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…

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…

An ingrown toenail isn’t the worst thing that can go wrong with your feet (think broken bones or diabetic neuropathy). But it sure can cause a lot of pain and agony. Ingrown toenails are fairly common, but it’s also fairly easy to avoid getting them, with one exception: if they run in the family, you may be…

If you’ve made a New Year’s resolution to exercise more, good for you! At Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, we believe that regular exercise is one of the keys to living a healthy, happy life. “I will exercise more,” however, is kind of a vague declaration. You’re more likely to stick with a resolution if you…

Replace old shoes. Chances are that the supportive material in your old shoes has worn down to the point where it no longer provides adequate support. Upgrade your shoes to keep your feet fit and healthy. Wear bigger shoes. Wider toe boxes give your toes the room that pointy tips don’t. Narrow, pointy shoes pinch your toes and contribute…

Some problems benefit from a wait-and-see attitude. At Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, we’re not convinced that’s a great idea when it comes to foot problems. First of all, when you’ve got a problem with your foot, you’re generally in pain. Also, when you wait too long to see a doctor, your problem can become much…

If you’re still shopping for holiday gifts, try surprising an athlete with something that adds to the enjoyment of their sport. Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm offers these ideas to help you finish your 2019 holiday shopping. As an added bonus, many of these gifts support great foot health, which is our raison d’être here at Clifton…

Now that the snowflakes have begun to fly here in Fairfax County, you’ve no doubt tucked your feet into warm socks, heavy shoes and boots, and fuzzy slippers for inside. Well, board-certified podiatrist Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm of Clifton Foot & Ankle Center encourages you not to forget about good foot care during the colder months. Your feet may…

It’s been several decades since smoking was proven to cause lung cancer and chronic upper respiratory infections. Even smokers are well aware of all the health risks they’re taking when they light up. Or are they? Fairfax County podiatrist Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm of Clifton Foot & Ankle Center has some news that may be surprising to some smokers:…

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the world. The World Health Organization tells us that there are 422 million people on Earth with this blood sugar disease. Today, about 1 in 10 U.S. citizens are afflicted. But the news gets even grimmer: scientists predict that the number of Americans with diabetes will…

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, which we’re pleased to observe every year at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center. But what exactly does it mean to be diabetes-aware? What does the medical profession hope to impart to all people during this “awareness” month? Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm hopes that bringing awareness of the many aspects of this…

Let’s talk about the positive aspects of running. As a sport, running offers a ton of benefits: improves cardiovascular fitness strengthens bones and muscles helps with managing your weight provides social connections if you choose to run with a friend or join a running club reduces stress and may even help symptoms of depression At the…

Diabetic foot care is a part of each day for board-certified podiatrist Kenneth R. Wilhelm, DPM of Clifton Foot & Ankle Center. Many of our diabetic patients are well-educated about how to care for their feet, but misunderstandings still surround every aspect of this disease. So in honor of National Diabetes Month, we’re focusing this November’s blog entry on…

Patients who visit the Fairfax County podiatry office of Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm with heel pain are not alone. Heel pain, often caused by plantar fasciitis, affects about 10% of all Americans at some point in their lifetime. Here’s what you need to know about this foot problem that affects millions. Q: Who gets plantar fasciitis? A: People with…

Some people are born with a specific foot problem like club foot, which affects about 1 in 1,000 newborns. Others come into the world carrying the genes that Papa gave them – so they’ll probably inherit his bunions sometime in the future. Still, others may be blessed with excellent foot anatomy, but their choice of shoes puts them…

We like to think we’re a little bit like detectives here at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center. When you come into our Fairfax County podiatry office complaining of big toe pain, for example, Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm does as any good detective would do: He asks about the events leading up to the “crime:” when did the pain…

What do shoes that pinch, socks that rub, and running a marathon have in common? They’re all examples of things that can irritate the skin on your feet and form visible lesions such as blisters, rashes, corns, and calluses. But there are times when irritation isn’t just skin deep. Pressure or irritation can also affect…

The first step to managing foot pain is to acknowledge that it’s become a problem. The second step is to commit to doing something about it. Look pain in the proverbial eye and say, “I see you aren’t going away. I know from everything Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm has taught me that I must deal with you sooner than…

World Heart Day is September 29. It’s a great time to stop and think about our body’s amazing heart. Why would Clifton Foot & Ankle Center’s board-certified podiatrist Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm be interested in his patients’ hearts?  Because when you have heart disease, you often have big problems in your feet as well. 3 ways to honor…

No senior citizen wakes up in the morning and says, “I think maybe I’d like to fall and hurt myself today.” And yet, every year a full 25% of people aged 65+ do just that. Falling is costly, not only in terms of dollars, but in a person’s quality of life. Older adults who sustain…

Bunions are largely hereditary We often blame tight, narrow-toed shoes for causing bunions. Can shoes that pinch your toes together cause that bony bump at the base of your big toe? Absolutely. But chances are you were going to get them anyway. If your parents and grandparents are living, take a peek at their big toes….

Just as your eyes provide “windows to the soul,” your feet are windows to bodily diseases. Podiatrist Kenneth R. Wilhelm, DPM of Clifton Foot & Ankle Center is well qualified to recognize the warning signs of these 10 general health problems that your feet may provide. Diabetes. If you come to our Fairfax County podiatry office complaining of numb feet…

Foot health is important to overall health, even for children. We at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center in Fairfax County, Virginia encourage parents to teach children a healthy respect for their feet. During this exciting time of new classrooms, teachers, and friends, encourage your child to establish some new habits for maintaining healthy feet: Keep them clean….

