Foot Pain Center - Cambridge, MA
Cambridge Orthopedic Surgeon Doctors for Foot PainType of Physician: Orthopedic Surgeon What is a Orthopedic Surgeon ? A certification by the Board of Orthopaedic Surgery; practitioners focus on the investigation, preservation and restoration of the form and function of the extremities, spine and associated structures by medical, surgical and physical means. Birth defects, trauma, infections, tumors and metabolic disturbances of the musculoskeletal system are problems cared for by the orthopaedic surgeon. Specialty: Orthopaedic Surgery Common Name: Orthopedist Orthopedic Surgeon Doctors in Cambridge * Cambridge Health Alliance Orthopaedics & Rheumatology  Cambridge Health Alliance Orthopaedics & Rheumatology  Cambridge Health Alliance Orthopaedics & Rheumatology  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine  Massachusetts General Hospital Orthopedic Surgery  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine  Meeks & Zilberfarb Orthopedics Associates  Meeks & Zilberfarb Orthopedics Associates  Harvard Medical School  Meeks & Zilberfarb Orthopedics Associates  Saechin Kim MD  Hillel D Skoff MD  Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Orthopaedic Surgery  Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Orthopaedic Surgery  Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Orthopaedic Surgery  Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Orthopaedic Surgery  Children's Hospital Boston Orthopaedic Surgery  ProSports Orthopedics Inc  Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Orthopaedic Surgery  Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Orthopaedic Surgery  Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Orthopaedic Surgery  Children's Hospital Boston Orthopaedic Surgery  Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Orthopaedic Surgery  Paul A Glazer MD PC  Children's Hospital Boston Orthopaedic Surgery  Children's Hospital Boston Orthopaedic Surgery  Children's Hospital Boston Orthopaedic Surgery  ProSports Orthopedics Inc  Children's Hospital Boston Orthopaedic Surgery  Children's Hospital Boston Orthopaedic Surgery  Children's Hospital Boston Sports Medicine  Children's Hospital Boston Orthopaedic Surgery  ProSports Orthopedics Inc  Children's Hospital Boston Orthopaedic Surgery  Beth Israel Deaconess Spine Center  Children's Hospital Boston Orthopaedic Surgery  Children's Hospital Boston Sports Medicine  ProSports Orthopedics Inc  Children's Hospital Boston Orthopaedic Surgery  Children's Hospital Boston Orthopaedic Surgery  Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Orthopaedic Surgery  Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Orthopaedic Surgery  Children's Hospital Boston Orthopaedic Surgery  ProSports Orthopedics Inc  Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Orthopaedic Surgery  ProSports Orthopedics Inc  ProSports Orthopedics Inc  Children's Hospital Boston Orthopaedic Surgery  Children's Hospital Boston Orthopaedic Surgery  ProSports Orthopedics Inc  Children's Hospital Boston Orthopaedic Surgery  Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Orthopaedic Surgery  Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Orthopaedic Surgery  Children's Hospital Boston Orthopaedic Surgery  Brigham & Women's Hospital Orthopaedic Surgery  Brigham & Women's Hospital Orthopaedic Surgery  Michael A Drew MD  Brigham & Women's Hospital Orthopaedic Surgery  Brigham & Women's Hospital Orthopaedic Surgery  Brigham & Women's Hospital Orthopaedic Surgery  Brigham & Women's Hospital Orthopaedic Surgery  Brigham & Women's Orthopaedic & Arthritis  Brigham & Women's Hospital Orthopaedic Surgery  Brigham & Women's Hospital Orthopaedic Surgery  Brigham & Women's Hospital Orthopaedic Surgery  Brigham & Women's Hospital Orthopaedic Surgery  Brigham & Women's Hospital Orthopaedic Surgery  Brigham & Women's Hospital Orthopaedic Surgery  Brigham & Women's Hospital Orthopaedic Surgery  Brigham & Women's Hospital Orthopaedic Surgery  Brigham & Women's Hospital Orthopaedic Surgery  Brigham & Women's Hospital Orthopaedic Surgery  Aufranc Orthopaedic Associates PC  The Boston Spine Group  James V Bono MD  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates  The Boston Spine Group  New England Baptist Hospital Occupational Medicine  Center for Reconstructive Surgery  Donald T Reilly MD  Richard Scott MD  The Boston Spine Group  The Boston Spine Group  MGH Orthopaedic Associates  Andrew A Freiberg MD  MGH Orthopaedic Hand Associates  MGH Orthopaedic Trauma Associates  MGH Orthopaedic Oncology  MGH Orthopaedic Hand Associates  MGH Orthopaedic Oncology  MGH Orthopaedic Hand Associates  MGH Orthopaedic Oncology  MGH Orthopaedic Hand Associates  MGH Orthopaedic Oncology  MGH Orthopaedic Associates  Gary S Perlmutter MD  Hawthorne Orthopaedics  Frederick L Mansfield MD  Brian J Awbrey MD Cambridge, MassachusettsUpcoming Local Events2012-05-26
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Foot PainHow is the foot designed?The foot is an intricate structure of 24 bones that form two crossing arches of the foot. The longitudinal arch runs the length of the foot, and the transverse arch runs the width. The ankle joint is formed by the interaction of the foot and the lower leg, and the toes are on the far side of the foot. The bones of the foot are primarily held together by their fit with each other and connected by a fibrous tissue known as ligaments. The muscles of the foot, along with a tough, sinewy tissue known as the plantar fascia, provide secondary support to the foot. The foot has internal muscles that originate and insert in the foot and external muscles that begin in the lower leg and attach in various places on the bones of the foot. There are also fat pads in the foot to help with weight-bearing and absorbing impact.
