Blogs
How Liposana Injections Can Soothe Your Aching Feet
If you’re dealing with chronic pain in the balls of your feet or heels, you might be suffering from fat pad atrophy. We see fat pad atrophy at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center often, which is why we are now offering a safe and effective solution to our arsenal of treatments: Liposana injections.
5 Reasons Why Your Feet Hurt While Running
If you’ve ever had to cut a run short because of a sudden ache or persistent throbbing, we at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center know how frustrating it is. And we also know some common reasons why it’s happening, which we’ll tell you about below.
Foot Health Concerns and Trends in the U.S. and Worldwide
At Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, we translate big trends into small, practical steps you can use right away.
How to Treat Foot Deformities in Children
When your child’s feet look a little different, or they’re tripping more than usual, it’s natural to worry. At Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, we see this every day and want you to feel confident about what’s happening, why it’s happening, and how you can help your child move comfortably.
Is My Stubbed Toe Broken?
A stubbed toe is one of the most common household injuries, and while it’s often a minor nuisance, it’s important to know how to tell the difference between a simple bruise and a more serious injury like a fracture.
Foot Conditions That Change How You Walk
We at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center know all about gait abnormalities and the different foot conditions that cause them, so let’s dive in.
What’s the Number One Foot Problem That Leads to Falls?
A fall can be a scary and serious event, especially for seniors, and it’s natural to wonder what the biggest culprits are. When we look at the role feet play in fall prevention, it’s easy to assume there’s one specific foot condition that’s the main cause.
4 Reasons Why Podiatric Care is Crucial for Managing Peripheral Artery Disease
ou might have heard about Peripheral Artery Disease, which is a serious circulatory problem that affects how blood flows to your legs and feet. September is National PAD Awareness Month, and we at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center want to do our part.
Why Your Child’s Heel Hurts When They Go Back to School
As summer winds down and the new school year begins, your child’s schedule may include more than what their feet can bear.
Expert Podiatric Advice for Stubborn Blisters
Blisters: We at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center have covered them before. But today, we’re going more in-depth, from science to expert prevention and treatment. While most people know blisters are caused by friction, we need a deeper understanding. And that starts, of course, with the fact that blisters are a response from your body, and that the best treatment is a blend of prevention and precise care.
High Arches and Their Impact on Your Feet
When you see a foot with a pronounced, high arch, you might assume it’s a sign of strength and stability. And in some ways, you’d be right. But a high-arched foot is a structural variation that comes with its own set of unique challenges. We at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center are used to treating this abnormality, so let’s dive into what causes it and the foot problems it could lead to.
Who’s Most at Risk for Developing Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma feels like a pebble in your shoe, along with pain and numbness that accompanies it. It doesn’t sound like a foot condition anyone would want – but who is most at risk for developing it? In this article, we at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center will unpack the specific groups that Morton’s Neuroma…
What Causes Shin Splints?
If you’ve ever felt that nagging ache along your shins after a run or a long day on your feet, you’re likely familiar with shin splints. What many people don’t realize, however, is that the root of the problem frequently lies much further down – in your feet and ankles.
Summer Tips for Managing Foot Conditions on Vacation
It’s vacation season, and at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, we don’t want any existing foot conditions that may stop you from having fun. But if you’re managing something like plantar fasciitis or have diabetic foot concerns, those extra miles can become a real challenge.
The Benefits of Rotating Your Shoes for Healthier Feet
Podiatrists will tout the benefits of comfortable shoes and custom orthotics ad nauseam, but nobody seems to talk about how many pairs you should actually have. Well, we at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center are here to tell you: you should have a shoe rotation! But what does that look like? And how can having multiple pairs of shoes for different occasions benefit you? Keep reading to find out.
What You Need to Know About Stress Fractures
Imagine a tiny crack appearing in a highly active, weight-bearing bone that gradually worsens with every step you take. That’s essentially a stress fracture – a common bone injury that’s different from the sudden snap of an acute break. In this article, we at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center will go over what stress fractures are, what they feel like, and most importantly, their specific causes.
6 Foods to Eat This Summer for Optimal Foot Health
The abundance of fresh, seasonal produce, however, offers a delicious way to support strong bones, and reduce inflammation.
Unpacking 6 Common Causes of Toe Pain
If you came to us at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center and told us your toes hurt, our minds would instantly think of dozens of different possibilities. Our toes are perhaps the most vital component of our feet, so when they start to ache, it’s important to understand why. In this article, we’ll explore 6…
4 People at Risk for Foot and Ankle Swelling
Foot and ankle swelling is a remarkably common symptom, yet its underlying causes can be as diverse as the patients experiencing it. While occasional puffiness might be benign, persistent or unexplained swelling in the lower extremities is always a signal from the body that something is wrong. Today, we at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center…
8 Ways Obesity Burdens Your Feet and Ankles
According to the CDC, about 40 percent of adults in the U.S. are obese. And while the health effects of too much fat are widely emphasized, not much attention is placed on the feet. Today, we at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center will explain how obesity could burden your foundation in various ways. Increased Mechanical…
Why the “Dad Shoe” is Perfect for Men’s Feet
The “dad shoe” wave isn’t over just yet. In fact, in the podiatry world and for us at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, it’s only just beginning. Once a symbol of uncool practicality, the “dad shoe” – from its chunky sole, ample cushioning, and robust design – has, in recent years, become a status symbol amongst…
5 Foot and Ankle Health Issues During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a transformative experience for women, and with that comes many potential health vulnerabilities that trickle down to the feet and ankles. Hormonal shifts, increased body weight, and changes in circulation can all lead to unique challenges that range from swelling to toenail complications. In today’s article, we at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center…
Addressing Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
When you think of a nerve disorder that affects the feet, you might think of neuropathy. However, tarsal tunnel syndrome, a nerve disorder characterized by compression of the tibial nerve, also impacts a diverse range of people, from athletes to diabetics. In today’s article, we at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center will discuss what tarsal…
Navigating Pediatric Flat Feet
As parents watch their little ones grow up, they might notice that their child’s feet appear to have no arch. While this condition, known as pediatric flat foot, is quite common, parents may still wonder if it goes away or if it affects their child’s participation in sports. In this article, we at Clifton Foot…
5 Fast Facts About Foot Psoriasis
Dealing with itchy, painful, or scaly feet? You might be experiencing foot psoriasis—a form of psoriasis that affects the soles, toes, and sometimes even the toenails. While it’s not always easy to spot, understanding this condition is key to managing it effectively. To help you better understand this condition, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center has…
What to Do After a Running Injury: 6 Essential Recovery Steps
Running is great for your health, but it’s not without risk. Whether it’s shin splints, runner’s knee, or a sprained ankle, running injuries can slow you down fast. Knowing what to do immediately after an injury can make all the difference in your recovery, so Clifton Foot & Ankle Center is here to help get…
7 Warning Signs in Your Feet You Shouldn’t Ignore
Your feet do a lot of heavy lifting every day. But while they carry us through life, we often overlook them when it comes to health. The truth is, your feet can reveal a lot about your overall well-being. From circulation problems to nerve damage, early signs of certain medical conditions often appear in your…
Three Important Tips for Foot Health Awareness Month
April is Foot Health Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to reflect on the health of our feet and how they support our daily activities. Below, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center has outlined three essential tips to keep in mind for maintaining optimal foot health. 1. Prioritize Foot Hygiene 2. Choose the Right Footwear…
Is It Plantar Fasciitis?
If you’ve been experiencing heel pain, you might be wondering, “Is it plantar fasciitis?” This common condition affects many people, particularly athletes and those with physically demanding jobs. In this post, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center explores the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for plantar fasciitis. What Is Plantar Fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation…
Understanding Genetics and Your Feet: What You Need to Know
When it comes to foot health, genetics plays a crucial role that many people overlook. Your feet, like other parts of your body, are influenced by your genetic makeup. Understanding how genetics affects your feet can help you take better care of them and prevent common issues. Below, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center dives into…
How to Get Your Feet Ready for Spring Activities
As the weather warms up, it’s time to prepare your feet for all the outdoor activities ahead. Whether you’re planning to hike, run, or simply enjoy long walks in the park, proper foot care is essential. Below, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center outlines how to prep your feet for spring activities and keep them healthy…
Discover the Future of Custom Orthotics with AOMS TOT sr: The Ultimate 3D Foot Scanning Application
In the ever-evolving world of footwear technology, the AOMS TOT sr stands out as a revolutionary 3D foot scanning application developed by Sharp Shape. Clifton Foot & Ankle Center is excited to announce the use of this cutting-edge tool for the practice’s orthotics patients, offering an enhanced way to approach shoe fitting and design with…
The Effects of Aging on Foot Health
As we age, our bodies undergo various changes, and our feet are no exception. Understanding the effects of aging on foot health can help you maintain mobility and prevent painful conditions. Below, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center explains how aging affects foot health and provides important information you should know: Common Changes in Feet with…
Understanding Why Heel Fractures Are Particularly Debilitating
Heel fractures are among the most painful injuries one can experience, leading to significant mobility issues. Whether from a fall, sports injury, or accident, heel fractures can profoundly impact your daily life, making it important to better understand their implications if you’re currently experiencing this type of injury. Below, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center explores…
Understanding Achilles Tendon Injuries: Causes, Effects, and Recovery
The Achilles tendon, the largest tendon in the body, plays a crucial role in walking, running, and jumping. Unfortunately, Achilles tendon injuries are common, particularly among athletes and active individuals, and understanding the seriousness of these injuries is essential for recovery. Below, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center provides need-to-know info about Achilles tendon injuries and…
Heart Conditions Your Feet Can Signal: Don’t Ignore These Warning Signs
When it comes to heart health, many of us focus on common symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath. However, did you know that your feet can also reveal crucial signs of underlying heart conditions? Since February is Heart Awareness Month, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center explores conditions that may be indicated by changes…
Enhance Your Foot Health with Physical Therapy
When it comes to maintaining overall health, foot health often takes a backseat. However, strong, healthy feet are crucial when it comes to living a healthy life, and physical therapy can play a significant role in foot health and wellness. Below, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center explores the important ways that physical therapy can help…
Uncovering Hidden Factors Contributing to Heel Pain: What You Might Not Have Considered
Heel pain is a common issue that can significantly affect your daily life, and there are several lesser-known factors that could be contributing to it. Below, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center delves into these hidden culprits and provides insights on how to address them effectively. 1. Age-Related Changes As we age, the natural cushioning in…
Complications from Untreated Ingrown Toenails: What You Need to Know
While they seem like a small issue, ingrown toenails, a common condition where the edges of the toenail grow into the surrounding skin, can lead to significant discomfort and complications if left untreated. Below, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center outlines these risks so you can remain informed about proper treatment: What Causes Ingrown Toenails? Ingrown…
The Hidden Risks of Neglecting Dry, Cracked Heels
Dry, cracked heels are more than just an aesthetic concern; they can pose significant health risks if left untreated. Understanding these risks is essential for maintaining overall foot health, so Clifton Foot & Ankle Center outlines this important, need-to-know info below: Why Do Heels Crack? Cracked heels often result from a combination of factors, including…
Lesser-Known Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis: What You Should Know
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that can sometimes come with some less common symptoms. While most people are familiar with the hallmark symptom of heel pain, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center has outlined several lesser-known symptoms that can also indicate the presence of this condition. Recognizing these signs can lead to quicker diagnosis…
New Year, New Steps: Resolutions for Healthy Heels
Invest in Quality Footwear Practice Foot Exercises Daily Maintain a Healthy Weight Prioritize Healthy Rest and Recovery Seek Professional Advice As you set your New Year’s resolutions, consider making heel health a priority. By investing in quality footwear, practicing daily exercises, maintaining a healthy weight, prioritizing rest, and seeking professional advice, you can step into…
5 Ways to Help Your Feet Feel Better After a Busy Holiday Season
The holiday season is filled with joy, celebrations, and, unfortunately, a lot of wear and tear on your feet. From shopping for the perfect gifts to attending festive events, our feet often take the brunt of the hustle and bustle. But don’t worry—there are simple ways to pamper your feet and help them recover! Below,…
Winter Foot Care: Keeping Kids’ Feet Safe in the Snow
When winter weather arrives, keeping your child warm and safe is a top priority, including their feet. Cold feet can lead to discomfort, frostbite, and even injuries, so it’s essential to ensure their feet are well-protected. Below, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center outlines how you can keep your kids’ feet safe in the snow and…
Effective At-Home Exercises for Relieving Plantar Fasciitis Pain
If you’ve ever experienced plantar fasciitis, you know how important it is to find relief from heel pain. Fortunately, several effective at-home exercises can help alleviate the discomfort and promote healing. Below, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center has outlined a list of simple exercises to reduce plantar fasciitis pain and speed up recovery. 1. Calf…
Things to Look for When Gifting Shoes to Friends, Family (or Yourself!)
