Dr. Lee Wittenberg, DPM

Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist) | Foot & Ankle Surgery

8530 West Sunset Road Ste 345 Las Vegas NV, 89113 Show map

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About

Dr. Lee Wittenberg is a board certified podiatrist practicing in Las Vegas, NV. Dr. Wittenberg was recently given the honor of becoming the Executive Director of the American Board of Lower Extremity Surgery. Dr. Wittenberg is the ONLY Foot & Ankle surgeon in Las Vegas board certified by 2 different surgical boards in foot surgery and in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, being certified by the American Board of Lower Extremity Surgery and the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Dr. Wittenberg is a medical doctor specializing in the treatment of the foot, ankle, and related parts of the leg. As a podiatrist, Dr. Wittenberg 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. Specialize in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery requires a great deal of understanding of the body's biomechanics. Dr. Wittenberg also is a specialist in wound care and limb salvage, sports medicine, diabetic care and pediatrics.

Education and Training

Ohio College of Podiatric Medcine DPM 2000

Board Certification

American Board of Lower Extremity Surgery

Foot Surgery (Podiatric Surgery)

Reconstructive Rearfoot / Ankle Surgery (Podiatric Surgery)

Provider Details

Male English, Spanish

Dr. Lee Wittenberg, DPM

Dr. Lee Wittenberg, DPM's Expert Contributions

My Latest Posts
My Answers

Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that affects many of your body systems. It can lead to blindness, kidney disease, disease of the nerves (neuropathy), blockage of the arteries (which may lead to a stroke or a heart attack), a weakening of the immune system, possible amputation, and a decreased overall life...
Venous Insufficiency/Ankle Swelling
Venous Insufficiency: Why are my ankles and feet swollen?People often ask me as a Podiatrist, ‘why are my ankles, legs and feet swollen?’ The most common reason for ankle and foot swelling is venous insufficiency. What is venous insufficiency? It is a problem of pooling of fluid or retention of...
Plantar Fasciitis - Heel Pain
The most common cause of heel pain that I see in my practice is caused by a pathology called ‘Plantar Fasciitis.’ People usually come in complaining of pain on the inside of their heel or along the bottom of the arch that came on suddenly. Symptoms usually consist of pain that starts with the...
Hallux Rigidus/Hallux Limitus
There are 2 types of hallux limitus: 1) Structural and 2) Functional. A structural hallux limitus is due to the development of arthritis (a decrease in the cartilage between 2 bones in a joint), which includes spurring or bone growth around the joint, most obvious at the top of the 1st...
Metatarsalgia: Pain At the Ball of the Foot
It is very common for us to see patients complaining of pain in the balls of the feet and toes. There are many contributing factors and several pathologies which commonly cause this type of pain. Problems that we see include Neuromas (Nerve impingements at the ball of the foot), Capsulitis/joint...
Plantar Fasciitis
The most common cause of heel pain that I see in my practice is caused by a pathology called ‘Plantar Fasciitis.’ People usually come in complaining of pain at the inside of their heel or along the bottom of the arch that came on suddenly. Symptoms usually consist of pain that starts with...

