Central Massachusetts Podiatry

Central Massachusetts Podiatry Worcester/Westborough Foot and Ankle doctors/ surgeons. Call 508-757-4003 for same-day appointments.

Our team continues to identify, educate, and evaluate leading technologies allowing us to serve you with a full spectrum of care. X-ray facilities in the office allow immediate evaluation of injuries and deformities.Patients include infants, children, teenagers, and the adult population. The doctors are skilled in all aspects of foot and ankle techniques, both clinically and surgically.

Foot or ankle pain has a way of showing up at the worst possible time.One wrong step. A sudden twist. A sharp pain you d...
01/19/2026

Foot or ankle pain has a way of showing up at the worst possible time.

One wrong step. A sudden twist. A sharp pain you didn’t have yesterday. And suddenly you’re wondering if you should wait it out… or if something’s actually wrong.

If it feels like it can’t wait, that’s usually your answer.

At Central Massachusetts Podiatry, we offer urgent foot care with same-day appointments and walk-in availability for issues like sprains, fractures, infections, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot concerns, and sudden heel or Achilles pain.

You don’t have to guess what’s going on or bounce between urgent care and referrals. With onsite digital X-rays, advanced diagnostics, and board-certified podiatrists, you get answers quickly and a treatment plan focused on real recovery, not just temporary relief.

Your feet carry you through every part of your day. Ignoring pain usually doesn’t make it go away, it just makes it harder to deal with later.

📍 Visit us in Worcester or Westborough
⏰ Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM
🚶 Walk in or book a same-day appointment
📅 Schedule now: https://www.centralmasspodiatry.com/appointment

🔗 Learn more about urgent foot care: https://www.centralmasspodiatry.com/urgent-foot-care

When something feels off, you don’t have to wait it out. We’re here today.

01/19/2026

Check out our 30-second foot analyzer - www.centralmasspodiatry.com

Need help fast? Same-day or next-day appointments are usually available.

_________________________________
⚠️ Trigger Warning: This video contains medical content involving infection and toenail removal, which may be disturbing for some viewers.

👣 A small nail infection can turn into a bigger problem if ignored.

In this short, Dr. Don Pelto explains what paronychia is and what can happen when it’s not treated early:
✅ Worsening infection
✅ Increased pain and swelling
✅ Possible need for toenail removal

👉 Early treatment can help prevent complications and reduce the need for more invasive procedures.
💡 Fast care = faster healing.

If you notice redness, swelling, or pain around your toenail, don’t wait 👇
👉 https://www.centralmasspodiatry.com/urgent-foot-care

📍 Podiatry care in Massachusetts
👉 www.centralmasspodiatry.com

👨‍⚕️ P.S. When You’re Ready, Here’s How I Can Help:

1️⃣ Book a visit in Worcester, MA:
➡️ www.centralmasspodiatry.com/appointment

2️⃣ Download my Foot Pain Toolkit (includes foot care tips & infection prevention):
➡️ www.centralmasspodiatry.com/contents

3️⃣ View my Amazon recommendations for foot support & comfort:
➡️ www.amazon.com/shop/donalde.peltodpm

4️⃣ LET’S CONNECT:
LinkedIn ➡️ www.linkedin.com/in/donpelto

Twitter ➡️ www.twitter.com/centralmasspod

Facebook ➡️ www.facebook.com/CentralMassachusettsPodiatry

📢 DISCLAIMER:
Dr. Donald Pelto is a licensed podiatrist in Massachusetts. This video is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your physician before starting or changing treatment.

🔖 Hashtags:


01/18/2026

Check out our 30-second foot analyzer - www.centralmasspodiatry.com

Need help fast? Same-day or next-day appointments are usually available.

_________________________________
⚠️ Trigger Warning: This video discusses diabetic foot risks, sores, and ulcers, which may be sensitive or uncomfortable for some viewers.

👣 For people with diabetes, footwear choices matter more than you think.

In this short, Dr. Don Pelto explains how new shoes or tight-fitting footwear can increase the risk of:
✅ Pressure points
✅ Skin breakdown
✅ Foot ulcers

👉 Even shoes that feel “okay” at first can cause serious problems if they rub, squeeze, or don’t fit properly.
💡 Proper fit + protection = safer, healthier feet for diabetics.