Gifting the perfect pair of shoes to gift to friends, family, or even yourself can be a rewarding yet challenging task. Shoes are both functional and stylish, making them an excellent gift choice. However, with so many options available, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure that the shoes are both comfortable and stylish….
Cold Weather and Heel Pain: What You Need to Know
As winter rolls in, many people start to experience heel pain, a common discomfort that can worsen in colder months. Whether it’s due to a drop in temperature or changes in activity, understanding the relationship between cold weather and heel pain is essential for managing and preventing it. In this post, Clifton Foot & Ankle…
How Custom Orthotics Can Help Heel Pain
Whether it’s caused by plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or general discomfort, heel pain can interfere with your quality of life. Fortunately, custom orthotics offer an effective solution for alleviating heel pain! Below, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center explains why custom orthotics may be just what you need to start stepping into pain-free territory: What Are…
Diabetes and Neuropathy: Strategies for Pain Management
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and one of its most common complications is diabetic neuropathy. Neuropathy refers to nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels, which can result in severe pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness, particularly in the hands and feet. November marks Diabetes Awareness Month, so read…
How Can Heel Issues Impact Overall Foot Health?
Pain or discomfort in one part of the foot may often end up affecting other areas, and heel pain is no exception! Conditions like plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and Achilles tendonitis not only cause discomfort in the heel but can also lead to problems in other areas of the foot. Below, Clifton Foot & Ankle…
Common Heel Problems in Children
Heel pain in children can be concerning for both kids and parents, but making sure you understand the common heel problems kids face can help you address these concerns effectively. Below, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center has outlined common heel problems in kids so you can remain aware and informed: 1. Sever’s Disease 2. Achilles…
Don’t Delay Treatment for Heel Pain: Here’s Why You Should Act Now
Heel pain can be a frustrating and debilitating condition that affects your daily life yet may be hard to face. However, ignoring the problem can lead to more serious issues down the line, so taking quick action is key! Below, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center breaks down the reasons why you don’t want to delay…
Why Your Heel Pain Isn’t Going Away
Heel pain is a common issue that can significantly impact daily activities, and if you’ve been struggling with persistent heel pain, you might be wondering why it isn’t going away. Clifton Foot & Ankle Center is here to shed light on some potential reasons so you can better understand what may be causing the discomfort…
Can Physical Therapy Help Heel Pain?
Heel pain is a common complaint that can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life. No matter the cause, many individuals seek effective solutions to alleviate discomfort, and one of the most effective treatments is physical therapy! Below, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center explores how physical therapy can help with heel pain and promote…
Discovering DPMX Injections: A Revolutionary Pain Management Solution
Clifton Foot & Ankle Center understands that finding relief from your heel pain is the goal and is always your go-to source when it comes to effective treatment options. When it comes to options that provide pain management and improved recovery, look no further than the DPMX treatment method. Read on to see why these…
Dispelling Myths About Heel Pain
Some of the misconceptions that surround heel pain may prevent individuals from properly understanding the potential causes and finding much-needed relief. In order to combat some of the myths out there, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center has debunked some of the most prevalent ones below while providing need-to-know facts that will help individuals better understand…
Understanding How Arthritis Can Affect Your Heels
Although many people associate arthritis with the hands or knees, the condition can cause significant discomfort and complications in the heel area as well. In this blog, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center provides all of the need-to-know info about this condition and clues you into a new possible cause of your heel pain: How Arthritis…
Frequently Asked Questions About Heel Pain
Heel pain is a broad and involved subject with numerous questions surrounding the topic. Clifton Foot & Ankle Center has outlined the most commonly asked questions relating to heel pain below to help you find the answers you’re looking for. If you’re seeking comprehensive information about heel pain, you’re in the right place! 1. What…
Top Footwear Features for Heel Health
Taking your heel health into consideration when choosing the proper footwear should be a top priority, and Clifton Foot & Ankle Center is here to help make the connection between the shoes you choose and how they affect your heels. A. Arch Support B. Cushioned Insoles C. Proper Fit D. Heel Height and Stability By…
Signs That Your Child Might Have Heel Problems
One area of pediatric foot health that is often overlooked is the heel. Heel pain or discomfort in children can be a sign of various issues, and recognizing these signs early can prevent more significant problems down the road. Clifton Foot & Ankle Center wants to highlight common signs that your child might have heel…
At-Home Heel Hacks for Ultimate Comfort
Whether it’s from standing all day, exercising, or just wearing the wrong shoes, heel pain is a common issue! Fortunately, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center is well-versed in issues related to heel pain and has outlined three simple at-home heel health hacks that you can conveniently incorporate into your daily routine. 1. Stretching Exercises for…
Signs That Your Child Might Have Heel Problems
One area of pediatric foot health that is often overlooked is the heel. Heel pain or discomfort in children can be a sign of various issues, and recognizing these signs early can prevent more significant problems down the road. Clifton Foot & Ankle Center wants to highlight common signs that your child might have heel…
Essential Steps for Healing a Heel Fracture
Heel fractures can be a significant setback for anyone, and careful management is crucial for ensuring proper healing and preventing long-term complications. In this blog post, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center provides a comprehensive guide on how to manage a heel fracture, from initial care to full recovery. 1. Immediate Care for Heel Fractures 2….
Myths and Facts About Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is a common condition in young athletes and active children, yet despite its prevalence, misconceptions surround this condition that lead to confusion and misinformation. In this blog post, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center aims to clarify these myths and present the facts about Sever’s disease. What is Sever’s Disease? This condition occurs when…
How to Heal Your Heels: Understanding Different Injuries and Their Healing Times
Clifton Foot & Ankle Center has outlined important information about various heel injuries below so you can learn more about how to heal your heels:
A Deep Dive Into Heel Spurs
Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center frequently treats patients who are experiencing heel pain and discomfort. When it comes to causes of heel pain, heel spurs are a common culprit that can cause significant discomfort.
Beyond Plantar Fasciitis: Other Causes of Heel Pain You Should Know
Heel pain is a common complaint that can significantly impact daily activities and mobility. While plantar fasciitis is often the primary suspect and usually becomes the focus, there are several other conditions that could be causing discomfort in your heels. Clifton Foot & Ankle Center is here to help you understand alternative causes so you…
Heel Issues That Are More Common in Men
Heel pain and foot problems can affect anyone, but certain conditions and foot-related ailments tend to be more prevalent in men versus women due to biological, lifestyle, and footwear differences. One of the most common causes of foot and heel pain in men is overuse, so it’s essential to be mindful of protecting your feet,…
3 Reasons to Address Heel Pain Right Away
If you’ve just begun to experience heel pain, don’t wait to get it addressed. The longer you ignore the issue, the more severe the complications can be down the line. Clifton Foot & Ankle Center is well-versed in foot and heel pain and has outlined three reasons to address it right away. Preventing Further Injury…
Top 3 Characteristics of Plantar Fasciitis
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What is this persistent heel pain I’m experiencing?” you’ve come to the right place to figure it out! Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that can greatly affect a person’s pain level and comfort on a daily basis. Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center has helped…
Understanding Heel Pain: Three Essential Questions to Ask Yourself
Heel pain can be a debilitating condition that affects your daily activities and overall quality of life. If you’re experiencing discomfort in your heels, it’s crucial to understand the potential causes and solutions. Clifton Foot & Ankle Center wants patients to ask themselves these three questions as the first step in addressing heel pain. 1….
