Suffering from foot, ankle or heel pain?
As the official podiatrist for the Boston Ballet, Jordana Szpiro, DPM, FACFAS has the credentials and expertise to treat all your foot and ankle concerns. Located in Boston, MA, our practice, Boston Common Podiatry, has access to various advanced equipment regarding podiatric treatment and procedures, we have on-site x-ray and handicap entrance.
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) and Sculptra foot fillers. As a practice, we work with each patient to develop a unique plan that will address all of their problems.
Dr. Szpiro and Dr. Bolla are experts 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. Whatever podiatric concern you may be facing, our doctor is sure to be able to help!
We have an employee that speaks fluent Spanish.
To schedule an appointment, call us at (617) 286-5163. We accept a variety of insurance plans and payment with cash, check, or credit card.
Bunions are large bony bumps at the base of the big toe. Medically known as hallux valgus, a bunion is a misalignment of the metatarsophalangeal joint, or big toe joint. The misalignment will generally worsen with time if left untreated.
The exact cause of bunions is unknown, with genetics seen as a potential cause. High heels and poorly-fitted footwear, rheumatoid arthritis, and heredity all seem to be potential factors behind the exacerbation of bunions. Women have been found to be more likely to develop bunions in comparison to men.
Bunions do not always produce symptoms. The best way to tell is if the big toe is pushing up against the next toe and there is a large protrusion at the base of the big toe. You may or may not feel pain. Redness, swelling, and restricted movement of the big toe may be present as well.
Podiatrists use a variety of methods to diagnose bunions. If there are symptoms present, podiatrists will first consider that it is a bunion. If not, a physical examination will be conducted to check function of the big toe. Finally, an X-ray may be taken to view the extent of the bunion and confirm it is a bunion.
Typically, nonsurgical methods are used to treat bunions, unless the bunion has become too misaligned. Orthotics, icing and resting the foot, roomier and better fitted shoes, taping the foot, and pain medication are usually utilized first. If the bunion doesn’t go away or causes extreme pain, surgery may be required. Surgeons will either remove part of the swollen tissue or bone to straighten the toe out.
If you have a bunion, it is recommended to see a podiatrist. The longer it is left untreated, the worse it may get. Podiatrists can properly diagnose and treat a bunion before it gets worse.