Advanced Podiatric Procedures & Services in Boston, MA

Dr. Szpiro is the only physician in New England who offer Sculptra® Miracle Foot Filler. 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.

Dr. Szpiro is an expert in laser wart removal and the treatment of toenail fungus through the use of laser therapy. Dr. Szpiro has lectured extensively on various topics, most recently at the APMA Annual Scientific Meeting on laser treatment for toenail fungus.

Please call (617) 286-5163 for an appointment or for more information.

Common Foot & Ankle Conditions and Problems

Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are very common injuries with more than 3 million suffered each year in the US. They occur when the ligaments in the ankle are severely stretched or torn. Medical attention will be necessary to rule out a fracture, as often it is difficult to tell the full extent of the injury.

Bunions
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.

Flat Feet
Flat feet is a condition where the entire, or nearly entire, bottom of the foot meets the ground when standing. Depending on the severity, symptoms of flat feet can range from severe pain to non-existent.

Hammertoes
Hammertoe is a characterized by one or more of the toes having a bend in the middle joint. This occurs because of weakening of the muscle due to poorly fitted shoes or a genetically inherited trait.

Diabetes and Your Feet
Diabetes is a systemic illness that can affect many different parts of the body. This is especially true for the feet. Proper foot screening is incredibly important for diabetic patients and any kind of cut or sore should be taken very seriously.

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.

Corns
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.

Athlete's Foot
Athlete’s foot is a very common fungal infection that affects countless people around the world. It will manifest itself on the skin of the foot, in many cases in between the toes. Because fungi proliferate in warm, damp environments, keeping the feet clean and dry is of utmost importance in avoiding athlete’s foot.

Summary: Final Rule Implementing Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued the Final Rule implementing the prohibition of discrimination under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010. The Final Rule, Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities, will help to advance equity and reduce health disparities by protecting some of the populations that have been most vulnerable to discrimination in the health care context. The final rule explains consumers’ rights under the law and provides covered entities important guidance about their obligations.

Section 1557 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in certain health programs and activities.

Section 1557 builds on long-standing and familiar Federal civil rights laws: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (Age Act). Most notably, Section 1557 is the first Federal civil rights law to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all health programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance.

Section 1557 has been in effect since enactment of the ACA in 2010 and the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has been enforcing the provision since it was enacted.

Coverage of the Rule

The rule covers:

− Any health program or activity, any part of which receives funding from HHS (such as hospitals that accept Medicare or doctors who accept Medicaid);

− Any health program that HHS itself administers;

− Health Insurance Marketplaces and issuers that participate in those Marketplaces.

Attention: If you speak any of the listed below languages – language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you.

Please call:   State Health Insurance Assistance Program Language Line 800-792-8820

Heel pain is most commonly caused by repetitive stress. With that being said, it may be more common for athletes who perform repetitive movements to be afflicted with heel pain at some point during their activity. Heel pain can occur due to a number of different factors. These may include issues with having poor circulation, complications due to arthritis and diabetes, and poor form when running or exercising, as well as having poor posture.

There are a number of conditions that may also influence pain felt in the heel region. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is one example of a condition that affects the heel. This may occur when the nerve in the back of the foot becomes pinched, thus causing a numbing or tingling feeling as if the heel has pins and needles in them. Heel bursitis is another condition that commonly brings discomfort to the heel. This condition may arise when inflammation occurs at the back of the heel, often occurring due to landing awkwardly or wearing footwear that puts a good amount of pressure on the heel. As a result, the Achilles tendon may swell, causing the pain to increase throughout the day. Simple exercises focused on strengthening the heel and surrounding areas, as well as focused on building the flexibility of the foot, may help to prevent and treat heel pain.

For a proper diagnosis and advised professional treatment plan, we recommend that you consult with a podiatrist as soon as possible to avoid developing a serious condition.

Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) / ESWT

Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) is a new non-invasive treatment that is heralded as the most effective and advanced treatment available that is approved by the FDA. The new technology can generally treat acute or chronic musculoskeletal pain or pain that greatly debilitates mobility or quality of life. Specific areas treatable include:

• Foot and heel pain
• Achilles pain
• Tendon and/or tendon insertion pain
• Neuromas
• Trigger points

Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) revolves primarily around using a particular set of pressure waves that encourages the metabolism, improves blood circulation and speeds up the healing process. In turn, damaged tissue regenerates and heals. As a non-invasive office-based procedure, Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) represents a great advancement in treatment options for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.

Expected Results

Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) eliminates pain and restores full mobility, therefore improving quality of life. The benefits of Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) are typically experienced after only 3 treatments. Immediate pain relief is sometimes reported after treatment, though generally pain relief can take up to 4 weeks to begin. Over 80% of patients treated report being pain free and/or experiencing a significant reduction in pain.

Side Effects

Non-invasive Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) has virtually no risks or side effects. In rare cases, patients may experience minor discomfort for a few days. Slight residual pain after intense exercise or a full day of work is normal.

Safety

Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) is safe. The technology is FDA approved and has had extensive clinical studies and tests confirm its safety and efficacy. Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) was originally developed in Europe and is currently in use around the globe. If administered by a qualified professional, Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) has virtually no risks or side effects.

 Treatment Duration

Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) treatment sessions take approximately 5-10 minutes. Time depends on the disorder being treated. Generally, 3 treatment sessions are needed at weekly intervals.

Treatment Application

To enhance effectiveness, coupling gel is applied to the treatment area. After applying the gel, Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) pressure waves are released via the applicator which is moved over the area in a circular motion.

Why Consider Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT)

Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) has a proven success rate that is equal to or greater than that of traditional treatment methods (including surgery) and without the risks, complications and prolonged recovery period. Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) is performed in your podiatrist’s office, does not require anesthesia, and requires a minimal amount of time. Patients who use this method can immediately bear weight (i.e. walk) and return to normal activity within a few days of the procedure.

Benefits of Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT)

• Noninvasive
• No anesthesia
• No risk of infection
• No scarring
• No downtime
• Over 80% patient satisfaction
• Faster and easier healing