Tame Tingling Heels: 8 Options for Treating Painful Neuromas
Do you feel a burning or tingling sensation in your heels? You might be experiencing neuroma, which is nerve inflammation that occurs due to squeezing by surrounding bones. At Clifton Foot and Ankle Center, we often see individuals with this condition. If you are considering visiting a podiatrist, read on to learn about the many…
Avoiding Painful Consequences: Complications of Untreated Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails may seem like a minor nuisance at first, but leaving them untreated can lead to serious complications that affect your daily life and overall foot health. From infections to chronic pain, understanding the potential risks of ignoring ingrown toenails is essential for taking proactive steps to address them. Below, Clifton Foot & Ankle…
Three Common Foot Issues Women Face
In honor of National Women’s Health Month, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center is taking a look at how women often face unique challenges when it comes to foot health. From wearing high heels to participating in various physical activities, women’s feet endure a lot of stress. Read on to explore three common foot conditions women…
Understanding Psoriasis on the Foot: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Since this condition can target the feet, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center has outlined important information about foot psoriasis below, including symptoms, causes, and management tips. What is Psoriasis on the Foot? Foot psoriasis refers to the occurrence of psoriatic lesions on the…
Your Ultimate Guide to Prepping Your Feet for Warmer Weather
As the weather warms up and summer approaches, it’s time to kick off those winter boots and step into sandal season! However, before you flaunt your feet in your favorite summer styles, it’s essential to give them some TLC to ensure they’re looking and feeling their best. In this blog, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center…
Things to Keep in Mind When Getting the SWIFT Procedure
Plantar warts, those stubborn little growths on the soles of our feet, can be a nuisance to deal with. Fortunately, there are various treatment options available, one of which is the SWIFT procedure. SWIFT is a cutting-edge technology that utilizes microwave energy to effectively target and eliminate plantar warts. However, undergoing the SWIFT procedure requires…
The Ins and Outs of Gout: Causes, Symptoms, and Complications You Should Know
Gout is a common foot ailment affecting millions of people, yet many individuals are unaware of its specifics, including the consequences if left untreated. Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center has outlined important gout-related info below so patients can be better informed about this condition. What is Gout? Gout is a…
Understanding the Ways That Stress Affects the Feet
In honor of National Stress Awareness Month, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center wants you to be aware of the fact that, while not the most obvious connection, stress and foot health are very much connected! While we often associate stress with mental and emotional strain, the physical manifestations can affect every part of the body,…
Three Foot Care Tips for Aging: How to Maintain Healthy Feet as You Grow Older
There are so many things to keep in mind when it comes to our health as we age. It may be tempting to cast foot health aside or think of foot conditions as being less important than ailments that affect other parts of our bodies, but this is far from the truth! Our feet play…
Understanding Stiffness in the Big Toe: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Foot conditions can manifest in a variety of ways, and stiffness in the big toe is something that seems minor but shouldn’t be ignored! Since it impacts daily mobility, addressing the root cause is key. Below, the team at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center delves into big toe stiffness to help you learn about potential…
Tingling in the Feet: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
We all feel that “pins and needles” sensation once in a while, and usually, it passes quickly. Experiencing this tingling sensation in the feet is common, however, it isn’t something to ignore. If the sensation persists or occurs frequently, your feet may be trying to tell you something about a potential underlying condition. Understanding the…
Bunion Blunders: What Bunions Can Be Mistaken for and How to Tell the Difference
With the sheer number of foot-related ailments out there, it’s no wonder that it can be hard to decipher exactly which one you’re experiencing. Bunions, those bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, are common foot conditions that can cause discomfort and impact daily activities. However, these pesky protrusions are not…
Step Lightly: 3 Types of Foods to Avoid for Healthy Feet and Happy Steps
The relationship between your feet and your diet may not be very apparent, but in honor of National Nutrition Month, the team at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center wants to make the connection for you! The foods we consume play a significant role in determining the condition of our feet, and that means there are…
Taking a Step Towards Relief: Understanding Foot Arthritis
There’s no doubt that arthritis can be a painful, debilitating condition, and with the sheer number of joints in the foot, it’s also no wonder that it’s very common! When you have arthritis in your feet, you’re painfully reminded with each step you take, but we’re here to remind you that there’s help to be…
10 Fascinating Foot Facts
Our feet are much more than just a mode of transportation. There are some pretty fascinating feet facts and stats out there, due to the complex and unique network that comprises them. Clifton Foot & Ankle Center wants you to better understand your feet so you’re not only able to win at trivia if these…
Tips and Tricks for Relieving Athlete’s Foot
Despite its name, athlete’s foot can affect athletes and nonathletes alike. This fungal infection can be a real disrupter in your daily routine, affecting your go-to activities due to its unpleasant and uncomfortable nature. The good news is there are ways to help alleviate the symptoms and get back to everyday life. Our aim at…
Double Duty: Healthy Habits for Hearts and Happy Feet
February is American Heart Month, and as always, the team at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center is always happy to promote awareness of just how close the heart and the feet really are! We’re not talking physically, of course; in that sense, your feet and heart are pretty distant in effective terms. But did you…
Custom Orthotics Can Ease Your Chronic Aches
When simple actions like walking become painful and frustrating, heel pain is often to blame. And unfortunately, the fact that heel pain is widespread doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easy to deal with. If anything, it’s one of the more persistent chronic conditions we treat here at Clifton Foot and Ankle Center. The good news is…
Step Past Plantar Warts with SWIFT
Plantar warts present both aesthetic woes and sensitivity-induced aches. Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), these unwelcome guests flourish in warm, moist environments like locker rooms or swimming pools. In addition to their unsightly appearance and the pain they inflict, plantar warts also have a nasty habit of recurring when they seem to have vanished….
Beyond Plantar Fasciitis: 3 Rare Forms of Heel Pain
Heel pain comes in all kinds of forms, and while plantar fasciitis often steals the spotlight, a few rarer culprits can also cause chronic aches. That can complicate things; without the effective diagnosis of an expert DPM, the source of your discomfort might remain a mystery, making it that much harder to treat. Clifton Foot…
Radiofrequency Ablation Can Curb Chronic Pain
Chronic heel pain can be a relentless foe, stealing stability and draining the joy from each step you take. When this condition is treatment-resistant, it can feel somewhat hopeless for patients who have been struggling for some time. The good news? There are newer, more powerful options available these days! If you’ve tried stretching, cortisone…
Choose Podiatrist-Approved Footwear for Peak Performance
We all know the importance of good shoes for exercise. But with the dizzying array of options out there, finding truly supportive, podiatrist-approved footwear that both aligns with your fitness goals and protects your feet can feel like a marathon. Clifton Foot & Ankle Center is here to help. For this post, we’ve put together…
3 Chronic Calcaneal Conditions and How to Treat Them
When ailments like pronation, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout strike, your heels are often first to feel the worst effects. Each of these issues has one thing in common: The ability to cause chronic discomfort over a long period of time. At Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, we know you’ve got better things to do than…
Plantar Fasciitis Got You Stumped? Exploring Surgery as a Last Resort
When it comes to heel pain, surgery shouldn’t be your first step. However, in some rare cases, it’s the best solution available to restore quality of life when other options have consistently failed. Clifton Foot & Ankle Center will always honor its commitment to quality care by informing patients of every treatment option available to…
Mystery Pain in the Ball of Your Foot? This Could be Why
We’ve all experienced phantom pains before, wondering where the source of our discomfort might lie while grimacing through the ache. Clifton Foot & Ankle Center is always pleased to dispel the mystery surrounding the conditions our patients experience. That’s why we’ve dedicated this blog post to a source of discomfort that many people don’t know…
3 Heel Health Hacks You Can Use at Home
At the Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, we understand that heel pain can be debilitating and, unfortunately, quite common. In fact, plantar fasciitis, the most common cause of heel pain, is so widespread that 1 in 10 Americans will suffer from it at some point in their lifetime. If you’re in that painful 10%, you…
Pediatric Podiatry for Healthy Heels
Clifton Foot & Ankle Center knows how hard parents work to keep kids physically fit. It can be a challenge to balance active lifestyle choices for children with the reality that, at some point, health problems will arise. However, physical well-being and fit feet are not mutually exclusive. Far from it! Our expert team is…
Don’t Wait to Deal with Heels: Four Podiatric Problems
To be frank, time doesn’t heal all wounds. Just ask anyone who’s suffering from heel pain! When it comes to podiatry, waiting for problems to disappear on their own is usually just a quick route toward further complications and greater discomfort. Clifton Foot & Ankle Center is here to help. We’re going to break down…
Heel Pain’s a Real Pain, But Prolotherapy Can Help!
When you’ve been practicing medicine in Virginia for over 23 years, you learn a thing or two about common ailments. Here at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, we’ve seen it all, which means we frequently encounter one of our patients’ most common complaints: Heel pain. We’ve always strived to keep our patients informed with the…
The Lowdown on High Heels
Stylish high heels are always in demand. Unfortunately, fashionable footwear also comes with a cost. This isn’t a fact that is up for debate. Fashion and style are subjective; podiatry, however, isn’t. People who choose to wear high heels, pumps, and stilettos are also choosing to put constant pressure on their feet and ankles. This…
Neuroma: A Dancer’s Dilemma
Dancing can put stress on the toes and the ball of the foot. If you’re wearing dance shoes, these can sometimes squeeze the toe area as well. Couple that with a flat foot or a high arch, and you might have paved your way to a bad case of neuroma, a nerve tissue growth that usually…
5 Ways to Control Your Blood Sugar and Manage Diabetes
Control diabetes for healthy feet and overall wellness. Expert care at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, Centreville.
The Big Toe Injury Commonly Associated with Artificial Turf
Discover the crucial role of big toes in football and the risks of turf toe injuries. Trust Dr. Kenneth Wilhelm for expert care.
Osteoporosis and Podiatry: Taking Care of Your Feet
Discover how Osteoporosis impacts your feet. Prevent and manage with Dr. Wilhelm at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center in Fairfax County.
There’s Help for People with Raynaud’s Disease
Discover relief for Raynaud’s Disease during Raynaud’s Awareness Month. Learn about causes, triggers, and treatments.
3 Ways a Podiatrist Can Help You Get Back on Your Feet
Discover the benefits of podiatric care on International Podiatry Day, October 8th. Learn how you can improve foot health.
Who Gets Bunions, and Why?
Many of our patients at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center come to us for help with bunions. Here are the reasons why a bunion starts to form:
Why a Torn Achilles Tendon is a Season-Ender for Many Athletes
Recover from Achilles tendon injuries like the pros! Trust Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm for top-tier treatment options & recovery.
Your Young Athlete’s Feet: How to Minimize the Risk of Injury
Help your child stay in the game this back-to-school season! Learn how to minimize sports injury risks with Clifton Foot & Ankle Center.
September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month
September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month. Learn from Clifton Foot & Ankle Center about the steps to take to prevent falling.
At-Home Exercises that Relieve Plantar Fasciitis Pain
If life or financial constraints get in the way of going to physical therapy to relieve plantar fasciitis pain, try these at-home exercises!
Treatments for Painful Foot and Ankle Arthritis
In this blog, discover the types, causes and treatment options of arthritis. Learn how to manage joint pain and improve your quality of life.
National “I Love My Feet” Day: A Time for All to Celebrate
August 17th is National “I Love My Feet” Day. This event raises awareness for the essential role that our feet play in our daily lives.
High Heels or Birkenstocks? “Barbie” Presents a False Choice
The latest trend is the “Barbie Challenge,” as a result of the new movie. Learn why you should avoid the trend at all costs.
3 Important Ways to Prevent Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries can occur when we least expect it. But, injury prevention is possible by following these tips.
Should You Worry About Swollen Feet?
Have you been experiencing swollen feet? Learn from Clifton Foot & Ankle Center about some of the reasons behind your condition.
Are You Wearing the Right Running Shoes?
