Podiatry in Northern New Jersey
Podiatry is the branch of medicine dedicated to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) is a physician who specializes in foot care. Podiatrists may focus on one area of the field, such as surgery or sports medicine. Located in northern New Jersey, Bergen Medical Associates offers expert podiatry care for adults, teens, and children over 10 years of age.
What Conditions Can a Podiatrist Diagnose and Treat?
The knowledgeable practitioners at Bergen Medical Associates can diagnose a wide range of conditions that affect the feet. Common issues include:
- Achilles tendonitis: A condition that often affects runners, this causes inflammation and pain in the tendon along the back of the heel.
- Arthritis: Wear and tear on the joints in the feet can lead to osteoarthritis, which causes inflammation, stiffness, and swelling.
- Bunions: This is a deformity of the big toe joint that can cause pain and swelling and make it difficult to walk comfortably.
- Flat feet: Patients may be born with flat feet, or their arches may fall from wear and tear over time.
- Foot complications from diabetes: Because diabetes can affect blood vessels and nerves, patients with diabetes should have their feet checked regularly for sores and nerve damage.
- Fractures and sprains: Podiatrists can treat acute injuries such as ankle sprains and toe fractures.
- Fungus: Skin and nail infections such as athlete’s foot can develop in damp, sweaty environments and may cause itching or flaking.
- Hammertoes: Tendon and ligament imbalances can cause a toe to buckle so that the middle joint pokes out, sometimes leading to corns or calluses.
- Heel pain: Recurring pain in the heel may be due to an acute injury or a chronic condition such as tendonitis or plantar fasciitis.
- Nail disorders and injuries: In addition to fungal infections, toenails can be painful if they are ingrown or infected.
- Nerve problems: Certain nerve disorders such as Morton’s neuroma and tarsal tunnel syndrome can cause foot pain.
- Plantar fasciitis: This is an inflammation of the tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. Plantar fasciitis often affects patients with flat feet or poor arch support.
- Shin splints: Common among athletes, this is the layman’s term for tibial stress syndrome, which causes pain along the shin bone.
Bergen Medical Associates also can diagnose many pediatric foot problems, treat burns and wounds on the feet, and prescribe custom orthotics for patients.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
Many foot conditions can be addressed with medication and other nonsurgical interventions. Patients should make an appointment with a podiatrist if they have any of the following issues in their feet or ankles:
- Chronic pain, swelling, or redness
- Discolored skin or toenails
- Ingrown nails
- Scaling, peeling, or rash
- Growths or corns
Patients with chronic health conditions such as diabetes or arthritis also may need to see a foot specialist regularly.
Experienced Podiatry Care
The Podiatry department at Bergen Medical Associates is led by Samantha Rosenzweig, DPM. Dr. Rosenzweig graduated from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and completed her podiatric surgical residency at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center. Her residency included an added credential in reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery.
Before joining Bergen Medical Associates, Dr. Rosenzweig was in private practice in upstate New York. She believes most foot problems can be treated non-surgically and works to create a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan for each patient.
Dr. Rosenzweig specializes in the surgical management of forefoot deformities, especially arthritis of the big toe. She also takes a special interest in diabetic foot care, including wound management, sports medicine, and pediatric foot conditions.
Find Outstanding Podiatry Care at Bergen Medical Associates
Left untreated, foot conditions and injuries can affect mobility and quality of life. It is important to see a qualified podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Led by Dr. Rosenzweig, Bergen Medical Associates offers podiatry care for patients throughout northern New Jersey and the surrounding area. For more information or to request an in-person or telehealth appointment, contact Bergen Medical Associates today.
