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Weeks to months : Recovery time depends on the severity of the fracture. Avoid loading the knee to allow the inflammation and fracture to heal. Physical therapy would... Read More
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5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 56-year-old female asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Tylenol (acetaminophen) arthritis : Consider tylenol (acetaminophen) arthritis. Long acting tylenol (acetaminophen) with a delayed release.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 63-year-old female asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Perhaps nothing: If you are pain free and able to perform all the things that you want to do, leave it alone. If you are having pain, the surgical option would includ... Read More
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5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
No: Painful popping is concerning and needs a repeat evaluation by your surgeon. Non painful popping or crepitus is normal phenomena and is not concernin... Read More
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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Lymphatic system: After a fracture there is swelling from localized bleeding. The lymphatic system which drains fluid out of the extremity is affected. It could takes w... Read More
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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old female asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Could take a while : 6 weeks is a long time for your elbow to be immobilized. You are young. With some physical therapy and time, i would expect you should regain most of ... Read More
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4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 53-year-old male asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Not recommended: Any acl brace does not provide protection at physiologic loads.
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4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old female asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Low impact : Keep your weight down, low impact activities, avoid deep squats and stairs. Strengthen your quads and hamstrings. Wear comfortable sneakers and take t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Unlikely: Haven't seen a single screw create a problem of a stress riser. More common is the stress riser created from removal of a screw and the remaining defe... Read More
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4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old male asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Possible scoliosis: You might have a rib hump deformity typically seen with scoliosis. Consider an evaluation by your medical doctor or orthopedist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old male asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
MRI: If you have had pain for 4 years and seen several physicians, i'd assume that you had an MRI done. This might show some inflammation or wear on the un... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Weeks to months: Fractures affect the ability of the lymphatic system to effectively drain fluid out of an extremity. If could take weeks to months to equilibrate.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Yes: During growth spurts, the angle of curvature could progress. Typically, under 20 degrees after completion of growing does not progress. Over 20-25 deg... Read More
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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old female asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Normal: Sounds like classic olecranon bursitis. Avoid any friction across your elbow. Try using elbow pads if you can't avoid placing friction across your elb... Read More
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5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Inflamed tailbone: You are describing inflammation of your tailbone. Consider buying a donut pillow from a medical supply store. This will help unload your tailbone for ... Read More
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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
NSAIDs and rest: Sounds like you strained a muscle between your ribs. If you have no problems with your stomach and kidneys, take an anti-inflammatory such as aleve (n... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old male asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
No: Tendinitis could cause discomfort down the arm but not past the elbow. The nerves that inervate the shoulder muscles also inervate the skin.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Possible allergy: You could be experiencing a mild allergic reaction. See an allergist to confirm.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Yes: It's not uncommon to strain or partially tear an intercostal muscle while coughing . Rest and time should heal this. If pain persists, see your physic... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Forces fluid out: Compression sleeves help force fluid out of the extremity. Often times, the lymphatic system which drains fluid out of the extremity, does not work we... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Shin splints: Are you referring to bone marrow edema in your shins otherwise know as medial tibial stress syndrome or shin splints. Have your doctor check your feet... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old male asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Saphenous nerve?: Sounds like a sensory nerve on the inside part of your knee might be irritated. Should improve with time. If if doesn't, consider seeing your orthoped... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
No: It's not uncommon for your surgeon to recommend antibiotics prior to dental cleanings for the first two years after a total joint. Antibiotics are no... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 55-year-old female asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
No: Probably not related to your fracture. See a neurologist if it continues.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Likely: If you have reproducible joint line pain, swelling, or decreased range of motion you will likely require surgery. I'm assuming you have a tear on mri.... Read More
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5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Hip. Wrist and spine: The hip, wrist and spine are common sites where fractures are seen with severe osteoporosis.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Not clear: Not sure what you mean when you say bone conditioning? If you mean keeping your bones strong, an active lifestyle, healthy diet , adequate vitamin d ... Read More
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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Possible sprain: Consider using a wrist control splint for the next several weeks. If your pain persists follow up with your orthopedist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Liver and lung: Liver is just below the ribs and lung is directly beneath the ribs.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old female asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Repeat X-ray: Not uncommon to have anterior knee pain after tibial nail. Approx. 30 percent have anterior knee pain after nail. Repeat x-ray to confirm fracture is ... Read More
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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old male asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Possible gout: Recurring swelling and pain in your toe with no trauma could be gout. See your physician for a check-up.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old male asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Not ideal: If personal reasons preclude proceeding sooner, avoid any high impact activities or deep squatting. Waiting 4 months could make the meniscus irreparab... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Why would you?: They are similar medications . No need to mix them. No studies that I am aware of to support mixing the 2.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Probably not: If you have swelling, point tenderness on the joint line, and decreased range of motion, you need to see an orthopedic surgeon. Could be a meniscus t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
See an orthopedist: If you have severe shoulder and arm pain with weakness and loss of motion, consider seeing an orthopedist to evaluate your rotator cuff.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Possible fracture: Wrist pain after a fall could be a fracture. I suggest you see your orthopedist and get an x-ray.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
No: Sounds like you have a tremor. I would recommend seeing either your primary physician or a neurologist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
I've been experiencing a strange sharp pain below my ribcage on my right side. what could this mean?

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Possible gallstone: Gallstones getting stuck in your bile ducts could produce this pain. It is typically exacerbated after eating fatty foods. If the pain persists see yo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
None: Often times osteoporosis is diagnosed too late when a fracture occurs. If concerned see your physician and consider a DEXA scan.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old female asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
No: Steroid shots typically last 4-6 weeks. If the shot wore off in a few days, you might have a pain generator from outside the hip joint. Follow up with... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old male asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Peroneal tendons : Could be that your peroneal tendons are subluxing ( sliding out) of the groove they normally reside in. If it's painful you should see either your ort... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Neutral brace: Any wrist splint that holds your wrist straight ( neutral) will work. Some splints hold your wrist back (extended) . This decreases the space for the... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Bike: Low impact activities are the best for you. Consider stationary bike or swimming.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old female asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Yes: Vitamin d is partly responsible for absorbing calcium from your diet. Without calcium you could develop osteopenia or osteoporosis making you more sus... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Non weight bearing: If you had a micro fracture, typically the patient is non weight bearing for 6weeks. If you load your knee prematurely the region that received the mi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Yes and no: Any fracture is serious. Your orthopedist put you in a cast for a reason. Keep the cast on and follow up with your doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 17-year-old female asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Not ideal: Braces do not provide protection at physiologic loads. It might help with walking, but not at heavy loads such as rugby. I recommend you hold off unti... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Inability to pushoff: Complete achilles tendon ruptures prevent the patient from pushing off on the affected limb. Acute injuries typically have swelling and a palpable de... Read More
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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Leave it alone: At your age, osgood schlatters should not be painful. Leave it alone. If you are having discomfort or it is growing in size, see your physician.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:

Dr. Richard Popowitzanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
No: Kidney infection could cause low back or flank pain. Burning with urination or increased frequency could be seen as well. Calf pain would be a stretc... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
2
Recommendations
105
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Popowitz is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Popowitz is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Thanks for your quick reply! I was considering removing the nail. I am shocked this would not help with the pain:/
HealthTap member
This saved my life. Thank You! No pain,no swelling it's probably from wacking my knees with the paddl
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Thank you so much, that sounds more realistic.
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, NY
Graduated 1998MD
Residency
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI HOSPITAL
Awards
Top Orthopedic Surgeon , First Place, New York - Summer
2013
Top Orthopedic Surgeon, First Place, the Hackensack Region - Spring
2017
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