I only have good things to say about Dr. Drbal. From his bedside manner to his enthusiasm and obvious joy and love for his profession to his surgical skills. An office visit is very quick, precise and to the point. If my appointment is at 3 o'clock I'm seen and out by 3:30. I can't ever remember having to wait very long in the lobby to be called in. This is important because after surgery I had to depend on others to bring me and I was able to assure them it wouldn't be long. The LVN Tiana is above par in terms of professionalism, warmth, and knowledge . This post would become a novel if I were to list all that she does to nail it! But to point out a few things, she made applying for disability effortless. She gave me tips and pointers on using crutches and where to get a knee walker and reassured me that other patients reported favorable results with the same planned surgery. She is also somehow always available to resolve issues. The same goes for Dr. Drbal. They both return messages promptly. The surgery went off without a hitch. I believe I did better than most. Things progressed just as I was told that it would. I love that Dr. Drbal really has an enthusiastic attitude during all encounters with him. Never ever a hint of annoyance at my many questions and many times I interrupted his speaking with more questions. I get the impression his profession is his hobby. Fast forward to post-OP surgical results. My incision looks really good and I can tell that I may end up with a barely visible scar. All my anxieties were put to rest and my pain is little to none at this point and I am walking with a boot at 6 weeks. I appreciate that Dr. Drbal told me exactly what to expect from start to finish. We started out taking the conservative route at first which was insoles and several excercises but with the physical demands of my job I couldn't avoid surgery. I never felt pressured about my decisions and he supported what I chose to do while keeping me fully informed. Short story long, I assure you if you are looking for the best of the best podiatrist, look no further. I promise you won't be disappointed! read more

I saw Dr. Drbal recently for a painful foot condition for which he suggested new shoes and orthotics. However, to my surprise, he did not conclude by trimming my overgrown toenails, something that past podiatrists have always done in the course of seeing me. Instead he flatly said that he didn't trim toenails--which leaves me stuck with finding another podiatrist who does. Is this non-trimming rule something laid down recently by the management at Sutter Health? Online sources warn against going to nail salons because of possibly careless hygienic practices there, so what can I do? read more

So far been blown away by Nicholas Drbal. After fracturing my ankle he saw me as a matter of urgency the next day, organized surgery quickly and has been seeing me frequently to guide progress. Incredibly clear communicator and left space to answer questions. Could not have found a better podiatrist. Highly recommend read more

As a professional nurse and amateur dog trainer, I am on my feet all day. I had a variety of little chronic complaints that I was either treating with home remedies or trying to ignore. Somehow one day I got the crazy idea to maybe check out "western medicine." I requested an appointment online and got a confirmation the next morning. Dr. Drbal was able to quickly determine that my toe and sole problems all stem from not enough arch support! While he was removing some calluses, he told me which shoe inserts to order and gave me a roll of padding that's cheap and effective but which I didn't even know existed. I recommend the first appointment of the day as the parking garage on the premises was empty when I arrived. I'm really glad that I finally went! read more

I had foot surgery 2 weeks ago and it went very well! It was quick and we had no complications. Dr. Drbal and the staff were very calming and relaxed my nerves as I went in for my first surgery. Once I woke up, they tended to my needs and didn't rush me to get up and leave. Even days after the surgery, they would check up on me and answered all the questions I had. They even made it easy to get a temporary handicap placard. I would highly recommend Dr. Drbal and the staff. read more

See all

Dr. Drbal is an excellent doclor. We are elderly and have seen more than our share of doctors. Dr. Drbal is an excellent practitioner. He really listens to patients and works with you to figure out the best solution. He does not jump to a diagnosis and he is not speedy in terms of prescribing medications when they may not be needed. We liked that he gave us options to consider and he was not an alarmist about my wife's foot problems. He explains things very well and in language that a layperson can understand. I think he has an excellent bedside manner and I would recommend him to other patients. read more

I'm literally on the phone right now trying to make an appointment.. it's been 48 minutes. Apparently there is an issue with verifying insurance. I have made it very clear that the insurance is active and can show proof when at the appointment. Doesn't matter, won't make an appointment. After the call dropped 1+hour later. I was told that I had to verify with my network to see which podiatrist I could see... meaning I couldn't make an appointment. Thanks Ed at the front desk. Your help was great. read more