The foot is the foundation of athletic movements of the lower extremity. Pain indicates that there is something wrong with either the interaction of internal structures of the foot or with the how the foot is interacting with external influences. How and when the pain occurs and the locations of the pain are the primary clues to what may be causing the pain. When there is pain, the body reacts by changing the way it moves or functions in an effort to reduce the pain. Biomechanical changes or disease may prevent the normal movement and cause further injury.
What causes foot pain?Foot pain may be caused by many different conditions or injuries. Acute or repeated trauma, disease, or a combination are the most common causes of foot pain. Trauma is a result of forces outside of the body either directly impacting the body or forcing the body into a position where a single or combination of forces result in damage to the structures of the body. Poor biomechanical alignment may lead to foot pain. Wearing shoes that are too tight or high heels can... Recommended Reading Related to Foot PainFracture facts
Other Related Foot Pain ArticlesEmergency Contact for Cambridge
Nearby Cambridge Hospitals *Cambridge Hospital Youville Hospital and Rehabilitation Center M I T Medical Arbour HRI Hospital Mount Auburn Hospital Somerville Hospital Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary Massachusetts General Hospital Children's Hospital Boston Dana Farber Cancer Institute Shriners Hospitals for Children Boston Burn Hospital Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Brigham & Women's Hospital Franciscan Hospital for Children Kindred Hospital Boston Caritas St Elizabeth's Medical Center New England Baptist Hospital Tufts New England Medical Center Boston Medical Center VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus Radius Specialty Hospital Boston Arbour Hospital Lawrence Memorial Hospital Whidden Memorial Hospital Lawrence F Quigley Memorial Hospital Lemuel Shattuck Hospital Faulkner Hospital Massachusetts Mental Health Center Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for the Aged McLean Hospital Bournewood Hospital Caritas Carney Hospital Melrose Wakefield Hospital Winchester Hospital VA Boston Healthcare System West Roxbury Campus HEALTHSOUTH New England Rehabilitation Hospital Newton Wellesley Hospital Milton Hospital Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Needham Quincy Medical Center Lahey Clinic Medical Center North Shore Medical Center Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital Westwood Lodge Hospital Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital Kindred Specialty Hospital Natick MetroWest Medical Center Leonard Morse Hospital Massachusetts Hospital School Caritas Norwood Hospital Kindred Hospital Boston North Shore Salem Hospital & the Birthplace North Shore Children's Hospital Emerson Hospital Shaughnessy-Kaplan Rehabilitation Hospital Kindred Specialty Hospital Braintree New England Sinai Hospital & Rehabilitation Center South Shore Hospital MetroWest Medical Center Framingham Union Hospital Tewksbury Hospital Beverly Hospital Kindred Specialty Hospital Stoughton Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center Isham Health Center Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital Boston VA Healthcare System Brockton Saints Medical Center Lowell General Hospital HC Solomon Mental Health Center UMass Memorial Marlborough Hospital Lawrence General Hospital Baldpate Hospital Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital Westborough Caritas Holy Family Hospital and Medical Center Pembroke Hospital Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
Suggested Reading on Foot Pain by Our Doctors
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Related Diseases & Conditions
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Gout
- Gout is a condition that results from crystals of uric acid depositing in tissues of the body. Gout is a condition that can lead to abnormally elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, recurring attacks of joint inflammation (arthritis), deposits of hard lumps of uric acid in and around the joints, and decreased kidney function and kidney stones.
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Athlete's Foot
- Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a skin infection caused by the ringworm fungus. Symptoms include itching, burning, cracking, peeling, and bleeding feet. Treatment involves keeping the feet dry and clean, wearing shoes that can breathe, and using medicated powders to keep your feet dry.
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Corns
- Corns and calluses are sometimes painful areas of thickened skin that appear between the toes and fingers or on the soles of the feet. Abnormal foot anatomy, ill-fitting footwear, and unusual gait can put increased pressure in specific areas, causing corns and calluses. Treatment may involve using over-the-counter salicylic-acid products, visiting a podiatrist to be fitted with an orthotic device, or surgical removal.
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Warts (Common Warts)
- Common warts are skin growths causes by the human papillomavirus. There are many types of warts, including plantar warts, common hand warts, warts under the nails, mosaic wars, and flat warts. Over-the-counter treatments typically involve the use of salicylic acid products.
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Shin Splints
- Shin splints result from inflammation from injury to the tendon and adjacent tissues in the front of the outer leg. Shin splints commonly occur in runners or aggressive walkers, causing pain and discomfort. An increase in workout intensity, weak ankles and pronation may be to blame for shin splints. Stretching, strengthening, and icing the affected area are effective treatments for shin splints. Rest and anti-inflammatory medications are also advised.
