expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Fred Birnbaum, DPM

Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist)

Dr. Fred Birnbaum is a podiatrist practicing in Bensalem, PA. Dr. Birnbaum is a medical doctor specializing in the treatment of the foot , ankle and related parts of the leg. As a podiatrist, Dr. Birnbaum diagnoses and treats conditions of the feet. The feet are key body parts that give a person stability, absorb shock, allow for walking and standing and are necessary for overall well-being. So, the feet need expert care. Podiatrists can specialize in surgery, wound care, sports medicine, diabetic care and pediatrics.
46 years Experience
Dr. Fred Birnbaum, DPM
  • Bensalem, PA
  • Pa College Podiatric Medicine
  • Accepting new patients

What to do about a broken toenail?

I would see a podiatrist and get this taken care of properly. A nail takes 6-9 months to regrow

What are the treatment options for plantar fasciitis?

Things you can start with: take 1800mg Ibuprofen a day (total) or 1000mg Naproxen a day if tolerated and safe for you. Freeze a plastic water bottle and roll it with your foot READ MORE
Things you can start with: take 1800mg Ibuprofen a day (total) or 1000mg Naproxen a day if tolerated and safe for you. Freeze a plastic water bottle and roll it with your foot along your heel and arch for 5-10 minutes twice a day. Wear a higher heel ( even around the house) and only do the walking you have to do, no running or exercise involving weight-bearing while you have the problem. If these things don’t alleviate the problem, see a podiatrist.

Feet go purple with white blotches?

This may be signs of CRPS ( chronic regional pain syndrome) or a circulation disorder known as acrocyanosis or a Raynaud’s phenomenon. See a podiatrist to get help with diagnosing READ MORE
This may be signs of CRPS ( chronic regional pain syndrome) or a circulation disorder known as acrocyanosis or a Raynaud’s phenomenon.
See a podiatrist to get help with diagnosing and treating this problem.

Is my toe fine or do I need to go to the doctor? (would prefer not to)

The hallmark of infection is pain. If your description is accurate, then indeed you have a subungual hematoma and if it’s asymptomatic, there’s no need to see a doctor about it. READ MORE
The hallmark of infection is pain.
If your description is accurate, then indeed you have a subungual hematoma and if it’s asymptomatic, there’s no need to see a doctor about it.

Sprained ankle?

A sprained ankle is a partial ligament tear to 1, 2, or 3 ligaments around the ankle joint. I would recommend seeing a podiatrist to evaluate your rehab potential and you may need READ MORE
A sprained ankle is a partial ligament tear to 1, 2, or 3 ligaments around the ankle joint. I would recommend seeing a podiatrist to evaluate your rehab potential and you may need some physical therapy and possibly a short-term ankle brace.

Foot infections?

Picture out of focus, but they look like warts (verucca). Pretty significant infection. See a podiatrist.

Burning sensation in sole of both feet?

Acupuncture with an expert may help. Slippers will not. There are some medications that can help with the pain. A pain management doctor could help you.

Best course of action for month old toe injury?

Very little I can tell you without physical evaluation and xrays.

Broken toe?

The best thing is to ice it off and on, take some Advil. A podiatrist can dispense you with a surgical shoe, which will make it less painful to walk on, and take an x-ray to make READ MORE
The best thing is to ice it off and on, take some Advil. A podiatrist can dispense you with a surgical shoe, which will make it less painful to walk on, and take an x-ray to make sure it’s not too severe or dislocated.

Planters wart?

It is doubtful that they are warts. Warts usually disappear without any treatment within a couple years. More likely they are corns or skin cysts. See a podiatrist for accurate READ MORE
It is doubtful that they are warts. Warts usually disappear without any treatment within a couple years. More likely they are corns or skin cysts. See a podiatrist for accurate diagnosis and treatment for this painful problem

My toe bump?

There are a number of possible diagnoses and without a picture it would be difficult to give you accurate info. See a podiatrist!

I need help with my feet?

I cannot tell anything from this photo. See a podiatrist for treatment

I rip off my toenails?

Sounds like you are proud of a bad habit to me. In psychological terms, a person who compulsively rips off their nails is called a tylectomaniac. Just in case you wanted to know. READ MORE
Sounds like you are proud of a bad habit to me. In psychological terms, a person who compulsively rips off their nails is called a tylectomaniac. Just in case you wanted to know. Eventually, you will get a nasty infection, and maybe need hospitalization for sepsis if you stay on this path.

My mother is diabetic and has thick nail growth in her feet. How can we cut them while avoiding injury?

A lay person should probably not cut her nails, especially if she is a poorly-controlled diabetic. Most podiatrists provide this service for many people.

I have a red line on my toenail?

You sure mangle your toenail. I assume the line you mean is the one longitudinal line in the middle. Highly doubtful it is a melanoma. Get it biopsied if you are worried. You are READ MORE
You sure mangle your toenail. I assume the line you mean is the one longitudinal line in the middle. Highly doubtful it is a melanoma. Get it biopsied if you are worried. You are going to die, someday, but not from this.

Foot swelling?

I would be concerned about blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) too. Get seen immediately. This also could be other vein issues too.

Toe question?

I don’t see any bone sticking out in this photo, but it can happen. It comes from a bone spur under the toenail and can be removed surgically

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

There’s a good chance it’s fractured, but even if it isn’t, a bruise will hurt quite a bit. Until you see a podiatrist, use First Aid - Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation - READ MORE
There’s a good chance it’s fractured, but even if it isn’t, a bruise will hurt quite a bit. Until you see a podiatrist, use First Aid - Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation - R.I.C.E.

Do I need to get my toe checked out?

Since it hurts, you should see a podiatrist and it will easily be taken care of.

I have foot pain?

See a doc. Get an X-ray. Probable fracture. Stay off it. Get crutches.