You might not think that high blood pressure would be one of our concerns here at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center. After all, isn’t foot doctor Kenneth R. Wilhelm, DPM only concerned about the health of your feet and ankles? Not at all! First of all, Dr. Wilhelm cares about your overall health. And second, there is more…

Every year on August 17, Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm of Clifton Foot & Ankle Center joins other podiatrists in Fairfax County in celebrating National I Love My Feet Day. Feet work hard every day, but most people don’t think about them a whole lot until they hurt. Part of our job as foot doctors is to get people to…

Flat feet have a very little arch or no arch at all. If you’re not sure if your feet are flat, here’s a simple test you can do at home: Find a smooth, flat surface such as a concrete sidewalk or a paved driveway. You can also use a plain piece of cardboard or colored paper….

For the last few weeks, we’ve been celebrating National Blueberry Month here at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center. Even though we’re saying goodbye to July, we encourage our patients to carry the celebration into the rest of the summer and beyond. Blueberries, one of nature’s superfoods, can inspire us to keep eating healthy foods all year…

Moving around when your feet hurt quickly becomes a drag. Just walking across the living room to grab a book is a chore; never mind going for a run or spending an afternoon with the grandchildren. Whatever it is that keeps you busy, it’s so much harder to accomplish it through the pain of a…

It’s hard to imagine a summer without flip-flops. But the truth is if you don’t choose them carefully and limit your time wearing them, your feet and ankles can suffer. Board-certified podiatrist Kenneth R. Wilhelm, DPM of Clifton Foot & Ankle Center invites you to take a look at these pros and cons: Pros Flip-flops protect your feet in places…

When flipping TV channels, are you skipping past the drama unfolding at the 2019 Wimbledon tennis championships? If so, you missed your chance to witness 15-year old newcomer Cori Gauff neatly oust five-time champion, Venus Williams. That’s crazy, right?! Well, the sport of tennis may not rouse the same kind of public passion here in the U.S….

Who hasn’t had a blister at some point in their life? If you’ve got a blister on your foot, you’ll know it pretty quickly. However, knowing what to do with that painful, fluid-filled bump is another story. Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm, the board-certified podiatrist at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, is here to help you make sense of the…

Admittedly, some men are good about keeping doctor appointments. However, they appear to be the exception to the rule. Studies show that women are 100% more likely to go to their doctor for an annual physical. A study by the Cleveland Clinic proved that 60% of men would not go to the doctor even if they suspect…

There are so many ways people put their feet to the test, perhaps without even knowing it. If feet could speak, they would sometimes cry out for mercy, begging you to stop doing things that make them hurt. Here are 13 things we imagine feet might say to get you to change your ways: “Give…

Many of our patients here at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center in Centreville, Virginia come to us for treatment of plantar fasciitis. It’s the most common reason for heel pain. In fact, you may have heard people use the terms “heel pain” and “plantar fasciitis” interchangeably. But plantar fasciitis – inflammation of the thick tissue that connects your…

Your shoes should accommodate your foot problems. Don’t buy shoes based on how fashionable they look. If you’ve got an existing foot issue that makes wearing certain shoes difficult, then you simply can’t wear certain shoes. Conditions such as bunions or flat feet require shoes with enough room and support to keep you comfortable. If you’re plagued with plantar fasciitis,…

If you’re part of the “me” generation, we wouldn’t be surprised to hear that you’re experiencing “de”-generation in your joints. Grown-up baby boomers, who are ages 55 and up, have been on the planet long enough that their joints may be starting to deteriorate. That deterioration is called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis means that the cartilage that prevents…

“He’s got his father’s feet.” That’s what followers of the British monarchy are saying about the newest baby in the family. A recently published picture of newborn Archie Harrison Mountbatten Windsor shows that his toes are of pretty even length. That means he didn’t inherit Morton’s toe from his mother. What is Morton’s toe? Photos of Meghan…

Pain in your feet has many causes. Sometimes the cause is (painfully) obvious. You dropped a heavy object on your toe. You fell off the sidewalk and twisted your ankle. You ran 12 miles after spending the winter in couch-potato mode and your heel is killing you. But let’s say you’ve done none of those…

Actress Viola Davis narrates a new documentary film about diabetes called “A Touch of Sugar.” We imagine the name of the film comes from the way some people express the fact that they’ve got the disease. High blood sugar is the hallmark of diabetes. Let’s look at some statistics: First of all, diabetes affects over 30 million…

Many foot problems are painful (think arthritis or plantar fasciitis). Some of them, like athlete’s foot, are contagious. Foot odor isn’t contagious or painful, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating for our patients here at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center. Feet smell when they’re sweaty. However, don’t blame the sweat alone. Smelly feet are actually due to…

At Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, we know that there’s an uptick in activities of all kinds when the weather turns warm. So now that spring is in full swing, we expect that you’ll be spending more of your weekends raking the foundation beds, sitting on your heels in the garden, playing a little ball, or…

With the change of seasons (Welcome, spring!), you may be thinking about buying some new shoes. Start by assessing what’s currently in your closet. At Clifton Foot & Ankle Center in Fairfax County, Virginia, we encourage our patients to examine their shoes on a regular basis for two essential reasons: It’s a safety issue. Worn out heels…

At Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, we recognize that most people walk, run, kick, play ball, and get through the workday without thinking too much about their feet. However, when you suddenly get a stabbing pain in your heel that won’t quit, then you realize just how much you depend on them. As children, maybe we weren’t taught…

Board-certified podiatrist Kenneth R. Wilhelm, DPM of Clifton Foot & Ankle Center has been in practice for more than 20 years. He knows a thing or two about feet! The entire human body is made up of some amazing parts. But our two feet are the only ones that literally bear the body’s entire weight. Here are some interesting,…

