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.
Plantar warts are described as small growths that appear on the heels or other areas of the feet that bear a large amount of weight. The pressure in these areas causes plantar warts to hide behind thick layers of skin called calluses. In most cases, plantar warts are not a serious health issue, and they usually go away without treatment. However, it is still important be mindful of them.
Plantar warts are caused by infections with human papillomavirus (HPV) in the outer layer of skin on the soles of the feet. The plantar warts then develop when the virus enters the body through weak spots at the bottom of the feet, such as tiny cuts and breaks. Plantar warts are not guaranteed for all who encounter the virus. Everyone responds differently to the affects of HPV.
Plantar warts are most common in the following groups: children and teenagers, people with weakened immune systems, people with history of plantar warts, and people who walk barefoot. Exposure to HPV is common in environments such as locker rooms or pool areas.
One of early signs to look out for is a callus, since many plantar warts hide behind them. You can also locate these warts by looking for small, fleshy, rough, grainy growths near the base of the toes and the heel. Early signs of plantar warts are shown by black pinpoints, which are small, clotted blood vessels. Lesions that interrupt normal lines and ridges in the skin of your foot may also be a sign of plantar warts. Any feeling of pain while walking or standing can also be a symptom of plantar warts.
Although most cases are not serious, some conditions may require a visit to your podiatrist. If you are uncertain that your lesion is a wart, if you have diabetes, or if you are experiencing bleeding, you may need to see a seek professional treatment. Your doctor may offer treatments such as prescribing stronger peeling medicine or using cryotherapy by applying liquid nitrogen to the wart. More serious cases may require minor surgery or laser treatment.
There are simple solutions available to help prevent plantar warts. One common task is to avoid walking barefoot in swimming pool areas and locker rooms, as this is where HPV is commonly present. Keeping your feet clean and dry, while changing shoes and socks daily can also help prevent future plantar warts. If you know someone who has plantar warts, it is important to avoid direct contact with their warts. You should also refrain from picking or scratching your wart if you happen to develop one.