Nail fungus is a common and often unsightly condition that affects your toenails. It’s more common in people as they get older, affecting 75% of those over 60 and 25% of the general population. Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, affects the way your foot looks. But it can also be...
No one has perfectly shaped feet. Therefore, most people can benefit from orthotics. Orthotics are custom-made inserts or footbeds that help balance, support, and realign structures in your feet. While many people could benefit from orthotics, not everyone needs them. The expert podiatrists at Lake Ridge and Stafford Foot &...
Ankle injuries are common, accounting for one million emergency room visits every year. Ankle injuries can happen to anyone of any age. However, athletes are more prone to them than non-athletes. Yet, just stepping off a curb the wrong way can result in an ankle injury. The ankle consists of...
Orthotics can help reduce pain while supporting and realigning the structures of your feet and ankles. Many people turn to orthotics to help them walk or run without pain and discomfort. Orthotics are custom inserts that fit comfortably into your shoes. An alternative to orthotics is store-bought insoles that may...
Platelet-rich plasma, commonly called PRP, is an innovative and cutting-edge therapy that helps accelerate the healing of several common foot and ankle injuries — without surgery. PRP is a form of regenerative medicine that harnesses the body’s natural healing processes to treat a variety of cartilage, tendon, ligament, bone, and...
The number of people diagnosed with diabetes has risen dramatically over the years. For reference, in 2008, the CDC reported that 18.81 million people were diagnosed with diabetes or about 6.29 % of the population. In 2018, that number soared to 34.2 million and 10.5% of the population. With the...
An ankle sprain is a common injury that most people will experience at some point in their lives. In fact, more than 23,000 people a day see a medical provider for a sprained ankle, including athletes and non-athletes. Many more experience a sprain but don’t seek medical attention. A sprain...
You’ve always been an active person. From sports and exercise to weekends exploring hiking trails and walks along the river, you’ve cherished your mobility. But lately, you’ve been experiencing stiffness and pain in your ankle and you’re wondering if it might be arthritis. Ankle arthritis can result from wear-and-tear in...
There are many causes of heel pain. The most common being plantar fasciitis, which can lead to heel spur syndrome. Heel spurs are calcium deposits that build up over time on the heel bone. About 50% of people with heel spurs don't experience pain. For those that do, the pain...
Tendonitis is a painful and common condition affecting the flexible bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. When tendons become inflamed or irritated, the result is painful and tender tendonitis that is sometimes red and warm to the touch. Tendonitis can affect any of your tendons, but it’s most...
Athlete’s foot is so common that about 70% of the population will develop it at some point in their lives. Despite its name, athlete’s foot can happen to anyone and can occur on any part of your body. However, it most commonly develops between your toes. Athlete’s foot is a...
Bunions can make you self-conscious about showing off your foot. Secondly, they hurt! And the longer you have them, the worse they get. Bunions are common, with about a third of the population having had one. Many people try to live through them, not wanting to take the time to...
Plantar warts are warts that most often appear on the bottom of your feet. While they can develop anywhere on your foot, they’re most commonly found on the plantar side, or bottom, of your foot. Fortunately, they’re not a serious health concern. However, plantar warts aren’t attractive, and they can...
Ankle arthritis might not be as widespread or well-known as other types of arthritis, but it can be equally as painful and uncomfortable as hip, knee, and shoulder arthritis. As with other types of arthritis, ankle arthritis is more common in people over 50 and can develop slowly over time...
If you’ve been recently diagnosed with diabetes, there’s a lot of information to absorb. Having diabetes means it’s vital to pay special attention to your overall health, including your feet. People with diabetes are more susceptible to foot problems than the overall population. A minor foot problem can turn into...
Your feet are the platform on which your entire body rests when you stand, walk, run, or dance. So if your feet are unstable or misaligned, your entire body can go out of whack, too. If you have chronic knee or back pain or are prone to injuries that haven’t...
