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Welcome to Cherrywood Foot Care – A Bunion Specialist in Bellmore
Dr. Joseph Burke and his team at Cherrywood Foot Care serving the communities of Bellmore, North Bellmore, Merrick, Wantagh, and East Meadow utilizes the latest cutting-edge podiatric technologies, from diagnostic ultrasound, digital radiology, and Noveon laser technology for toenail fungus treatment, to shock wave therapy for heel pain and the minimally invasive surgical procedure, endoscopic plantar fasciotomy. Dr. Burke, our Bunion Specialist in Bellmore, specializes in the biomechanics of the foot, including custom orthotics and surgical correction of foot deformities.
WHAT CHERRYWOOD FOOT CARE OFFERS
From routine checkups to laser treatments to surgical procedures, Cherrywood Foot Care is equipped to handle all your podiatric needs. To help you understand your options, we’ve included descriptions of some of our leading services on this page.
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JOSEPH BURKE, DPM, FACFS, ABPOPPM
Cherrywood Foot Care has been a staple of the Long Island community for more than a quarter-century. The practice operates a state-of-the-art facility in the Wantagh/Bellmore area incorporating all the latest podiatric advancements.
Dr. Burke’s interest in podiatry began because of his high school and college experience in track at Rutgers University. Requiring foot treatment himself, Dr. Burke realized an interest in the profession. Upon completion of a double major in biology and psychology at Rutgers, he entered the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, where he was honored magna cum laude in 1985, before successfully completing a surgical/medical residency program at Peninsula Hospital Center in New York.
Dr. Burke, a Bunion Specialist in Bellmore, is board certified in two specialties in podiatry and is a fellow of both The American Academy of Foot Surgeons and The American Academy of Foot Orthopedists and Primary Podiatric Medicine. He is a diplomat of The American Board of Podiatric Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine.
Dr. Burke specializes in the biomechanics of the foot, including custom-orthotics therapy and surgical correction of foot deformities. He has advanced training in specialized podiatric techniques including Shockwave Therapy for heel pain and a minimally invasive surgical technique called Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy, using micro cameras. His office is one of the first to use the new Noveon Laser Therapy in the treatment of fungus toenails.
Dr. Burke is a member in good standing at both of the hospitals he is associated with: North Shore at Syosset Hospital Center and St. Joseph Hosptial. He is also associated with the Nassau County Podiatric Medical Association.
Dr. Burke is married, remains fit as a recreational runner, enjoys boating and is a certified scuba diver.
ERICA PAPATHOMAS
Erica Papathomas, DPM, a Bunion Specialist in Bellmore, graduated from St. John’s University with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology as a major and chemistry as a minor. She then attended the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, where she graduated with her DPM with honors. Thereafter, she received her Podiatric surgical training at Mount Sinai Hospital, which included an orthopedic trauma rotation working closely with high ranked podiatric and orthopedic surgeons. Dr. Papathomas is well trained in both forefoot and rearfoot surgery.
Dr. Papathomas is licensed in New York and board certified by The American Board of Podiatric Surgery in foot and ankle surgery. She is a member of The American Podiatric Medical Association. Dr. Papathomas is currently on staff at Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens and St. Joseph Hospital in Bethpage.
Integrity, teamwork, leadership and excellence represent essential principles in every aspect of her life. Dr. Papathomas applies and upholds these standards as a dedicated student, resident, and an active contributor to the community.
Recent Blog Posts From Our Bunion Specialist in Bellmore
Get Relief From Bunion Pain Before Flip Flop Season
A bunion is a fооt dеfоrmitу thаt саuѕеѕ thе joint at thе bаѕе оf the big tое to bulgе outwards. This deformity can be painful and make even walking around uncomfortable. With summer and flip-flop season approaching, getting relief from your bunion pain is important if you want to enjoy the warm weather. At Cherrywood Foot Care, our Bunion Specialist in Bellmore, Merrick, and East Meadow has a variety treatment options to get you ready for flip-flop season.
Cаuѕеѕ оf Buniоnѕ
While the еxасt саuѕе оf buniоnѕ iѕ ѕtill unknown, there are a few different ways that we believe they can develop:
- Foot injuries
- A deformity from birth
- Improper shoes
- Genetics
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Signѕ and Sуmрtоmѕ
- Bulging bump on the outside of the foot
- Swelling, redness, and soreness around the big toe
- Persistent pain
- Corns and calluses
- Limited range of motion
Treatment
- Picking the right shoes: Choosing the right shoes is a good place to start when treating bunions. Shoes that are too tight can put a lot of pressure on the foot and bunion and can cause an increased amount of pain. Picking shoes that fit right won’t cause pain and will allow your foot to feel comfortable in your shoes.
- Changing shoes: In combination with picking the right shoes, changing your shoes often is important as well. It offers relief for your feet by putting them in a new pair of shoes instead of wearing the same ones everyday for hours on end.
- Medication: Using pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce the pain you are feeling as well as help to limit any swelling you might have.
