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Dr. Lee A Wittenberg, DPM

Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist)

Dr. Lee Wittenberg is a 3 year surgically trained Podiatrist. Dr. Wittenberg is trained in all elements of foot and ankle surgery, wound care and limb salvage, and general Podiatric medicine. Dr. Lee Wittenberg is Board Certified by the American Board of Lower Extremity Surgery, as well as the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgeons. Whether you need clinical treatment with orthotics, Diabetic shoes and insoles, or bracing of the foot and ankle for pathologies such as Drop Foot, Flat Foot reconstructions, care of an injury or fracture, or an ankle sprain, you can find the care you need at Apache Foot & Ankle Specialists. Dr. Wittenberg is also a wound care and limb salvage expert. If you have a long-standing or non-healing wound, Diabetes, or other Dermatologic issues, Apache Foot & Ankle Specialists can help you in those areas. Dr. Wittenberg is kind, compassionate, and ethical, and will always be looking out for the patients' best interests.
Learn More About Me
24 years Experience
Dr. Lee A. Wittenberg, DPM
Specializes in:
  • Foot Injuries and Disorders
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • Ohio College of Podiatric Medcine
  • Accepting new patients

What is the treatment option for ankle dislocation?

Relocation of the ankle, which mostly requires surgery using plates and screws.

Foot swelling?

If you are worried about a blood clot you should immediately go to the emergency room.

What is causing these pains?

The socks leaving deep impressions on the ankle is likely secondary to swelling caused by Venous Insufficiency. You should wear compression stockings up to your knees if you have READ MORE
The socks leaving deep impressions on the ankle is likely secondary to swelling caused by Venous Insufficiency. You should wear compression stockings up to your knees if you have swelling, which is not present in the morning, but increases during the day and into the evening. The ankle swelling may also be related to Congestive Heart Failure, so you should be evaluated by your cardiologist to ensure you don't have a more serious problem. The hardened bruising you speak of is difficult for me to understand-I am not sure what you are referring to without seeing the problem in person.

Can you fix a misaligned ankle?

It really depends on what you mean by 'Misaligned.' An ankle joint can change/deform over long periods of time, sometimes leading to abnormal position and alignment of the joint; READ MORE
It really depends on what you mean by 'Misaligned.' An ankle joint can change/deform over long periods of time, sometimes leading to abnormal position and alignment of the joint; sometimes leading to arthritic changes. An ankle may also be 'misaligned' from contusion/severe sprain that results in an ankle dislocation or fracture. So I would really need more information and even a picture of an x-ray to help me further understand what you are trying to correct here. But, I will say, if there is severe misalignment, you may only have a couple of options; possibly even only 1 option. These options may include an ankle stabilzation procedure to repair ligaments and soft tissues, an ankle implant arthroplasty (total ankle joint replacement), or an ankle fusion.

Is physical therapy effective after ankle surgery?

It depends on what type of ankle surgery you are to have. There are many types of ankle surgery including soft tissue surgery, ankle replacement surgery, ankle fracture repair, READ MORE
It depends on what type of ankle surgery you are to have. There are many types of ankle surgery including soft tissue surgery, ankle replacement surgery, ankle fracture repair, ankle fusion. So how effective Physical Therapy will be is largely dependent on what type of surgery you are to have.

Is walking good for ankle pain?

That depends on what is causing your ankle pain. Ankle pain may come from chronic ligament tears/sprains/instability, arthritic changes in the joint, osteochondral defects of READ MORE
That depends on what is causing your ankle pain. Ankle pain may come from chronic ligament tears/sprains/instability, arthritic changes in the joint, osteochondral defects of the Talus and/or Tibia, or malalignment of the ankle causing chronic changes such as a joint derangement of the ankle.

Swollen and itchy ankle?

If the itching is accompanied by a rash, you may have a dermatitis. You can try over-the-counter creams such as a cortisone cream, which should stop itching and reduce the inflammation. READ MORE
If the itching is accompanied by a rash, you may have a dermatitis. You can try over-the-counter creams such as a cortisone cream, which should stop itching and reduce the inflammation. If the problem is an infection (either fungal or bacterial), or if you are not sure, you should have the problem evaluated by a specialist.

Can massage fix a sprained ankle?

Do NOT massage the ankle for an acute injury or sprain. Use Ice, Compression, Elevation, and rest. Avoid gym/high impact activity until the pain resolves. If the pain persists, READ MORE
Do NOT massage the ankle for an acute injury or sprain. Use Ice, Compression, Elevation, and rest. Avoid gym/high impact activity until the pain resolves. If the pain persists, see your local foot and ankle specialist

Can my foot rotation cause hip problems?

When seated, ALL PEOPLE'S FEET TURN OUTWARD like yours are in this photo. The only way to truly evaluate your foot and leg position is in a weight bearing stance. This should READ MORE
When seated, ALL PEOPLE'S FEET TURN OUTWARD like yours are in this photo. The only way to truly evaluate your foot and leg position is in a weight bearing stance. This should be done by a professional who understands biomechanics. To answer your question, yes, you can have hip pain from changes in the leg and foot. And, yes, previous trauma and injuries can affect all of this.

