- Warts
- Arthritis
- Primary CareI suffered from Hallux Rigidus of the left metatarsaloflangeal joint, or, a really sore big toe, big joint. I had developed a slow but deliberate pain in my toe and had suffered with it for a few years before seeking a specialist's opinion. My primary care physician was convinced that it was an early bunion. He sent me to a local surgeon who performed a "scrape and flush "procedure on the bone spurs and gunk that had developed in the joint. It didn't help. They recommended trying a cortisone injection; only made it worse.
- Diabetic Foot Care
- Kidney StonesSome of the other places that uric acid can deposit include the joints of the hand, wrist, elbow and knees. Even the kidneys themselves can become "storage houses" for uric acid, turning into kidney stones. In rare instances a tophus can even form under the skin - one of the most unusual places being the lobes of the ear of boxers.
- Carpal Tunnel SyndromePosterior Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. Special mention should be made of posterior tarsal tunnel syndrome. This is a condition not unlike Carpal Tunnel in the hand. The main nerve group that senses the entire bottom of the foot and controls the muscles inside of the foot can sometimes become trapped/strangled. This will cause pain, burning, tingling, in the bottom of the foot or in the toes. This can be a difficult diagnosis to make in certain circumstances. We often refer to such a diagnosis as a "diagnosis of exclusion" - that is we do everything to find out if the cause is something else first. Most often if this diagnosis is suspected, a highly specialized physician called a Neurologist is employed to examine the patient and conduct specialized testing as she/he sees fit.
- MRIThe diagnosis of Neuromas are made by a physical exam and a thorough history of the patient's complaint. Weight bearing X-rays are always taken to rule out a possible stress fracture or arthritis. An MRI is often used, as are nerve conduction studies and or consultation with a Neurologist.
- RadiologyDuring my first appointment with Dr. Leavitt he ordered x-rays immediately. The radiology lab paged Dr. Leavitt when they were ready to take the pictures and within minutes he arrived to hold my foot in the position he wanted while the x-ray was taken. My foot was badly damaged and much of the bone in the large toe joint was missing and the flexor tendon had been severed. I needed toe separators and bandages every day before I could put on a shoe. My walking time was very limited and the pain was becoming very severe.
- X-Rays
- General SurgeryDr. Leavitt specializes in surgical correction of foot problems. He places a high priority on learning and using the most up-to-date procedures to benefit patients. His professional career has been characterized by his willingness to work in close collaboration with other kinds of medical specialists (orthopedists, radiologists, neurologists, anesthesiologists, plastic surgeons, pediatricians, etc.) to assure the best possible outcomes for his patients. Dr. Leavitt is a Diplomate, American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, certified in Foot Surgery, and has been in practice treating disorders of the foot, ankle joint and lower leg since 1983. He is a native of Stoneham, Massachusetts, a 1979 graduate of Boston University and a 1983 graduate of the Chicago Medical School, at the Finch University of the Health Sciences, Foot & Ankle Surgery Faculty (formerly Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine) in Chicago, Illinois. He is a long-time instructor affiliated with several post-graduate podiatric surgical training programs in the Boston area. In November, 2009, he was appointed Chief of Podiatric Medicine and Surgical Services at New England Baptist Hospital.
- Ankle SurgeryMore recently he worked in India during the summer of 2006 where Dr. Leavitt answered the call of a disabled young woman in India's poorest province (Orissa). With the help of his high school aged daughter, he traveled with specialized surgical equipment to perform reconstructive foot and ankle surgery on two patients in a 100-bed hospital on the edge of the jungle. He also lectured to orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists.
- Bunion SurgeryOne of my friends has had two additional surgeries to re-do her bunion repair, all done here in N.H. in the last three years. I kept telling her to drive to Boston and see Dr. Leavitt when she needed the first re-do. Sadly her foot is a mess. Mine is great three years later and I had more work done than she did. And she's younger than me too. So thank you, Dr. Leavitt, for my bunion surgery, and that I only had to have it done once!
