Podiatry Care Specialist In Merrick

DR. 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. We are Podiatry Care Specialist in Merrick if you need treatment for foot issues contact us.

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 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 Hospital. He is also associated with the Nassau County Podiatric Medical Association.

 

At Cherrywood Foot Care, ensuring you and your family receive the highest level of treatment and guidance for all of your foot care needs is not just our mission, it’s our promise.

Erica Papathomas, DPM 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.

 

Marcus Shapiro, DPM received his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Syracuse University. He continued his education at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine where he graduated in 1995. He completed 3 years of surgical training and has been in practice since then. Doctor Shapiro is well versed in all aspects of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery and always stays current in the latest treatments, both in the medical field and its relevance to Podiatric medicine and surgery. Doctor Shapiro has over 18 years of private practice experience and takes great pride in helping and treating his patients. He always puts the best interests of his patients first. When Doctor Shapiro is not working, he enjoys spending time with his lovely wife and daughter, as well his friends. He enjoys playing golf, watching football, and gardening with his daughter.

 

 

 

 

Rupal Oza, DPM was born and raised in New York. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology and minor in Chemistry from St. Johns University and her doctorate from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. She completed a three year podiatric surgical residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.

Dr. Oza is well trained in treating a wide range of podiatric conditions in men, women, and children of all ages. She provides compassionate and professional care to all her patients and considers their goals and lifestyle while establishing a treatment plan. In her free time she enjoys biking, snowboarding, tennis, and traveling with family.

 

The field of podiatry is far-reaching and complex. Symptoms and conditions can run the gamut, ranging in both severity to treatment options.

 

 

At Cherrywood Foot Care, we take feet seriously. We know that small or large, every foot problem is serious to the patient, and thus, important to us. We also know that what may appear as a tiny problem now can lead to much more serious issues further down the road.

Each foot ailment, each symptom, must therefore be treated with the utmost professionalism, care and attention to detail from the outset, in order to prevent complications in the future. We know this. We pride ourselves on this.

HERE IS A SAMPLING OF THE MANY FOOT-RELATED AILMENTS, CONDITIONS AND DEFORMITIES CHERRYWOOD FOOT CARE’S TEAM OF HIGHLY TRAINED PROFESSIONAL FOOT EXPERTS TREAT:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Ankle Sprains
• Athlete’s Foot
• Bunions
• Calluses
• Capsulitis
• Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain
• Corns
• Flat Feet
• Hammertoes
• Heel Spurs
• Ingrown Toenails
• Metatarsalgia
• Neuromas
• Osteochondritis
• Peroneal Tendon Dislocation/Dysfunction
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fibromas
• Sesamoiditis
• Warts
• Xanthomas of the Achilles Tendon

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Reasons to See a Podiatrist

A podiatrist is an important kind of medical professional that specializes in foot and ankle care. However, it can be hard to see why you should go to a podiatrist over a general healthcare provider. Many reasons for seeing a podiatrist are either related or unrelated to a foot or ankle injury, and if you want to look for a Podiatry Care Specialist in Merrick after knowing why, Cherrywood Foot Care can help you with your foot and ankle care or concerns.

Why You Should See a Podiatry Care Specialist in Merrick ?

A podiatrist has learned how to deal with foot and ankle injuries specifically, so they know the foot better than any other kind of medical professional. However, if you’re considering a consultation with a podiatrist, you may be wondering, “What conditions can a podiatrist help me with?” Different conditions that a podiatrist can help you with include:

• Joint pain (arthritis)
• Heel pain
• Ingrown toenails
• Strains/sprains/broken bones
• Calluses/corns
• Bunions
• Athlete’s foot

These different conditions can be diagnosed and treated by a podiatrist because of their advanced foot and ankle knowledge, so it is best to consult one when you are experiencing any ailment with your feet or ankles. At Cherrywood Foot Care, we provide the care you need for these conditions!

However, there are even more reasons why you should see a podiatrist. Podiatrists are not just trained to treat conditions but can also provide other kinds of care for their patients. See a podiatrist if any of these circumstances apply to you:

• You need foot surgery. Surgery is often the last resort for podiatrists, but they know how to perform the procedures that people may need for their foot and ankle injuries. Some conditions that may require surgery include bunions, broken bones, and recurring ingrown toenails.
• You’ve started running. Runners are susceptible to foot and ankle pain and injuries. A podiatrist can look at your feet and body, determine potential conditions you may experience as a runner, and guide you on how to avoid them. By consulting a podiatrist, you can be safer with your running.
• You have diabetes. Diabetes can make people more susceptible to foot and ankle problems, such as dry skin and infections. You should have a foot exam from a podiatrist each year to look for potential signs of problems; taking these measures reduces your chances of amputation because of diabetes.

Podiatry Care Specialist in Merrick

Many people suffer from foot and ankle problems or are at risk of having them, and finding the right podiatrist for you can be stressful. There is no need for stress with Cherrywood Foot Care. If you or someone you know is looking for a Podiatry Care Specialist in Merrick, we are here to help. Please visit our website to learn more about us. Don’t wait any longer to get the care you need. Contact us today!

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How Do I Know If My Foot Pain Is Serious?

Our feet are responsible for bearing nearly all of our body weight. With so much stress being put on this area each day, it’s not uncommon to experience minor pain and discomfort now and again. In many cases, medical intervention will not be needed for the pain to dissipate. However, our team at Cherrywood Foot Care stresses that patients should know when a severe issue is taking place so that they can seek professional attention.

