From walking around the house to running a marathon and every step in between, we rely on our feet to get things done. At Tufts Medicine, we know how much your feet and ankles do for you, and we’re here to make sure they stay healthy and pain-free. Our podiatry team provides expert care for common and complex foot and ankle conditions, using advanced treatments and personalized plans to get you back on your feet comfortably.
Put your best foot forward with expert podiatry care
Did you know each foot has 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments? When a foot or ankle injury slows you down, a podiatrist can address your foot health from every angle.
You owe it to yourself to take foot and ankle health seriously and we make that process as convenient as possible. Our podiatry team diagnoses, treats, prevents and rehabilitates musculoskeletal conditions affecting your feet and ankles.
If you’re living with a biomechanical abnormality (which affects how your bones, muscles and joints work together) or an irritating skin condition, our podiatrists use advanced care to help improve how you move and keep you comfortable every day.
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Conditions
From walking around the house to running a marathon and every step in between, we rely on our feet to move and get things done. Given how much our feet and ankles do for us, a variety of conditions can develop. Here’s a look at the most common foot and ankle conditions our podiatrists treat.
Biomechanical abnormalities
Biomechanical foot problems occur when there’s an abnormal change in your bones, muscles and joints — like the arches in your feet — that affects how you move. These conditions can be linked to flat feet or other malformations that develop over time.
Common biomechanical conditions include:
- Arch pain
- Bunions
- Hammer toe
- Plantar fasciitis
- Shin splints
Dermatologic conditions
Your feet endure a lot of wear and tear, so skin issues are common. These can include:
- Athlete’s foot
- Blisters
- Calluses
- Ingrown toenails
- Toenail fungus
- Wounds
People with diabetes may experience foot problems because high blood sugar can damage nerves and blood vessels. This is known as diabetic foot and can lead to:
- Bruises
- Cuts
- Infections
- Sores
- Ulcers
Musculoskeletal + inflammatory conditions
Musculoskeletal conditions are often caused by sudden injuries or repeated strain, while inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis affect the joints. Both can lead to pain, swelling and reduced mobility in your feet and ankles. Common conditions include:
- Achilles tendinitis and tears
- Blisters and wounds
- Fractures
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sprains
Neurologic conditions
Foot and ankle problems can sometimes press on or restrict nearby nerves, causing pain that requires advanced medical care. Common neurologic conditions include:
- Morton’s neuroma
- Neuropathy
- Nerve entrapments
Treatments
Our podiatrists will clear your path to better foot and ankle health with a personalized care plan. Whenever possible, we start with conservative therapies to treat your condition before exploring options like surgery. These effective treatments include:
- Custom orthotics and foot orthoses
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
- Injection therapy
- Medications
- Topical treatments for calluses, nails and warts
We partner with New England Orthotic and Prosthetic Systems (NEOPS) to provide assistive devices such as orthoses — devices designed to restore or improve function in the foot. Whether you’re managing plantar fasciitis, foot and ankle pain, or diabetic foot ulcers, our podiatrists create custom orthotics to reduce pain, improve mobility and support long-term foot health.
Wound healing
Some wounds, including ulcers or osteomyelitis, require specialized care because they don’t always heal on their own. Our wound healing specialists develop personalized treatment plans to speed recovery. Advanced therapies, such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, deliver pressurized oxygen to stimulate your body’s natural healing process and get you back on your feet faster.
FAQs
When should I see a podiatrist vs a foot and ankle specialist?
Podiatrists as well as foot and ankle specialists can take care of the bones, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments in your feet and ankles. Where foot and ankle specialists are devoted to diagnosing, treating, preventing and rehabilitating musculoskeletal conditions affecting your feet and ankle, podiatrists can take their care one step further and also treat biomechanical abnormalities and dermatologic conditions.
What conditions do podiatrists treat?
Our podiatrists treat a wide range of foot and ankle conditions. This includes common issues like plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammer toes, and flat feet, as well as more complex problems such as diabetic foot ulcers, musculoskeletal injuries, skin and nail conditions, and nerve-related issues. We focus on diagnosing, treating and preventing conditions to keep your feet and ankles healthy and pain-free.
When should I see a podiatrist?
You should see a podiatrist if you experience persistent foot or ankle pain, swelling, wounds that won’t heal, nail or skin problems, difficulty walking, or recurring injuries. Early evaluation can prevent minor problems from turning into more serious issues and help maintain your mobility and overall foot health.
What treatments do podiatrists provide?
Our podiatrists offer a full spectrum of treatments. We often begin with conservative therapies such as custom orthotics, foot orthoses, injection therapy, medications, topical treatments for nails and skin, and physical therapy. For more complex cases, we provide advanced wound care, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Surgery is only considered if conservative treatments are not effective.
Can podiatrists help with diabetic foot care?
Yes. Diabetic foot conditions require specialized care because high blood sugar can damage nerves and blood vessels, leading to ulcers, infections and other complications. Our podiatrists create personalized care plans to manage diabetic foot issues, promote healing, reduce pain and help you maintain mobility.
Do I need surgery for foot or ankle pain?
Most foot and ankle conditions can be managed with conservative therapies. Surgery is considered only after treatments like medications, orthotics and physical therapy have been tried and proven insufficient. Our goal is to relieve pain and restore function using the least invasive methods possible.
What is a biomechanical foot problem?
A biomechanical foot problem occurs when the bones, muscles or joints of the foot or ankle do not work together properly. This can result from flat feet, high arches, or other malformations. These problems can cause pain, instability and difficulty walking. Our podiatrists evaluate your foot mechanics and recommend treatments such as orthotics or physical therapy to improve movement and reduce discomfort.
How do podiatrists help with wound healing?
Wounds like ulcers or osteomyelitis often require specialized care because they don’t always heal on their own. Our podiatrists and wound healing specialists develop personalized treatment plans, which may include advanced therapies like hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This treatment delivers pressurized oxygen to stimulate the body’s natural healing process and promote faster recovery.
Do podiatrists treat nerve-related foot problems?
Yes. Neurologic conditions can occur when foot or ankle problems press on or irritate nearby nerves. Common issues include Morton’s neuroma, neuropathy and nerve entrapments, which can cause pain, tingling or numbness. Our podiatrists assess nerve function and provide targeted treatments to reduce discomfort and improve mobility.
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