They say that with age comes wisdom. Anyone over the age of 50 or so knows that with age come mysterious ailments as well! At Clifton Foot & Ankle Center in Centreville, Virginia, we want our senior patients to know what mysteries may lie ahead in terms of foot and ankle health. After decades of literally bearing…

The first thing to know about athlete’s foot is that it’s not just for athletes. Anyone can get it! Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that usually crops up in between your toes. However, it can spread to other parts of the foot. What fungus are we talking about? Well, there are many different strains with very long Latin…

National Nutrition Month comes around every year in March. What’s the point? Well, there are a lot of good reasons to stop and think about what you’re eating. You can take this opportunity to ask yourself: Is my diet contributing to my good health? Am I making the right food choices? Do I need to…

The folks who publicize International Women’s Day (March 8) want to promote the idea of gender parity – that is, a healthy balance of men and women in business and community roles. Well, board-certified podiatrist Kenneth R. Wilhelm, DPM says that when it comes to feet, there’s not always a lot of gender balance going on! Men and women…

As a podiatrist, Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm knows all too well the dangers that diabetes poses to his patients’ feet. Even when patients manage their blood sugar levels really well, they can eventually develop debilitating foot problems. That’s why it’s so important to us at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center that we try to educate you about diabetes prevention….

At Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, we’ve found that many of our patients with bunions believe that they have a problem with their big toe. Well, they do – sort of. A bunion becomes visible when your big toe no longer points straight out but slants inward toward your other four toes. But the cause of that slant…

Every year, the American Heart Association names February “National Heart Month.” It’s important to us at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center that our patients’ hearts are healthy. That’s because a patient with a healthy heart is much more likely to lead an active lifestyle that will also contribute to good foot health. In contrast, an unhealthy heart…

Plantar fasciitis, or heel pain, is one of the most common foot problems we treat here at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center in Centreville, Virginia. It’s usually caused by the same thing: inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a thick ligament on the bottom of your foot. It can become irritated and inflamed from excessive…

Ingrown toenails are a painful problem for a lot of our patients here at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center. With this common condition, the edge of a toenail begins to grow downward, cutting into the soft skin of the toe itself. The toe becomes swollen, red, inflamed, and quite painful. If not treated, the area can become…

Do your kids tell you everything? Probably not, and that goes triple for how they’re feeling. How was school? – Fine. How’d your math exam go? -Good. Unless you dig a little, ask some pointed questions, you wouldn’t know that something happened and it’s not all fine and good. It can be the same with…

One of the things we believe here at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center is that a well-informed patient is in the best position to make decisions about their own health care. When you have the facts, it’s easier to know what to do. If you’re diabetic, there’s a lot of information that you need to digest. You need to know how…

As the New Year begins, all of us at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center have “resolutions” on our minds. So many people resolve each year to lose weight and get in better shape – and that’s a fantastic goal to have. Even if you’re only slightly overweight, your feet can suffer greatly with heel pain stress fractures tendinitis swelling…

After a few days of cloudy, drab, wintry weather, isn’t it uplifting to look up and see the sun shining yellow-orange in the sky? The mere sight of bright colors anywhere can really put a sparkle in your day. Podiatrist Kenneth R. Wilhelm, DPM has a suggestion: start the New Year right by intentionally adding color where…

Is gout a disease of the big toe? Yes – but not always. Gout is a painful form of arthritis. When it first appears, it’s very often in the big toe joint. But gout can also affect other joints such as those in your fingers, knees, and hips. Who gets gout and why? You’re more likely to…

When you’ve got foot or ankle pain, one of the first things you might be tempted to do is treat it on your own with shoe inserts. We’re talking about the kind that you can pick up at pharmacies and big-box stores. Their packaging will tell you what they promise to fix: “heel pain;” “heavy-duty…

Have you got a well-deserved winter getaway coming up? Are you boarding a plane to visit faraway family for the holidays? Well, the last thing you want to worry about when you’re flying is dealing with swollen, aching feet. And yet, feet do have a tendency to swell on airplanes. So, as you head out…

You’ve got a lot on your to-do list when it comes to planning for the holidays: food for the party? Check. Greeting cards purchased? Check. Affordable gifts for all the siblings, children, and in-laws? Check. And unless you’re doing all your shopping online, you’re going to be doing a lot of running around from place…

Throughout the month of November, we’ve been reminding our patients that it’s Diabetes Awareness Month. We’ve talked about the hidden effects of diabetes – all the ramifications beyond just managing blood sugar. We’ve written about the risk of peripheral arterial disease. And we’ve addressed something ever-present in the life of a diabetic – the constant need to make…

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Northern Virginia podiatrist Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm wants to play a part in raising awareness of this potentially devastating disease. One way we can do that is to remind you of ways you can reduce your risk. One very specific strategy you can use is to focus on food swapping. Why food…

If you’ve got pain in your legs when you walk, don’t ignore it. All of us at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center want you to know that lower leg pain maybe a sign that you’ve got a condition called PAD – peripheral arterial disease. What is PAD? Peripheral arterial disease occurs when fatty deposits build up in the…

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, a great time to review some basic info about this disease that affects over 30,000,000 Americans: Diabetics have a problem with the hormone insulin. The body doesn’t produce it at all (Type 1 diabetes). Or, the body becomes resistant to insulin’s effects (Type 2 diabetes). Both Type 1 and Type…

Believe it or not, there’s a right way and a wrong way to go shoe-shopping. Board-certified podiatrist Kenneth R. Wilhelm, DPM of Clifton Foot & Ankle Center says that if you want to give your feet the best all-around experience, you’ve got to follow some specific rules when shopping for shoes. Here are the most common mistakes you want to…

