When small tears occur on the fascia, it may become inflamed, especially if too much pressure is put on the tissue. It’s extremely important that you seek professional help as soon as you feel any type of foot pain. If plantar fasciitis is left untreated, there’s a high chance you may develop chronic heel plan. You may also develop other issues connected with your foot, knee, hip, or back, all due to the body walking differently to relieve pain felt from plantar fasciitis.
Over the years, Dr. Bolla has demonstrated a passion for research in various fields and disciplines of medicine, ranging from Neurology and Alzheimer’s disease, to ischemic limb preservation and surgical reconstruction of forefoot and rearfoot pathologies.
Foot and ankle surgery may be performed depending on the severity of the injury. In any case, if you happen to develop a foot condition, it’s always advised you seek the counsel of a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and advised treatment plan. If you notice an abnormal growth, a change in the appearance of your foot or ankle, discomfort while standing or walking, or general foot pain, it would be in your best interest to seek professional help, especially if surgery is the recommended treatment for your case.
Bunions
If you have arthritis, frequently wear tight fitting shoes such as high heels, and are older in age, it’s very likely that you may develop a bunion. A bony hump at the base of the big toe is the biggest sign that you may have developed this condition. Bunions are often painful and typically cause an extreme amount of discomfort. Because a bunion protrudes on the side of the foot, it’s likely for it to continuously rub against the inside of your shoe. This causes frequent friction and pain, which may cause calluses to form as well.
Ingrown Toenails
Many patients have experienced severe foot discomfort due to bunions, plantar warts, hammertoes, stress fractures, blisters, ingrown toenails, and corns and calluses, to name a few. Foot pain is often associated with the following symptoms: swelling, redness, warmth, tenderness, discoloration, stiffness, as well as burning, tingling, and numbing sensations. It may help to check the feet daily for any abnormalities or deformities that may be causing the foot pain. Treatment for foot pain will vary on a case by case basis, along with the recovery process.
Corns and calluses are hard layers of skin that usually form due to friction. Generally, they will be in areas of the foot that are bearing weight, or areas that frequently rub against the shoe. Soft corns are typically found between the toes.
Calluses
Our “Miracle Filler for the Feet†, is Sculptra® aesthetic injectable dermal filler commonly administered to the face by plastic surgeons, which is injected by our podiatrists into the foot using a patented technique. Miracle Filler for the Feet benefits those who wear high heels as well as those with atrophied fat pads, which is a natural foot condition that develops with age. The dermal filler pads the balls and soles of the feet, which reduces calluses.
Fungus
Fungal toenails form due to an infection that gets in between either the cracks in the nail or possible cuts on the surrounding skin. When this occurs, it’s likely to discolor and thicken the nail; this makes it hard to care for or trim. The nail itself may also become brittle and could potentially crumble. The fungus under the nail may build over time, separating the nail from the bed and ultimately causing it to fall off if not treated properly.
Boston Common Podiatry specializes in heel pain, skin conditions of the foot, sports medicine, general podiatric care, laser wart removal, laser treatment for fungal nails, and we offer custom made orthotics as well! We perform procedures involving surgery, as well as shockwave therapy (EPAT), Sculptra foot fillers, and hair removal. As a practice, we work with each patient to develop a unique plan that will address all of their problems.
Flatfoot Correction
Heel Pain
Ankle Sprain
The ligaments in the ankle are made of soft tissue. If an ankle injury has occurred, healing may be slow as a result of a lack of blood flow. Damage to these ligaments can be caused while participating in physical activities, or it may happen from unexpectedly stepping off a curb. Painful arthritis may be prevented when prompt medical attention is sought if an ankle sprain has occurred. One of the functions of the ankle ligaments is to keep the shape of the bones. An X-ray is often performed that can rule out a fracture, and treatment for a sprained ankle can begin. Many people find relief when the foot is frequently elevated, and an elastic bandage is wrapped around the affected ankle. This is generally successful in providing the stability that is necessary as the healing process occurs. If the ankle sprain happens from a sporting event, it is beneficial to temporarily stop that activity until a full recovery has taken place. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you with the treatment that is right for you.
To ensure your convenience, below is the information you need about our podiatry office, including our hours, location, appointment scheduling and insurance acceptance.
