Podiatry

Rhode Island’s leading podiatric medical and surgical practice

Brown Health Medical Group Podiatry is Rhode Island’s leading podiatric medical and surgical practice. We provide the most current, high quality personalized podiatric healthcare today.

When foot or ankle pain makes it harder to walk, work, exercise, or enjoy daily life, podiatry care can help you find the cause and take the next step toward relief. Brown Health Medical Group Podiatry helps patients protect their foot and ankle health, relieve pain, and stay active through personalized, evidence-based treatment for everyday concerns, chronic conditions, injuries, and complex foot and ankle problems.

With the expertise of our podiatry team and a careful, personalized approach to treatment, you can:

• Get relief from foot, ankle, or heel pain that is affecting your daily life
• Walk, stand, and move with greater comfort and confidence
• Receive care tailored to your symptoms, lifestyle, and health history
• Find treatment for injuries, chronic conditions, diabetic foot concerns, and complex foot and ankle problems
• Support healing and return safely to work, exercise, and everyday activities
• Address small problems early before they become more painful or harder to treat
• Reduce the risk of future injuries or recurring symptoms
• Improve comfort, mobility, and quality of life 

Whether your goal is to get back to daily routines, stay active, or prevent a foot or ankle problem from getting worse, our podiatry team is here to help you move forward with confidence.

Our doctors care for patients at Rhode Island Hospital, The Miriam Hospital, and the Southern New England Surgery Center in Attleboro, MA. They are members of the faculty at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and also serve on the teaching staff of the Roger Williams Medical Center Podiatric Surgical Residency Program.

What Is Podiatry?

Podiatry is a medical specialty that focuses on foot, ankle, and lower leg health. A podiatrist, sometimes called a foot doctor, diagnoses and treats pain, injuries, skin and nail concerns, diabetic foot conditions, and other problems that can affect walking, balance, and daily activity. 

Foot and ankle health matters: Podiatry focuses on the feet, ankles, and lower legs. 

Pain often has a cause: A podiatrist can help identify what is causing pain, weakness, or changes in mobility. 

Many conditions can be treated: Care may address skin, nail, joint, tendon, bone, and diabetic foot concerns. 

Better movement is the goal: Treatment supports comfort, daily function, and mobility. 

Understanding how foot and ankle problems affect movement is the first step toward choosing care that can relieve symptoms and help patients stay active.

The Role of a Podiatrist in Foot and Ankle Health

Brown Health Medical Group podiatrists care for people of all ages and activity levels. They evaluate how the foot and ankle move, find the source of pain or instability, and recommend treatment to improve comfort and function. Care may include medication, injections, orthotics, braces, wound care, physical therapy recommendations, or surgery when needed. 

Your symptoms tell a story: A podiatrist reviews pain, medical history, footwear, and activity level to understand what may be contributing to the problem. 

Movement patterns matter: Evaluation may include walking pattern, alignment, strength, and range of motion. 

Treatment should start appropriately: Your podiatrist recommends the least invasive option that can safely help. 

Some conditions need coordinated care: Foot problems related to wound healing, circulation, or mobility may require additional support.

Conditions Commonly Diagnosed and Treated in Podiatry

Brown Health Medical Group Podiatry diagnoses and treats a wide range of foot and ankle conditions that can affect comfort, mobility, skin health, and daily activity. 

• Foot, ankle, and heel pain: Pain in the heel, arch, toes, foot, or ankle can make it harder to walk, stand, exercise, or complete daily routines. 
• Arthritis and joint problems: Arthritis and other joint concerns can cause stiffness, swelling, pain, and reduced range of motion. 
• Bunions, flatfoot, and structural concerns: Changes in foot shape or alignment can create pressure, instability, shoe discomfort, and recurring pain. 
• Corns, calluses, plantar warts, and skin conditions: Skin changes can become painful, irritated, or difficult to manage without proper care. 
• Diabetic foot conditions: Diabetes can increase the risk of wounds, infection, numbness, and healing problems, making prompt evaluation important.
• Fractures, sprains, and tendon injuries: Injuries to bones, ligaments, or tendons can affect stability, strength, and safe movement. 
• Ingrown toenails and nail fungus: Nail problems may cause pain, pressure, thickened nails, or infection if they are not treated. 
• Plantar fasciitis and heel pain: Inflammation or strain in the bottom of the foot can cause sharp heel pain, especially with standing or first steps in the morning. 
• Sports related and work related injuries: Activity, training, workplace demands, or repetitive stress can lead to pain, overuse injuries, and mobility concerns. 

Recognizing these conditions early can help patients get the right treatment before pain, infection, or mobility changes interfere with daily life.

Advanced Podiatry Treatments and Technology

Some foot and ankle problems need specialized care. Our podiatrists use diagnostic tools, customized support devices, and advanced treatment options to help reduce pain, improve mobility, and support a safe return to daily activities. 

Diagnosis guides treatment: Diagnostic tools help your podiatrist better understand the source of pain. 

Advanced care can support healing: Treatment options may help reduce pain, improve mobility, and support recovery. 

Care is customized: Daily and complex foot and ankle problems may need different approaches. 

The goal is safe movement: Treatment focuses on helping patients return to daily activities whenever possible.

These tools help the podiatry team match each patient with the right level of care, from conservative treatment to more advanced options when needed.

Custom Orthotics and Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Custom orthotics are prescription devices that fit inside the shoe to support the foot and ankle. They may help reduce pressure, improve alignment, support healing after an injury, and make walking or standing more comfortable. Treatment may also include braces, injections, medication, shoe recommendations, or activity changes. Learn more about orthotics here.

