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

I have constant foot pain?

Not enough info or pix or exam results to be able to give a helpful answer. If the problem continues, see a podiatrist

I have a wound on hallux?

I see several problems here- a toe infection on the side of the nail and circulation problems to your foot. Get seen by a podiatrist asap

Is a chiropractor good for ankle pain?

It is my opinion that unless your ankle pain is related to a spinal issue, a chiropractor is not the doctor I would see for my issue. I would recommend a podiatrist or orthopedic READ MORE
It is my opinion that unless your ankle pain is related to a spinal issue, a chiropractor is not the doctor I would see for my issue.
I would recommend a podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon. Physical therapy is often helpful, but you need an rx from a physician first.

How to treat my mom's bad foot pain?

I’d love to have an answer for you, but there is no way to make any kind of diagnosis with the minimal information you have given, with no physical evaluation, no history, not READ MORE
I’d love to have an answer for you, but there is no way to make any kind of diagnosis with the minimal information you have given, with no physical evaluation, no history, not even a location on the foot where it hurts. The only information you have given me is about the swelling from water retention, which most likely has nothing to do with her problem. Take her to an urgent care center, her family dr or a podiatrist- there’s no other alternative.

Ingrown toenail?

I wouldn’t recommend what is called “bathroom surgery”. You have an infection which could get much worse and enter your bloodstream. See a podiatrist and it can easily be cured. READ MORE
I wouldn’t recommend what is called “bathroom surgery”. You have an infection which could get much worse and enter your bloodstream. See a podiatrist and it can easily be cured. While waiting for your appointment ( and you should tell the doctor’s office you have an infected ingrown nail), soak in warm water for 10 min and apply antibiotic ointment and apply a bandaid daily.
You could also call your family doctor and ask them to Rx you an oral antibiotic until you have your appointment

How do I treat plantar warts?

You can try OTC salicylic acid. If not better in 2 months , see a podiatrist

What is the best toenail fungus treatment?

I have 2 treatments I recommend: oral terbinafine for 3 months (safe, but blood test necessary); Topical Formula 7 (only available through podiatrists) for 6 months. Money back READ MORE
I have 2 treatments I recommend: oral terbinafine for 3 months (safe, but blood test necessary); Topical Formula 7 (only available through podiatrists) for 6 months. Money back guarantee on this product. I have been using terbinafine for 20 years and Formula 7 for 10 years. Both work well, but are not foolproof.

Do I need physical therapy after spraining my ankle?

Depends on severity. Look up ankle sprains on WebMD and see. Minor sprains ( grade 1) do not need PT. Other grades, yes.

Possible broken toe/foot?

I would get a copy of the films and go see a podiatrist. You may have a dislocation or a mis-reading of the xrays. I have seen this occur many times.

Toenail problems?

I would keep it clean and apply antibiotic ointment to it for a week and watch for any signs of infection. If there’s an issue, see a podiatrist

Diabetic feet?

There are several different possible causes for this, the most likely being restless leg syndrome which can be controlled with medication

Can plantar fasciitis be healed?

Certainly. I don’t know what treatments you have had, but if you have only been seen by one podiatrist, try a different one and ask what treatments they offer. If you have had READ MORE
Certainly. I don’t know what treatments you have had, but if you have only been seen by one podiatrist, try a different one and ask what treatments they offer. If you have had these treatments already, you might be a candidate for surgery. I advocate the endoscopic surgery with its quick recovery, minimal complication, and excellent results. There is NO need to remove the heel spur if you have one!

Ankle pain?

This is a difficult situation and there’s no way I could give a reliable opinion without examining, seeing various test results. There may have been additional nerve damage during READ MORE
This is a difficult situation and there’s no way I could give a reliable opinion without examining, seeing various test results. There may have been additional nerve damage during the course of the tarsal tunnel surgery or various other possible complications. I would get additions opinions from other surgical podiatrists.

Do podiatrists treat ingrown toenails?

Of course they do! Acute and chronic ones. There is an easy fix for chronic ingrowing nails. See your local podiatrist and have them resolved relatively easily in the office.

What happens if you leave an ingrown toenail untreated?

Let’s look at the worst case scenario - this is usually a problem easily fixed with minimal complications if dealt with by a professional. The nail becomes embedded in the flesh READ MORE
Let’s look at the worst case scenario - this is usually a problem easily fixed with minimal complications if dealt with by a professional. The nail becomes embedded in the flesh alongside of its border. If it pierces through, it easily gets infected, causing inflammation, swelling, and worsening pain. The tissue surrounding it will become increasingly engaged with blood as the body tries to heal, and what is called proud flesh increases in the area. Pain worsens, frequent bleeding and various amounts of pus will arise. The pus that may be trapped there will cause a great deal of discomfort. If the bacterial infection worsens, it can become blood borne, causing systemic reaction - fever, chills, etc., and may require IV antibiotics. Deepening infection can result in bone infection, which may result in amputation.
So, you don’t have time to get this treated?

Is a walking boot better than a cast?

No it is not better. Often after ankle surgery, one starts with a non-weightbearing cast for optimal immobilization and after a few weeks, when healing is going normally, switch READ MORE
No it is not better. Often after ankle surgery, one starts with a non-weightbearing cast for optimal immobilization and after a few weeks, when healing is going normally, switch to a cam walker (boot) with progressive weight bearing.

Toenail surgery?

Every doctor has their own protocol. It partially depends upon which procedure you had done too.

Toenail fungus treatment that doesn't interact with warfarin?

Topical treatments that work are: Formula 7, Jublia, and Kerydin. See your local podiatrist for safe, effective treatments.

Do podiatrists treat toenail fungus?

Every day via palliation, topical therapy and oral.