I highly recommend Dr.. Drbal. He is absolutely the best Podiatrist by far! Went in today for a toe that had been bothering me for quite a while. I was extremely surprised when he said he could fix the toe today. I fully expected to have to make an appointment to return on a later date to have the procedure done. I found him to be very efficient and especially professional. read more

After spending a few months working in Arizona, decided to finally get my right ankle checked out when I returned to the Bay. It had been bothering me for nearly a year, but I could never find the time to see someone. I was referred to see Dr. Drbal by my PCP. Dr. Drbal is young, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. He took the time to discuss the surgical and nonsurgical options available for my ankle. Although I was initially hoping to avoid surgery, I am SOOOO glad I followed through with his advice to repair my ankle! I'm back in Arizona now...hiking, swimming, and yes even running :) If I ever have an issue with my ankle I am flying straight back to see Dr. Drbal!! read more

If you are looking for a doctor that knows what he is doing you found one with Dr. Drbal. He will take the time to get to know you then clearly walk through a plan to reach whatever is most important to you. Big difference with some of the medical professionals I have dealt with in the past. read more

family member saw Dr. Drbal yesterday for 2nd post op ( bunion +reconstructive foot surgery), Dr. Drbal was always very caring, patiently he explaining this 1st post-op x-ray results, giving good news about bone healing, surgery's outcome toward a better functioning foot.. answers all our questions, we are very glad to have Dr. Drbal as foot surgeon. read more

Nicholas V. Drbal, DPM - Podiatrists Near Me - San Jose, California

Review of Dr. Drbal, Oakland CA I fell and injured my left foot and right ankle quite badly on January 8, 2020. I went to 8 weeks of PT and saw an acupuncturist for the same. By February, I became concerned that the foot was not healing properly and made an appointment with a podiatrist, Dr. Drbol, in Oakland CA. He examined my foot, about which I was most concerned, and concluded, after manipulating my foot, that "my foot was not broken" and I "did not need an Xray at that point". At 70 years of age the healing process was just taking longer. He told me to contact him in 2 months if I was still having trouble with the foot. My foot continued to cause pain and while in Atlanta, I saw another podiatrist, Dr. Patel, who immediately took an Xray and showed me that I had fractured my big toe, both across the toe and starting down to the joint. He explained that the healing process had stopped in nonunion. He gave me a boot to immobilize the foot. A month later I saw a third podiatrist, Dr. Huey, of Berkeley, CA, who took another Xray, and concluded that I needed to wear the boot for another month along with spending $700.00 on a stimulator which encourages the bone to conclude healing. I am most disappointed with Dr. Drbol. His decision to exclude giving me an Xray delayed the diagnosing of the fracture and has thus delayed the healing of foot along with some expense. It would have taken so little to confirm his judgment of nonfracture or have had the information he needed to diagnose the break and put me in a boot in February. I am an avid hiker, skier, and walker. This has been very frustrating and I hope this feedback will help some other patient down the road who seeks clinical advice from Dr. Drbal. I had shown him the photos of my feet as of January 8 when I fell. read more

Nicholas V. Drbal, DPM - left foot showing 5/5 level bruising and deeper red around toe fracture - Podiatrists Near Me - San Jose, California

See all

Dr. Drbal performed two surgeries for me and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Dr. Drbal has excellent bedside manner and expressed genuine concern and understanding. He was consistently pleasant, transparent and an active listener. He provided clear advice and information, talked through my treatment options, answered all of the questions I had and my appointments never felt rushed. Dr. Drbal and his care team (Ms. Tiana) provided me with the utmost care throughout my entire surgery process- including full recovery and healing. I'm thankful to have had such an awesome experience and outcome. read more