If you notice redness, pain, or skin changes, don’t wait 👇
👉 https://www.centralmasspodiatry.com/urgent-foot-care

📍 Podiatry care in Massachusetts
👉 www.centralmasspodiatry.com

👨‍⚕️ P.S. When You’re Ready, Here’s How I Can Help:

1️⃣ Book a visit in Worcester, MA:
➡️ www.centralmasspodiatry.com/appointment

2️⃣ Download my Foot Pain Toolkit (includes foot care tips & prevention guidance):
➡️ www.centralmasspodiatry.com/contents

3️⃣ View my Amazon recommendations for foot support & comfort:
➡️ www.amazon.com/shop/donalde.peltodpm

4️⃣ LET’S CONNECT:
LinkedIn ➡️ www.linkedin.com/in/donpelto

Twitter ➡️ www.twitter.com/centralmasspod

Facebook ➡️ www.facebook.com/CentralMassachusettsPodiatry

📢 DISCLAIMER:
Dr. Donald Pelto is a licensed podiatrist in Massachusetts. This video is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your physician before starting or changing treatment.

🔖 Hashtags:


01/16/2026

Check out our 30-second foot analyzer - www.centralmasspodiatry.com

Need help fast? Same-day or next-day appointments are usually available.

_________________________________
👣 Wondering if shockwave therapy is covered by insurance? You’re not alone.

In this short, Dr. Don Pelto explains how shockwave therapy may be insurance-approved with providers like Cigna, depending on your plan and condition:
✅ Non-invasive treatment
✅ Used for chronic foot pain
✅ May be eligible for insurance coverage

👉 Coverage can vary, so it’s important to check your insurance benefits before starting any non-surgical procedure.
💡 Knowing your options = smarter care decisions.

If your foot pain needs urgent attention, we’re here to help 👇
👉 https://www.centralmasspodiatry.com/urgent-foot-care

📍 Podiatry care in Massachusetts
👉 www.centralmasspodiatry.com

👨‍⚕️ P.S. When You’re Ready, Here’s How I Can Help:

1️⃣ Book a visit in Worcester, MA:
➡️ www.centralmasspodiatry.com/appointment

2️⃣ Download my Foot Pain Toolkit (includes treatment options & foot care tips):
➡️ www.centralmasspodiatry.com/contents

3️⃣ View my Amazon recommendations for foot support & comfort:
➡️ www.amazon.com/shop/donalde.peltodpm

4️⃣ LET’S CONNECT:
LinkedIn ➡️ www.linkedin.com/in/donpelto

Twitter ➡️ www.twitter.com/centralmasspod

Facebook ➡️ www.facebook.com/CentralMassachusettsPodiatry

📢 DISCLAIMER:
Dr. Donald Pelto is a licensed podiatrist in Massachusetts. This video is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your physician and insurance provider before starting or changing treatment.

🔖 Hashtags:


Foot pain is sneaky. It starts as a little heel ache you ignore… then you’re limping by lunchtime. Next thing you know, ...
01/16/2026

Foot pain is sneaky. It starts as a little heel ache you ignore… then you’re limping by lunchtime.

Next thing you know, your ankle feels stiff, your knees feel cranky, and your lower back is doing this whole “why am I involved?” thing.

That’s your body compensating.

That’s why custom orthotics aren’t just about extra padding. The right pair supports alignment so you’re not spending every step “making it work” without realizing it.

If it feels like your feet are messing with your whole body, you’re not being dramatic. You’re just overdue for real support.

📍Come see us at Central Massachusetts Podiatry in Worcester or Westborough and let’s figure out what your feet actually need.
📅 Book your visit here: https://www.centralmasspodiatry.com/appointment

01/15/2026

If you’re dealing with a metatarsal fracture, here’s the part most people don’t want to hear but need to hear:

Even when it “doesn’t feel that bad,” a fracture still needs time.

In general, most fractures take at least 6–8 weeks to heal. That includes metatarsal fractures (the long bones in the middle of your foot).

And yes, that timeline is true even if you’re tough, busy, and really good at pushing through pain.

But here’s what can make it take longer:

If the fracture goes into a joint surface (the cartilage area where bones move against each other), healing can slow down because that area is constantly in motion.

If you’re still walking on it without enough protection, even “just a little,” you can keep re-irritating the bone and delay healing.

If healing takes longer than expected, that’s called a delayed union. It doesn’t mean you’re doomed, it just means you need better support or a different approach.