The feet have more sweat glands than any other part of the body, which means they have the ability to sweat profusely. With your feet encased in your shoes all day and the sweat unable to evaporate, bacteria will begin to grow rapidly. Bacteria then begins to break down the...
Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, can occur anywhere in the skeletal system, and the feet are no exception. Bone spurs are simply overgrowths of bone, which most commonly form where two bones come together. Normally bone spurs in the feet are painless, but when exposed to pressure, they can...
Do you have a sprained ankle? Ankle sprains are among the most common injuries. Ankle sprains sprain occur when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn. Ankle sprains can be very painful and incapacitating. If you have an ankle sprain, it's a good idea to see your podiatrist....
If your toenails look dark and unsightly, you could have toenail fungus. Fortunately, it’s easy to catch toenail fungus, especially if you spend a lot of time around public pools, gyms, or locker rooms. The good news is, there are several effective treatments to get rid of toenail fungus. The...
Think you may have mallet or claw toes? Mallet and claw toes form over years and are common in adults. Mallet and claw toes are among the most common toe problems. If you think you have mallet or claw toes, see a podiatrist right away. If you don't treat the...
A hammertoe is a common foot deformity that affects the middle joint of the smaller toes. As a result, this causes the toes to bend downward. Since this bend causes the joint to stick out this can put more pressure on the affected joints when wearing shoes, which can also...
While there are many people with flat feet, often times they won’t even know it; however, there are others with flat feet that regularly experience pain, soreness, and other problems. While flat feet is rarely considered a serious issue, if you are dealing with problems as a result of your...
Diabetic feet need special care because of decreased circulation, neuropathy, joint deterioration, and more. While your primary care physician may guide you on blood sugar control, medications, a healthy diet, and active lifestyle, your podiatrist assesses and treats how your feet and ankles function everyday and for the long term....
Most people don’t worry about the health of their ankles until they start to notice issues. Perhaps your ankles don’t feel as strong as they once did when you first started running. Maybe an old injury seems to have made your ankle weaker over time. Whatever the case might be, our...
Are you dealing with pain, burning, tingling or numbness between your toes or in the ball of the foot? If you said “yes” then you could be dealing with a neuroma, a pinched nerve or benign tumor of the nerve that is often found between the third and fourth toes....
A bunion is one of the most common foot deformities, often affecting the joint at the base of the big toe. Anyone can develop this painful condition but it most often occurs in women. A bunion affects the structure of the foot, causing the joint to become enlarged, which causes...
Swelling, reddened flesh, shooting pain, and pus are just some of the incredibly uncomfortable symptoms of having an ingrown toenail. Although this condition can sometimes be successfully treated through home remedies, ingrown toenails often progress to the point of infection, a point that then requires professional treatment. Read on to...
The human foot and ankle contain 33 joints, 26 bones and over 100 tendons, ligaments and muscles. While all of these parts of the foot should work together, there are certain conditions, injuries and diseases that can affect the health and functioning of your foot or ankle. There are many...
An unexpected fall or twist can result in an injury of the foot or ankle, such as a sprain or strain. Immediate first aid can help prevent complications, reduce pain and improve recovery. Rest, ice, compression and elevation--commonly referred to as R.I.C.E.--is the first and best treatment for minor injuries....
5 Treatment Options for Bunions Treatment For Bunions A bunion is a “bump” on the outer edge of the big toe that forms when the bone or tissue at the base of the big toe joint shifts out of place. Bunions tend to run in families. Footwear choices play a...
Is heel pain keeping you down? Pain that occurs following an injury or early in an illness may play a protective role, warning us about the damage we have suffered. SoYour Heel Pain Could Be Plantar Fasciitis what causes heel pain?Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition in which a band...
Many people think corns and calluses are the same thing, but there are differences. A corn is smaller than a callus, and has a hard center which is surrounded by inflamed tissue. Unlike calluses, corns can be painful and make it difficult to wear shoes. The good news is, your...
