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Have Diabetes? Boston Podiatrists Offer Foot Care Tips

People who have been diagnosed with Diabetes are at greater risk for infection from an injury to the foot, even if that injury is minor, such as a scrape.

Boston Common Podiatry’s Jordana Szpiro, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S., a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and Shannon Thompson, D.P.M. offer the following tips to people affected by diabetes:

-Inspect feet and between the toes daily, checking for: dry or cracking skin, corns and calluses, any unusual lesions, discolored or thick nails. Those with Type I or Type II Diabetes who may be experiencing any of these symptoms are at risk for infection and should see a primary care physician or podiatrist immediately for treatment.

-Check shoes and socks for foreign objects before putting them on. A minor scrape incurred by a pebble in the shoe is a major health concern for people with diabetes as there is a risk of infection. A person with diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) is at even greater risk for infection from a scrape because s/he would not be able to feel they have an injury.

-Check the temperature of soaking or bath water with the hands first to avoid scalding. A minor burn can turn into an open wound and become infected.

-Wear white socks only because the dyes in colored socks can be toxic if absorbed into open wounds and cause infection.

-Have shoes sized and fit by a professional. Shoes that are too large will allow the foot to move within the shoe and chafe the skin. Shoes that are too small can pinch the feet and cause blisters, which may become infected.

-Be aware of any changes in sensation or circulation. Numbness or tingling in the feet may be a sign of neuropathy due to elevated glucose levels over a significant period of time.

– People with diabetes should not cut their own toenails. Again, the risk of cutting nails incorrectly (resulting in ingrown toenails), cutting nails too short, or of nicking the skin is significant. Have a podiatrist do it.

If there is a sign that there is something wrong, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist immediately.

Boston Common Podiatry treats a large number of senior and Medicare patients. The setting is a private; there is no wait time and no referral needed.

For more information, visit the website at www.BostonCommonPodiatry.com or contact the office at 617-262-2266.

About Boston Common Podiatry

Boston Common Podiatry specializes in the treatment of foot conditions including pain, fractures and sports-related injuries; complicated foot conditions caused by diabetes, arthritis and cardiovascular disease; pediatric podiatry, molded orthotics and foot fillers. From athletes and dancers to marathon runners and high-heeled fashionistas to seniors and children, the renowned Boston Common Podiatry cares for patients from the greater Boston and Cape Cod areas.

The practice’s physicians are affiliated with Partner’s Healthcare, Mt. Auburn Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Cambridge Health Alliance, and Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Medford. The office is handicapped accessible and they offer convenient, on-site x-ray services.

Boston Common Podiatry is one of the few practices in the area offering two of the newest, most advanced treatments: Keryflex, which is a new and innovative solution to fungal or dystrophic nails and the innovative FDA-cleared GenesisPlus laser in the treatment of fungal nails. The GenesisPlus laser provides a fast, highly effective solution, with minimal discomfort for warts, scars and Onychomycosis, which is a fungal infection that causes toenails to thicken, discolor and split. It is also ideal for skin rejuvenation and the treatment of spider veins.

Boston Common Podiatry is located at 264 Beacon Street, Second Floor, Boston, MA. For more information contact 617-262-2266 or visit bostoncommonpodiatry.com.

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60 seconds to stomp out skin cancer – routine foot self exams can increase early detection, survival

The next time you clip your toenails, take a closer look at the rest of your feet. An extra 60 seconds could save your life.

Boston Common Podiatry’s Jordana, Szpiro, DPM, FACFAS, is a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). The Boston foot and ankle surgeon says routine self-examinations of the feet are an important way to find skin cancer early, when it’s easiest to cure. Half of the people who learn they have melanoma of the foot die within five years because the cancer had already spread throughout their body by the time it was diagnosed.

Nearly 60,000 people will learn they have melanoma this year. It’s not known how many of those cases will involve the foot, but more than 8,100 melanoma patients will die… nearly one death every hour. If melanoma is detected in its earliest stages, 92 percent of patients are alive after five years.

Unlike many other types of cancer, melanoma strikes people of all age groups, even the young. Routine foot self-exams increase the likelihood of noticing suspicious moles, freckles or other spots.

Dr. Szpiro recommends focusing on the three most common areas for foot melanoma: the soles, between the toes, and around or under the toenails. She notes melanoma can develop anywhere on the body including areas that receive little sun exposure, such as the feet and ankles. If a mole, freckle or spot starts to change over the course of a month and becomes asymmetrical or changes its border, color, diameter or elevation, contact Boston Common Podiatry at 617-262-2266 immediately. Those are the ABCDEs, or signs, of melanoma.

For more information on malignant melanoma of the foot, visit the ACFAS patient Web site FootHealthFacts.org.

About Boston Common Podiatry

Boston Common Podiatry specializes in the treatment of foot conditions including pain, fractures and sports-related injuries; complicated foot conditions caused by diabetes, arthritis and cardiovascular disease; pediatric podiatry and molded orthotics. From athletes and dancers to marathon runners and high-heeled fashionistas to seniors and children, the renowned Boston Common Podiatry cares for patients from the greater Boston and Cape Cod areas.