- Joint ReplacementMy mother-in-law has bunions and I thought I had the same thing. She ordered us both a product that you put on your feet overnight to "cure" our feet. Well, I tried them and ended up ripping them off in the middle of the night. My feet became a constant source of discomfort, especially by the end of the day. I finally decided to see a local podiatrist hoping he would recommend a cortisone shot and everything would be fine. A couple of x-rays were done in his office. He told me my problem was more serious and I needed joint replacement right away. I never heard of such a thing. That was when I decided I needed to see Dr. Leavitt. I knew of Dr. Leavitt thru the doctor that I had worked for. Her brother-in-law had a crush injury of his foot and because of Dr. Leavitt, he was able to walk again.
- Orthopedic SurgeryI did some research. Where are the best hospitals in the world? Boston (I live 50 miles west, so yes, I'm biased). Where do they specialize in orthopedic surgery? New England Baptist Hospital. Who does feet and only feet at New England Baptist? Dr. Kenneth Leavitt, DPM.
- BunionsMeanwhile during my initial office visits for my injury, Dr. Leavitt mentioned that he could also fix my bunions, which were relatively minor but had caused me some periodic pain for many years. My left foot bunion finally got so problematic that I decided to go ahead and have it fixed (Oct. 2013). Dr. Leavitt's work was once again perfect. Compared to the first surgery the bunion fix was a walk (on crutches) in the park and I was back running again in no time.
- GangreneThe long and painful path to Dr. Leavitt's door started 30 years ago, when helping a friend move an old barber chair which fell on my right foot causing massive damage. Bones were broken, nerves became bundled and pain was persistent. Months of recuperation followed. I almost lost my foot to gangrene, but thankfully, I followed the doctor's orders and stayed off my foot. That meant giving up those wonderful pain-killers that allowed me to get around. Yes I was a moron, I even vacuumed. All that stopped when I gave the pain-killers back and let my foot heal.
- Heel Surgery
- Ingrown Toenails
- Hip ReplacementHello, my name is Sandra Traver and I live in Millville, Pa. When I was born, I was born with dislocated hips. When I was 50 years old, I had two hips replaced, nine days apart. After the second hip replacement, I ended up with nerve damage and a drop foot on the left foot. I was told by the doctor that it could be fixed, that's when I met Doctor Kenneth Leavitt. He checked me out and found that I have Charcot Marie Tooth Disease (CMT), which is a nerve disease. He said he could have me up and walking like before surgery. He fused my foot bones together and did a nerve transplant and put a rod in my foot to be removed after 12 weeks of bed rest.
- Reconstructive SurgeryBeing a surgical nurse for over forty years I know how important it is to choose the surgeon who is absolutely the most qualified to do what needs to be done. You want to go to the best. I was so fortunate to know Dr. Leavitt on a professional level. His knowledge and skill have made him an expert in foot reconstructive surgery. I knew he could and would fix my foot. I went to the best for my surgery and I'm so glad I did.
- Hammertoe SurgeryMarathoner Resumes Running after his Bunion/Hammertoe Surgery - Boston Foot and Ankle - Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Surgeon
- CornsHammertoes are a contracture of the toes as a result of a muscle imbalance - a condition where the stronger muscles in the leg that pull the toes down overpower the weaker muscles that are inside the foot that keep the toe straight. Hammertoes can be flexible or rigid in nature and involve the bigger of the toe joints within toes 2 through 5. (A contracture of the joint at the tips of toes 2 through 5 is called a Mallet Toe. When both joints are contracted, it is called a Claw Toe. A contracture of the joint in the Bit Toe itself is called a Hallux Hammer toe.) When hammer toes are rigid, it is not possible to straighten the toe out by manipulating it. Frequently, hammertoes develop corns on the top of the toe as a result of rubbing on the inside of the shoe.
- Sports MedicineExpert Care to Keep You in the Game. There are many injuries such as stress fractures, tendon tears, nerve injury, that are specific to a particular sport.
- Physical TherapyThe cast was on my leg from July 3rd to September 10. It was not a walking cast because I could not put any pressure on that foot. I succeeded in not walking on my foot as Dr. Leavitt requested. I was able to get around on either crutches or a knee walker that was the easiest way to get around, especially when I returned to work after about 10 days of rest. I was able to drive at that time since the surgery was on my left foot. After the cast came off I began physical therapy for a few months to rebuild the strength in my foot through various foot and leg exercises.
- Flatfoot Correction
- Heel Pain
- General PodiatryGovernor Mitt Romney appoints Dr. Leavitt to the Board of Registration of Podiatry - The Board of Registration is a small group of only three podiatric surgeons whose responsibilities include granting and taking away licenses, policing medical the medical care given by podiatrists in the State, and interpreting laws and regulations that govern the profession.