Heel pain is one of the most common complaints a podiatrist hears about from patients. If you are dealing with heel pain above the heel bone then you could be dealing with Achilles Tendonitis, a result of overuse. The Achilles tendon is the longest tendon in the body and it...
Athlete's foot is one of the most common fungal infections of the skin and is frequently seen in our office. Whether you've had it or not, it's important to understand how you can avoid and treat this highly contagious infection if you do contract it. The fungus that causes athlete's...
Need help for persistent heel pain? Your podiatrists at Associated Foot & Ankle Centers of Northern Virginia (with locations in Stafford and Lake Ridge) get to the root cause of your foot ailment and treat it effectively. Is it plantar fasciitis or something else? Learn more about why your heel...
Have a foot crush injury? A crush injury occurs when pressure or force is put on a body part. A foot crush injury may cause pain, swelling, and sometimes bruising. A foot crush injury may take from a few days to a few weeks to heal. If you have a...
An ankle sprain occurs when the foot rolls or twists to the point where a ligament inside stretches beyond its normal capacity. Ankle sprains are extremely common, with an estimated 25,000 sprains happening in the United States every day. Athletes and people who work outdoors or on uneven surfaces are...
What is Sesamoiditis? Sesamoids are small bones that are only connected to tendons or surrounded in muscle. This only appears in a few places in the body, one of which is the foot. Two very tiny sesamoids are found in the underside of the foot near the big toe. One...
Ingrown toenails may begin mildly but can quickly go from bad to worse. This frustrating and painful condition can affect anyone and cause significant issues. Unlike other foot-related conditions, which are often due to genetics or underlying conditions, ingrown toenails are almost always preventable and often come from lifestyle choices...
Toenail fungus--it's one of the most common podiatric problems children, teens, and adults have. Causing thickened, yellow, brittle nails, onychomycosis (the medical name for toenail fungus) spreads easily and can be stubborn to treat. If you see one or more of your toenails changing shape, color, and texture, see your...
Is your ankle hurting and you're unsure why? Well, you’ve come to the right place! After all, there are many issues that could be causing Woman with Ankle Painyour ankle pain and it’s important that you get to the bottom of the problem so that you can allow it to...
Got foot warts? Nearly everyone will have a wart at some point in their lives. Warts are typically small, hard skin growths caused by an infection with humanpallilloma virus. Foot warts are treatable. Foot warts are among the most common dermatologic conditions podiatrists treat. Read on to learn about the...
Have you been experiencing any heel pain or bothersome tenderness without any obvious cause? Although heel spurs themselves sometimes do not cause acute discomfort, they are frequently associated with the painful inflammation known as plantar fasciitis, a condition commonly described as feeling like a knife is wrenching through your foot....
Custom orthotics are removable shoe inserts that provide greater arch support and stability to the feet and ankles. There are different types of orthotics available depending on the issue and level of support that is needed. Basic orthotics are sold over the counter, but a custom pair designed specifically for...
Arthritis is a joint condition that affects roughly 54 million American adults according to the Arthritis Foundation. It can show up in joints all around the body, including the feet and toes. When the joints of the feet are affected by inflammation, it affects a patient’s ability to move their...
Bunions aren't always due to poor shoes. They are also hereditary. If you're one of those people suffering from bunions, the podiatrists at Associated Foot & Ankle Centers of Northern Virginia in Stafford and Lake Ridge, VA, can offer you some advice.More on BunionsIf you start to notice the joint of your big toe becoming...
Even though poor circulation isn’t a condition, if you are experiencing poor circulation in your feet this is often a symptom of a much larger issue. This is why it’s important to understand the warning signs of poor circulation and when to see a podiatrist, as many of these conditions...
A foot blister is a small pocket of fluid that forms on the foot. Blisters can be painful while they heal. Foot blisters are caused by several things, including friction, burns, contact with irritants, and autoimmune diseases. Treatment can alleviate your pain, prevent infection, and help heal your blister. Here's...