Runners know that their footwear choice makes or breaks the miles. But, how do you know if you are really wearing the right ones? Dr. Wilhelm of Clifton Foot & Ankle Center points out the signs and the symptoms of the wrong shoes and 2 easy step you can take for winning foot health
Chronic Ankle Instability: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Do your ankles feel wobbly and insecure all the time? Chronic ankle instability requires treatment to avoid long term conditions and other problems. Dr. Wilhelm has helpful information for you
7 Foot Care Myths You Can Send Packing
Weird ideas about the human foot have existed for centuries. These days, myths, misunderstandings, and misrepresentations about foot care can spread like wildfire via the internet. Ignore the influencers and take your foot health cues from Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm, resident myth buster and board-certified podiatrist here at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center. Here are seven of…
Foot Safety in the Workplace
More than four million people sustain work-related injuries annually, many of them to the lower limbs. Here are some examples of foot and ankle dangers in different work settings and how to avoid them
PRP: An Effective Therapy for Foot and Ankle Pain
Whether you’re a professional athlete or not, P-RP Therapy is the latest in healing techniques. This service is just one of the offered by Dr. Wilhelm of Clifton Foot & Ankle
5 Ways to Avoid Foot Disasters When Mowing the Lawn
Mowing the lawn, whether a chore or a pleasure, presents risks to the safety of your feet. Review these 5 safety tips to prevent injury
What Senior Citizens Can Do for Their Aging Feet
One thing that most senior citizens have in common is that their bodies begin to have challenges as they age. Changes in their feet are also very common. Here is expert help from Dr. Wilhelm
Wipe Out Plantar Warts with Swift Wart Treatment
Clifton Foot & Ankle Center offers the latest in highly effective plantar wart treatment using Swift technology. Call for your appointment today
3 Helpful Strategies for Anyone Struggling with Diabetes
We’ve been thinking about Mental Health Awareness Month, especially as it relates to our patients with diabetes. Dr. Wilhelm offers 3 helpful strategies.
Does Your Child Need a Podiatrist?
Children may not be the best at telling you their feet hurt. As a parent, look for signs of foot and ankle problems.
Physical Activity Can Ease Arthritis Pain!
How many people with foot or ankle arthritis want to walk, climb stairs, or exercise if it only worsens their foot pain? Well, common sense would tell us the answer is not many – and the statistics concur. According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly a third of all adults with arthritis don’t engage…
Get Ready for Sandal Season!
The seasons, they are a-changing. Your toes are probably waking from their winter slumber as we speak, emerging from their shoe caves, sleepy-eyed and ready for refreshment. Be ready to help them greet the sunshine. Spruce them up with an at-home pedicure or a safe, professional one. How to perform an at-home pedicure Certainly, you…
Three Little Letters that Can Spell Trouble for Your Feet
There are a lot of acronyms in medicine. Take COVID, for example, which – we know all too well – stands for “coronavirus disease.” Some other examples we speak of often in our society include CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). At Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, in Fairfax County, one particular acronym…
Foot Fungus: Separating Fact from Fiction
FACT: Fungi are unique multi-cellular organisms that live in plants, soil, and even on your skin. A fungus can infect your feet if you’re not careful about where you walk barefoot. Traverse a forest path without shoes and you may pick up a fungus. Step barefoot on a wet pool deck where someone with athlete’s…
7 Ways to Keep Your Feet in Top-Notch Shape
April is Foot Health Awareness Month, and all of us at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center in Fairfax County want to give our patients the tools they need to keep their feet as healthy as possible. Sometimes you follow all the rules, and you still have foot pain. When these seven foot-healthy tools aren’t enough,…
5 Ways to Celebrate National Walking Day
Before exploring all the ways you can celebrate this national observance on April 5, 2023, let’s talk about why National Walking Day is even a thing. Walking is simple, beneficial, and to be celebrated everywhere as a great form of exercise! We know from expert studies and anecdotal evidence that regular exercise improves overall health….
Don’t Delay Treatment for Heel Pain
Our Fairfax County patients who suffer from plantar fasciitis come to us with exactly one goal: to get rid of their heel pain. Plantar fasciitis is difficult to ignore. Sharp pains in the heel and feelings of achiness or burning often feel the worst in the morning. The discomfort typically tapers off as you go…
The Two Essential Nutrients Your Feet and Ankles Crave
Do you eat food? Well, of course you do. Do you eat foods that benefit your feet and ankles? Hmm, not so sure about that, right? This National Nutrition Month, we’re here to talk about two specific nutrients you need to support healthy feet and ankles: These two nutrients are essential for building bone mass….
It’s Madness! Watch out for These Common Basketball Injuries
The brackets are out! The fields for all 68 teams in the NCAA Division 1 men’s and women’s basketball tournament are no longer a mystery. And for the next few weeks leading up to April 3, it’s March Madness for basketball fans everywhere. There’s no shortage of talent in D1 college basketball. Unfortunately, neither is…
Foot Problems that Impact Women More than Men
International Women’s Day, March 8, exists for three reasons: At Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, we celebrate all women who walk through our Fairfax County podiatry office doors. We pledge to treat them with respect. But we’re also here to tell you that there can be vast differences between men and women when it comes…
Introducing Swift Treatment for Removing Stubborn Plantar Warts
“Swift” is a word to describe anything you can make quick work of. You can run swiftly to the corner store or make a swift recovery from an illness. At Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, the word “Swift” falls into the person, place, or thing category. Here, it’s a renowned noun – Swift with a…
Advice for Patrick Mahomes and Others with Repeated Ankle Injuries
Super Bowl XVII is now in the history books. If there’s one thing it’s taught us (aside from seeing quite clearly that halftime performer Rhianna is pregnant!) it’s that Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, Patrick Mahomes knows how to tough out a high ankle sprain injury. It’s not that surprising to our board-certified podiatrist, Kenneth R….
All About Raynaud’s Phenomenon
What if every time your body felt cold — What’s going on with your extremities when they hurt and turn colors? What’s happening is a fairly common phenomenon called Raynaud’s (pronounced “RAY-nawds”). Raynaud’s is a reaction to feeling cold, emotionally upset, or stressed out. For reasons that aren’t clear to medical researchers and physicians, the…
Heel Pain and Bone Spurs: A Dynamic Duo
Many of our patients at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center come to us for help with heel pain. In most cases, we’ll discover that the patient has plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia – the thick, long ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot. Inflammation may be due to…
3 Ways to Improve Your Heart Health
It may come as a surprise to you that all of us at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center observe American Heart Month every February. After all – what’s the heart got to do with foot health? Plenty! When your heart isn’t working properly, it’s not pumping blood efficiently. The feet can suffer from a lack…
How to Shoe Shop for Less-than-Perfect Feet
Are anybody’s feet perfect? Probably – although the number of people without a single foot problem is substantially smaller than the number of people with bothersome issues. Three of the most common foot issues we treat at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center are bunions, flat feet, and plantar fasciitis. The shoes you wear have a…
Should You Work Out with an Injured Foot or Ankle?
The answer to this important question is – yes and no. Yes, there are certainly ways to continue to work out while safeguarding your injury. But also, no – certain activities may be dangerous and can lengthen the time it takes for your injured foot or ankle to heal. What to do first when you…
7 Essential Questions to Ask about Bunion Surgery
It’s happened: after months, perhaps even years, of weighing the pros and cons, you’ve decided to go ahead with bunion surgery. Your bunion has progressed to the point where conservative treatments are no longer effective. The pain is more or less constant, preventing you from staying active, going shopping, playing with your grandchildren. Our expert…
Changes to Watch Out for in Your Feet as You Age
Are you familiar with the old cliché that when older folks get together, all they talk about is their aches and pains? Well, it’s kind of true! Doctor appointments become more and more frequent as people age. The pursuit of good health is often on older Americans’ minds. Our senior patients – even the healthiest…
3 Ways Custom Orthotics Improve Podiatric Pain
This guy walks into a podiatry office and says, “My feet are killing me!” — Okay, there’s no punch line because it’s actually no joke! All kinds of folks, the young and the old, come into our Fairfax County podiatry office every day complaining of foot pain. The pain may originate in the big toe,…
7 Ways to Keep Your Feet Safe and Sound During the Holidays
COVID quarantines and other restrictions are more or less a thing of the past (thank you, vaccines), so many people feel freer than ever to resume beloved holiday traditions. As you prepare for all the wonder, feasts, and family gatherings that December brings, please take good care of your feet. Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Kenneth R….
What Causes a Gout Attack?
When your big toe suddenly swells up, turns red, and hurts like the devil, get ready to say “hello” to gout. Gout is the most likely culprit when pain and throbbing come on suddenly and very painfully. It boils down to too much uric acid. A gout attack happens when you have too much uric…
Socks Make Great Gifts for Your Family and for Our Community
What’s happening on December 4 in Fairfax County? All kinds of holiday activities, like the Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake Park. There’s also an opportunity for children to buy gifts with the help of a secret shopper at Colvin Run Mill General Store in Great Falls. Maybe they could pick up some socks for their…
Effective Technique for Getting Rid of Warts – Available Only from a Podiatrist
How long does it take for a wart on your foot to go away? It depends on how you treat it. In our experience here at Fairfax County’s Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, there are five main ways to approach wart treatment. Spoiler alert! — board-certified podiatrist Kenneth R. Wilhelm, DPM currently recommends the fifth…
Does Your Foot or Ankle Pain Mean You Need Surgery?
Pain is one of the most compelling reasons people decide to have foot or ankle surgery. There are so many kinds of pain! Board-certified podiatric surgeon Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm has heard his patients describe their foot and ankle pain for more than two decades. They use words like “aching,” “burning,” “stiff,” “tingling,” and “throbbing”…
3 Nutrition Tips to Help Manage Diabetes
This Diabetes Awareness Month, our thoughts turn to various ways our patients with diabetes can improve their diabetes management. Managing your blood sugar levels can be stressful. You have to do it every day. And you know that if you don’t, you increase your risk of heart disease, eye problems, and neuropathy in your feet,…
Learn More about Diabetes
Diabetes has become such a danger to public health that the World Health Organization established “World Diabetes Day” on November 14, 2006. Every year since, doctors everywhere have used this mid-November day to educate their patients about diabetes. What is diabetes? Understanding diabetes begins with understanding insulin. Insulin is a hormone, made by the pancreas,…
How to Treat a Bruised Toenail
You know what a bruised toenail looks like – but you may not realize that it’s not the nail that’s bruised at all. When you drop something on your toe or have some other type of incident that puts a massive force on your toenail, the nail may turn black, or black and blue, perhaps…
Questions & Answers about Physical Therapy
Doctors everywhere, including board-certified podiatrist Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm, often prescribe physical therapy to their patients. But how do you know if physical therapy really will help you? Well, that’s a very smart question – and what better time to answer it than National Physical Therapy Month? Why go to physical therapy? If Dr. Wilhelm…
As Pickleball Surges in Popularity, So Do Pickleball Injuries
Fifty-eight years ago, in 1965, a congressman from Washington state picked up some ping-pong paddles and handed them to his family. Using a perforated plastic ball, they began volleying around on an old badminton court. It was just something to do in the moment, a boredom-buster. But they soon found themselves formulating rules and perfecting…
High Ankle Sprain: An Interview with a Ligament
We’re here today at Fairfax County’s Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, where Joe Patient has just arrived for his appointment with board-certified podiatrist Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm. Dr. Wilhelm has obtained an exclusive interview with the source of Mr. Patient’s problem, a torn ligament high atop his ankle joint. Dr. Wilhelm: Good morning, Ms. Ligament….