The practice’s physicians are affiliated with Partner’s Healthcare, Mt. Auburn Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Cambridge Health Alliance, and Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Medford. The office is handicapped accessible and they offer convenient, on-site x-ray services.

Boston Common Podiatry is one of the few practices in the area offering two of the newest, most advanced treatments: Keryflex, which is a new and innovative solution to fungal or dystrophic nails and the innovative GenesisPlus Nd:YAG laser by Cutera, the most powerful FDA-cleared laser for the treatment of warts, fungus, scars and thermal resurfacing. Boston Common Podiatry is located at 264 Beacon Street, Second Floor, Boston, MA. For more information contact 617-262-2266 or visit bostoncommonpodiatry.com.

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Boston Podiatrist Expands Footprint. Boston Common Podiatry Adds New Staff & Square Footage

Dr. Jordana Szpiro

Boston Common Podiatry, led by established Boston podiatrist and board certified foot surgeon Jordana Szpiro, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S., has recently expanded the square footage of the practice, added three new staff members and promoted two.

Located at 264 Beacon Street, Boston Common Podiatry resides on the second floor. Previously, the practice occupied 1,400 sq. ft. of space. The practice recently acquired additional space across the hall, adding another 600 sq. ft. to better accommodate a fast growing staff and patient population.

Boston Common Podiatry has hired three new staff members and promoted two staff members.

Rebecca Greene-Cramer, a native of Marlboro, VT and resident of Brighton, has been appointed as a Medical Assistant. She will assist Dr. Szpiro with minor surgeries, manage medical instruments and x-rays, prepare exam rooms, educate patients and manage patient referrals and files. Ms. Greene-Cramer received a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry (Cum Laude) from Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, CT where she won several Biochemistry awards. For four summers previous to Boston Common Podiatry, she was the Assistant Program Director for Brattleboro Recreation and Parks Department in Brattleboro, VT. She is a member of the American Chemical Society.

Amanda Castonguay, a native of Danbury, CT and resident of Allston, MA has been appointed as Back Office Manager and will oversee patient accounts, bookkeeping and office operations. Ms. Castonguay holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, CT. For two years previous to Boston Common Podiatry, she was a Sales Associate & Keyholder at Hot Topic retailer in Danbury, CT.

GerriAnne Arinella, a Boston resident, has been appointed as Front Office Manager and will be primarily responsible for answering the phones, scheduling appointments, checking in/out patients and processing patient payment/insurance. Ms. Arinella received certification as a Medical Assistant from Fisher Junior College, Bryman Institute. For two years previous to Boston Common Podiatry, she was a Medical Receptionist at the Eye Center of North Shore in Salem, MA. For 22 years prior to that, she was a Medical Receptionist for Edward Wyman, M.D., Orthopaedics, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Danielle Colon, a resident of Boston who has been with Boston Common Podiatry for one year, has been promoted to Senior Medical Assistant. Ms. Colon is a Bachelor of Arts 2012 candidate at Boston University’s Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences and is member of Lambda Pi Upsilon Sorority. She also volunteers with the “Little Sisters of the Poor” and the Greater Boston YMCA.

Jessica Ramalho, a resident of Lynnfield, MA, who has also been with the practice for a year, has been promoted to Senior Medical Assistant. Ms. Ramalho is a Bachelor of Arts 2012 candidate as well as Resident Assistant at Boston University’s Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences. She is the recipient of an Appreciation Award from the VA Boston Healthcare System in West Roxbury. As Senior Medical Assistants, Ms. Colon and Ms. Ramalho will assist Dr. Szpiro with minor surgeries, manage medical instruments and x-rays, prepare exam rooms, educate patients and manage patient referrals and files.

“The practice is growing by leaps and bounds, due in part to new services we have added, such as the FDA approved PinPointe Laser Treatment, which is a pain-free, non-invasive way to eradicate nail fungus. We are one of the only providers to offer it,” noted Szpiro, who recently appeared on WCVB-TV Channel 5 News in the “What Your Feet Say About Your Health” segment. She continued, “The number of patients we treat has doubled over last year, warranting the larger space and medical team. And, we’ll be adding even more services and products in the near future.”

About Boston Common Podiatry
Boston Common Podiatry specializes in the treatment of foot conditions including pain, fractures and sports-related injuries; complicated foot conditions caused by diabetes, arthritis and cardiovascular disease; pediatric podiatry and molded orthotics. From athletes and dancers to marathon runners and high-heeled fashionistas to seniors and children, the renowned Boston Common Podiatry cares for patients from the greater Boston and Cape Cod areas.

Boston Common Podiatry physicians are on staff at several area hospitals including Mt. Auburn, a Harvard teaching hospital, and hospitals affiliated with the Cambridge Health Alliance. The practice is led by established Boston podiatrist, Jordana Szpiro, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S. Boston Common Podiatry is located at 264 Beacon Street, Second Floor, Boston, MA. For more information contact 617.262.2266 or visit bostoncommonpodiatry.com.

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