Achilles Tendonitis
A condition that often results in serious heel pain is known as Achilles tendonitis. This condition may form when the Achilles tendon is damaged as a result of overuse. This particular injury can be very serious, as the Achilles tendon’s main function is to connect the lower half of the calf muscles to the heel bone. If this tendon becomes damaged, it may result in difficulty walking and completing everyday tasks, as well as cause extreme discomfort and pain.
Ankle Sprain
People with flat feet may feel foot pain due to a straining of their muscles and connecting ligaments. It’s also common for people with flat feet to roll their feet as they walk, which may in turn cause discomfort for the ankle. Swelling of the calf, lower legs, knees, and lower back may form as a result of flat feet, along with the feeling of stiffness in the feet as well. Some of the most common reasons for the development of flat feet include genetic factors, a foot or ankle injury, arthritis, and damage to the nervous system. Specific exercises and foot stretches may help alleviate the discomfort that flat feet can often cause.
Bunions Problems
A bunion is a bone deformity usually occurring at the base of the big toe. This is a progressive condition that is made worse by inward pressure from tight shoes. Bunions can be very painful, and in some instances surgery may be necessary to remove them.
Calluses
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes can unfortunately cause many foot problems that often lead to a great deal of pain and discomfort. For example, poor circulation of the feet is often an issue among those with diabetes because it damages the nerves. When this occurs, it’s likely for one to develop peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy can make it feel like you have pins and needles in your feet. Others who have experienced this condition have also recalled a burning, tingling, or numbing sensation.
Flat Feet
Fungus Toenails
Dr. Szpiro and Dr. Bolla are experts in the treatment of toenail fungus through the use of laser therapy. Dr. Szpiro has also lectured extensively on laser treatment at the APMA Annual Scientific Meeting.
Hammertoes
Hammertoes get their name due to the abnormal appearance of the toe, in which it bends down like a hammer. A hammertoe’s shape is formed by a deformed bending in the toe’s middle joint. There are many factors that play into how hammertoes form. Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, jamming, or breaking it, can make the toe more susceptible to developing into a hammertoe. Age and gender also influence the likelihood of getting a hammertoe. Women have also been known to be more likely to develop a hammertoe compared to men. You’re also more likely to develop this condition as you age. Certain diseases, such as arthritis and diabetes, have been known to influence the likelihood of forming a hammertoe.
Heel Spurs
A heel spur is a bony protrusion that occurs on the heel. It is often confused with plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament. When a heel spur is painful it can make it quite difficult to walk.
Heel Pain
Foot Pain
Ingrown Toenails
At Boston Common Podiatry, our team of doctors are available to treat foot and ankle ailments such as diabetic foot care, ingrown toenails, fungal toenails, warts, and painful calluses. Our practice specializes in general foot care.
Foot Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.
Foot Orthotics
. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs. Read more about Ankle Foot Orthotics for Athletes
Pediatric Foot Care
Nonetheless, her extensive training and exposure to the latest innovations in the treatment of lower extremity pathologies, has afforded her the comfort and expertise to accurate evaluate and effectively treat lower extremity ailments of all age groups, ranging from congenital deformities of the pediatric foot and ankle to acquired conditions of the adult and geriatric lower extremities. She welcomes children and pediatric patients.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that particularly causes a great deal of pain in the heel area. Some patients have described the pain as stabbing and is typically felt in the morning, when first getting out of bed. You may also experience pain with this condition if you stand or sit for long periods of time throughout the day. The development of plantar fasciitis is quite common among runners, those who are overweight, and those who do get enough support from their footwear.
Podiatric Deformities
Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.
Podiatric Surgery
As an established Boston podiatrist, Dr. Szpiro is board certified in Foot Surgery and has been practicing for over 24 years. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Dr. Szpiro is a frequent lecturer and has spoken at various events, such as the APMA Annual Scientific Meeting where she discussed the use of lasers in treating toenail fungus. She will soon be discussing Sports Medicine at one of Boston’s prominent athletic clubs. Dr. Szpiro is affiliated with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Hallmark Health, Mt. Auburn Hospital, Cambridge Health Alliance, Melrose Wakefield and Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Medford.