Important Announcements

Nondiscrimination Policy Update

Boston Medical Center Health System complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency and primary language), religion, culture, physical or mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression. BMCHS provides free aids and services to people with disabilities and free language services to people whose primary language is not English.

To read our full Nondiscrimination Statement, click here.

Foot and Ankle Care

Treatments and Services

Several tests and diagnostic tools are used to evaluate foot and ankle conditions:

  • Physical examination: The doctor looks for swelling, deformities, or bruising and assesses range of motion, strength, and stability through palpation and movement tests.
  • X-rays: Used to identify fractures, joint alignment, bone deformities, and conditions like arthritis.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Provides detailed images of soft tissues, including tendons, ligaments, and cartilage, helping diagnose tears, inflammation, or degeneration.
  • CT scan: Offers a more detailed 3D view of bones, useful for complex fractures or bone abnormalities.
  • Ultrasound: Used to assess soft tissues, particularly tendons and ligaments, and detect inflammation or tears.
  • Stress tests: Used to evaluate the stability of joints, such as the ankle, under stress or pressure (e.g., anterior drawer test for the ankle).
  • Bone scan: A nuclear imaging technique to detect infections, stress fractures, or bone inflammation.
  • Nerve conduction studies (electromyography): Used if nerve damage or compression (e.g., tarsal tunnel syndrome) is suspected.
  • Gait analysis: Assesses how a person walks to identify abnormalities or imbalances in foot and ankle function.

These tests help orthopedic specialists determine the most appropriate treatment for conditions affecting the foot and ankle.