Massapequa, NY
Podiatrist in Massapequa
At Cherrywood Foot Care, our team of experienced podiatrists provides expert foot and ankle care to patients throughout Massapequa and the surrounding Long Island communities. Whether you’re dealing with a minor injury or a chronic condition, we’re here to help you get back on your feet.
Broken Toes
Broken toes are a more common injury than many patients initially realize. Each toe is made up of multiple connecting bones, increasing the likelihood of damage or fracture. Injuries can result from accidents such as stubbing your toe on furniture, or from repetitive motions that cause a stress fracture over time.
If you’re experiencing discomfort and feel you may have suffered a break, contact Cherrywood Foot Care and our podiatrist in Massapequa for expert assistance.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include swelling, pain, and difficulty moving the affected area. The toe may appear deformed, bent, or out of position. Walking and wearing shoes may become painful. Numbness or tingling may also radiate from the injured toe.
If left untreated, broken toes risk healing improperly, leading to deformities, chronic pain, and in some cases arthritis. Our podiatrist in Massapequa can evaluate whether surgical intervention is needed.
Nonsurgical treatment options include:
- Elevate the foot
- Ice the injured toe
- Use crutches to keep pressure off the injury
- Wear a specially fitted walking boot
- Take pain medication as directed
Minor breaks may heal on their own within six weeks. For severe injuries, surgery may be required. Contact our office for assistance.
Dr. Erica Papathomas
Erica Papathomas, DPM graduated from St. John’s University with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. She then attended the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, graduating with her DPM with honors. She received her podiatric surgical training at Mount Sinai Hospital, including an orthopedic trauma rotation working closely with highly 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 and is currently on staff at Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens and St. Joseph Hospital in Bethpage.
What We Treat
Cherrywood — A Podiatrist Near Me
At Cherrywood Foot Care, our staff of podiatrists in Massapequa are ready to help treat any pain or foot condition you have.
Arthritic Pain
As we age, arthritis may begin to affect our feet, making even simple tasks like walking much more challenging. At Cherrywood Foot Care, our podiatrist in Massapequa can help treat your symptoms and make them more manageable.
Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes joints to deteriorate over time, leading to pain as bones rub against each other due to loss of cartilage.
Symptoms of Arthritic Feet
- Pain and tenderness of the feet
- Pain with motion of the feet
- Limited ability to walk, stand, or bear weight
- Swelling of the feet or ankles
- Stiffness in the joints
- Warmth and redness in your feet
How We Can Help
Our podiatrist in Massapequa offers orthotics to provide proper support and cushioning, and physical therapy with targeted stretches and exercises to combat stiffness and soreness from arthritis.
Fungal Nails
Nail fungus is a common foot condition and a skin infection under the nail. Symptoms include fragile nails, yellowish coloring, white spots, heavily distorted shapes, or the nail detaching from the skin. Shoes create the warm, moist environment needed for fungus to thrive, which is why toenails are most commonly affected.
If left untreated, the fungus can spread to other toes and surrounding skin. Laser treatment is one of the newest and most effective options. Our podiatrist in Massapequa uses infrared light to eliminate the pathogens causing the fungus without damaging the nail or toe.
Most patients need 2-3 treatments, with the full procedure lasting 20-30 minutes. There is no recovery period and minimal side effects. We also provide preventive steps to help avoid future infections.
Ingrown Toenails
With more than 3 million cases annually, ingrown toenails are one of the most common foot issues. The best course of action is to contact a podiatrist in Massapequa for proper treatment.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Pain and tenderness on one or both sides of the nail
- Redness around the toenail
- Swelling around the nail
- Infection around the nail
Prevention Tips
- Trim toenails straight across
- Keep toenails at a moderate length
- Wear properly fitted shoes and socks
- Wear protective footwear when appropriate
- Regularly check for early signs
Treatment Options
If there is no infection, try soaking your feet in room temperature water with Epsom salt. Avoid cutting the nail yourself as this may worsen the condition. Read more at foothealthfacts.org.
If home remedies are not helping, contact Cherrywood Foot Care. Our recommended treatments include:
- Prescription oral antibiotic
- Minor surgery to remove the offending nail
- Minor surgery to prevent recurrence
Jones Fracture
A Jones fracture involves the fifth metatarsal along the outside of the foot connecting to the pinky toe. Because Jones fractures are often mistaken for ankle sprains, they frequently go undiagnosed and can lead to more serious problems. Our podiatrist in Massapequa at Cherrywood Foot Care can help diagnose and treat any foot fractures.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain and swelling on the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe
- Difficulty walking
- Bruising
Our podiatrist in Massapequa will diagnose your Jones fracture by examining your foot and taking X-rays. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, and elevation. If surgery is required, most patients can bear weight within 7-14 days and regain full mobility within 3-4 months.
We are here for your metatarsal injuries and want to help you get back on your feet pain-free.
Neuromas
Are you experiencing a burning sensation or tingling between your toes during daily activities? You might be suffering from a neuroma — a benign growth of nerve tissue sometimes referred to as a pinched nerve. At Cherrywood Foot Care, Dr. Joseph Burke and his team treat neuromas with the most up-to-date technology available.
Common causes of neuromas include:
- Repeated stress on the area
- Trauma causing inflammation or swelling in the toes
- High-arched feet or flat foot
- Bunions or hammertoes
Symptoms
- Tingling or burning sensations between toes
- Numbness in the toes
- Feeling like something is bunched up in your shoe
- Pain in the ball of your foot when bearing weight
Treatment Options
Non-invasive options include padding and taping, anti-inflammatory medications, and custom orthotics. If pain persists, surgical options include cortisone injections, decompression surgery, or nerve removal.
Plantar Warts
A wart is a viral infection that can spread rapidly when untreated. Foot warts can be especially painful and are caused by cuts or abrasions on the skin. If you have noticed any warts, set up an appointment with Cherrywood Foot Care, your podiatrist in Massapequa. We serve patients from Bellmore, North Bellmore, Merrick, Wantagh, and East Meadow, NY.
What Is a Plantar Wart?
Plantar warts, also known as verrucas, are hard, grainy growths on the bottom of the foot identified by:
- Flat, non-raised appearance
- Coarse surface texture
- Gray or brown coloring
- Black pinpoints near the center
How We Treat Warts
The longer you wait, the more likely a wart will grow or spread. Cherrywood Foot Care treatment options include:
- Acidic ointments or medications to break down the wart over time
- Laser removal for more severe cases
HFMD (Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease)
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a viral illness that primarily affects young children but can also occur in older children and adults. Symptoms include mouth sores, a rash on the hands and feet, fever, sore throat, and reduced appetite. It usually clears up within 7-10 days, and Cherrywood Foot Care offers treatment to help manage symptoms.
How Is It Contracted?
HFMD is caused by coxsackievirus A16 and spreads through saliva, blister fluid, feces, or direct contact with an infected person’s cough, sneeze, or unwashed hands.
Treatment Options
Home remedies include over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or Advil, salt water rinses, and topical soothing agents. If home remedies are not helping, visit Cherrywood Foot Care — our podiatrist in Massapequa can provide medications to relieve irritation and determine if further attention is needed.
Ready to See a Podiatrist in Massapequa?
Cherrywood Foot Care is here for all of your foot and ankle needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