Foot drop?

Yes. Foot Drop is a neurologic problem. It can absolutely affect the hips and there may be a more severe neurologic problem affecting the muscles and stability of your knee, READ MORE
Yes. Foot Drop is a neurologic problem. It can absolutely affect the hips and there may be a more severe neurologic problem affecting the muscles and stability of your knee, your hip, your pelvis and low back that is contributing to your foot drop. You should have an EMG/NCV study by a neurologist, and you should likely be wearing a brace for stability of the foot drop. You should see a well-trained foot and ankle specialist and a Neurologist in your area.

Toe question?

You have a joint derangement at the Interphalangeal joint of your big toe, at least that is what is looks like on this photo. But I cannot honestly see if that is your big toe READ MORE
You have a joint derangement at the Interphalangeal joint of your big toe, at least that is what is looks like on this photo. But I cannot honestly see if that is your big toe or one of your lesser toes. But the toe is 'bent' at the joint there. Conservatively, you can place toe separators or pads between the toes. But the only way to correct it and straighten it is to have it surgically corrected.

Is that bad that I have been cracking my ankle a lot?

The symptoms are interesting, but too difficult to give you a diagnosis without an evaluation. Usually, the sweating and pain can be related to a nerve disorder or nerve irritation, READ MORE
The symptoms are interesting, but too difficult to give you a diagnosis without an evaluation. Usually, the sweating and pain can be related to a nerve disorder or nerve irritation, but it is very difficult to discern from your description here. I am sorry-in your case I feel it is probably important for you to find a specialist in your area for full evaluation and treatment.

Foot drop?

Different braces will give you different support. The decision on which brace is best for you depends partially on how strong the surrounding muscle groups are. If you are simply READ MORE
Different braces will give you different support. The decision on which brace is best for you depends partially on how strong the surrounding muscle groups are. If you are simply having a drop foot and only your posterior muscle group is affected, then you can get a 'dorsiflexory assist' AFO. If the problem is more global with more muscle groups affected, you need a more 'fixed ankle' AFO. The best way to determine which brace would be best for you would be to go to a specialist to have them examine and evaluate your muscle strength. There are several types of AFO you can choose from, and you can discuss different options with your physician during the evaluation.

Right foot injury?

If you need to have an evaluation, which I would strongly recommend, you will need to see a specialist in the area in which you live. There is no way to diagnose or evaluate your READ MORE
If you need to have an evaluation, which I would strongly recommend, you will need to see a specialist in the area in which you live. There is no way to diagnose or evaluate your injury over the internet or the phone.

Can ice make a sprained ankle worse?

Not unless you have vascular compromise. Otherwise, Ice is one of the important factors in healing a traumatized body part.

How can I fix my heel pain?

The most common cause of heel pain is Plantar Fasciitis. There is a great deal of information you can read on my patient-doctor question section here, and other places on line. READ MORE
The most common cause of heel pain is Plantar Fasciitis. There is a great deal of information you can read on my patient-doctor question section here, and other places on line. If you do the things recommended, and your pain persists >1 month, you should see a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

How do you treat ankle bone pain?

I would need a better explanation of what you mean by 'Ankle Bone' pain. It is usually not the bone that is painful unless there was a trauma/contusion, or some fracture. Soft READ MORE
I would need a better explanation of what you mean by 'Ankle Bone' pain. It is usually not the bone that is painful unless there was a trauma/contusion, or some fracture. Soft Tissue injuries are usually the culprit for pain in the foot and ankle, and that is not 'Bone' pain.

What is good for arthritis in the ankle?

The definition of 'Arthritis' is a degeneration/breakdown of the cartilage between 2 bones that articulate to form a joint. This causes inflammation within and around the bone. READ MORE
The definition of 'Arthritis' is a degeneration/breakdown of the cartilage between 2 bones that articulate to form a joint. This causes inflammation within and around the bone. Conservatively, we treat arthritis with NSAIDs, injections, braces, immobilization, etc. Surgically, you will need either a joint replacement or a fusion to treat arthritis.

Is my toe infection bad enough to go to the ER?

A toenail infection should be handled by a Foot and Ankle Specialist. If you go to the ER or urgent care, they will simply refer you to a specialist and will likely not take care READ MORE
A toenail infection should be handled by a Foot and Ankle Specialist. If you go to the ER or urgent care, they will simply refer you to a specialist and will likely not take care of it. But, yes, you need medical attention. You will need antibiotics and a minor procedure in the office

I have pain in left pinky toe can you help me?

It may take 4-12 weeks for your pain to improve if you've fractured the toe. Best treatment is NSAIDs, Rest, Buddy Splinting the 5th toe to the 4th for stability, and wear shoes READ MORE
It may take 4-12 weeks for your pain to improve if you've fractured the toe. Best treatment is NSAIDs, Rest, Buddy Splinting the 5th toe to the 4th for stability, and wear shoes that do not apply too much pressure to the toe