Wantagh, NY
Podiatrist Near Wantagh, NY
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.
Meet Dr. Joseph Burke
Dr. Burke’s interest in podiatry began through his high school and college experience in track at Rutgers University. Requiring foot treatment himself, he realized an interest in the profession. Upon completing a double major in biology and psychology at Rutgers, he entered the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, graduating magna cum laude in 1985, before completing a surgical/medical residency at Peninsula Hospital Center in New York.
Dr. Burke is board certified in two podiatric specialties 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 Shockwave Therapy for heel pain and Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy using micro cameras. His office is one of the first to use Noveon Laser Therapy in the treatment of fungal toenails.
Dr. Burke is a member in good standing at North Shore at Syosset Hospital Center and St. Joseph Hospital, and is associated with the Nassau County Podiatric Medical Association.
Regular Visits to Our Podiatrist Near Wantagh, NY
Making regular visits to the podiatrist might not be on your to-do list — but it’s more important than you think, especially if you’ve had a foot problem in the past.
Even if you have perfectly healthy feet, many changes to your feet occur in your 30s, making that the perfect time to schedule a visit. Here are some reasons to see a podiatrist regularly:
- Prevent problems before they occur: As we age, the protective cushion on the bottom of our feet thins and the foot widens. A podiatrist near Wantagh NY can help you get ahead of these changes and reduce foot pain.
- Follow up on previous issues: If you’ve had toenail fungus, an ingrown toenail, or another foot problem, regular check-ins help ensure it doesn’t return.
- Diabetes care: Foot conditions related to diabetes include skin discoloration, cramping, hammertoes, and heel spurs. Regular podiatrist visits help you stay on top of symptoms before they escalate.
Cherrywood Foot Care has been voted the best podiatrist on Long Island for 16 consecutive years. No matter your foot issue, we’ll help you get back on your feet. Visit our office page to learn more and make an appointment.
What We Treat
Conditions We Can Help With
Chronic Foot Pain
Foot pain is discomfort in one or more parts of the foot, including the toes, heels, arches, and soles. Common causes of chronic foot pain include:
- Broken foot or toe
- Bunions
- Stress fractures
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Plantar fasciitis
How to Prevent Chronic Foot Pain
Although foot pain is common, it is not necessarily normal. Some ways to prevent ongoing foot problems include:
- Choose well-cushioned shoes that are spacious and comfortable
- Avoid high heels and shoes with a narrow toe area
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Stretch before you exercise
- Practice good hygiene
- Avoid being barefoot outside
Treating Chronic Foot Pain
To treat chronic foot pain, you must first identify the cause. You can try over-the-counter medications, rest, foot massage, and supportive footwear. If your pain is severe, visit a podiatrist near Wantagh NY. Our podiatrists at Cherrywood Foot Care can prescribe medication, nerve block injections, or fit you with custom orthotics.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that usually starts between the toes, most commonly occurring when feet are overly sweaty and confined in tight shoes. Symptoms include itchy, stinging, and burning feet with scaly rashes. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas of the body.
At Cherrywood Foot Care we specialize in the treatment and care of Athlete’s Foot. From minimal infection to more severe cases, it’s important to seek our podiatrist near Wantagh NY at the first sign of discomfort.
Tips for Preventing Athlete’s Foot
- Keep your feet dry — fungus thrives in warm, damp, dark environments
- Rotate your shoes and allow them to dry fully between uses
- Wash your feet with soap and water daily
- Avoid sharing towels
- Wear shower shoes in pools, public showers, and other wet areas
- Use foot powder to help kill bacteria in shoes
In many cases Athlete’s Foot can be treated with a topical ointment, but regular check-ins with your podiatrist help prevent the infection from spreading.
Bunion Surgery
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, most commonly caused by wearing shoes that are too tight. Bunions can be extremely painful, and surgery may be considered for removal. Our team at Cherrywood Foot Care are experts at performing bunion removal surgery.
Recovering From Bunion Surgery
Every individual recovers differently depending on general health, age, severity of the case, type of procedure, and how well post-op care instructions are followed.
Most patients do not require general anesthesia — an ankle block is used to numb below the ankle. The most common bunion procedures are:
- Osteotomy
- Exostectomy
- Arthrodesis
After the procedure your foot will be bandaged and monitored in recovery. Most patients can go home within a few hours. Recovery typically takes six to eight weeks, with full recovery taking four to six months. You will likely need a surgical boot or cast, crutches, and therapeutic exercises to restore strength and mobility. Learn more about bunion surgery at Cherrywood Foot Care.
Ready to See a Podiatrist Near Wantagh, NY?
Cherrywood Foot Care is here for all of your foot and ankle needs. Voted the best podiatrist on Long Island for 16 consecutive years. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