- Ankle Sprain
- Bunions ProblemsI am 66, and have suffered with severe bunions and flat feet for years compounded by osteoarthritis. It was difficult to wear shoes, walk barefoot and walk long distances without blisters and pain. I have been to several foot doctors who did not inspire my confidence in their ability to fix my issues. I found Dr. Leavitt in 2015 by doing an internet search and reading patient testimonials.
- Diabetic Foot Care
- Flat FeetMy foot problem started several years back, the diagnosis from a local podiatrist was fallen arches and plates were ordered to wear in my shoes. The plates never helped and so a second diagnosis was made that the work-required shoes were the problem. Time and a lot of shoes later ruled out this diagnosis. In 2003, I fell, we started noticing that I was holding on to the nightstand or window sill to get up and moving in the mornings. I didn't enjoy going to work any more but I did, with constant pain.
- HammertoesIt's been a year and three months since I first met with Dr. Leavitt to seek out information. I knew I had a problem given that the bunion on my right foot seemed to stretch the width of Kansas and my well-developed hammertoe looked like it was in perpetual prayer with my middle toe. We talked several times. The prospect of the surgery and recovery time was daunting, unimaginable at first, given that I am a single mother working full-time - with an hour commute to school and work for both myself and my son. Dr. Leavitt didn't sugarcoat a thing but explained exactly what was involved. Three to four months on crutches! Then one rainy night, walking my dog, I stumbled and dislocated my middle toe. That soon led to distortion, soreness, a bad rash inside my pinky toe. The strain on my foot became unbearable and I could hardly walk. The only shoes I was able to wear were old cowboy boots with torn leather on the sides, loose enough not to add any pressure.
- Heel SpursOne consequence of this is the development of 1) small tears in the ligament just in front of where it originates on the heel bone, and 2) small tears in the periosteum - "bone skin" - causing the growth of "new bone" and the formation of a heel spur. The pain experienced in the bottom of the heel is rarely if ever from walking on the spur, rather the pain is from the inflammation and irritation to nerves within the plantar fascia and the periosteum, the point where the plantar fascia attaches on the bottom of the heel bone. When the foot rests, the swelling due to inflammation increases. The inflammation is actually the body's attempt to heal itself. But, this inflammation and swelling also puts excessive pressure on nerves, which then only needs a little bit of extra pressure, say from standing on it, to them become extremely painful. People often say that if they walk on the painful heel for 15 to 30 minutes the pain will go away; This is because walking pushes out the swelling that built-up when the foot was resting.
- Heel Pain
- Ingrown ToenailsPeople had scared me with pain stories of the days after an ingrown toenail removal. That's why I didn't have it done last year. However, I HAVE HAD NO PAIN since Dr. Leavitt did the procedure. I don't have the throbbing pain that was described to me, I don't even have an ache. It's almost scary that this is so easy.
- Foot Injuries
- Foot NeuromaThe most common site for a neuroma in the foot - a Morton's Neuroma - is on the ball of the foot, and forms between the heads of the 3rd and 4th metatarsal bones. The most common cause of this neuroma is tight and high heeled shoes that press the metatarsal bones together exposing the nerve that travels between them to excessive irritation during walking. What results is burning, tingling, and numbness along the inside bottom of toes 3 and 4. Sometimes this pain can become so severe that it brings tears to a patient's eyes. Removing the shoe and rubbing the ball of the foot helps to ease the pain. As the nerve swelling gets larger, it can be felt as a popping sensation when walking and upon examination by the doctor. Pain is intermittent and is aggravated by anything that results in further pinching of the nerve. 90% of the time it is the nerve between the 3rd and 4th metatarsal heads that becomes a Morton's Neuroma. Less commonly it can also occur between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal heads.
- Pediatric Foot Care
- Podiatric SurgeryWe take so much for granted in life. Like walking with a steady gait without pain. Like being able to stand for long periods of time without discomfort. Like wearing whatever footwear we like. I knew these pleasures until I developed a huge bunion on my right foot that was so disruptive it dislocated the other four toes on that foot! Pain was a daily occurrence that affected my work and lifestyle. When a person's quality of life is compromised, it's time to act. I knew I needed foot surgery.