Earlier this month, running back Devonta Freeman of the Atlanta Falcons was injured in a game after having just returned to the field from a previous injury. As CBS Sports put it, “Freeman has swapped a right knee bruise with a foot contusion.” Wait, what? How can you swap a bruise for a contusion? Well,…

When it comes to foot injuries, you’re going to see a lot of them among athletes. Specifically, ankle sprains. It doesn’t matter if it’s football, rugby, soccer, field hockey, or volleyball. It doesn’t matter if you’re talking about professional athletic teams or high school clubs. In fact, sprained ankles make up almost 23% of all high school…

If you’ve been sitting on your haunches for a while, your feet might tingle a bit as you get up. That’s because regular blood flow is being restored to the small vessels in your ankles and feet. As you walk a few steps, the “pins and needles” go away. What if the pins and needles…

Tens of millions of adults suffer from some sort of arthritis. Arthritis is a general term for any sort of pain or stiffness in a joint. When it hits your big toe, movement can become severely limited. If you were to ask anyone with arthritis in their big toe, you’d learn that it really hurts to bend…

Take two kids. One is obese and one isn’t. Here’s what we can guess about their health: the child who is obese is more likely to suffer from health issues like joint pain, foot pain, sleep apnea, and even Type 2 diabetes. How is their health going to look when they become adults? That’s one of…

There’s no denying that getting older changes life in many ways. There are financial decisions to make and retirement options to consider. You’re probably seeing an increase in doctor appointments and new prescriptions as the body inevitably changes. Children of the elderly are helping their parents face all of these new issues, too! Allow us…

Pre-season football has already seen a good number of players sidelined by injuries. Here’s what recently caught our interest at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center: Greg Senat’s turf toe injury. Senat of the Baltimore Ravens will be off the field “for a while,” says his coach. It can take a long time to make a full…

A wart on your foot is called a plantar wart – but it’s only one of several different kinds of warts. The one thing that all warts have in common is this: they’re all caused by the human papillomavirus, also known as HPV. HPV has been in the news a lot in recent years because…

Diabetes is a disease very familiar to podiatrist Kenneth R. Wilhelm, DPM. Many of our patients here at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center come in on a regular basis for diabetic foot care, such as full foot checks and nail clipping. Our patients know that even a small problem with their feet can easily and quickly turn disastrous because…

If you’ve got psoriasis, you’re already aware of how difficult a disease it can be. If you’re not quite sure what psoriasis is all about, there’s no better time to learn – because August is Psoriasis Awareness Month. Let’s take a look at psoriasis by answering some frequently asked questions: What is psoriasis? Psoriasis is an autoimmune…

August 26 is National Dog Day! At Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, we’re honoring the many ways that a dog really is “man’s best friend,” especially for all the health benefits they offer to us humans. Numerous studies conclude – and plenty of people will tell you from experience – that dogs Reduce loneliness and fight…

Did you happen to hear about Washington Nationals pitcher Sean Doolittle’s problem with his toe? According to reports in the press, Doolittle began to feel discomfort in one of his toes in early July but continued to play ball. His pain got worse and doctors ordered an MRI, which showed a neuroma – a pinched nerve…

Today, Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm of Clifton Foot & Ankle Center is putting the focus on a relatively easy way to improve your overall health. Stretching your body is something that most people can do wherever they find themselves – at home, in a hotel room, in the office break room, or on the beach. And while you may…

Not too far west of Fairfax County, home of Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, there’s recently been a rapid spread of a disease that can affect your feet. It’s called hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) and it crops up every year during the late spring and summer months all over the world. What to know…

The statistics on kids getting injured during the summertime can be startling. The National Safe Kids Campaign asserts that May, June, July, and August are the most dangerous months of the year for kids, with injuries from all sorts of outdoor activities around the water like boating, swimming, tubing, and water skiing, as well as…

Water. It’s not the fountain of youth, but in many ways, it’s the fountain of good health. Our bodies are made up of between 50% and 60% water, depending on your individual makeup, and we’re constantly losing it through bodily waste, through our skin, and through our breathing. If you want to keep the very…

Men, women, children, senior citizens – they’ve all got feet, and Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm treats all of them here at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center. Since June is Men’s Health Month, we want to focus today on how men in particular can keep their whole bodies healthy. What’s good for the rest of your body is good…

The Administration for Community Living, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has designated June Older Americans Month in order to call attention to all the ways seniors can continue to live a full and purposeful life, no matter what their age is. A full and purposeful life is hard to…

When you’ve got lower back pain, it can seem like it comes out of nowhere. You haven’t bent over and felt a tweak, you didn’t take a fall, and you can’t remember a specific event that threw your back out of whack. It could be your feet. Making the foot-back pain connection Think about it:…

Have you ever stopped to think about the myriad ways in which we use our smartphones? We’re willing to bet that you’ve used it in the past couple of weeks alone as a dictionary alarm clock roadmap pedometer calendar notebook library newspaper photo album stopwatch And a telephone, of course – and the list goes…

Germs – they’re everywhere, right? How many bacteria are lurking on your phone screen right now? How about your keyboard? And just who’s been touching your computer mouse lately? There’s another common spot in which germs love to live and multiply: the shower stall. Fungi especially enjoy a warm, moist environment, so unless you’re in…

At Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding reception this month, Serena Williams changed from a pink Versace gown and matching pumps to a gorgeous gown from luxury designer Valentino — and apparently didn’t have a royal care about accessorizing Valentino with sneakers. The tennis superstar tweeted this “little-known fact:” “I often wear sneakers under my evening…

Have you ever had an experience where you’re just going through your day and suddenly you hear a bit of information that just stops you in your tracks? We love those “Who knew?” moments because they make us smarter humans – humbler, too, because we realize just how much there is that we don’t know…