Minimally Invasive Procedures and Advanced Diagnostic Tools

When appropriate, podiatry care may include on site X-ray, biomechanical evaluation, advanced surgical techniques, reconstruction, joint replacement, or EPAT, Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology, a non-invasive shockwave treatment used for certain types of heel pain. Your podiatrist will recommend care based on your symptoms, diagnosis, health history, and goals. 

X-rays can reveal structural problems: On site imaging may help identify fractures, arthritis, alignment concerns, or other causes of pain. 

How you move matters: Biomechanical evaluation looks at how the foot and ankle function during movement. 

Advanced procedures may be an option: Some patients may need more specialized care when conservative treatment is not enough. 

Treatment is based on your needs: Recommendations are guided by diagnosis, health history, symptoms, and goals.

When to See a Podiatrist 

Foot and ankle problems are common, but ongoing pain or changes in the way you walk should not be ignored. A podiatrist can help find the cause of your symptoms and recommend treatment before the problem gets worse or starts to affect your knees, hips, or lower back. 

Lasting pain deserves attention: Seek care when pain continues, returns, or limits daily activity. 

Some symptoms can signal a bigger concern: Swelling, numbness, wounds, or signs of infection should not be ignored. 

Injuries need proper evaluation: Get care if walking is painful, difficult, or unsafe after an injury. 

Early care is important for higher risk patients: People with diabetes or healing concerns should schedule care promptly. 

Knowing when to seek care can help patients act sooner, avoid unnecessary discomfort, and protect the movement they rely on every day.

Warning Signs of Foot and Ankle Problems

Call a podiatrist if you have pain that does not improve, swelling, redness, warmth, numbness, tingling, an open sore, signs of infection, a change in skin color, a toenail problem, trouble walking, or an injury that is not healing as expected. People with diabetes should seek care promptly for any cut, blister, wound, or skin change on the foot.

Pain that lingers can be a warning sign: Discomfort that does not improve with rest or basic care should be checked. 

Infection needs prompt care: Swelling, redness, warmth, drainage, or worsening tenderness may require treatment. 

Nerve symptoms should be evaluated: Numbness, tingling, burning, or skin color changes can point to circulation or nerve concerns. 

Diabetic foot changes need quick attention: Any wound, blister, or skin change should be checked promptly if you have diabetes.

Chronic Pain, Injuries, and Mobility Concerns

Foot or ankle pain can affect how you stand, walk, exercise, and move through the day. If pain keeps returning, affects your balance, limits activity, or makes shoes uncomfortable, a podiatry evaluation can help determine what is causing the problem. 

Pain can change how you move: Discomfort may cause you to walk, stand, or balance differently. 

Recurring pain can limit daily life: Symptoms during work, exercise, or routines may signal an underlying problem. 

Instability can increase injury risk: Weakness, balance problems, or ankle giving way should be evaluated. Shoe discomfort may have a cause: Swelling, deformity, or pressure points can make footwear painful.

Preventive Foot and Ankle Care Tips

Healthy feet support comfort, balance, and independence. Daily foot checks, properly fitted shoes, and early attention to pain or skin changes can help prevent injuries and keep small problems from becoming more serious.

• Daily checks can catch problems early: Look for new pain, wounds, swelling, redness, or skin changes.
• Supportive shoes help protect your feet: Wear footwear that fits well and matches your activity. 
• Gradual activity helps prevent strain: Increase exercise slowly to reduce the risk of overuse injuries. 
• Early help can prevent worsening symptoms: Contact a podiatrist if a problem is not improving. 

These small steps can support healthier feet over time and make it easier to notice changes that may need podiatry care.

Choosing Proper Footwear for Daily Support

Choose shoes that fit well, support your arch, and give your toes room to move. Avoid shoes that rub, pinch, or create pressure points. If you have diabetes, foot deformities, recurring pain, or a history of wounds, ask whether custom orthotics, therapeutic shoes, or insoles may help protect your feet.

• Room matters: Shoes should give your toes enough space to move without rubbing or pressure.
• Support helps stability: Arch support, cushioning, and a secure fit can make standing and walking more comfortable. 
• Poor fit can cause problems: Shoes that pinch, rub, or create pressure points may lead to pain, calluses, or skin irritation. 
• Some feet need extra protection: Orthotics or therapeutic shoes may help if you have recurring pain, diabetes, or a history of wounds. 

Healthy Habits to Prevent Foot and Ankle Injuries 

Check your feet regularly for cuts, blisters, swelling, redness, or changes in the skin or nails. Keep your feet clean and dry, trim nails carefully, stretch before activity, increase exercise gradually, and wear the right shoes for your activity. If you notice new or worsening symptoms, schedule an appointment. 

• Clean, dry feet are healthier: Wash and dry feet carefully, especially between the toes. 
• Safe nail care can prevent pain: Trim toenails straight across and avoid cutting into the corners. 
• Preparation helps prevent injury: Stretch before activity and build intensity gradually. 
• Do not wait if your symptoms are worsening: Contact a podiatrist if pain, swelling, wounds, or nail problems do not improve.

Sports Injuries

We treat athletes of all ages, from recreational walkers and runners to students and competitive athletes. Sports related foot and ankle injuries can come from overuse, poor alignment, sudden trauma, or returning to activity too soon after an injury. Our podiatrists identify the cause of pain and recommend treatment to support healing, reduce the risk of reinjury, and help patients return to activity safely.

Sports injuries can affect any activity level: We treat sprains, fractures, tendon injuries, heel pain, and overuse conditions. 

The cause may be more than the injury: Evaluation may include footwear, training habits, alignment, and movement patterns. 

Recovery should be safe and gradual: Treatment focuses on healing, strength, and return to activity. 

Prevention is part of care: Guidance can help reduce the risk of reinjury or recurring symptoms. 

By treating both the injury and the factors that contributed to it, podiatry care can help patients recover with a plan for returning to activity safely.