Stress fractures of the foot are tiny cracks in the bone caused by repeated pounding rather than a single injury. Stress fractures most often occur in the metatarsal bones of the midfoot. They may develop gradually in people who run long distances, suddenly increase training intensity, or spend extended hours on their feet. Risk factors can include a high arch, thinning bones, or footwear that lacks adequate support. A common sign of a foot stress fracture is pain that begins during activity and improves with rest, but returns more quickly with each new workout. Swelling, tenderness when pressing on the affected area, and difficulty walking can also occur. A podiatrist can evaluate foot stress fractures with imaging studies, provide guidance on reducing weight-bearing, and recommend immobilization or surgery, in severe cases. If you experience pain in your feet after exercise, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Prince William Foot & Ankle Center, PC. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Gainesville and Dulles, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Relieving the heel and arch pain from plantar fasciitis often requires a mix of self-care and professional guidance. Stretching the calf muscles and the bottom of the foot can ease strain on the plantar fascia, while wearing supportive shoes or custom orthotics can help reduce daily stress on the tissue. Modifying workouts to lower-impact options can give the fascia time to heal. Night splints, which keep the foot gently flexed, may prevent the sharp pain often felt with the first steps in the morning. In more persistent cases, treatments such as targeted exercises, shockwave therapy, or carefully guided injections may be considered. Addressing the problem early increases the chance of full recovery. If heel pain continues, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Prince William Foot & Ankle Center, PC. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Gainesville and Dulles, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot ulcers are serious wounds that can develop for many reasons, and the right treatment depends on the underlying cause. Diabetic foot ulcers often occur due to nerve damage and pressure on certain areas of the foot. These require offloading with custom footwear, careful wound cleaning, and monitoring for infection. Arterial ulcers, which result from poor circulation, need blood flow to be improved through medical care while the wound is treated. Venous ulcers, often near the ankle, respond well to compression therapy and dressings that support healing. Pressure ulcers, caused by continuous stress on one spot, are managed with specialized shoes, cushions, or orthotics to relieve weight on the area. Because untreated ulcers can lead to serious complications, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist for a thorough diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan to protect your long-term health.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Prince William Foot & Ankle Center, PC. Our practitioners will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Gainesville and Dulles, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Bunion surgery is a procedure to correct the bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe. Bunions develop from joint misalignment, often caused by genetics, wearing tight shoes, flat feet, or arthritis. When pain or difficulty walking persists after taking conservative measuress, surgery may be recommended to realign the joint, remove excess bone, and restore function. Types of bunion surgery vary based on the severity of the deformity and may involve soft tissue or bone correction. A podiatrist can evaluate your condition, explain the procedure, and guide you through recovery. If a bunion is limiting your mobility or causing discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can discuss the benefits of bunion surgery with you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Prince William Foot & Ankle Center, PC. Our practitioners will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Gainesville and Dulles, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.