At Clifton Foot & Ankle Center in Centreville, VA, we provide outstanding specialized care of the lower limbs. Of all the things that can affect your feet and ankles – disease, injury, chronic inflammation, biomechanical imbalances, etc. – one of the most dangerous that we treat is diabetes. What is diabetes? Diabetes is a disease that has to…

Old habits die hard. Giving up the foods we love that may not be so good for us is really hard. Especially if those things contain a lot of sugar. Just a few years ago the New York Times cited a study that shows that sugar can be incredibly addictive – literally as addictive as…

At one time or another, most adults will experience some sort of heel pain. In our experience here at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, the majority of our patients with heel pain are suffering from plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the ligament that runs from the base of your toes…

The weather on Monday, April 16 was horrendous for running the Boston Marathon – cold, wet, and windy. But with the torrential rains came an end to a long drought for the United States, which hadn’t had a winner on the women’s side in 33 years. Congratulations to top woman finisher Desi Linden! To add…

Get better acquainted with them. The time to get to know your feet is when they feel fine. Be aware of their shape and their symmetry. How do your toenails normally look? Do you have any moles? If you spot something weird or out of place, get it checked out. Wash them. Duh? Not so…

Let’s face it: we’ve all had medical questions lurking around our heads that we’re afraid to speak out loud for fear of sounding dumb, ignorant, old-fashioned, inexperienced, late to the party — however your particular fear feels to you! Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm, our board-certified podiatrist here at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, says “Fear not.”…

Last week, we wrote about the benefits of exercise – especially hoping to motivate anyone who’s spent the winter as a couch potato. This week, a specific word of warning: Don’t do too much too soon! The warmer temps of spring might make you feel like jumping off the couch and running a 5K, but you really…

Spring could not seem further away for those of us in Fairfax County, Virginia. The vernal equinox came in right on the heels of a winter storm warning, and we thought we heard people all over DC are yelling “Snow way!” or something like that. Yes – Snow just won’t leave us alone. Well, the…

Runners, walkers, tennis players, track and field enthusiasts, basketball and baseball players can all agree: your feet take a beating during all those workouts, games, matches, and triathlons. In order to stay healthy and competitive, you’ve got to make an effort to give your feet the care and attention they deserve. A podiatrist specializes in all injuries…

When it comes to foot pain and suffering, there may come a time when a person must admit that what they’re doing isn’t working. That even though they’ve followed their doctor’s advice to a “T” – taken the proper medications, worn the boot for as many weeks as recommended, purchased special footwear and orthotics, performed…

What’s that old joke? — “A man walks into a bar…” There is, of course, a vast repertoire of endings to this classic, but we heard one the other day that had a neat, one-liner twist: A synonym strolls into a tavern. Okay, maybe it’s meant just for English majors? Well, it got us here at Clifton…

Rare Disease Day rolls around at the very end of this odd month with only 28 days. One could argue that it should fall on February 29, since that’s an even rarer day; but if that were the case, we’d miss an annual opportunity to call your attention to some interesting foot conditions. It’s easy…

At Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, we specialize in keeping your feet and ankles healthy. But that’s not all we’re interested in. We want you to keep your whole body in tip-top shape, and this month, it’s all about your heart. Why the heart? Well, February is American Heart Month, so heart health is naturally on our…

February is Black History Month, a time to reflect on issues of historical importance and to celebrate the many achievements of African Americans in the arts, academia, medicine, and more. At Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, we’re taking a moment during Black History Month to get a closer look at race as it relates to the…

If your child is an infant, he definitely has flat feet! All babies are born with extra fat even in their feet so it looks like they have no arch (that space between the ground and the inside middle of your foot when you’re standing up). By the time they’re about 5 or 6 years old,…

What could there possibly be to say about buying shoes – you go to the store, you pick out something you like, find your size, maybe you try them on, they look pretty good, you take a quick walk up and down the aisle, you pay and walk out. Your closet’s full of shoes, you…

What would we do without our toes?! All ten of them are there for good reason and our body balances best when it has the full cooperation of our toes. That’s not to say that we can’t stand, walk, and run with fewer than 10 – people do it. Toes must sometimes be amputated due…

There’s a particular group of maladies that are named after the person who first “discovered” them. One of these is Raynaud’s disease, also called Raynaud’s phenomenon or Raynaud’s syndrome. A. G. Maurice Raynaud was the 19th-century French physician who first took a group of symptoms that affect mainly the fingers and toes, and named them after…

If you have chronic pain in your toes, heel, ankle, or anywhere else on your foot, what can you do about it? One of the smartest things you can do is to get an evaluation as soon as possible by an expert in all things “feet.” You need a foot doctor and in northern Virginia that means…

It’s resolution time – again! How did we find ourselves in January, once again, resolving to act nicer, stick to a budget, eat healthier, lose weight, etc., etc.? New Year’s resolutions often revolve around ways to be healthier, and one of the best ones you can stick to is to exercise more. If you’ve resolved…

The heat is on. People with diabetes often have problems with dry, itchy skin. So the diabetic foot can get dry as it is, but once the heat goes on indoors, your skin is even more susceptible to drying out and cracking. Keeping feet moisturized in the wintertime becomes even more essential, since cracked skin invites bacteria…

Take the word rice. What does it conjure up in your mind? Images of vibrantly green rice paddies in the Far East? Maybe a healthy dinner of whole grain brown rice topped with some steamed veggies? Some Mexican rice and beans? There’s no question that rice is a staple all over the world. In the…

Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries of the lower leg. There are so many ways you can twist your ankle in an awkward way: running, jogging, stepping on an uneven surface, and even just standing up and putting weight on a tired ankle can cause a sprain. When it happens, the ligaments…