Common Causes Of Foot Pain

When it comes to foot pain, there are a variety of issues that can be to blame. Fortunately, here at Cherrywood Foot Care, we’re able to help with a majority of the most common foot problems. After your condition has been properly diagnosed, we’ll move forward with the form of treatment we believe is the most beneficial. Examples of the issues we can help with can include the below:

• Achilles tendonitis.
• Plantar fasciitis.
• Bone spurs.
• Broken bones.
• Stress fractures.
• Bunions.
• Bursitis.

When To See A Doctor?   

As previously stated, it’s essential to have the ability to differentiate between minor foot pain and when a major issue is taking place. Being able to do so can save you from suffering damage that leaves long-lasting effects. That is why our team highly recommends scheduling an appointment for care if you find yourself dealing with any of the following symptoms:

• Severe pain or swelling.
• Inability to put weight on your foot.
• Limited range of motion.
• Wounds or sores that won’t heal.
• A burning or tingling sensation at the bottom of your feet.
• Visible deformities.

How We Will Help   

Upon visiting our facilities when dealing with any of the previously mentioned symptoms, our podiatrists will perform diagnostic tests to determine the root of the issue. Once these tests are completed, we can move forward with the form of treatment we believe will yield the best results. There are a variety of treatment services offered by our podiatrists, some of which are listed below:

• Laser treatment.
• Diabetic foot care.
• Extracorporeal shockwave therapy.
• Use of custom orthotics.
• In extreme cases, surgery.

Contact Our Podiatry Care Specialist in Merrick

Patients living with foot pain shouldn’t feel as if they need to go through this alone. At Cherrywood Foot Care, our podiatrists can offer the necessary treatment methods to get you back to full strength. If you believe you have a foot issue that requires medical attention to correct, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

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 Plantar Warts: Causes & Treatments

To keep your feet healthy, it’s crucial that you visually examine them regularly. By doing so, you can notice when issues such as plantar warts have developed. The sooner it is recognized, the more contained the outbreak can be for your feet. At Cherrywood Foot Care, we can help treat your plantar warts, so you don’t have to worry about the future effects.

What Are Plantar Warts?

Plantar warts are small growths that typically form on the weight-bearing portions of your feet. The heels or balls of your feet are two examples of these areas. It’s essential to recognize the development of plantar warts right away so you can receive treatment that can stop their spread. Being aware of the symptoms is the best way to spot them. If you notice any of the below on your feet, you’re likely dealing with plantar warts:

• Small, fleshy growths that take place on the bottom of your foot.  
• Hard, thickened skin begins to develop.
• Black pinpoints can be found on the growths of your feet.
• The above symptoms are accompanied by pain and discomfort when standing.

Causes Of Plantar Warts

Plantar warts occur when the HPV enters the outer layers of the foot’s skin. Cut or cracked skin offers the perfect opportunity for this to happen. Although HPV is very common, only certain strains of this virus cause warts to take place. However, once it breaks through the skin, plantar warts can form quickly. That is why the best prevention method for this occurrence is to take proper care of your feet.  

Treatment Options

Plantar warts can be both painful and aesthetically unpleasing. Fortunately, our team at Cherrywood Foot Care has the treatment options needed to help remove warts from your feet entirely. By scheduling an appointment with our team, you’ll be expediting the recovery process. Treatment methods offered at our facility include:

• Applying peeling acid to the affected area.
• Cryotherapy.
• Laser therapy.
• Minor surgery.

Contact Us 

When you’re being affected by plantar warts, you shouldn’t let the condition linger. By seeking out treatment right away, you increase the chances of permanently eliminating them from your feet. Please don’t hesitate to contact our team at Cherrywood Foot Care when you’re finally ready to schedule your appointment.   

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What Are The Signs Of Arthritis In Your Feet?

Did you know that there are over 100 different types of arthritis a person can suffer from? With so many variations of this condition, it stands to reason that at least some affect your foot health. Should this happen to you, our team at Cherrywood Foot Care will be there to help. Our expert podiatrists will let you know some signs that point to arthritis in your feet and how we can treat and manage them.

How Can Arthritis Affect The Feet? 

The feet are made of an intricate network of bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, which all work in sync with one another to allow for movement. There are over 28 bones and 30 joints in each foot, meaning arthritis can strike in various ways. Some examples of where this condition takes place in the feet include:

• The joint where the ankle and shinbone meet.
• The joints that involve the heel bone, inner mid-foot bone, and outer mid-foot bone. 
• The joint of the big toe and foot bone.

Common Symptoms To Watch For

When arthritis is left unchecked for too long, it can cause permanent damage to the affected joint. That is why it is crucial that patients are able to catch the development of arthritis at an early stage. If you find yourself dealing with any of the below symptoms in your feet, it’s time to consider scheduling an appointment with our team:

• Tenderness.
• Pain.
• Limited range of motion.
• Stiffness in the joint.
• Swelling of the foot.    

What Are The Treatment Options?

At Cherrywood Foot Care, we want our patients to know that we will help combat your arthritic symptoms in any way we can. Our main goal is to keep our patients healthy, and we have a variety of treatment options we can administer to allow this to happen. These treatment methods include the following:

• Developing custom-made orthotics for our patients.
• Providing braces to help support and stabilize the joint.
• Prescribing anti-inflammatory medication.
• Steroid injections.
• In severe cases, surgical procedures.

Podiatry Care Specialist in Merrick  

Don’t let arthritis-based pain take over your life. By contacting our team at Cherrywood Foot Care, you can receive the care needed to improve your quality of life. To schedule your first appointment, contact us today.