The Top 10 Health Consequences of Childhood Obesity and How to Reverse Them
As a parent, you’re undoubtedly hopeful your children will enjoy healthy childhoods and flourish as adults. One thing that can dash your hopes is childhood obesity. Unfortunately, a child can face hefty health consequences when severely overweight. Out of 10 adverse consequences, here’s what podiatrist Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm puts in the number #1 position:…
7 Ways to Relieve Tired Feet
When you’re on your feet all day, it’s normal to have some aches and pains. Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm offers these seven ways to soothe your weary feet: Rest. Just put your feet up and give them a break! Ice and massage. Applying ice will help reduce any muscle or tissue inflammation. When…
7 Conditions You Can Fix to Prevent Dangerous Falls
At Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, we’re always glad when September comes around because it’s time to remind our Fairfax County patients about Falls Prevention Awareness Month. Falling is a huge issue for senior citizens. Just one fall can quickly rob a senior of his independence. Each year 800,000 older Americans fall and sustain a…
What is a Lisfranc Injury?
Can you imagine being Chet Holmgren right now? The newest player on the Oklahoma City Thunder team won’t play a single game of his rookie season because of a foot injury. You’re probably thinking, “To knock a basketball player off the court for 41 games has to be some wicked type of injury!” And you wouldn’t…
How PRP/Prolotherapy Can Relieve Your Foot Pain
Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm uses best practices and has advanced treatment methods at his disposal – including PRP injections and prolotherapy treatment for foot pain.
How to Avoid Injury Regret: Lessons from a Real Housewife
Regrettable decisions. We all make them — DIY regret: you decide to make some minor house repairs while barefoot. It’s only when the hammer falls on your toe that you regret your lack of protective footwear. I-should-know-better regret: You make the conscious decision to wear fashionable shoes rather than practical ones when you know perfectly…
How to Make Back-to-School Shoe Shopping Enjoyable and Productive
Here’s how to get through the shoe-buying process with grace so both you and your child are happy.
9 Ways to Observe National “I Love My Feet” Day
This “National I Love My Feet Day,” which we celebrate on August 17, make a promise to love your feet. Here are nine ways you can fulfill that promise.
5 Things You Should and Shouldn’t Do Concerning Shoes
Shoes can be the last thing on your mind, or they can be the fashion statement that puts the final polish on your outfit every day. And let’s face it – women are more likely to be in the latter category. Men’s shoes haven’t changed much over the last 80 years. It turns out that’s a good thing. Let’s take a look at why and then examine some other shoe should/shouldn’t facts.
How to Treat Toenail Fungus
Fungal toenails look – there’s only one way to say it – bad. They’re thick, yellowed, jagged, crumbling, and sometimes smelly. Fungi thrive in moist, humid areas such as public pool decks and locker rooms. If you’ve walked barefoot in areas like these, you may have picked up the fungus there. You may have picked…
Manage Your Foot Pain with the Right Shoes
Your shoe choices may be contributing to your toe, arch, or heel pain. Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm, our board-certified podiatrist, can help you figure out if your foot pain derives from improper, inappropriate, or worn-out shoes.
3 Summer Foot Hazards and How to Avoid Them
When the weather turns warm, podiatrists like Fairfax County’s Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm see more patients with foot and ankle problems. Summertime presents more opportunities for outdoor activity, some of which can threaten your foot health if you’re not careful! Here are three reasons you might run into some foot or ankle trouble during the…
Keep Your Skin Safe from Harmful UV Rays
Think again if you feel a summer tan gives skin nothing but a healthy glow. Skin that’s darkened from the sun’s rays or a tanning bed is damaged at the cellular level. That’s just as true for black and brown skin as it is for white skin. Prolonged exposure to the sun causes wrinkles, premature aging, and skin cancer.
Is Ankle Replacement Surgery Right for You?
Several ways to treat ankle arthritis don’t involve surgery, including custom orthotics, pain medications, and physical therapy. However, sometimes, these conservative treatment methods aren’t enough to help, or they stop working after a time. If that sounds like you, it may be time to have a conversation with board-certified podiatric surgeon Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm about ankle replacement surgery.
5 Ways Men Can Take Better Care of Their Feet
June is Men’s Health Awareness Month: four weeks dedicated to the idea that if men were to know more about their health, they’d recognize problems earlier. They’d go to the doctor without fear. And they wouldn’t let a small problem become a big one.
How to Recognize Skin Cancer on Your Feet
Are you planning to spend time in the sun this summer? Dermatologists recommend applying sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 on any exposed skin. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm, urges you to remember your feet when slathering that SPF on the rest of your body. It’s the easiest way we know to help prevent skin cancer on your feet.
Summer Foot Care Essentials to Pack in Your Vacation Bag
Some people prepare for their summer vacation the night before they leave, tossing stuff into a suitcase with a somewhat frenzied abandon. Others work from a detailed, computerized spreadsheet of must-haves they’ve kept track of since their last vacation. No matter you’re packing style, board-certified podiatrist Kenneth R. Wilhelm, DPM, has a suggestion: pack a…
Global Running Day: A Launching Pad for a Healthier Lifestyle
It’s celebrated all over the world – from Chiapas, Mexico to Florence, Italy, and from Southern California to our backyard here in Fairfax County. It’s Global Running Day! On June 1, 2022, we encourage people of all ages, sizes, ethnicities, and backgrounds to lace up their running shoes and get moving. Run a 5K with…
5 Tips for Better Bone Health
May is Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month, so today we’re focusing on ways to keep your bones strong and healthy. First, stop and think about all the amazing structures that make up your two feet. Along with 52 individual bones, there are more than 100 muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They’re all attached in ways that…
Why Your Heels are Cracked and Why You Should Fix Them
We’ve finally welcomed springtime temperatures here in Fairfax County, Virginia. In comes the warmth, and out come the sandals! It’s time to get your feet summer-ready and fix your cracked heels. Heel cracks look frightful and can be uncomfortable. But hold on – vanity isn’t the only reason to fix callused, cracked heels. They provide…
Arthritis Awareness Month: How Does Arthritis Affect the Feet and Ankles?
Arthritis is a general term for the joint pain millions of people experience every day. Some people have rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease in which the body mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. Lupus can also cause joint pain and inflammation. At Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, our patients are more likely to suffer…
Do’s and Don’ts of a Successful Salon Pedicure
In Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm’s eyes, a successful salon pedicure improves the look of your feet without causing any harm. Do pedicures ever end in failure? Well, yes. If you or your technician aren’t careful, you could easily end up with an infection. Follow these do’s and don’ts when you go to the nail salon…
At-Home Treatments May Help Neuroma Pain
If you feel a sharp pain on the bottom of your foot, stop and take some notes. What else do you feel? Is the pain stinging? Shooting? Burning? All these words describe the type of pain our clients at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center feel when they have Morton’s neuroma. Neuroma pain originates from a…
Understanding Pediatric Foot Problems
Young children are known for speaking the truth, but in general, that only lasts until a certain age. Pre-teens and teenagers aren’t exactly known for their openness! If they’re having a problem with their feet, they may not think to tell you. This Foot Health Awareness Month, all of us at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center want…
What Kind of Doctor Treats Peripheral Neuropathy?
There are many types of “neuro” doctors. For example, a neurosurgeon specializes in surgery on the delicate and complex brain and spinal cord. A neuropsychologist tries to determine the relationship between the physical makeup of your brain and your behavior. And a specialist in peripheral neuropathy has a particular name: a podiatrist. Podiatrists are medical…
The Problem with Wearing High Heels
Lily Collins, star of the Netflix hit TV comedy Emily in Paris, recently admitted that wearing high heels on the show has sent her scrambling to the podologue for weekly checkups (that’s French for “podiatrist.”) That’s not too surprising to our board-certified podiatrist here in Fairfax County, USA, Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm. Watching the show,…
Questions & Answers about Swift Technology for Plantar Warts
What is Swift technology?Swift technology is a non-invasive, safe, effective, new way to treat plantar warts. Swift uses a special probe that delivers a controlled dose of microwave energy to the skin. Microwave energy, used for decades in various branches of medicine, targets the root of the problem – the HPV virus. This targeted dose…
Heal Your Heel Pain at Home with Stretching and Massage
In last week’s blog, we explored how heel pain can cause debilitating pain that can get worse if you don’t treat it promptly. That thick ligament is causing your pain because it’s inflamed and may even have small tears. One of the most effective treatments for plantar fasciitis is to perform targeted exercises to repair your damaged…
There’s Good and Bad News About Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is better known as heel pain – sometimes debilitating heel pain. Patients often tell us similar stories: They have stabbing pain in their heels and arches when they wake up and take their first steps of the day. The pain eases after they walk a bit. Wearing shoes makes the heel feel better….
4 Essential Steps to Manage Neuropathy
Nerves permeate your entire body. They send messages of all kinds to your brain, such as, “It’s cold, put a sweater on,” or “Hey, our bladder’s full, get thee to a bathroom pronto.” But many things can happen to prevent important messages like these from getting to the brain – like an injury, toxic substances,…
Is Your Ankle Broken or Just Sprained?
What should you do when you injure your ankle? It’ll be obvious when you need emergency care. If you’re screaming in pain or you can see a bone outside when it should be inside, get to the hospital as soon as possible. But what if it’s not so obvious? Should you see a doctor? Yes…
Feel Like You’re Walking on a Pebble? It Could be a Neuroma
A neuroma is a nerve that’s irritated so much it grows thicker. A common neuroma we see here at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center is called Morton’s neuroma – a thickening of a nerve, usually between the third and fourth toes (the two located next to your pinky). Irritation from where?Neuroma’s form when the toes…
Heart Disease is Linked to Foot Health
It might seem odd that Clifton Foot & Ankle Center – a medical office devoted to foot health in Fairfax County – would blog about heart disease. But it’s not odd at all! There are some surprising connections between good heart health and good foot health – and what better time to make them than…
What are Overuse Injuries of the Feet and Ankles?