Strolling through the holiday gift section of a specialty grocery store the other day, we came across something kind of amazing: a beautiful 5-pound bar of dark chocolate. In case you’re having trouble picturing how big that is, it’s about 2 feet high and 1 foot wide. Twenty times bigger than the standard 4-ounce bar…

If you go through life never needing a doctor who specializes in feet, you’re one of the lucky ones. Many, many people experience problems with their toes, foot, or ankles – and the older you get, the greater your chances of running into foot pain. So who do you turn to when your “dogs” ache?…

There’s a joke that’s been shared on social media lately, and it goes something like this: Math Problem: Q: Johnny has 32 candy bars. He eats 28 of them. What does he have now? A: Diabetes. Johnny has diabetes. Okay, the joke does elicit a chuckle for cleverness (what grade would you give the sassy kid who…

For most Americans, the fourth Thursday in November is totally a food-centric day. Even though we may spend time away from the kitchen – attending a religious service to remember our blessings, volunteering at a local shelter, travelling to friends and family – let’s face it. It’s still pretty much all about the food. People…

Searching for medical information on the internet is a risky undertaking – you can get some really unsound advice. To be sure, there are reputable sites, including hospital and accredited foundation websites and our own extensive podiatry education library that serves our patients at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center. There are risks associated with consulting a computer with…

With Halloween upon us, the staff at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center has monsters and goblins on the brain. We know all too well that monstrous things can happen to our feet, so it’s a good time of year to think about what those things are and what to do about them. Scary things can happen… …to…

It’s been said that true health care reform isn’t going to come from Washington; it starts in your own kitchen. That’s probably a gross oversimplification of the health care debates being bandied about our government these days! But the choices you make in your own kitchen certainly do affect your individual health, so it’s a…

As we creep into the latter part of October (how did that happen?!), all of us in northern Virginia look forward to enjoying peak fall foliage. The many wooded trails of Lawrence Park or any of the other beautiful parks in Fairfax County are great places to get out and enjoy a hike, replete with…

There once was an elderly person Whose foot pain began to worsen. His feet burned and flattened But his hatches he battened Refusing to call doc or nurse in. All right, you’re probably thinking that the good folks at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center should stick to podiatry and leave poetry alone. Except that we really want…

Even before the recent controversy surrounding the playing of the national anthem and politics, the NFL has always enjoyed a lot of media coverage. News of all the injuries that happen both in pre-season and on the field during regular season could probably cover an entire 24-hour news cycle. If only we had a dollar…

Is it possible to have a perfectly healthy foot? Well, that’s a tough one. Feet endure some of the toughest abuse around because we literally use them every day to: Carry our weight – sometimes way too much of it! Propel us forward, getting us from one place to the next, and Keep our balance,…

We all know that quitting smoking reduces your risk of getting lung cancer. But did you know that giving up cigarettes is beneficial for your entire body? From your head to your heart and down to your toes, pretty much every bodily system breathes a sigh of relief when you quit breathing in tar and…

September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, something we at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center think you should take pretty seriously. Why should you worry about childhood obesity? There are so many reasons – but perhaps none more important than the overall health of your child or another child you love – a niece, nephew, student, or grandchild….

Toenails have certain characteristics that can tell you about your health, no matter whose foot they adorn. When you come to our office for a foot examination, Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm of Clifton Foot & Ankle Center can pick up clues about your overall health by taking a full medical history – and by taking a good look at…

Kids are going back to school and soon there will be tryouts for their favorite teams. Jumping back into soccer, swimming, tennis, cheerleading, or cross-country carries with it some dangers, especially if your child hasn’t been terribly active over the summer. What happens when your kid suddenly leaps from the couch and starts practicing two or more hours…

Different people have different styles of walking. Every person’s body is put together slightly differently and so each person takes on a unique way of moving around. Unique is usually just fine, as long as a person isn’t experiencing any foot pain. When it comes to children, especially very young walkers, they may not be…

August is Psoriasis Awareness Month and all of us here at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center want you to know that psoriasis is a common disease that can affect your feet. Psoriasis crops up when skin cells grow too fast, creating a buildup of thick, red, itchy patches (plaques) on your skin or nails. It’s considered an autoimmune disease,…

August 17 is National I Love My Feet Day, a holiday perfectly suited for podiatrist Kenneth R. Wilhelm, DPM of Clifton Foot & Ankle Center! Dr. Wilhelm has been caring for feet in Northern Virginia for close to 18 years, so he knows a thing or two about all the different ways you can love your feet. There…

Summer’s such an easy time to eat well: there are farmer’s markets all around Fairfax County where you can pick up fresh blueberries, yellow corn, leafy greens, big red bell peppers or small fiery green ones, and beans plucked from their bushes just this morning. These many-colored foods are a big part of the “healthy…

“Ugly! Ugly, giant bags of mostly water.” Those were the words of an alien life force when it got its first glimpse of a human in a 1988 episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Isn’t that just the greatest description of the human body? Well, the “ugly” part is purely in the eye of the…

It can be pretty alarming to look down and see that your feet are puffed up like balloons. Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm of Clifton Foot & Ankle Center spells out some of the reasons behind swollen feet and ankles and what you can do about them. Why your feet are swollen When body tissues retain water, they swell up. You might…

If you’re a runner, no doubt you’ve become pretty familiar with having regular aches and pains in various parts of your body. Lifting yourself out of a chair after a long run? – Ouch! Climbing the stairs post-race? – Puh-lease! Muscle soreness is expected. But if pain and soreness linger in your feet or ankles,…

What if you could use your own blood to eliminate pain and promote healing? You can! Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm of Clifton Foot & Ankle Center uses an innovative, non-surgical method to treat our patients’ foot and ankle injuries – using the patient’s own blood. It’s called Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. Dr. Wilhelm uses it to relieve pain and…

