Hudson Physicians is proud to welcome Dr. Melanie Berg. Dr. Berg is a doctor of podiatric medicine. Podiatry focuses on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of medical conditions related to the feet and lower legs.
Your feet take the weight of your whole body. It’s easy to see how a problem can quickly lead to discomfort. If you have painful feet, heel pain, dry skin, discolored toenails, cracked skin, cuts, redness or swelling, you should consult with a specialist as soon as possible. A variety of diseases can present themselves peripherally in the lower extremities. Dry skin that is cracked or flaking near the heel or ball of the foot can be a sign of thyroid issues. The characteristic pins and needles sensation in the feet can lead to the discovery of undiagnosed diabetes.
A proper foot exam can reveal signs of major systemic issues including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Heart failure
- Lung disease
- Anemia
- Autoimmune disorders
- Liver and kidney malfunction
Specific conditions we treat
- Arthritis
- Bunions
- Diabetic foot ulcers, infection management, and amputation prevention
- Foot deformities, hammer toe
- Heel & arch pain, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis
- Injuries, breaks, and sprains
- Neuromas (pinched nerve or nerve tumor, frequently found between the third and fourth toes)
- Skin and nail conditions
Arthritis
Arthritis can be a common condition many people struggle with. But did you know that a podiatrist can help? Arthritis occurs when the cartilage and lining of your joints have become inflamed and swollen. Because of the 33 joints within the foot, it can be challenging to avoid foot pain associated with arthritis. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and limited movement.
Bunions
Far from being purely cosmetic, bunions can be very painful when untreated. A bunion is a bump that occurs on the joint of your big toe. This happens after the bone or tissue has shifted out of place. Beware, your bunion can become even more painful over time. Treatment can help.
Diabetic Foot Care, Infection Management and Amputation Prevention
Diabetes can affect your entire body, your feet included. Podiatrists can be instrumental in diabetic medical care for this reason. They can help those who have diabetes avoid complications from their illness. Symptoms of note are swelling, changes in the color of your skin, pain, open sores, bleeding calluses, ingrown toenails or dry, cracked skin around the heel. Any of these warrant the expertise of a podiatrist so the condition can be properly managed.
Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Diabetic foot ulcers require immediate action. These wounds have a difficult time healing on their own and can even become infected. 15% of people with diabetes form these types of ulcers. You may notice you have an ulcer because of drainage that occurs. It’s important that the help of a podiatrist is sought immediately so that you can lessen your risk of infection or eventual amputation.
Foot Deformities
Whether your foot deformity was caused by genetics or trauma, a podiatrist can help. Clubfoot occurs when the feet are turned inward at birth. Cavus foot occurs when an individual has a very high arch. Both of these are examples of foot deformities that can be treated.
Hammer Toe
A hammer toe occurs when your toe begins to bend at the joint. Treatment is very important even in the initial stages because this can ward off more serious complications. Watch for symptoms such as corns, pain in the bent toe, redness and swelling, restricted motion, and pain in the ball of the foot.
Heel and Arch Pain/Plantar Fasciitis/Achilles Tendinitis
Many people attempt to change the way they walk to minimize heel and foot pain they feel, but this might lead to foot, knee, hip or back problems.
Plantar Fasciitis affects a band of tissue at the bottom of your foot. When this becomes inflamed, you may begin to notice stabbing pain. The pain is especially prominent when first waking up in the morning, standing after sitting, or standing for a long period.
Achilles Tendinitis occurs when your Achilles tendon has become overused. Pain can range from mild to severe.
Injuries, Breaks, and Sprains
Injuries, breaks, and sprains can occur in various places between your ankle, feet, and legs. It is important that a doctor is sought out after an injury so that you can best understand the extent of the damage and how to best heal from it.
Neuromas
A neuroma is often referred to as a pinched nerve. It is actually a formation of nerve tissue and it tends to affect the area between the third and fourth toes.It is characterized by pain from walking, tingling, numbness, and swelling.
Skin and Nail Conditions
A podiatrist can help with skin and nail conditions, if they affect the lower extremities. Some individuals experience nail conditions such as ingrown toenails, nail fungus, or stains. They may also experience skin conditions such as eczema or contact dermatitis.
Trust the expert guidance of Dr. Melanie Berg.
Schedule an appointment now and your feet will thank you.