When Dr Drbal and I crossed paths, he was supposed to be my podiatrist, but he also did my surgery when I know other doctors wouldn't fix somebody else's mess, he referred me for tests various times when my primary doctor fell short of what one would expect, he referred me to pain management. He listened to me. I was sort of a unique case and he was thinking outside the box. This man followed me for almost two years. He gave me a DMV disability placard. This is a kind, caring, and compassionate human being that listens to you with a good bedside manner. If you are looking for yourself or for a loved one, Dr Drbal will not disappoint. read more

Dr. Nicholas Drbal is AWESOME! He restored my confidence in Sutter Health, which as been waning due to some recent issues. I was experiencing some painful foot issues, plantar fasciitis (mild in one foot and pretty extreme in the other). The first available local appointment was over 2 weeks out, but Dr. Drbal had an opening the following morning. We drove over 2 hours to get to the appointment in extremely heavy traffic, but he was well worth the time and travel. He was patient, caring and gentle. He immediately assessed the problem and went to work helping me understand what was needed to alleviate the pain. He gave me an outline of exercises, even demonstrating one for me, gave me a list of recommended shoes (adding helpful notations) and insoles, and gave me a cortisone shot in the most painful heel. I declined the shot for the other heel. He was kind as well as proficient and attentive AND personable...didn't use a computer once while in the exam room. He sent me on my way telling me to be sure to check back in if the pain wasn't much better with a specified time. I would gladly travel further to see Dr. Drbal. read more

Dr Drbal is an amazing surgeon. He fixed both my feet performing a 1st MTP joint fusion on the right, and a 1st MTP joint replacement on the left. I am pain free for the first time in years. Dr Drbal was always on time for appointments, answered questions clearly, was patient and understanding as I had trepidation about the joint fusion, but it turned out fantastic. He's a caring and compassionate physician, and I think the best of what a doctor should be. I can walk and dance without pain again, and I'm loving every second of life. read more

It has been over 1 year since MD DrBal surgically implanted a full ankle joint replacement in my left ankle. My ankle bones were tilted and I had serious pain. I now feel like the joint is part of my body; I have no pain, swelling or deformity. I am able to bike, hike, dance, most anything I want to do. I always felt this procedure was a team effort; he seems to receive top performance from the hospital, technicians and other colleagues he works with, as he appears to have their respect. I am so grateful for this amazing surgeon. read more

Dr. Nicholas Drbal gave me my life back (or so I like to say). At a relatively young age, I had severe arthritis in an ankle (which several other orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists failed to diagnose). Dr. Drbal used a conservative approach, using braces and cortisone. Ultimately, these conservative treatments no longer worked, and some kind of surgery was clearly needed. After consulting with him and another surgeon, we decided that a total ankle replacement was the best approach. I am now able to do everything that I was not able to prior to surgery (walking even a couple of blocks had become very difficult; now I can hike all day). read more

He's ok kinda went around my problem felt like I took a day off wasted my time for a solution he wanted instead of what I came for....

I was referred to Dr. Drbal through a personal friend who had previously been to him to see about an injury. I badly injured my achilles earlier this year, and was worried I would require surgery on it and be riddled with a long recovery time. Dr Drbal was excellent at explaining all of my treatment options, and after an MRI showed it was a partial tear, I was able to avoid surgery by healing the tendon in a cast. I was comforted by how communicative and knowledgeable Dr. Drbal was, and would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a new podiatrist. read more

I came to Dr. Drbal with a gout problem first time about 2 years ago. He administered a single cortisone injection and it helped to reduce pain and inflammation very quickly. This time the trick did not work all that well, I am still in pain two weeks later, and Dr. Drbal referred me for the X ray. Before going to Sutton Imaging Center, I called to make sure that they have the referral. They did, except the referral was to X ray the wrong foot. I called the Dr. Drbal office and they told me that the correction was made and I am safe to go. However, an hour later, after driving in pain for 22 miles, the Imaging Center X ray office told me that no correction was made. Calls to Dr. Drbal's office person Judy produced more promises to fax the correction "right away" and lies that it was sent to the Imaging Center. Meanwhile, another Dr. Drbal employee at the same time was explaining to my wife on the other line, that the only person who had "power" to correct their error was late returning from lunch. Good professionals do not surround themselves with dishonest and incompetent employees. I will look for help elsewhere. read more