What treatment usually looks like:
✅ A walking boot (most common now)
✅ Sometimes a surgical shoe
✅ Less commonly a cast
✅ And in some cases, staying off the foot completely for a bit

And if the bone is being stubborn: There are more advanced options like a bone stimulator (uses electronic waves to encourage healing) and even shockwave therapy in the right situation to help jumpstart the process.

One more thing that matters more than people realize: Your body’s healing tools. Things like vitamin D, bone quality, and overall health can change how fast you recover.

If you’ve been told “6–8 weeks” but you’re still hurting, still swelling, or still limping, that’s a sign to get it re-checked instead of guessing.

📍Come see us at Central Massachusetts Podiatry in Worcester or Westborough
👉 Book here: https://www.centralmasspodiatry.com/appointment

01/14/2026

We get this question all the time: “Why do all shoes feel tight in the front?”

A lot of it comes down to the toe box.

This shoe is a great example of what we actually mean when we say wide, foot-shaped footwear.

It’s from Peerko, a minimalist shoe brand that focuses on an anatomic toe box, meaning your toes can spread the way they’re supposed to.

That extra room makes a big difference if you’re dealing with bunions, hammertoes, or toes that feel cramped by the end of the day.

It’s also a zero-drop shoe, which means the heel and the front of the shoe sit at the same height. For many people, that helps promote a more natural walking pattern instead of constantly shifting weight forward.

One feature patients love is the zipper. It makes the shoe easier to get on and off, especially if your feet swell or you’ve struggled with stiff, narrow footwear in the past.

If you have a wider foot or feel like you’ve “never fit into normal shoes,” this style can be a really solid option.

One of our favorite resources for patients is Anya’s Reviews, which breaks down wide toe box and minimalist shoes and even offers access to brands like this here in the U.S.

That said, shoes are never one-size-fits-all. Foot shape, gait, and existing conditions all matter.

If you’re unsure what type of shoe is actually helping your feet (or making things worse), we can take a look and guide you toward options that work for you.

📍Visit Central Massachusetts Podiatry in Worcester or Westborough
👉 Book your visit here: https://www.centralmasspodiatry.com/appointment

01/13/2026

One of the most common questions we hear before shockwave therapy is,
“Do I need to prep the area first?”

Short answer: no.

You don’t need to ice beforehand.
You don’t need anti-inflammatories.
You don’t need numbing creams or topical lidocaine.

And if you’ve been wondering that, you’re not alone. A lot of patients ask because they assume it’s like other treatments that require prep or recovery steps.

Shockwave therapy works differently.

When we perform the treatment, we apply a small amount of ultrasound gel to the area. That gel allows the sound waves to travel through the skin and into the deeper tissues where healing actually needs to happen.

From there, the therapy helps stimulate blood flow, reduce inflammation in the tendon, and support bone and tissue healing.

There’s nothing you need to do ahead of time to “get the tissue ready.”
Just show up, and we take it from there.

If you’ve been dealing with lingering heel pain, tendon issues, or a condition that hasn’t responded to rest alone, shockwave therapy may be a great non-invasive option worth discussing.

📍Visit us at Central Massachusetts Podiatry in Worcester or Westborough
📅 Same-day appointments available
👉 Book your visit here: https://www.centralmasspodiatry.com/appointment

If you’ve ever bought those “custom” inserts at a store kiosk or online and thought… wait, that’s it? You’re not alone.A...
01/12/2026

If you’ve ever bought those “custom” inserts at a store kiosk or online and thought… wait, that’s it? You’re not alone.

A lot of people come in after spending money on inserts that felt good for a week, then the pain crept right back. Because cushioning and correcting are two very different things.

Here’s the honest difference:

Podiatrist-prescribed custom orthotics start with a full medical evaluation. We look at how you walk, where your foot is overworking, and what’s actually driving the pain (heel, arch, ankle, knees, even hips can be connected). Then we use precise measurements and 3D scanning to design custom orthotics that fit your foot and support your mechanics.

They’re built for:
✅ long-term support
✅ real alignment and correction (not just “softer”)
✅ durability you don’t replace every few months
✅ your lifestyle, whether you’re on your feet all day, working out, or chasing kids around

Retail “custom” inserts usually mean “mass-produced with a few options.”
They might be based on a quick scan or questionnaire, and most are designed for temporary comfort, not addressing the root cause.

If you’re tired of guessing, we can help you get custom orthotics that are made for your feet and your pain, not a generic template.