Board-certified podiatrists like Kenneth R. Wilhelm, DPM use the word “overuse” when describing certain injuries to the feet and ankles. Overuse injuries bring patients to our podiatry office all the time. But what exactly is an overuse injury?As the name implies, an overuse injury occurs when you injure a body part by using it too…
4 Ways Diabetes Affects Your Overall Health
Diabetes is a progressive disease that requires daily attention, so it doesn’t spiral out of control. That kind of vigilance can often be exhausting. At Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, we provide expert diabetic foot care to our patients who need it. Unfortunately, people with Type 1 diabetes had no say about getting their disease…
Winter Walking Tips
Slipping on snow and ice is no joke, despite all the memes and gifs out there that try to make you laugh. Foot and ankle injuries are common among people who fall when winter brings icy conditions to Fairfax County. Fortunately, there are several precautions you can take to minimize your risk of slipping and…
Celebrate National Measure Your Feet Day in Style
If you don’t have “National Measure Your Feet Day” marked on your calendar, you’re missing out on an important event! Okay, it may not be a mainstream holiday, but it’s still worth noting and maybe even having some fun with. National Measure Your Feet Day is an opportunity to demonstrate to your whole family that…
How to Deal with Painful Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are a vexing problem for many people. For some, they’re hereditary. When your parents got together and made you, your DNA lined up in such a way to make your toenails naturally curve downward. Preventing them from growing toward the skin instead of straight out may be a struggle you’re up against all…
For Healthy Feet, Follow Through on These 3 Popular New Year’s Resolutions
It’s that time of year again! The resolutions you make on January 1 signal your desire to make a change. Go ahead and resolve to eat better, exercise more, and quit smoking. Then, follow through – because taking these actions contributes to healthy feet! Eat better. Good nutrition is, by association, good nutrition for your…
A Quarterback’s Foot Injury: Just a Sprain, or Something More?
Josh Allen, the quarterback for the Buffalo Bills football team, was sidelined in mid-December due to a foot sprain. But if you had read past the headlines and initial paragraphs, you would have learned that Allen was also suffering from turf toe. What’s the difference?A foot sprain is a general term for damage to one…
Where To Go for Creative Last-Minute Holiday Gifts
Don’t sweat it if you still have holiday shopping to do. With Christmas just a few days away, Clifton Foot & Ankle Center has several easy gift-giving suggestions that focus on healthy feet. Here’s where to go and what to look for: Big-box store – Go to the sports section to find gifts that keep your loved ones…
You Can Be Free of Plantar Fasciitis Pain
What brings a pretty large percentage of patients to our podiatry office in Centreville, Virginia? Heel pain. Very often, the pain is due to a condition called plantar fasciitis. What is plantar fasciitis?Any word ending in “-itis” indicates something is inflamed. In this case, that “something” is the plantar fascia – the thick band of…
Are Changes to Your Feet Normal?
The human body changes over time, and that includes the feet. Some changes aren’t surprising: soft tissues lose their elasticity, limiting how much you can stretch or move your feet and ankles arches can fall a little or a lot (flat feet) protective fat pads thin out arthritis may affect joints you injured earlier in…
An Exciting New Way to Treat Plantar Warts
Clifton Foot & Ankle Center in Fairfax County, Virginia, is proud to offer Swift: a game-changing treatment for annoying plantar warts. For decades, podiatrists have approached wart treatment from the outside: applying salicylic acid to peel the wart away layer by layer, freezing the wart using cryotherapy, or removing the wart with surgery. One of…
Small Steps, Big Difference: Preventing Diabetes is Within Your Reach
As we prepare to close out Diabetes Awareness Month, the focus at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center is on the theme for this year’s awareness campaign: Small Steps, Big Difference. The campaign targets people with prediabetes. Who has prediabetes?It turns out there are 88 million with prediabetes in this country alone. Many have no symptoms at all, so they’re not…
What to Do About Stinky, Sweaty Feet
One of our recent blogs explored what it might mean if your feet are cold all the time. But what if you have the opposite problem – feet that are always hot and sweaty? Primary hyperhidrosis – the medical term for too much sweat – is genetic. It’s more common in men than women, and it’s also more common in…
5 Foot Care Myths You Can Dismiss Forever
When it comes to the health of our feet, the daily details we remember are cleanliness, wearing shoes and exercising. Still, there’s so much misinformation out there about these amazing body parts! Common myths about basic foot care abound, so let’s put some of them to rest: Myth #1: Foot pain is inevitable as we…
Choose Both Classic and New Methods to Manage Your Blood Sugar
We have many patients with diabetes at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center. If we took a poll, they might agree that they hear this piece of advice from us above all others: Never give up keeping your blood sugar under control. It’s also an important message of the American Diabetes Association, which sponsors Diabetes Awareness Month every November….
Bothered by Corns on Your Feet? Here’s What to Do
Corns on your feet have several names. In medical circles, we call them “hyperkeratoses.” In Great Britain, they’re referred to as “rooster’s eye,” although we haven’t had an opportunity to consult any citizens there to find out exactly why! By any name, a corn refers to a patch of thickened skin on your foot. Corns are commonly found…
Questions & Answers about Raynaud’s Disease
October is Raynaud’s Awareness Month. All of us at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center want to make our Fairfax County patients and friends more aware of how Raynaud’s disease could negatively affect your fingers and toes. Q: What is Raynaud’s disease?A: Raynaud’s is named after the 19th-century French doctor Maurice Raynaud, who first noted that the fingers and toes of…
Solutions for Foot and Ankle Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common diseases in the world and one of the most debilitating. Another way to express “arthritis” is “joint pain.” Painful joints can occur anywhere in the body – shoulders, fingers, hips, knees, ankles, and feet, to name a few. Joints ache, especially among the 50 and older crowd, because of…
Podiatrists Fix Foot and Ankle Problems from A to Z
In recognition of International Podiatry Day (October 8), we’d like to answer the three most common questions about podiatrists: What exactly is podiatry?It’s the medical specialty that deals exclusively with ailments of the feet, ankles, and lower legs. Who needs a podiatrist?People of all ages and from all walks of life experience problems with their…
How to Fix Chronic Heel Pain
Plantar fasciitis, or heel pain, hurts the most when you step out of bed in the morning. The pain eases up as you walk around but comes back when you stop moving again. It seems a little odd, doesn’t it? Why would you have more heel pain when you’re not using your feet? The answer lies within the thick ligament…
7 Surprising Reasons Seniors Take a Fall
If you know a person who has NOT at some point or other taken a nasty fall, tell us about them the next time you visit Fairfax County’s Clifton Foot & Ankle Center. That person deserves special recognition because, well, pretty much everyone’s fallen at one time or another. However, when an older adult falls, it can…
Autumn Foot Care Tips
The changing of the season from summer to fall transforms many people’s daily routines. Vacation days fade away into long days of attending classes. Outdoor dining moves inside as the wind kicks up and temperatures drop. Mom’s Carpooling Service is back in business. With all these changes happening, why not use this time as an…
6 Steps to Maintain Healthy Feet as You Age
September is Healthy Aging Month – but it may not mean what you think. It’s not your typical “awareness month” when people are encouraged to learn more about specific illnesses and conditions. Healthy Aging Month is less about knowing what can go wrong and more about making things right. It’s about the positive steps older Americans can…
Bunion Basics
Along with green eyes, olive-toned skin, or a muscular build, you inherited the tendency for joint problems in your big toe. What becomes of this tendency varies from person to person. Bunions run in families. One individual may slowly develop a bunion that causes no problems at all. Another may have a painful joint deformity before age…
Custom Orthotics Treat a Wide Range of Foot Problems
Not everybody has perfect feet. It’s pretty rare to find feet whose muscles, tendons, bones, and ligaments always move perfectly well together. Many people are born with a biomechanical imbalance in their lower limbs. That is, something doesn’t line up quite right when they walk or run. Imperfect anatomy can also result in high arches, low or no arches,…
Tips for Successful Back-to-School Shoe Shopping
When Fairfax County schools open up again next week, be ready with shoes that’ll help your kids succeed. Back-to-school shoe shopping can be a breeze when you follow these tips from board-certified podiatrist Kenneth R. Wilhelm, DPM : Measure your child’s feet. The younger your child is, the faster his feet grow, so measure them each time you buy shoes….
Fun Facts About Feet
When August 17th rolls around, podiatrists rejoice – because it’s National I Love My Feet Day. Celebrate with Clifton Foot & Ankle Center by reading these fun and interesting facts about your two feet. Each foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. 25% of all your bones are located in your feet….
Learn to Recognize the Signs of Type 2 Diabetes in Children
Two new studies from the American Diabetes Association warn of a “staggering” increase in the number of children with Type 2 diabetes. Doctors have reported twice as many cases as usual since the height of the pandemic. Why are more children getting diabetes? Children have suffered from the long months of quarantine. Increased screen time for…
6 Things Athletes Should Know About Good Foot and Ankle Care
All eyes are on Tokyo for the next several weeks as the best athletes in the world compete at the Olympic games. There’s no doubt about it – bodies take a beating during this elite competition. But the bodies of us “regular people” are also open to injury when we exercise. Whenever you jog, go for…
Flip-Flops: Good or Bad for Your Feet?
Flip-flops go with summertime like hotdogs and hamburgers, badminton and beach trips. From plain rubber basics to bejeweled platforms, you’ll find them on feet everywhere throughout Fairfax County and our greater DC area. However, podiatrists like Kenneth R. Wilhelm, DPM of Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, warn our patients against spending too much time in flip-flops. The good There…
Innovative Therapies Target Foot Pain and Skin Problems
Fairfax County athletes and other active individuals have another great reason to consult with board-certified podiatrist Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center. We offer several unique therapies and some of the latest technologies to treat foot problems quickly, safely, and effectively. Prolotherapy/ PRP Injections: this therapy uses the patient’s blood to promote healing. “PRP”…
Travel Tips for People with Diabetes
Visit the podiatrist before you go. If it’s been a year or more since your last diabetic foot exam, consider making an appointment with board-certified podiatrist Kenneth R. Wilhelm before you travel this summer. Diabetes affects the nerves and blood vessels of the feet, making it difficult for many people with diabetes to detect a foot problem. We recommend a…
Keep Your Feet Comfortable During Pregnancy
Carrying a baby in your womb means a lot of changes to your body. It’s common for your feet to become swollen, especially in the last few months of your pregnancy. Your feet swell due to edema – the fluid that builds up from hormonal changes in the body. You may lose some arch height as you gain…
4 Foot Problems Men Shouldn’t Ignore
Nobody should ignore a foot problem, but we’re focusing on men today for two reasons: first, June is International Men’s Health Month, so it makes sense to single out our male patients. Second, it’s fair to say that, in general, men are more reluctant than women to seek medical care. So, at Clifton Foot & Ankle…
6 Ways to Prepare Your Feet for Summer
It’s nearly summer in Fairfax County – are your feet ready? They’ve been quarantined along with the rest of you, cooped up in socks and slippers, and they probably need some extra attention. Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm offers six ways to get your feet geared up to, once again, see the light of day: Heels,…
What’s Causing Your Chronic Heel Pain?