Flip-flops: they’re easy to slip on, pretty cheap to buy, and they come in all kinds of patterns. If you want a flip-flop decorated with a selfie-stick wielding gorilla, it’s out there (yes – seriously). Plaid ones, flying pig ones, and those emblazoned on the bottoms with a personal message that you leave in the…

If someone in your family has diabetes, in many ways it’s your disease, too. Whether it’s your child dealing with the daily insulin injections that characterize Type 1 diabetes or a spouse who has to watch what they eat, you are involved with their health care in more ways than you might realize. Your loved one…

Parents: if there was something that you could give your children that would make them… a). improve their school attendance b). perform better in school c). improve their behavior …would it make you stand up and say “I’ll take some of that!”? Well, researchers at the Department of Health and Human Services have determined that…

Heel pain is one of the most common complaints of our patients here at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center. They report that little by little, a small ache in their heel gradually gets worse, spreading to the arch of their foot, and pretty quickly making it very hard to stand or walk. Getting out of bed…

Conquering Foot Defects in Babies Moms and Dads count their newborn baby’s fingers and toes for a reason: after nine months of worrying about the baby’s health, this compulsive counting is an equation of relief: 10 fingers + 10 toes = Whew! My baby’s okay. Sometimes, there’s something that doesn’t quite add up with your…

Rare is the person under age 40 or so who complains about their aching joints. Joints move so smoothly and effortlessly when you’re young! The risk of osteoarthritis increases greatly with age, all because the protective cartilage that surrounds them gets worn out. Thinned cartilage causes joints to become stiff and creaky. Their range of…

May is Melanoma Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to think about the ways skin cancer can affect our feet. Feet don’t usually come to mind when we consider the places cancer strikes – and yet, our feet are highly susceptible to melanoma and other forms of skin cancer. Types of skin cancer on the feet The…

Arthritis is a disease that can affect any joint in your body. Wrists, fingers, knees, and shoulders are typically affected, as well as feet. Each of your feet has 33 joints and any of them can be stricken with the pain and swelling of arthritis. During this month of May, which is Arthritis Awareness Month, let’s…

It’s just a fact – anyone who plays a sport can get injured, no matter how cautious they are. Balls smash into heads and cause concussions. Players trip and fall or crash into each other and somebody’s arm snaps in two. Knees twist around too far and ligaments rip apart. It’s brutal out there. Feet…

Going to the salon for a pedicure can be a fun and relaxing experience, as long as you know that the shop is clean. When you do visit a nail salon, make sure that they sanitize their tools and foot basins and keep their licensing up to date (check the walls for posted licenses). But…

Foot deformities are pretty commonplace as we get older. In fact, more than 25% of adults aged 18-65 suffer from the deformity we call hallux valgus – in common terms, a bunion. When you look at the population over age 65, that percentage jumps to about 36%. Getting a bunion may not be entirely preventable. Medical experts agree…

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that many diabetics will suffer at some point during the course of their disease. Even if you’re doing an excellent job of maintaining proper blood glucose levels, the unfortunate truth is that neuropathy is most likely going to catch up with you. The longer you’ve had diabetes, the greater your risk…

Stop what you’re doing for just a second and make a mental note of the effects of pregnancy on most women. Close your eyes aaaand….go! Okay – you probably came up with fatigue and morning sickness, maybe general nausea for the first three months. Growing belly. Good appetite. Moodiness. What else? How about foot pain?…

It’s spring and the temperatures in our D.C. area are steadily climbing. What a great time of year to get out and do a bit of climbing yourself. There are some beautiful hiking trails in our Centreville, Virginia area and some compelling reasons to get out and walk them. Hiking can Give you a break…

All of us at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center are concerned about your overall health and that’s why we’re letting you know that March is National Nutrition Month. Eating well and getting the right nutrients isn’t as hard as you might think. In fact, it can be fun. If you follow these methods for eating healthily, it’ll…

The word “chronic” refers to something that’s persistent and ongoing. Wordsmiths and other lovers of language might note that “chronic” comes from the Greek word “chronos,” meaning “time.” Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm of Clifton Foot & Ankle Center in Centreville, VA notes that over time, that ankle that’s been constantly bothering you can really interfere with your daily activities….

It’s pretty safe to say that nobody cares too much for a smelly foot. What’s a mom to do when her teenager comes home, whips off their shoes, and the molecules of death hit the air? What can a caring spouse say when she opens the master bedroom closet and is assaulted by her beloved’s…

If you saw a mouse scurrying across your kitchen counter, you’d probably take some steps to get rid of it. You could set a trap. You could call an exterminator. Call your neighbor for help (could be faster than the exterminator). Get a cat. These are all reasonable things to do. What you probably wouldn’t…

“Morton’s neuroma” – it sounds a little other-worldly, like a new series on the Syfy Channel or a Star Trek movie. “Captain, we’re being hailed by an enemy vessel – Morton’s Neuroma invading, portside!” Well, no need to take battle stations if we tell you that you’ve got it. Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of nerves in…

Even though the Atlanta Falcons couldn’t hang on to their halftime lead in Super Bowl LI, they made some amazing plays that we won’t easily forget. How about wide receiver Julio Jones? – he looked like he was defying the laws of physics when he caught the ball and landed just within bounds, gripping the…

During the winter, a lot of the vibrant colors we see in the supermarket during the spring and summer months are no longer there. There are a lot of fruits and vegetables that are available, but it may not be the best season to enjoy them. Here is a guide for eating healthy foods during…

Your shoes can tell a lot about your feet. And your feet are connected to the rest of your body, so actually your feet can tell you a lot about your gait, potential body issues, and body structure. Using the information that your shoes give you, is a great way to learn about which shoes…