Thanks to their location on the body, the ankles are prone to injury in more ways than one. However, determining whether your injury is a sprain or a break can help you seek the appropriate treatment and begin your journey to recovery. Knowing the first steps after an injury or...
Remaining active is a crucial part of keeping your body healthy and working properly. However, physical exertion often means perspiration, especially when it comes to your feet, resulting in frustrating and irritating conditions like athlete’s foot. Luckily, your podiatrist can help you understand and treat this condition and take the right...
Foot and ankle pain and conditions are particularly common in athletes. In fact, half of the participants in an American Podiatric Medical Society survey reported that foot pain kept them from exercising or participating in their usual activities. If foot or ankle injuries keep you at home more often than...
Foot care is something that is important to your overall well-being and is something that is often overlooked. There are some basic guidelines you can follow in order to keep your feet healthy and feeling good. 1. Don’t ignore unusual pain. If you are feeling a constant pain in your feet,...
When most people think about foot deformities they most often think about bunions; however, hammertoes are just as common. This unassuming deformity comes about gradually, so you may not even notice it until it’s too late. “What is a hammertoe?” You might be wondering. A hammertoe affects the middle joint...
The feet endure a lot of stress and impact throughout the day with every step taken. Over time, the daily stress can result in the development of various foot problems, such as strained ligaments. More strenuous activities, such as running and other types of exercise, can result in a range...
Severe pain in your ankle is a sure sign you've hurt it, but sometimes the signs are more subtle. The Stafford and Lake Ridge, VA, podiatrists at Associated Foot & Ankle Centers of Northern Virginia share a few signs that may indicate that you have an ankle injury and explain how your...
According to the Institute for Preventive Foothealth , about four percent of adults in America have flat feet, also called fallen arches. It’s a condition that can prevent you from participating in certain sports and professions. This problem usually starts in childhood, but even as an adult you do not...
Dry skin, loss of feeling, reduced circulation, sores that don't heal--all these and more can happen to the diabetic foot. If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, please pay attention to your ankles and feet to avoid serious medical complications and procedures. Your foot doctors at Associated Foot...
There are easy things you can do to prevent fungal infections from invading your feet. Despite the fact that fungus is all around us, there are certain measures we can take to ensure that we don’t come down with an unpleasant bout of athlete’s foot. While the condition is harmless,...
Find out what might be to blame for your arch and heel pain and how to alleviate it. Are you sick and tired of dealing with painful, aching heels and arches? Wondering what could have caused this issue and what you can do to make it go away? From the...
Corns and calluses are thick, hardened areas of skin that develop in response to your body's natural defense to repeated pressure or friction. While neither condition presents a long-term or serious health risk, they can be painful, irritating and unattractive. Identifying a Corn or Callus Corns and calluses are similar in...
A bunion is an abnormal, bony prominence that develops on the joint at the base of your big toe. As the big toe joint becomes enlarged, it forces the toe to crowd against your other toes, and the pressure exerted on your big toe joint results in inflammation and pain....
Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, can occur anywhere in the skeletal system, and the feet are no exception. Bone spurs are simply overgrowths of bone, which most commonly form where two bones come together. Normally bone spurs in the feet are painless, but when exposed to pressure, they can...
Athlete's foot is one of the most common fungal infections of the skin and is frequently seen in our office. Whether you've had it or not, it's important to understand how you can avoid and treat this highly contagious infection if you do contract it.The fungus that causes athlete's foot...
Don’t let calluses make wearing shoes painful. Here are tips to treat and prevent them. Something feels a bit uncomfortable when you walk. You finally get home and take off those pesky shoes to see a rough patch of skin on the bottom of your foot. Chances are good you...
Prevent foot problems from happening to you in Stafford and Lake Ridge by following these simple rules of foot care. Without your feet you wouldn’t be able to get around easily or do a lot of the activities you love, and yet you wouldn’t believe how many people abuse their...