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Ankle Pain
- Ankle pain is commonly due to a sprain or tendinitis. The severity of ankle sprains ranges from mild (which can resolve within 24 hours) to severe (which can require surgical repair). Tendinitis of the ankle can be caused by trauma or inflammation.
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Broken Toe
- A broken toe is one of the most common fractures among individuals. There are many causes of a broken toe, whether it is the big toe, middle toes, or little toe (pinky). Common symptoms of a broken toe include pain, swelling, stiffness, and bruising. A broken toe can be treated with buddy taping the toe. There are instances where a physician should be consulted for a broken toe.
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Bunions
- The common bunion, an enlargement of the inner portion of the joint at the base of the big toe, primarily affects women. The signs and symptoms of bunions include inflammation, redness, tenderness, and pain of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The little toe may also develop a bunion (tailor's bunion). Rest, walking shoes, stretching, cold packs, and antiinflammatory medications may alleviate pain. Surgery is also a treatment option.
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Leprosy
- Leprosy (Hansen's disease) is a disfiguring disease caused by infection with Mycobacterium leprae bacteria. The disease is spread from person to person through nasal secretions or droplets. Symptoms and signs of leprosy include numbness, loss of temperature sensation, painless ulcers, eye damage, loss of digits, and facial disfigurement. Leprosy is treated with antibiotics and the dosage and length of time of administration depends upon which form of leprosy the patient has.
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Bone Spurs
- Bone spurs are pointy outgrowths of bone that develop in areas of inflammation or injury. They commonly occur on the heel and spine and may be the result of reactive arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis. Symptoms include pain, numbness, and tenderness. Treatment focuses on decreasing inflammation and avoiding re-injury.
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Fracture
- Fractures occur when bone cannot withstand the outside forces applied to the bone. Fractures can be open or closed. Types of fractures include: greenstick, spiral, comminuted, transverse, compound, or vertebral compression. Common fractures include: stress fracture, compression fracture, rib fracture, and skull fracture. Treatment depends upon the type of fracture.
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Bruises
- A bruise, or contusion, is caused when blood vessels are damaged or broken as the result of a blow to the skin. The raised area of a bump or bruise results from blood leaking from these injured blood vessels into the tissues as well as from the body's response to the injury. Treatments include applying an ice pack and pressure to the area by hand.
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Ingrown Toenail
- Ingrown toenails are caused by the growth of the toenail into the surrounding nail fold. Symptoms include toe pain, swelling, redness, and yellow drainage. Treatment at home involves soaking the affected foot in diluted white vinegar or Epsom salts, elevating the foot, and trimming the nails straight across. Surgery is also an option for severe cases. Prevent ingrown toenails by wearing shoes with a wider toe box and avoiding repeated injury to the toenails. Avoid curving or cutting the nails short at the edges.
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Sprains and Strains
- An injury to a ligament is called a sprain, and an injury to muscle or tendon is called a strain. Sprains and strains may be caused by repetitive movements or a single stressful incident. Symptoms include pain and swelling. Though treatment depends upon the extent and location of the injury, rest, ice, compression, and elevation are key elements of treatment.
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Broken Foot
- There are several bones in the foot, and these bones can be broken (fractured) in a variety of ways. Falling from heights, dropping heavy objects on the foot, or stress fractures from running or walking. Treatment of a broken foot depends on what bone in the foot is broken.
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Morton's Neuroma
- A Morton's neuroma is an inflamed nerve between the bones at the ball of the foot. Symptoms include a burning, sharp pain on the bottom of the foot. Treatment involves resting the foot, wearing better-fitting shoes, ice packs, and cortisone injection.
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Diabetes and Foot Problems
- Diabetes related foot problems can affect your health with two problems: diabetic neuropathy, where diabetes affects the nerves, and peripheral vascular disease, where diabetes affects the flow of blood. Common foot problems for people with diabetes include athlete's foot, fungal infection of nails, calluses, corns, blisters, bunions, dry skin, foot ulcers, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts.
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Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Ulcers
- Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed medications for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Examples of NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and more. One common side effect of NSAIDs is peptic ulcer (ulcers of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum). Side effects, drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and patient safety information should be reviewed prior to taking NSAIDs.
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Fitness: Exercise for a Healthy Heart
- Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of heart disease. To achieve maximum benefits, do a mix of stretching exercise, aerobic activity, and strengthening exercise. Aim to get 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least three to four times a week. Consult a doctor before exercising for the first time, especially if you have health problems.
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Fitness
- Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of disease. Regular exercise can also reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety. There are fitness programs that fit any age or lifestyle.
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Turf Toe
- Turf toe is a sprain to the ligaments around the big toe joint. Symptoms and signs include pain, swelling, a popping sound, and limited range of motion. Treatment may involve taking ibuprofen, immobilizing with tape, cast, or a walking boot.
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Gout
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Medications
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Procedures & Tests
1 articles -
Pictures, Images & Quizzes
5 articles -
Doctor's & Expert's Views
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Health News
11 articles -
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