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Dr. Christopher Chiodo, MD

Bio

Christopher P. Chiodo, M.D., is a graduate of Harvard Medical School and the Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program. He is board certified in orthopaedic surgery, with a subspecialization in foot and ankle surgery. Dr. Chiodo is chief of the Foot and Ankle Division at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, where he also serves as the director of the Foot and Ankle Fellowship program. He is a clinical instructor at Harvard Medical School.

Specialties:

Affiliation:

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Health Publications

Location:

Group Memberships:

Activity

  • Christopher Chiodo, MD
    Christopher Chiodo, MD of Harvard Health Publications answered:
    What are symptoms of an ingrown toenail?
    An ingrown toenail develops when the side of the nail digs into the skin. Symptoms of ingrown toenail include:
    • Pain in the toe that increases when it is pressed
    • A nail edge that digs into the side of the toe
    • A toe that's red or warm to the touch
     Full Post
  • Christopher Chiodo, MD
    Christopher Chiodo, MD of Harvard Health Publications answered:
    How long is the recovery after foot surgery?
    Because the foot has so many bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels, foot surgery can be lengthy, and recovery may take longer than you'd expect. As with any operation, foot surgery involves risks such as infection, nerve injury, postoperative pain, scar formation,...  Full Post
  • Christopher Chiodo, MD
    Christopher Chiodo, MD of Harvard Health Publications answered:
    How long is the recovery after foot surgery?
    Because the foot has so many bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels, foot surgery can be lengthy, and recovery may take longer than you'd expect. As with any operation, foot surgery involves risks such as infection, nerve injury, postoperative pain, scar formation,...  Full Post
  • Christopher Chiodo, MD
    Christopher Chiodo, MD of Harvard Health Publications answered:
    What is foot arthroplasty surgery?
    Implants are used in foot anthroplasty surgery to replace joints damaged by arthritis in the ankle or at the base of the big toe. Although performed routinely on the hip or knee, joint replacement in the foot is a technique that is still evolving.  Full Post
  • Christopher Chiodo, MD
    Christopher Chiodo, MD of Harvard Health Publications answered:
    What can I expect after foot surgery?
    After foot surgery, you'll be given pain medication to use at home while you recover -- often a prescription medication, such as one containing oxycodone or codeine. After the operation, the area will be covered with a bandage. Depending on the procedure, you may have to wear a special surgical...  Full Post
  • Christopher Chiodo, MD
    Christopher Chiodo, MD of Harvard Health Publications answered:
    What medications help treat nerve pain in the feet?
    Pain caused by nerve damage may not respond well to the usual pain relievers, so doctors rely on other medications. Two mainstays in treating nerve pain in the feet include the antidepressant amitriptyline (Elavil), which increases the levels of brain chemicals that ratchet down pain signals,...  Full Post
  • Christopher Chiodo, MD
    Christopher Chiodo, MD of Harvard Health Publications answered:
    Can wearing flip-flops cause foot problems?
    Planning to take a long walk? Need to get somewhere fast? You may want to leave your flip-flops in the dust, or at least wear them sparingly when you don't have much actual walking to do. Scientists from Auburn University in Alabama who studied the biomechanics of flip-flops proved something...  Full Post
  • Christopher Chiodo, MD
    Christopher Chiodo, MD of Harvard Health Publications answered:
    What should I do if my shoes hurt my feet?
    If you have foot discomfort in a particular pair of shoes, your first step should be to invest in better shoes. Properly fitted, well-cushioned shoes may provide you with the support you need. And since custom orthoses can vary widely in cost (ranging from $150 to $400), better-fitting shoes...  Full Post
  • Christopher Chiodo, MD
    Christopher Chiodo, MD of Harvard Health Publications answered:
    How can rigid foot orthoses relieve foot pain?
    Rigid foot orthoses (shoe inserts) are meant to correct a structural abnormality that causes such conditions as flat feet or pronation (ankles and feet that sag inward toward each other). Rather than cushion the foot, they realign it into a more desirable position. This, in turn, can improve...  Full Post
  • Christopher Chiodo, MD
    Christopher Chiodo, MD of Harvard Health Publications answered:
    What are examples of toe deformities?
    Hammertoe is a deformity that develops when tendons and ligaments in the toe contract, causing the toe to bend over and curl up -- resembling a hammer. Two closely related conditions -- mallet toe (where the toe is bent only at the tip) and claw toe (where the toe is more severely contracted...  Full Post
  • Christopher Chiodo, MD
    Christopher Chiodo, MD of Harvard Health Publications answered:
    What are the different types of foot fractures in adults?
    Fractures or broken bones in the foot can take the form of a clean break, chipped bones, or stress fractures -- incomplete hairline cracks that result from repetitive, low-impact stress. Symptoms of fractures include pain, bruising, and an inability to put weight on the foot.

    All fractures...  Full Post
  • Christopher Chiodo, MD
    Christopher Chiodo, MD of Harvard Health Publications answered:
    What are the symptoms of a foot fracture in adults?
    Symptoms of foot fracture or a broken bone in foot include:
    • Pain directly over a bone
    • Pain and swelling that persist even after the RICE regimen (rest, ice, compression, and elevation)
    • Inability to walk on the affected foot
     Full Post
  • Christopher Chiodo, MD
    Christopher Chiodo, MD of Harvard Health Publications answered:
    What are stress fractures?
    Stress fractures are hairline cracks in a bone. In young people, these can develop as the result of overexertion or prolonged high-impact exercise, such as running or tennis. But they may also occur in middle-aged or elderly people, especially women, who experience a reduction in bone density...  Full Post
  • Christopher Chiodo, MD
    Christopher Chiodo, MD of Harvard Health Publications answered:
    What are symptoms of a foot stress fracture?
    Symptoms of a foot stress fracture include:
    • Point tenderness -- pain when you press on a bone
    • Possible redness and swelling
    • Pain that develops after you increase your activity level or, if you are middle-aged or older, with your normal activity level
     Full Post
  • Christopher Chiodo, MD
    Christopher Chiodo, MD of Harvard Health Publications answered:
    What are symptoms of an ingrown toenail?
    An ingrown toenail develops when the side of the nail digs into the skin. Symptoms of ingrown toenail include:
    • Pain in the toe that increases when it is pressed
    • A nail edge that digs into the side of the toe
    • A toe that's red or warm to the touch
     Full Post