Foot warts can be a real pain, especially when left untreated. However, these pesky little bumps normally get to a point where they become painful and irritating, requiring the help of your podiatrist to find a good treatment plan. Learn more about the types of foot warts and how to...
If left untreated, painful problems with your feet can quickly cause you to feel irritated and annoyed with not being able to perform your daily tasks. However, you can treat most problems, such as hammertoes and the corns associated with them, with help from your podiatrist. Learn more about these...
Ingrown toenails can be very painful, but luckily, most improve with home treatment. If your toenail isn't getting better, minor surgery may be recommended. Drs. Douglas Stabile, Mark Scripps, Richard Derner, Andy Joseph Roussel and Michael Cashdollar are your Lake Ridge, VA foot doctors, and can answer your questions about surgery...
Are you concerned that you may have a bunion? Drs. Douglas Stabile, Mark Scripps, Richard Derner, Andy Roussel and Michael Cashdollar, your Stafford, VA, podiatrists, share a few bunion signs and symptoms and explain what you can do about bunion pain. Is that bump a bunion? If your bump is...
Running never goes out of style. In recent years, the popularity of recreational racing and long distance running has increased with the proliferation of relay races and marathons. And while getting regular exercise is critical for weight management and overall health, runners can be more prone to foot and ankle...
When it comes to sports, exercise, and any kind of physical fitness, most people tend to focus on the activity itself. How many miles or gym visits to squeeze in every week, how much Gatorade and protein to consume to get through each workout, game, or race. In comparison, a...
Associated Foot & Ankle Centers of Northern Virginia treats a variety of foot and ankle problems due to injury, stress, arthritis and congenital malformations. Their podiatrists want to educate patients on common Stafford and Lake Ridge, VA ankle injuries and what they do to intervene, stabilize and heal these problems...
Your feet serve you well, and they are more complex than you may think. They are also prone to infections, particularly if you have a suppressed immune system, suffer from peripheral vascular disease (PVD), are diabetic or have sustained an injury. However, anyone can get one of several common foot...
A little pain is common after an ankle injury, but when your ankle doesn't seem to be getting better, it's time to visit your podiatrist. Your Lake Ridge and Stafford Foot and Ankle Center podiatrists explain the signs and symptoms that can indicate that you have a serious ankle injury....
Flat feet don't just affect your feet but can also cause pain in your knees, ankles and hips. Your Lake Ridge and Stafford, VA podiatrists--Dr. Douglas Stabile, Dr. Mark Scripps, Dr. Richard Derner, Dr. Andy Joseph Roussel and Dr. Michael Cashdollar--explain how to tell if you have flat feet and...
Many people believe that living with heel and foot pain is an inevitable part of life. Whether the source of pain is from a beloved pair of shoes or too many miles clocked on the treadmill, the "no pain no gain" mantra has been seared into the minds most everyone....
Most people don't really give much thought to the health of their feet and ankles until something goes wrong. Unless you suffer from consistent problems that affect the lower extremities, such as diabetic neuropathy, arthritis or even flat feet, scheduling an appointment with a Stafford and Lake Ridge podiatrist rarely...
Dealing with a painful bunion that is affecting your day-to-day life? You don’t have to just put up with the pain. Turn to one of our Stafford or Lakeridge Foot and Ankle Center foot and ankle board certified podiatrists to give you the relief your feet need. Conservative Options for Targeting Bunion Symptoms...
Have you been diagnosed with hammertoes or noticed issues with your feet that may indicate a hammertoe? If so, your Lake Ridge and Stafford Foot and Ankle Center podiatrists are here to help. Find out the most common treatments available for those with hammertoes and why you should seek treatment. There are some home self-help ways...
Colder weather is quickly approaching Northern Virginia, and brings with it the need for more substantial footwear. If you have problems with your feet and ankles, it can be difficult deciding which shoes will provide the most support as well as protection from the elements. The podiatrists at Associated Foot...