What is Morton's neuroma?
A Neuroma is an impingement of the plantar (bottom of the foot) nerves at the ball of the foot which may result in a bulbous and painful swelling and irritation of the nerve. Common symptoms are burning pain, pain at the ball of the foot, and tingling and numbness at the ball of the foot and sometimes into the toes. People often come in with strange sensations, such as a feeling of 'a sock or material bunched up under or between the toes.' Initial treatments for neuromas include injections with cortisone, oral anti-inflammatory medication, and biomechanical off-loading using orthotics and metatarsal pads. If conservative treatments are ineffective, patients may opt for a series of Alcohol sclerosing injections to shrink and kill the nerve, or surgical excision of the nerve. These treatments, however, are destructive (to the nerve) and often leave a patient with permanent numbness, so they are a last resort. Contributing factors are high heel, flat feet, and hammertoes. READ MORE
How do ingrown toenails get infected?
All infections are caused by microorganisms (bacteria/fungi/viruses). In the case of an ingrown toenail, the nail, itself, is dirty, and if it penetrates the skin on the side of the nail, it can impregnate the area with microorganisms, causing infection. In your case, the instruments you used to 'dig it out' may have been dirty/contaminated, and you may have introduced the bacteria into the area by attempting your own treatment. READ MORE
Are orthotics enough for foot bunions?
It depends on what you are referring to as a 'bunion.' Many of my patients call corns and calluses bunions-but that is not what a bunion is. A bunion is a deformity of the foot where the angle between the 1st and 2nd metatarsals increases, and the big to deviates laterally to the articulation of the 1st metatarso-phalangeal joint. Orthotics may slow the progression or prevent worsening of a bunion, but once a bunion is there, the only way to correct it is to have surgery. Look up Bunions. Look up Hallux Valgus (the medical term for bunion). READ MORE
Should I try to remove a toenail?
If the nail is more than 90% lysed off the nail bed, you can remove the nail. Just make sure the area does not get infected (red/swollen/pus/pain). Keep the nail covered at all times with a band aid and antibiotic ointment (Neosporin) until the wound bed appears to be fully healed or has a stable scab. If there are signs of infection, see your primary doctor or a Podiatrist ASAP. READ MORE
Why is the top of my left foot swollen?
There are many reasons for swelling, including injury, infection, stress fractures, and circulatory problems. The most common circulatory problem causing that type of swelling is Venous Insufficiency (commonly thought of as 'fluid retention'). There is no way to tell what is wrong without an examination READ MORE
What is the best way to eliminate foot odor?
Foot odor is caused by bacteria and fungus. These problems are exacerbated by sweat. Spray your shoes with Lysol at least once a week and allow them to dry before wearing again. Treat any athlete's foot or fungal infections. Change your socks twice a day to eliminate sweat. Treat toenail fungus, if present. There are also over the counter treatments for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), like Certain Dry that you can use to try to decrease the amount of sweating that increases these bacterial and fungal counts READ MORE
Can you treat heel spurs at home?
It depends on what you mean by a 'heel spur.' It sounds like you are talking about a deformity at the posterior heel where the Achilles Tendon inserts, based on your comment that it hurts in tight pumps. If that is the case, there are 2 possible problems (An Enthesis of your Achilles insertion or a Haglund's deformity (a 'Pump Bump)). You must stop wearing shoes that are too tight around the Achilles and alleviate the aggravating factors that are causing the pain. Oral and topical anti-inflammatories may help with the pain. Surgical treatment is sometimes necessary. If you are referencing a plantar heel spur (Plantar Fasciitis), there are other treatments necessary for that problem. READ MORE
What can I do about my nail infection?
Removing your toenail will NOT actually eliminate the infection if you are referring to a toenail fungus. If you are talking about an ingrowing nail with an infected nail fold (a paronychia), you must have the offending portion of the nail removed. If it is a fungal nail infection, the best remedy is an oral medication called Lamisil. READ MORE
How are plantar warts caused?
Plantar warts are caused by a virus (the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). They are difficult to get rid of, as the virus lives in the deepest layer of your dermis. But sometimes patients come into the office thinking they have a wart, but it is another type of lesion. You should have it checked out. Viruses can live outside the human body for very long periods of time and can sit on floors, pool decks, or gym floors, and anywhere that people have walked barefoot. They do not become active until they enter a host cell. READ MORE
How can I reduce the growth of hammer toe?
You can slow the progression of a hammer toe with appropriate shoe gear and orthotics, but it will likely continue to get worse over time. The only way to 'fix' a hammer toe is with surgical intervention. There are ways to make you comfortable with a hammer toe, even if you do not opt for surgery. But if the hammer toe is in its early stages, wearing appropriate shoes and orthotics (arch supports) may restore muscle balance to the point that the deformity resolves-but this would be rare. READ MORE
Can tight shoes cause corns on my feet?
Shoes that are tight in the toe box cause corns, bunions and hammer toes. Hammer toes cause corns. Mechanical issues cause corns. Lee Wittenberg, DPM Apache Foot & Ankle Specialists 4840 S. Fort Apache Rd, Ste 101 Las Vegas, NV 89147 702-362-2622 2980 St. Rose Pkwy, Ste 140 Henderson, NV 89052 702-722-6633 READ MORE
Why do shoes give me a rash?
It could only be the material or the dyes that you’re reacting to. It’s an allergic dermatitis. Figure out what the shoes are made and colored with. You can go to an allergist. Stop wearing that pair of shoes READ MORE
Why is my toe bleeding randomly?
You most likely have an ingrown toenail or it may even be infected. See a podiatrist to havevit taken care of ASAP. READ MORE
What can I do for dry and cracked feet?
The most common cause of fissures is hyperhidrosis and/or mechanical issues (the way your feet are moving in your shoes). There is an over-the-counter cream called ‘Amlactin’ that has a light acid that softens the skin. If the cracks are bad, I have my patients put the cream on at night and wrap their feet overnight in Saran Wrap for a week or 2. Then when you shower in the morning, g over the areas gently with a callus file or pumice stone. Once the problem calms down, you just put the cream on at night and don’t have to use Saran Wrap unless the problem flares up again. (there’s also a prescription version called ‘Ammonium Lactate’ and another with Urea). Also, you should have your shoes and gait evaluated by a Podiatrist. You may need orthotics to change the mechanics of your feet READ MORE
