Podiatry

Expertise in foot & ankle conditions

Podiatry at Boston Orthopaedic & Spine

Our feet are an important part of daily life. Conditions of the foot or ankle can be painful and severely disruptive to a patient’s routine.

At Boston Orthopaedic & Spine, our podiatric specialists diagnose and manage a wide range of common and complex lower extremity issues. Conditions frequently treated include painful bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, chronic heel pain, ankle sprains, foot fractures, arthritis, ingrown toenails, and diabetic foot complications. Whether you need custom orthotics to correct your gait or advanced surgical intervention, our team provides comprehensive care tailored to your lifestyle across the greater Boston area.

  • Plantar fasciitis and chronic heel pain

  • Bunions and hammertoes

  • Achilles tendonitis and ankle sprains

  • Foot and ankle arthritis

When To See a Podiatrist

You should schedule a consultation with a podiatrist at Boston Orthopaedic & Spine if you experience persistent foot or ankle pain, swelling, numbness, or stiffness that interferes with your daily activities. Do not ignore lingering discomfort from a sports injury, structural changes like shifting toes, or skin and nail issues that fail to improve with at-home care. Early evaluation by a qualified specialist in Boston ensures an accurate diagnosis and prevents minor podiatric concerns from turning into chronic mobility limitations.

Podiatrist examining a patient's foot.

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Get Back to Being You

If you’re experiencing persistent foot or ankle pain, you’re not alone. Accurate diagnosis is the first step in any effective treatment plan.

What is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist, or a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), specializes in examining, preventing, and treating foot and ankle conditions to ensure pain-free, daily function.

Depending on your condition and treatment plan, a podiatrist can do anything from performing surgery to recommending the best type of shoe for you.

Our Awarded PodiatryTeam

Our team of board-certified, fellowship-trained specialists include some of the most experienced spine physicians and surgeons in the greater Boston area. Contact our team of specialists for a personalized treatment plan today.

John T. Hester, DPM

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About Dr. Hester

Podiatrist
Specializing in Foot & Ankle

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John T. Marcoux, DPM, FACFAS

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About Dr. Marcoux

Podiatrist
Specializing in Foot & Ankle

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Podiatry Frequently Asked Questions

Does a podiatrist do surgery?

Yes, a podiatrist who is a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM) can perform reconstructive and corrective foot and ankle surgeries, ranging from minimally invasive procedures for bunions and hammertoes to complex trauma repair. At Boston Orthopaedic & Spine, our specialists determine the most appropriate surgical or non-surgical intervention based on your specific condition.

What is the difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedist?

While both treat musculoskeletal issues, a podiatrist (DPM) specializes exclusively in the medical and surgical care of the foot and ankle. An orthopedic surgeon completes medical school and an orthopedic residency, treating the entire musculoskeletal system, though some orthopedists subspecialize strictly in foot and ankle care.

When should I see a podiatrist instead of a primary care doctor?

You should see a podiatrist for persistent, localized pain, structural deformities, or injuries affecting your feet and ankles that do not resolve with rest and over-the-counter care. Podiatrists offer advanced diagnostic imaging, custom orthotics, and specialized treatments that general practitioners do not typically provide.

What is the most common reason to see a podiatrist?

Plantar fasciitis and chronic heel pain are the leading reasons patients visit a podiatrist. Other frequent complaints include painful bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, and sports-related ankle sprains that require professional evaluation in the Boston area.

Can a podiatrist treat sports injuries and running pain?

Yes, podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating running injuries, shin splints, stress fractures, and Achilles tendonitis. At Boston Orthopaedic & Spine, we use gait analysis and custom orthotics to help athletes safely return to peak performance.

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