If you've experienced a bunion before, you're likely to have another. At Associated Foot & Ankle Centers of Northern Virginia in Stafford, our podiatrists recommend the following regimens to keep your feet comfortable and bunion-free. Avoid narrow footwear While high heels make a fashion statement, they also cause your feet...
Our feet put up with a lot of abuses, so it may not be surprising that just like anywhere else on the body your feet are also susceptible to developing infections. Infections range from mild to severe and can cause further complications for your foot health if left untreated. Find...
Did you know that about 28,000 ankle injuries happen everyday in the United States? A large percentage of these injuries are due to sports. So what should you do if you sprain your ankle while on the field? Besides seeing your Lake Ridge, VA podiatrist Dr. Douglas Stabile for treatment...
Pedicures are a great way to relax and pamper yourself at the end of a long day. Unfortunately, they can also be a great way to get a fungal infection if you aren't careful. Don't skip the pedicures altogether. Simply follow these tips for a better pedicure from your foot...
Now that summer is finally here and the weather is nice and warm, you may be tempted to throw off your winter boots in favor of flip flops or even no shoes at all. What you may not realize, however, is that wearing no or inadequate foot protection is a...
It’s estimated that 1 in 51 Americans struggle with bunions. If you’re included in that statistic, you know how painful and difficult bunions can be, but you should also know that they don't have to slow you down forever. There are solutions available that you can find at your local podiatrist office....
t’s estimated that 75% of Americans will struggle with a foot-related problem in their lifetime. Heel spurs are a common foot problem that often affects people who spend a lot of time on their feet. The podiatrists at Associated Foot & Ankle Centers of Northern Virginia, PC in Stafford often...
Most days our feet are subject to being crammed into shoes. Maybe a lot of forethought went into the kind of shoes you would wear—what shoes would match your outfit best or which ones look stylish; however, how much thought went into how comfortable your feet would actually be? Many shoes...
While ankle injuries are often considered to be a problem that befalls athletes, you don’t have to be involved in sports to develop ankle issues. In fact, anyone can experience an ankle injury; however, men between the ages of 15 to 24 have the highest ankle sprain prevalence. If you...
One of the most common athletic injuries has to do with your feet: the ankle sprain. And while an ankle sprain is one of the most common athletic injuries, others can occur. These include turf toe, a stress fracture of the foot or a broken foot. When you experience a...
Foot infections are proof that something as small as a scrape or cut can become dangerous to your health. The most common causes of foot infections are scrapes, cuts, burns or other traumatic damage to your foot that can allow bacteria, fungi or viruses to infiltrate your foot. Symptoms of...
You don't have to be an athlete to be at risk for athlete's foot: It's a common condition, because everyone's feet get sweaty, and moisture breeds fungus. Treating it is easy enough, but preventing athlete's foot is simple, too. Good hygiene, above all else, is crucial to keeping your feet...
Build a Strong Fitness Base During practice sessions, focus on developing strength, agility, good form and aerobic fitness. If you're out of shape at the start of the new season, you'll need to gradually rebuild your fitness. It's a process that shouldn't be rushed, because it leads to injury. You...
If you are experiencing heel pain it could be due to these causes: Plantar Fasciitis - Out of all the cause for heel pain, plantar fasciitis is the most common. If you are experiencing heel pain from prolonged walking and standing then it is likely that you have plantar fasciitis. Plantar...
You just spotted the love of your life across the room. Tall, slender, sleek and sexy. You make your advance. You know you’ll be hurting later but you just can’t resist. That shiny red patent leather is calling your name. No wait. It’s your Lake Ridge and Stafford podiatrist and...
Choose your footwear wiselyYou may not have been wearing the best shoes for the health of your feet and that could be why you’re in this situation in the first place. While hindsight is 20-20, you’re in the here and now and you still have the opportunity to make good...
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