📍Serving Worcester and Westborough
📅 Book now: https://www.centralmasspodiatry.com/appointment

🔗 Learn more: https://www.centralmasspodiatry.com/blog/podiatrist-vs-salesperson-who-should-you-trust-for-your-orthotics

Foot pain is sneaky. It starts as a little heel ache you ignore… then you’re limping by lunchtime. Next thing you know, ...
01/12/2026

Foot pain is sneaky. It starts as a little heel ache you ignore… then you’re limping by lunchtime.

Next thing you know, your ankle feels stiff, your knees feel cranky, and your lower back is doing this whole “why am I involved?” thing.

That’s your body compensating.

That’s why custom orthotics aren’t just about extra padding. The right pair supports alignment so you’re not spending every step “making it work” without realizing it.

If it feels like your feet are messing with your whole body, you’re not being dramatic. You’re just overdue for real support.

📍Come see us at Central Massachusetts Podiatry in Worcester or Westborough and let’s figure out what your feet actually need.

📅 Book your visit here: https://www.centralmasspodiatry.com/appointment

01/01/2026

That “mystery bump” on the outside of your foot might not be what you think

Hi, Dr. Pelto here. I recently treated a patient with a bursa under the fifth metatarsal head. This is the bone along the outer edge of your foot that takes pressure during walking.

She came in with a noticeable bump on the bottom of her foot. At first glance it looked like a simple pressure spot, but when we performed an ultrasound, we found a large fluid filled bursa sitting right beneath the fifth metatarsal head.

Here is why it happened.

She is missing her plantar fat pad in that area. So instead of having cushioning between skin and bone, her body created a fluid filled sac for protection. That is exactly what a bursa does.

When I pressed on it during her first visit, you could feel how much fluid was inside. Now you can barely see it because it has improved so much. 🙌

For treatment, we used a combination of
• Radial shockwave therapy using a ball-shaped applicator
• Focused (non radial) shockwave for deeper pe*******on

She completed a series of six shockwave sessions and her pain is now completely gone.

We also addressed the mechanical cause. She switched into one of my favorite shoe brands, Lems, which have a wide toe box and reduce pressure on the lateral forefoot. 👟

This is key when someone has lost fat pad cushioning.

Her bursa may have developed from repetitive impact, activities like jumping or from shoes that compressed the area over time. Now the goal is keeping it from coming back by staying in shoes with proper contour and support.

If you have a recurring bump or pain under the fifth metatarsal head, it might be a bursa too. A quick ultrasound lets us see exactly what is going on so we can treat it correctly.

01/01/2026

Can three months really clear toenail fungus or is that setting you up for it to come right back?

I get this question all the time. And clinically, three months is almost never enough to fully clear an infected great toenail.

Early on in my practice I used to follow the standard three month course of oral terbinafine. What I consistently saw was this.

At three months you get about 3 millimeters of new clear nail, but if the entire nail was infected at the start, the remaining fungal portion often reinfects the healthy nail as it grows. 😣

Here is what works best now in my practice:

• Start with three months of daily terbinafine
• At the three month exam, if the nail is not improving, I switch to Diflucan or Sporanox
• If the nail is improving, I add a booster phase

The booster dose is simple:
• The first 25 pills are taken once a week for a very low maintenance dose
• Then we return to daily dosing for the remaining 65 pills

This extends treatment gently, supports the liver and prevents reinfection as the nail continues to grow out. 💊

My process always includes:
• A mycological nail sample to confirm fungus
• Baseline liver function tests before starting therapy
• A follow up at three months to adjust the plan

If the nail continues to clear after that, no further visits are needed.

Toenail fungus is slow to grow out, but with the right timeline and the right medication protocol, the success rate is significantly higher than relying on a basic three month course.

If you want a treatment plan that actually works for your specific nail, our Worcester and Westborough podiatrists can help you choose the safest and most effective option.

📅 Book now: https://www.centralmasspodiatry.com/appointment

Address

299 Lincoln Street Ste 202
Worcester, MA
01605

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15087574003

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Central Massachusetts Podiatry posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Central Massachusetts Podiatry:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category

Our Story

Our team continues to identify, educate, and evaluate leading technologies allowing us to serve you with a full spectrum of care. X-ray facilities in the office allow immediate evaluation of injuries and deformities. Patients include infants, children, teenagers, and the adult population. The doctors are skilled in all aspects of foot and ankle techniques, both clinically and surgically.