Why does my big toe hurt when I apply too much pressure?
There are several common reasons your toe may hurt with pressure. Yes, an ingrown toenail may cause this type of pain. But so might a fungal infection of the nail that causes the nail to thicken and causes pressure on the underlying toe. Also, you could have a boney prominence forming under the nail which might cause pain in the area. There are other pathologies, also, which could cause this kind of pain. Without an examination, it is difficult to say what is causing your pain. READ MORE
Are there home remedies for foot fungus?
This is a difficult question to answer. Is the fungus in your toenails? Or is the fungus on your skin (Athlete's Foot)? If the fungus is on your skin, you can try over the counter anti-fungal creams twice a day to the affected areas. If the fungus is in your toenails, it is a much more difficult problem to rid yourself of. The best treatment for toenail fungus is an oral medication called 'Lamisil.' This must be prescribed by a doctor, and you must have your liver function tested prior to use of the medication. There are over the counter medications and home remedies that you can try, but in my 20 years of experience, they do not work well. Anything you use topically to try to treat the fungus you must use consistently for a minimum of 9 months and for most people, they have to take it for 2-3 years without any resolution or improvement of the problem. If you are female, you can not wear any nail polish if you are using topical treatments, as the medication can not penetrate the nail polish. READ MORE
How can I get rid of a fungal infection?
Though toenail fungus is very difficult to get rid of in some people, and some people simply can not seem to get rid of it, there are several cures. The most effective treatment I have found in my patients is oral medication called Lamisil. Many patients and doctors are afraid of prescribing or taking Lamisil because it is processed by the liver (but so are MANY medications-including all NSAIDS). As long as the liver functions are checked and within normal limits, I have NEVER had a patient have any sort of liver problem from taking Lamisil. You can not take Lamisil or other antifungals if you are taking certain other medications. Alternatively, there are several topical treatments (you need to apply these 1-2 times per day, depending on the medication, for a minimum of 9 months, and often up to 2-3 years). Lastly, there are Laser treatments (these are not covered by insurance, are costly, and usually does not work, or the problem recurs quickly after therapy). No matter what treatment you have, they all take about 9 months to fully cure the problem (even though the oral medication is only taken for 3 months, it takes 9 months to fully clear the nail of the fungus). You should bleach your shower and spray your shoes with Lysol to kill any spores in the environment that may re-infect you. READ MORE
How can I get rid of athlete's foot?
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of your skin. There are several brands of over-the-counter treatments/creams that you can try (I would stay away from the powders), and you will have to use the cream twice a day for successful treatments. If the problem does not resolve within a month of using such treatments, see a Podiatrist in your area and get a stronger, topical anti-fungal medication. Should this not resolve the problem, there are some oral medications that can be used, but they must be monitored through blood work to insure that your liver is functioning properly. Usually Athlete's Foot is easy to cure through topical therapies. READ MORE
How do you repair an ingrown toenail?
Signs of infection include swelling, pain, redness, and drainage (usually a thick yellow to brown colored drainage). An ingrown toenail may hurt and cause swelling and redness without an overt infection, but it is probably on its way to getting infected if it looks like that. Treating ingrowing toenails on your own is tricky, and usually patients end up worsening their problem if they try to take care of it themselves. Urgent Care, Primary Care, and Emergency Room doctors also often worsen the situation with their attempt to treat the problem. A Podiatrist is, by far, your best choice of doctors for treatment. If it is infected, you need antibiotics to treat the infection. (The bones on your feet are very close to the skin. So if the skin is infected, and the infection gets into the bone, it can end up with an amputation of the toe.) The doctor will also likely numb up your toe and remove the offending nail border with special instrumentation. If you are going to attempt to treat this on your own, start by soaking twice a day in warm water with Epsom Salts and keep the toe covered with a bandage and antibiotic ointment at all times. "Airing the area out" is the wrong course of action. Even if this treatment makes you more comfortable for a little while, but more than likely the symptoms will worsen and you will likely need to seek professional help. (Look up Onychia; Paronychia; ingrown toenail.) There is also a permanent solution to the problem called a Matricectomy, in which the offending border is removed under anesthesia, and a chemical is applied to the growth cells to inhibit regrowth of that side of the nail. This is usually not done in the face of infection, but sometimes we will put a patient on antibiotics for a week to clear the infection, and then do the permanent procedure. READ MORE
Is there a cure for toenail fungus?
Though toenail fungus is very difficult to get rid of in some people, and some people simply can not seem to get rid of it, there are several cures. The most effective treatment I have found in my patients is oral medication called Lamisil. Many patients and doctors are afraid of prescribing or taking Lamisil because it is processed by the liver (but so are MANY medications-including all NSAIDS). As long as the liver functions are checked and within normal limits, I have NEVER had a patient have any sort of liver problem from taking Lamisil. You can not take Lamisil or other antifungals if you are taking certain other medications. Alternatively, there are several topical treatments (you need to apply these 1-2 times per day, depending on the medication, for a minimum of 9 months, and often up to 2-3 years). Lastly, there are Laser treatments (these are not covered by insurance, are costly, and usually does not work, or the problem recurs quickly after therapy). No matter what treatment you have, they all take about 9 months to fully cure the problem (even though the oral medication is only taken for 3 months, it takes 9 months to fully clear the nail of the fungus). You should bleach your shower and spray your shoes with Lysol to kill any spores in the environment that may re-infect you. READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

Reconstructive Foot & Ankle surgeryWound care and limb salvageDiabetic Foot Care, Diabetic shoesOrthotics and biomechanics of the foot and anklePlantar fasciitisNerve pain and NeuropathyNueromasTendonitisArthritis of the foot and ankleFlat Foot and Flat Foot ReconstructionToenail FungusIngrowing ToenailsFoot and leg woundsInfections of the foot and ankleAthlete's Foot and fungal infectionsRashes, DermatitisFoot Pain, Ankle pain