expert type icon EXPERT

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.
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

Can topical medications help swollen ankle?

Sometimes, but it really depends on the pathology. There are many issues that will not respond to topical medications.

Can running cause heel pain?

Yes. See your podiatrist. Check out my responses on this site regarding heel pain and plantar fasciitis.

What is the best treatment option for ankle pain when walking?

That is dependent on what the pathology causing the pain is. You may have arthritis, a cartilage issue, a ligament issue, gout, or a number of other medical pathologies that might READ MORE
That is dependent on what the pathology causing the pain is. You may have arthritis, a cartilage issue, a ligament issue, gout, or a number of other medical pathologies that might be Cauthen pain.

What treatments are effective for ankle sprain?

See my many responses to ankle sprain questions on this site.

Can I fix a swollen ankle at home?

That is dependent on the cause/pathology of the pain. See my many responses on this topic at this venue.

Can anything be done about hammertoes?

Yes, but it is usually a surgical procedure.

How long after toe surgery can I wear shoes?

That depends on what procedures and necessary to fix your specific pathology.

Can hammertoe be corrected?

Yes-surgically.

How long does an ankle ligament injury take to heal?

Soft tissue injuries may take months to heal, and sometimes require surgical repair. Physical therapy with a BAPS board may be effective. But sometimes surgery

How do you fix torn ankle ligament?

You can try physical therapy. Also there are sclerosing injections/prolotherapy. But a lot of times, you may need a surgical repair of the ligaments to stabilize the ankle joint READ MORE
You can try physical therapy. Also there are sclerosing injections/prolotherapy. But a lot of times, you may need a surgical repair of the ligaments to stabilize the ankle joint

What is the best way to heal a heel spur?

A spur is really a radiographic artifact of a ligament injury called plantar fasciitis. I have written a great deal about heal pain and plantar fasciitis on this site. Check READ MORE
A spur is really a radiographic artifact of a ligament injury called plantar fasciitis. I have written a great deal about heal pain and plantar fasciitis on this site. Check out my responses.

How long is the treatment for ankle bursitis?

Sometimes a simple cortisone injection, immobilization, physical therapy with ultrasound and electrical stimulation, or steroid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications READ MORE
Sometimes a simple cortisone injection, immobilization, physical therapy with ultrasound and electrical stimulation, or steroid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications can help with bursitis. Occasionally surgery may be required.

Will heel spur heal on its own?

The pain may resolve on its own, but most of the time medical attention is necessary for a long-standing issue. The spur will not go away on its own, but the ‘spur’ is not the READ MORE
The pain may resolve on its own, but most of the time medical attention is necessary for a long-standing issue. The spur will not go away on its own, but the ‘spur’ is not the cause of the pain.

Do you get braces after ankle surgery?

Sometimes. It depends on what type of surgery and what pathology was addressed.

Is swollen feet and ankles a serious condtion?

Swollen feet, legs, and ankles are usually from a medical issue called Venous Insufficiency. This issue, when severe, can cause blistering, and open wounds, and those may become READ MORE
Swollen feet, legs, and ankles are usually from a medical issue called Venous Insufficiency. This issue, when severe, can cause blistering, and open wounds, and those may become infected and cause cellulitis. This infective process can spread and you could even become septic. You may have a more serious cardiac issue called congestive heart failure (CHF). You should have the problem evaluated by a cardiologist or a vein specialist. The appropriate medication would be a diuretic (water pill). Other treatments may be compression stockings, but you must be careful with the stockings if you have CHF, as they could exacerbate the problem. There are even minor office procedures that might help reduce the swelling. Your balance issues may be more complicated. You may need a neurologist to evaluate that issue.

Should I see a doctor about this?

If you are having pain, then you should seek medical attention. If it is not too painful, and you are able to bear weight and walk without any issues, try some Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory READ MORE
If you are having pain, then you should seek medical attention. If it is not too painful, and you are able to bear weight and walk without any issues, try some Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory medication (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, etc) for the pain and swelling. Try an ankle brace or ACE wrap. Ice and elevate and rest.

Can you fix the nerve damage in your ankle?

That is entirely dependent on what type of nerve damage you have. If you have generalized 'Neuropathy,' there are medications that may control the pain from such conditions. READ MORE
That is entirely dependent on what type of nerve damage you have. If you have generalized 'Neuropathy,' there are medications that may control the pain from such conditions. If you have Tarsal Tunnel, that may get better with injections or surgery. If you have a pinched nerve in your spine, a neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Spine surgeon may be able to help. BUT many nerve-related conditions are not treatable and can not be fixed. You need a very thorough evaluation, possibly with NCV/EMG studies, MRIs and other modalities of testing.

Can massage fix ankle pain?

That depends on what the cause of your pain is. For certain conditions, massage may WORSEN the problem.

How can you help with ankle pain?

It depends on what is causing the pain. You may have a tendon, ligament, nerve, joint, or bone problem. You need a proper evaluation and diagnosis in order to have a proper treatment READ MORE
It depends on what is causing the pain. You may have a tendon, ligament, nerve, joint, or bone problem. You need a proper evaluation and diagnosis in order to have a proper treatment plan/regimen