- Orthotics: Orthotics or commonly known as shoe inserts can help to provide support for your feet that meet your individual needs and reduce the symptoms that you are having. Our Bunion Specialist in Bellmore can offer customized orthotics crafted by our team of trained professionals at Cherrywood Foot Care.
- Using Ice: Making sure to ice your feet is important because it can soothe the pain you are feeling as well as reducing any swelling you may be experiencing.
- Surgery: If none of these options work for you, surgery may be needed. This option is usually needed for more serious cases and requires around a 6 week rehab process.
Bunion Specialist in Bellmore
Since summer is only a few short weeks away, making sure that all your foot aches and pains, including bunion pain, are dealt with is important if you want to wear flip-flops and enjoy the nice weather. Meeting with a podiatrist is a great way to ensure that you get the best treatment for your bunion pain. At Cherrywood Foot Care, our Bunion Specialist in Bellmore can offer a number of treatment solutions to have your feet looking and feeling good for the summer. Make sure to contact us today for an appointment.
BUNION SURGERY
A bunion is a deformity of the foot caused by the big toe turning inwards toward the other toes. Bunions occur at the joints and can be extremely painful due to the weight of your body resting on the it during normal walking. In addition, inflammation, irritation, and calluses can form due to an untreated bunion. Patients may or may not feel symptoms at first but repeated stress on the foot will eventually make them more pronounced.
The surgery to remove a bunion is called a bunionectomy and the procedure falls into two separate categories. A head procedure bunionectomy is the first type and involves the bone being cut behind the joint, moved to its proper position, and fixed in place with a screw or a pin. Base procedures concentrate on the bone near or behind the big toe joint, and there are a variety of different procedures based on the deformity.
The specialists at Cherrywood Foot Care have a deep understanding of the biomechanics of each patient’s foot as well as years of experience with the intricacies of the bunionectomy procedure. Bunion surgery can reduce or eliminate the bone deformity, improve foot alignment and function, and prevent damage to other toes, but it does have its limitations. While a bunionectomy will remove the source of the pain, there is no guarantee that it will not come back. On top of surgery, you might also need to spend time in physical therapy or a corrective orthotic device on an ongoing basis.
Bunion Specialist in Bellmore
Bunion surgery is usually performed at a hospital or surgical center and takes a half a day to a day for the full procedure. You will not be able to eat or drink anything the night before the surgery and you should wash your feet the morning of the procedure. Following the surgery, you will be prescribed pain medication and may have to walk with crutches or wear a surgical shoe as the foot needs to be kept elevated as much as possible.
Surgical sutures are removed about two weeks after the surgery and normal activities can be resumed, although you will have to continue to wear a dressing on the infected area. By the fifth week following surgery, you should already be doing physical exercises and initiated a physical therapy program if necessary. The specialists at Cherrywood Foot Care will be there to guide you through the bunionectomy process and get you back walking on your feet!
WHAT CAUSES BUNIONS?
Have you recently noticed a bump forming at the base of the joint of your big toe? Odds are, you’re dealing with a bunion. Though these are non-fatal, they should not be left unchecked. If you suspect a bunion has begun to form, you should contact us at Cherrywood Foot Care right away. Our team will be able to provide you with the best Bunion Specialist in Bellmore to help eradicate these troublesome, painful growths.
Symptoms
Considering how vital your feet are to everyday movements, it is important to always keep an eye on them. When you begin to notice that something isn’t right, you should reach out to a doctor right away. Having an idea of what may be wrong before the time of your first appointment can help speed along the recovery process. If the below symptoms are present around your big toe, you may be suffering from a bunion:
- Limited range of motion.
- A bump that forces it to shift towards your smaller toes.
- Swelling or soreness around the base of it’s joint.
- Corns or calluses.
Causes & Risk Factors
Many people develop bunions for reasons unbeknownst to them. Several factors can put you at a higher risk of developing a bunion that you may not be aware of. Being aware of what causes bunions can help you avoid them and even help you determine the cause for a bunion you already have. Below are some of the most common risk factors and potential causes of these growths:
- Certain foot injuries.
- Hereditary disposition to bunions.
- High-heeled shoes.
- Ill-fitting shoes.
- Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Bunion Specialist in Bellmore
Different forms of treatment will be administered depending on what has caused the bunion to form. Our team will be able to determine the cause of your bunions and develop a plan to correct the issue. Common methods of treatment include:
- Pain-relievers and anti-inflammatory medication.
- Administering a mixed application of ice and heat.
- Custom orthotics.
- Surgical options for extreme cases.
Bunions are often painful in addition to being unpleasant to look at. They can also bring about complications such as infection, hammertoe, and bursitis if left untreated. If you are searching for a Bunion Specialist in Bellmore, our team at Cherrywood Foot Care is here to help! Our staff will always keep your specific needs top of mind, so be sure to trust us with your bunion treatment needs and contact us today!
Office Hours
For your convenience, our office is open during normal business hours, as well as evenings during the week and Saturdays. Please call our office today to schedule an appointment. We offer prompt scheduling and same-day appointments are usually available.
Monday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Book Your Appointment Today With Our Bunion Specialist in Bellmore
Call to make an appointment at 516-826-9000