Heel pain, or plantar fasciitis, is prevalent in adults and not unheard of in active children. The cause of this pain is when the large band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed. Inflammation occurs for several reasons: Some examples of overuse include walking a lot on the same hard…
Preventing and Treating Running Injuries to Your Feet and Ankles
Ever hear of the “runner’s high?” It’s one of the reasons running is such a popular sport. After a run, athletes report a feeling of exuberance, an energy that can’t be squashed. It’s partly because of the joy of accomplishment – setting a goal to run a couple of miles and getting it done. But it’s also…
Use the ABCDEFG Method to Detect Melanoma
May is Melanoma Awareness Month. Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer. It’s fast-growing. It’s more likely than other types of skin cancer to metastasize – that is, to invade other parts of your body. Feet are no strangers to skin cancer, including melanoma. Fairfax County board-certified podiatrist Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm wants to remind our patients…
Dos and Don’ts of Mowing the Lawn
The statistics are grim: each year in the United States, about 85,000 people seek treatment in the emergency room for lawnmower-related injuries. 16.2% of them involve the lower limbs. Yes, accidents happen; they always will. But you can help prevent a loved one from losing a toe, foot, or lower leg by following some specific dos…
Use Exercise to Improve Your Arthritis Symptoms
Picture this: a 66-year-old athlete goes to the doctor complaining of ankle pain. This woman runs considerable distances every week and says she’s participated in 14 triathlons in the last few months. The doctor takes some x-rays and finds severe ankle osteoarthritis. He cannot believe the x-rays he took correspond to this person who can still…
Should You Worry About a Lump in Your Foot?
At Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, we see a fair number of lumps and bumps on people’s feet. A lump or bump that hurts, swells up, or oozes pus needs our attention. Visit our Fairfax County podiatry office so the doctor can help with further attention. But what of other bulges, skin lesions, or bony knobs that aren’t…
Bunion Treatment Doesn’t Have to Mean Surgery
A bunion is a deformity of the joint at the base of your big toe. It looks like a bony bump jutting outward. There can be redness, swelling, tenderness, and difficulty bending the joint. The tendency to form a bunion is usually inherited. Still you can inadvertently speed up the process by wearing shoes that are too…
The Smart Way to Treat a Blister
Foot blisters rarely take us by surprise. You’re out for a hike, and pressure from your new boots turns the back of your heel a troublesome shade of red. You know you’re close to getting a blister. Or you pull off your running shoes at the end of a race and find the source of that aching…
Foot and Ankle Bones Can Grow Spurs
Every action has a reaction. If you ask your mom 117 times a day if you can get a new iPhone, the chances are good she’ll lash out at you at #118 – or sooner. And just as you can rub your mom the wrong way, you can unintentionally rub the bones of your feet…
Good Foot Care Makes Sense!
We’re realists here at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center. We realize most people don’t spend a lot of time thinking about their foot health. Luckily, we’re here to remind our Fairfax County patients that April is Foot Health Awareness Month! It’s easy to increase your awareness of your feet and learn how to keep them healthy. Just…
Protect Your Child from Basketball Injuries to the Feet and Ankles
With March Madness coming to another exciting end, you may have a child who’s expressed an interest in playing basketball. Good for them. Basketball gets the heart and muscles pumping, helping to keep kids in good shape. Unfortunately, the game also has a pretty high incidence of injuries to the feet and ankles. We usually see…
Seniors Don’t Have to Put Up with Foot Pain
Most senior citizens experience some foot pain. It’s no wonder: by the time you turn 80, you’ve walked about 110,000 miles. You’d have to walk from our podiatry office in Centreville, Virginia, to Lower Manhattan and back 183 times to go 110,000 miles. And that’s just the average person. If you’re regularly active, you see a lot more…
Get Relief From Flatfoot Pain
Everybody emerges from the womb with flat feet. If we’re lucky – and most of us are – we’re blessed with arches sometime before our third birthday or so. Arches in your feet serve an important purpose: they help keep your weight evenly balanced. Each time you take a step, the muscles, bones and soft tissues…
Overcoming the Challenges of Wearing High Heels
Many women choose to wear high heels – and that’s okay. As a board-certified podiatrist, however, Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm cautions women to be smart about it. Wearing high heels comes with many challenges. Interestingly, “Choose to Challenge” was the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day, celebrated earlier this week on March 8. “A challenged world is an…
How’s Your Diet Going? – Your Feet and Ankles Want to Know
We’re already more than two months into the New Year. That’s 8+ weeks—approximately 60 days since you resolved to eat better and lose weight in 2021. Losing weight is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions there is, and all of us at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center applaud anyone who strives to attain a healthy…
What to Do About a Broken Toe
Our nation has been riding the corona coaster for close to a year now. And over this tumultuous year, podiatrists have seen a mysterious increase in the number of broken toes. There are two parts to this mystery: first, why is it happening? Second, what should you do if it happens to you? Part 1: Why…
Fix Your Cracked Heels
Dry, calloused, or cracked heels are not just unsightly and uncomfortable. They can also be dangerous. If you neglect the skin on your heels, it will likely continue to dry out. Cracks can eventually form and grow deeper. Bacteria can enter these deep cracks, also called heel fissures, and cause an infection. Cracked heels are common, especially in the…
The Importance of a Good Pair of Socks
What do socks do? They keep your feet toasty warm, right? That’s what most people would say, especially during these cold winter months. Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm, our board-certified podiatrist at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, absolutely agrees. But we also want you to know that, besides warmth, there are other things to keep in mind when you’re choosing…
4 Steps to Help Prevent Heart Attacks in Women
What’s the #1 killer of women? Not cancer. Not COVID-19. It’s heart disease. Heart disease and its complications account for about 20% of all female deaths in the United States. To get people thinking and talking about this, the American Heart Association has named February 5 National Wear Red for Women’s Heart Health Day. But it…
Thyroid Disease Can Affect Your Feet
Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm of Clifton Foot & Ankle Center would like our patients in Fairfax County and northern Virginia to know that January is Thyroid Awareness Month. The thyroid gland is in your neck, but it can have a great deal to do with your feet. The thyroid gland and the pituitary gland (located in the brain) are…
Achilles Tendon Injuries
Where’s the thickest, most powerful tendon in your body? Perhaps in your neck, to hold up your head? Good guess but look lower. At the back of your heel, you can feel the Achilles tendon, the largest, strongest tendon in the body. The Achilles tendon connects the muscles in your calf to the calcaneus or heel…
Resolve to Get Rid of Warts for Good with Swift
Some plantar warts come and go, disappearing after they’ve had their fill of annoying you for several months. Others think they deserve to irritate you and your foot for what seems like forever. It’s not unusual for a wart on the sole of your foot to resist treatment and stick around for years. Treatments for warts have traditionally included…
Why Are Your Toes Numb?
When a body part goes numb, how exactly do you describe it? Pins and needles? Sure, sometimes you call it that. Other times you might say you can’t quite feel that part of your body, or when you touch it if you can’t sense the touch. However you express it, numbness that lasts a long…
The Benefits of Mind-Body Exercises
Imagine having the tools to get through each day with less pain, increased strength and flexibility, decreased anxiety, and a general sense of well-being. Well, studies show those tools exist in the form of exercise – in particular, mind-body exercises like yoga and tai-chi. Mind-body exercises combine slow and controlled body movements with mental focus…
Turf Toe: A Painful Sprain of the Big Toe
Monday Night Football on December 7th became Monday Nightmare Football for Antonio Gibson. The rookie running back for the Washington Football Team suffered a turf toe injury early in the game against the Steelers. Turf toe is common in football. If you were to open your favorite search bar and type in “turf toe football,” you’d get way more…
Ankle Reconstruction Surgery: Not Just the Stuff of Science Fiction
Star Trek has always been famous for its futuristic scenarios, including medical treatments that blew our 20th-century minds. Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy might place a probe on a patient’s broken ankle and – poof, instant repair of the bones. Today, ankle surgery isn’t quite as instantaneous as that. However, our real-life podiatrist Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm can take what’s broken and…
Play it Safe: Have Your Foot Injury Checked Out by an Expert Podiatrist
In case you missed it, Joe Biden suffered a foot injury a few days after Thanksgiving. Here’s what happened: he slipped, fell, and twisted his ankle he went for x-rays out of “an abundance of caution.” doctors diagnosed a sprained ankle, meaning damage to the soft tissues noting his actual symptoms, the doctors decided to confirm the diagnosis…
Holiday Gifts That Improve Foot Health
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s…Foot Hero! Do you know someone whose feet hurt all the time? Step in like a superhero with holiday gifts that improve their foot health! Nobody wants to put up with tired, achy feet. You can solve problems in a single bound, doling out justice for the person who works…
5 Thanksgiving Tips for the Diabetic
Navigating the Thanksgiving table has always been a challenge for people with diabetes. Many will find it more challenging this year because of the pandemic. They’re more stressed – and fighting the urge to stress-eat! They haven’t been exercising as much because the gym is closed or too crowded for comfort. Maybe they’ve put on a…
The Great American Smokeout: Another Chance to Kick the Habit
Smoking is an addiction. But it’s much more than, say, being addicted to the news after Election Day 2020. You might not have been able to rip yourself away from the TV earlier this month, but there was probably nothing directly physiological going on. In contrast, breathing in nicotine and other chemicals affects the brain. Smoking…
Reflecting on the Importance of World Diabetes Day
November 14 is a day we reserve to consider a disease that affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide. No, it’s not COVID-19, but rather diabetes – also a worldwide epidemic. World Diabetes Day is the perfect time for Fairfax County’s Clifton Foot & Ankle Center to talk about what diabetes is, why it’s important for our patients to…
COVID-19 Hits People with Diabetes Especially Hard
Two stories are in the news this month: Diabetes. November is Diabetes Awareness Month when the American Diabetes Association encourages everyone to learn more about the disease. COVID-19. Yes, it’s still very much in the news, especially in Fairfax County, where the infection rate is rising faster than in any other county in Virginia. There’s a troubling…
New Swift Wart Treatment Kicks Out Annoying Plantar Warts
Word is getting around about a new, highly effective way to get rid of plantar warts. Clifton Foot & Ankle Center is excited to announce we’re now treating warts with Swift. Swift uses microwave technology that hones in on the root problem area below the skin, zapping out warts quickly, safely, and effectively. What makes Swift technology so…
5 Ways to Make Your Shoes More Comfortable
If your feet suffer from corns and blisters or if they’re sore and tired at the end of every day, take a look at your shoes. The shoes you wear play an enormous role in keeping your feet happy, healthy, and functional. Stylish shoes are fun, but they shouldn’t make your feet hurt. Shoes should be…
Types of Ankle Sprains and How They Heal
If you want to see a serious ankle sprain in progress, search the internet for “Michael Thomas ankle injury.” Thomas is a star wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints. Recently, another player landed forcefully onto a moving Thomas’s left ankle. When you see a photo of that moment, it’s hard to see Thomas’s foot because it’s…
Causes and Treatment of Shin Splints
“Shin splints” is a term podiatrists use to refer to pain anywhere between your knee and ankle. Deep within that area – the shin – is your tibia, better known as your shin bone. Numerous muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues surround the tibia. When those tissues become irritated or inflamed, you get pain, tenderness,…
Fast Facts about Peripheral Arterial Disease
Peripheral Arterial Disease, or PAD, is narrowing of the blood vessels that lead to the outermost parts of the body, such as the lower legs. Blame it on atherosclerosis – the buildup of excess cholesterol in the peripheral arteries. That buildup of cholesterol, or plaque, makes it hard for blood to flow freely to the…
The Foot Fungus Among Us
Take a look at your calendar. Have you penciled in “Fungal Disease Awareness Week” (September 21-25), or has your online calendar already noted it for you? Well, it may not be the trendiest observance, but it’s something we mark in pen every year on the Clifton Foot & Ankle Center calendar. We want our patients to…
5 Fixes that Reduce Your Risk of Falling
We’ve all read about exceptional senior citizens – the “Iron Nun” who competes in triathlons well into her 80s, for example. Maybe your grandfather was feisty and active until his final days. But they are indeed the exception! The unfortunate truth is many older Americans are at a considerable risk of falling. An older adult is…
Sail Through Fall 2020 in the Right Kind of Chair
These days, people are flocking to Google for answers to questions like “What are the best chairs for sitting all day?” and “What’s the best home office chair?” What’s behind all the interest in where to plant one’s behind? –COVID-19, of course. Volatile infection rates here in the D.C. area continue to increase the number…
Put an End to Foot Pain
Few things put a damper in your day like constant pain, including foot pain. You can’t walk. You can’t exercise. You may even have to depend on others to help you get out the sourdough starter (and other tasks of daily living). Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm always counsels our patients to act quickly when they’ve got foot pain….