Bunions affect millions of people a year. Bunions are formed when your big toe is slowly pushed away from your other toes causing bone misalignment. Having bunions makes it difficult to find properly fitting shoes which can cause other issues in your feet. Bunions can also be very painful if they’re not treated early. Here…

Shin splints usually occur when you’re pushing yourself too hard and overusing your legs. If you have shin splints, it may also be a sign that some other part of your legs or body is weaker than it should be.  The shins end up doing more work than they should causing pain that takes over…

Most basic foot issues can easily be fixed for the general population, but if you have diabetes, something even as minor as dry skin can cause you extra pain (and footache!) Here are a few common issues for diabetics to watch out for. Neuropathy – Diabetic neuropathy is when your nerves are damaged by the high…

Sometimes our lower leg (calves and shins) feel pain or achiness for reasons that aren’t obvious. What are some of the most common reasons for lower leg pain? Injury – One of the most obvious reasons for lower leg pain is injury. Whether it’s minor or major, get evaluated by a doctor right away to make…

A lot us start the new year wanting to be healthier, slimmer, more fit, etc. for the new year! But be careful making gradual and truly healthy changes so that you don’t end up injuring or harming yourself. Here are a few healthy resolutions that will help you achieve your goals more easily. For Diabetes:…

Your joints can be stiff during this time of year for many reasons – arthritis, gout, bursitis, infections, unhealed injuries or even medication. Here are a few ways you can loosen your joints gently and safely so that you can ease some of your discomfort. Start Walking – If you have stiff ankles or feet, one…

There are two types of flat feet; flexible and inflexible. If your feet are flat when you are sitting, but form an arch when you step, you have flexible flat feet.  If your feet stay flat even when you step, you have inflexible flat feet. Flat feet are not usually dangerous, but it’s a good…

If you need any type of foot/ankle correction or surgery, the winter (or when you are least mobile) can be a great time to schedule your treatment.  If you have any existing injuries such as an ankle sprain, fractured toe, etc., this article can also be helpful! Get comfortable – If you’re planning on healing quickly,…

Seeing family during the holidays are the best, but flying might not be the most pleasant especially if you tend to get swollen or bloated ankles/feet. Here are a few things you can do to prevent your ankles from blowing up on long flights. Drink Water – It may sound counter intuitive to drink water when…

If you have gotten injured and your doctor recommends that you stay off of your feet, please listen. However, if you’re allowed to resume some moderate exercising but aren’t sure where to start, this is a list of modified exercises you can do to stay healthy while you heal. Swimming NOT Running – If you are…

Your feet take a lot of abuse throughout the day, and they are probably very under appreciated.  If you choose the right shoes to wear, you can help keep your feet protected from over use and injury. Here are some of the best reasons to wear shoes that actually fit correctly and feel comfortable. Bone…

Tingling in our extremities can happen from something as simple as momentary lack of blood flow. However, constant tingling can mean something much more serious. Here are a few medical reasons for why your legs and feet might be tingling. Diabetes: Diabetes is one of the leading causes of random tingling or numbness in your…

Now that the weather is colder, it may be a little more difficult to get your exercise in if you’re used to exercising outside. But don’t worry, there’s many ways you can keep in shape without stepping out of your house! Here are a few ways you can maintain your fitness while the weather is…

A cyst is a sac filled with fluid that emerges from your tendon sheath or your joint capsule. Cysts can appear anywhere on your body and it’s not uncommon for cysts to pop up on your foot and ankle. Most of the time it’s nothing to worry about and it will go away on its own, but…

These days it’s common to see kids glued to a screen instead of running around outside. Videos and games have replaced outdoor exploration and simple social games. Kids are showing higher rates of obesity and other health issues. Also, being active isn’t just physically healthy, it’s also mentally healthy as well. Here’s a few things…

If you have a lot of foot pain, there are many things you can try to do. You can rest and put your feet up or massage out the aches. You can also try Yoga specifically for your feet. Here are a few poses and exercises to try to help strengthen and alleviate pain. Toe…

A dog is a man’s best friend for many reasons – they are lovable and loyal but they can also keep you healthy. Here are a few ways dogs help keep you healthy! Extra Exercise – Dogs need to be walked on average at least twice a day for 15 minutes each. Some dogs are more…

Some people love shoe shopping and have a closet full of shoes. Others only have a pair of sneakers and possibly a pair of dress shoes. Whether you’re a shoe fanatic or not, it’s still important to have the right shoes for the right activity. Here’s a guide to help you decide which shoes are…

It’s almost physically impossible for you to have two feet that are the same size. Everyone favors one side or the other and one foot is always slightly larger than the other. For some people the difference is large enough that it can actually become a pain to figure out how to get shoes to…

Our feet do so much – they let us stand, walk, run, and move from one place to another. When they are sore, we rest them and they’re usually back to normal the next day. Here is a short lesson on the anatomy of our foot so we can better understand how to protect our…

Now that it’s the beginning of the school year, it’s a great excuse for a fresh start (even if you’re not on the school cycle!) Resetting your body and getting back to the healthiest you can mean that you feel better both mentally and physically. If you haven’t been working out at all during the…

Gymnastics is a very popular sport – especially in the US. When it’s Olympics season, the interest is even more apparent. From the Magnificent Seven to the Fierce Five and now the Final Five, gymnastics has always been a great representation of US athletics at its best. When Simone Biles stepped onto the Olympic stage…

Although children may seem like they’re unbreakable, with infinite amounts of energy, it’s actually quite common for them to have heel pain every now and then. Usually it’s not serious and will eventually go away on its own, but even so – it’s a good idea to get it checked out just in case it…