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
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How long does it take to recover from toenail removal?
A few days usually
Big toes issues?
Most podiatrists do permanent nail procedures (matrixectomies). Quick, relatively painless office procedure.
Should I see a podiatrist or chiropractor?
Chiropractors are not foot specialists. Podiatrists are foot and ankle specialists with 4 years of medical and podiatry education after college snd 3 years of residency training READ MORE
Chiropractors are not foot specialists. Podiatrists are foot and ankle specialists with 4 years of medical and podiatry education after college snd 3 years of residency training in medicine and surgery. I’m not saying a chiropractor doesn’t know anything about foot problems, but the training a podiatrist gets speaks for itself.
Is bruising a good sign with a sprained ankle?
Not really. It means you partially tore the ligaments involved ( Grade 2 or more ankle sprain)
Will an x-ray show a torn ligament in an ankle?
No. X-rays will show bony deformities and disruptions (fractures). Ligaments are soft tissues. Clinical evaluation is usually how sprains are evaluated. However, extensive damage READ MORE
No. X-rays will show bony deformities and disruptions (fractures). Ligaments are soft tissues. Clinical evaluation is usually how sprains are evaluated. However, extensive damage or multiple ligament damage can be confirmed through MRI.
What is the strongest treatment for athlete's foot?
Oral terbinafine, in my opinion.
Will walking on a broken toe make it worse?
It will probably make it hurt and swell more. A lot depends on whether the bone is aligned or not. If it is displaced it will get worse by walking and may need surgical correction. READ MORE
It will probably make it hurt and swell more. A lot depends on whether the bone is aligned or not. If it is displaced it will get worse by walking and may need surgical correction. If it is well-aligned, walking (some) will probably not worsen the injury. A surgical shoe, which is essentially a splinting device is helpful. It is usually painful to walk in an enclosed shoe until the swelling and soft tissue injury subsides.
What is the most effective treatment for toenail fungus?
I have treated toenail fungus for 40 years. I use 2 different medications- 1)oral terbinafine for 3 months, but this requires blood tests.2) topical Formula 7 for 6 months. This READ MORE
I have treated toenail fungus for 40 years. I use 2 different medications- 1)oral terbinafine for 3 months, but this requires blood tests.2) topical Formula 7 for 6 months. This is only available through a podiatrist. The 2 other prescription topical antifungals are very expensive (copays of $80 a bottle) and they must be used for 1 year. Formula 7 is inexpensive and they offer a $ back guarantee. The antifungal in it is a common one, but they have a patent on altering the molecular structure that allows the medication to penetrate through the skin and nail plate to the root (matrix) underneath. That's why it frequently works. I have been using it successfully for a long time. Nothing works for everyone though. So if one way doesn't work, then I try the other route. The stuff they sell in the drug store rarely works and there are many urban legends about tea tree oil, vick's vaporub and other placebos that waste your time and $.
How do I help my son who's ankle surgery is delayed?
In general, kids do not sprain their ankles- they usually fracture the bones of the ankle, rather than spraining or tearing their ankle ligaments. So, you are giving incomplete READ MORE
In general, kids do not sprain their ankles- they usually fracture the bones of the ankle, rather than spraining or tearing their ankle ligaments. So, you are giving incomplete or incorrect info here. All you can do is keep him on crutches and wearing his cast, splint, or boot until elective surgery is available again. Hospitals in Pennsylvania, where I am, have just reopened for elective surgeries.
How can my daughter manage a broken toe without surgery?
Broken toes rarely need surgery unless poorly aligned or dislocated. Usually a surgical shoe which splints the foot is all that’s needed for 2-4 weeks. See a podiatrist for xray READ MORE
Broken toes rarely need surgery unless poorly aligned or dislocated. Usually a surgical shoe which splints the foot is all that’s needed for 2-4 weeks. See a podiatrist for xray evaluation and management
How do you know a child's foot is broken?
The diagnosis of a foot fracture in a child is not always simple. Thorough examination, history if available, xray evaluation and sometimes MRI’s are necessary.
How do you test for ankle instability?
Special xray views with the ankle inverted. They are called stress inversion views.
How successful is plantar fasciitis surgery?
Done endoscopically, I have seen better than 90% success rate. I believe the literature says 80%. I do not remove the heel spur if present. The spur is not the cause of the pain. READ MORE
Done endoscopically, I have seen better than 90% success rate. I believe the literature says 80%. I do not remove the heel spur if present. The spur is not the cause of the pain. Removing the spur needs a long recovery.
I have been doing it this way via endoscope almost 30 years and recovery is fairly quick with little downtime and mild- moderate discomfort afterwards.
I have been doing it this way via endoscope almost 30 years and recovery is fairly quick with little downtime and mild- moderate discomfort afterwards.
Can being overweight cause ankle pain?
It may be an aggravating factor but not likely the cause of your problem.
What foot exercises can be done at home?
Stretching your achilles tendon is the most important.
What to do right after twisting your ankle?
Any injury, remember, R.I.C.E: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Follow up with your local podiatrist. However, if swelling, black-and-blue spots, and pain are severe, head READ MORE
Any injury, remember, R.I.C.E: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Follow up with your local podiatrist. However, if swelling, black-and-blue spots, and pain are severe, head to your ER.
What is the best pain relief for plantar fasciitis?
There us no one thing that is best. I follow a sequence of treatments, so that if the first type of treatment doesn’t help, I move onto the second. I usually start with NSAIDs, READ MORE
There us no one thing that is best. I follow a sequence of treatments, so that if the first type of treatment doesn’t help, I move onto the second. I usually start with NSAIDs, ice massage, heel cup, rest, xrays, and wearing a higher heel than normal. After that a series of up to 3 corticosteroid injections and so on.
Will I need surgery for a sprained ankle?
Probably not. However, you should have it evaluated because there is possible fracture too. You may need to use an ankle brace or be put in a ‘boot’ walker for a short period, READ MORE
Probably not. However, you should have it evaluated because there is possible fracture too. You may need to use an ankle brace or be put in a ‘boot’ walker for a short period, which will allow it to heal faster.
Sometimes physical therapy is needed to rehab the ankle.
Sometimes physical therapy is needed to rehab the ankle.
Can a podiatrist perform surgery?
Most podiatrists are residency trained and perform surgery. Many have board certification, including myself.