5 Great Exercise Options to Help Manage Diabetes
If you’ve got diabetes, you’re well aware of what you need to do to control your blood sugar. Or are you? Many people with diabetes focus on what they should and shouldn’t eat. That’s really important. However, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. To manage blood sugar, you’ve also got to take your medications faithfully. Physical…
Psoriasis Can Cause Trouble for Your Toenails
If you have psoriasis, be on the lookout for a troubling development. Those scaly, bumpy, red patches on your skin can spread to your fingernails and toenails. At Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, we’re taking the month of August, Psoriasis Awareness Month, to help our patients understand this toenail complication is more common than you might think….
The Wrong Shoes Can be Hazardous When Working In the Yard
One of the joys of warmer weather is spending time outside. It seems that we’re finding even more joy this summer after being cooped up for months during the coronavirus pandemic. So what brings you outside? For many people, it’s taking care of the lawn and garden. They see it as a fun, therapeutic hobby….
The Dangers of Going Barefoot
There are many reasons why board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm, might suggest you avoid going barefoot. Omitting shoes from your daily outfit put your feet at risk for these classic dangers: Injuries like burns from hot pavement, puncture wounds from sharp rocks, or a twisted ankle. Infections with the virus that causes plantar warts, or the fungus that causes…
Protect Yourself and Others by Wearing a Mask
The Virginia Department of Health has presented us with clear guidelines for wearing masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19. You don’t need to wear a mask if you: go out for a walk work in the garden mow the lawn have pre-existing breathing problems are under the age of 2. However, you must wear a mask…
Foot Pain: Is it Inevitable?
The persistent belief that foot pain is just an inevitable part of life, just one of the certainties of growing older – well, it’s just not true. Foot pain is common, yes. You probably know a bunch of people who’ve got it. But nobody should accept foot pain as something they simply must put up…
Juvenile Arthritis May Affect Feet and Ankles
You may be surprised to learn that arthritis is not exclusively an ailment of the aged. In the United States, there are about 300,000 kids diagnosed with some form of juvenile arthritis. Since July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month, we’re putting the spotlight on kids with joint inflammation. What does juvenile arthritis look like? Symptoms of JA…
Safe, Scaled-Down Parties in 2020 Call for Some Creativity
Anyone who has planned for a celebration this year has had a lot of decisions to make. Some have chosen to cancel their plans outright for fear of spreading COVID-19 infections. Others have taken a different tack: what if the celebration were just scaled down in size and scope? What if you could still have…
4 Tips to Help Prevent Skin Cancer of the Feet
The warmer weather has helped us all feel better as we slowly, cautiously crawl out of our COVID-19 hibernation. Health experts agree that enjoying outdoor activities is a good thing when it comes to slowing the spread of the virus. But board-certified podiatrist Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm warns that spring and summer fun in the sun is…
Quarantine Can Be a Pain in the Heel
The challenges of staying home for weeks and months on end have taken their toll on people everywhere. Even our feet are feeling the pain. Heel pain, to be specific. Heel pain is on the rise Since the coronavirus pandemic forced us all inside, we’ve never spent so many hours without shoes on. You may think…
Avoiding the Salon? Here’s How to Pamper Your Feet at Home
Fairfax County is slowly opening up, but at the beginning of June, the 14-day trend of coronavirus cases was showing an upward curve. That’s disturbing to all of us at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, and to so many of our patients throughout the greater D.C. area. We want desperately for our patients to feel confident…
COVID-19: Another Reason to Watch Your Weight
If you’ve experienced weight gain during the COVID-19 pandemic, the reasons aren’t too hard to find: you’ve slacked off your regular exercise routine (the gym’s been closed) you haven’t been going out, and you’re just not moving around as much there’s been an increase in baking (note the flour and yeast shortages at the grocery…
4 Ways to Stay Connected with Loved Ones
The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for those who thrive on human contact. Are you one of those people for whom isolation has ratcheted up your anxiety a few notches? You’re not alone. But we’re all in this together. And it seems like a good time for Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm to offer some suggestions for anyone…
10 Quick, Healthy Lunch Ideas You Need Right Now
Does a healthy lunch take a back seat in your new, quarantined life? Do you tend to grab what’s available instead of what’ll fuel you through the rest of your day? We understand. These days of social isolation, constant Zooming, and guiding kids through distance learning are stressful. The last thing you need is pressure…
A New Glossary in Time of Pandemic
Have you been scratching your head at all the new vocabulary being tossed around during the current pandemic? For example, what is “herd immunity”? At Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, we’re aware that we sometimes toss out podiatric medical terms that we need to explain to our patients. Likewise, we hope to take the mystery out of some…
4 Simple Ways to Stay Active While Social Distancing
We’re seeing signs that social distancing in the U.S. is doing its job of slowing down the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, it’s also slowed down many people’s commitment to being physically active. Even if you were never a big exerciser, you probably moved around a lot more before the shutdown. But there is good news…
Doctors Reveal a Suspected New Symptom of COVID-19
Doctors have recently learned that a person’s feet may offer valuable clues about who is infected with the novel coronavirus. COVID-19 tests have come back positive for people with red, purple, or bluish lesions on their feet or toes. These are some facts about “COVID toes” as we understand them right now: Patches of red, purple, or…
Life Skills to Teach Your Kids During the Quarantine
As we ride out the coronavirus pandemic, we hear more and more jokes about people trying to get away from their spouses and kids. It’s true that our family members, who we know and love so much, might be starting to feel a little too present. And the stress of trying to balance working from…
Learn to Cook at Home
Social distancing is a good thing for flattening the curve and helping to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. But it can also be a good thing to learn a new skill, such as cooking. Cooking is a fantastic skill to have for many reasons: Cooking at home is healthier and cheaper than eating at…
Does Your Foot Pain Need Treatment or Can it Wait?
During this troubling COVID-19 pandemic, we at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center suspect that many of our patients have had to grapple with a unique question: what is non-essential medical care? Should you keep that appointment for your annual physical? Must you go to this month’s post-operative checkup or can you put it off? Now that we’re…
All About Toenail Fungus
Well, if you cringed just a little bit reading that headline, you’re not alone. People don’t love talking about their fungal nail infections. Even more, they prefer to keep them completely hidden, even from doctors. We get it; infected nails aren’t pretty. But they’re not going away anytime soon if you do nothing about them. Enter Dr….
Prediabetes…Diabetes…Foot Problems: A Progression You Want to Avoid
At Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, we want our patients to be alert to the effects of diabetes on their feet. They are significant and potentially very damaging. Fortunately, the American Diabetes Association gives us Diabetes Alert Day, an annual “wake-up call” and an opportunity for us to talk about your risk of developing diabetes. Take a look at…
What to Do When Feet Go Snap, Crackle, Pop
A few weeks ago, Britney Spears brought new meaning to the phrase “pop star” when she broke a metatarsal bone in her foot while practicing a dance routine. The incident was caught on tape, and you can hear the bone make a loud popping noise. You can google it if you’re not squeamish about hearing…
Questions and Answers About Bone Spurs
What is a bone spur? A bone spur is simply extra bone that grows out of existing bone. In your feet, bone spurs are most common in the heel but can also form in toe joints and the ankle joints. The word “spur” conjures up images of cowboy boots with sharp metal teeth attached to them, but bone spurs…
4 Positive Ways to Celebrate National Snack Day
Is snacking the healthiest nutrition for your feet? Let’s take a look at the negatives and positives. Negatives First, we don’t always make good snacking choices; we grab what’s handy – cookies, candy, chips, or other processed foods. Also, we may snack too much, which adds extra calories to your diet that can easily lead to…
How to Recognize and Treat Athlete’s Foot
Fungal infections can affect various parts of the body that provide a moist environment such as your underarms and groin. Your feet sweat a lot and are therefore prone to a particular fungal infection called tinea pedis, or athlete’s foot. We typically see this type of infection in athletes and other active individuals who spend a…
10 Causes of Swollen Feet or Ankles
Sometimes there’s an obvious, no-big-deal reason for swollen feet or ankles. But sometimes, swelling in your lower limbs can signal serious problems that have nothing to do with your lower limbs! At Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, we encourage our patients not to ignore their swollen feet and to understand the difference between predictable swelling and unexpected…
Think Quickly to Minimize Injuries on Ice
Black ice is tricky and sly. It doesn’t announce its presence. It’s virtually invisible, masquerading as regular black tar. Ice can also sneak up on you by hiding under a layer of snow. When you slip and fall on ice, foot and ankle injuries happen in a flash. Victims of falls on ice hobble into Clifton Foot & Ankle Center every…
Is It A Sprain Or A Fracture?
When you injure your foot or ankle and you’re in pain, we at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center advise you to have it examined by our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm. Some of the most common injuries to the feet and ankles fall into two categories: sprains and fractures. The symptoms of these two types of injuries overlap, so it…
Don’t Panic if Your Toes Turn White in the Cold
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition that strikes certain people when they’re cold. It’s a disorder of the tiny blood vessels located in your fingers and toes. For reasons that are not altogether clear to doctors and researchers, these vessels respond to the cold by going into spasms and restricting blood flow. Fingers and toes turn ghostly…
What Hockey Parents Need to Know About Their Child’s Feet and Ankles
You’ve no doubt heard of the “Hockey Mom” or the “Hockey Dad” – those dedicated parents who get up at 5:00 a.m. and schlep their kid(s) to the rink in the dark because, well, that’s when the team can get on the ice. So what’s on a hockey parent’s mind as they sit in the…