Podiatric surgery is performed by board certified foot surgeons who specialize in surgery of the feet and ankles. An expert podiatrist can diagnose the cause of your foot pain and determine whether surgical intervention may be helpful for you based on factors such as type of procedure being performed, your age and medical history.

Family Foot and Ankle Centers offers a variety of surgical procedures aimed to solve your lower extremity pains and deformities. Foot surgery is performed to treat many foot problems including:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Fractures
• Heel pain
• Neuromas
• Flatfoot
• Warts
• Nail problems

Surgical treatment for foot and ankle problems can help you return to your active lifestyle while relieving pain and discomfort.  Benefits of surgery include:

• Resolution of painful, chronic foot problems
• Increased mobility and ability to perform and participate in everyday activities
• Improved foot appearance
• Ability to wear a broader range of footwear and walk more comfortably

Following surgery, your podiatrist will provide you with detailed instructions on caring for your foot/feet during recovery.  Your podiatrist will work with you to ensure the foot heals normally and without complications for the best possible outcome.

When your feet hurt, your entire body hurts. At Family Foot and Ankle Centers, we do everything possible to get you back on your feet with the latest conservative treatments to resolve your problem without surgical intervention. And when conservative methods aren’t responsive, we can provide the highest quality of expert care for all foot and ankle conditions using the most current surgical techniques for shorter recovery times and an enhanced outcome.

Characterized by a large, unsightly bump on the side of the big toe joint, bunions signal an underlying deformity in the structure of the foot. Left untreated, bunions may become progressively worse, causing severe discomfort, difficulty walking, redness and swelling.

Treatment options vary with the severity of each bunion. Identifying the deformity early in its development is important in avoiding surgery. Common conservative treatments include rest, ice, padding, orthotics and footwear modifications.  Many times a combination of these simple lifestyle changes and non-surgical approaches are enough to relieve the pain and stop the progression of the bunion, although these treatments won’t reverse the actual deformity.

When non-surgical treatments fail to relieve your pain or your bunion is interfering with normal, daily activities, Family Foot and Ankle Centersmay recommend a bunionectomy, which involves the surgical removal of a bunion to reduce pressure and repair the joint. There are a variety of surgical procedures available to treat bunions. The goal of surgery is to correct the deformity by realigning the toe by removing the bony bump and restoring normal, pain-free function.  

When you should consider bunion surgery from your podiatrist:

• Nonsurgical, conservative treatment has failed to relieve your bunion pain
• Walking or performing normal, everyday tasks is difficult and painful
• The simple act of wearing shoes causes pain
• Your big toe joint is constantly swollen

Your age and health may also determine your candidacy for bunion surgery. Your podiatrist will work with you to determine the best treatment for your individual needs. The podiatric professionals at Family Foot and Ankle Centers have received advanced training in the surgical removal of bunions, relieving the pain and helping patients return to the activities they enjoy.

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation, commonly referred to as R.I.C.E., is the first and best treatment for minor injuries. The following tips can aid in the early treatment of common foot and ankle injuries to help reduce swelling and control the inflammatory process during the initial phase of injury.

Rest.   Whether you have a strain or a sprain, rest from any physical activity is essential to protecting your injured ligaments, tendons or muscles from further damage while your body starts the repair process.  Avoid putting weight on the injured foot or ankle as much as possible. In some cases, complete immobilization may be required.

Ice.  Gently ice your foot or ankle with ice wrapped in a towel in a 20-minute-on, 40-minute-off cycle for the first few days post-injury. Ice is excellent at reducing inflammation and pain. 

Compression. Applying some type of compressive wrap or bandage to an injured area can greatly reduce the amount of initial swelling.

Elevation.  Prop your foot up while lying down or sitting so that it is higher than or equal to the level of the heart.

After a few days of R.I.C.E., many acute injuries will begin to heal. If pain or swelling does not subside after a few days or if you are unsure of the severity of your injury, make an appointment with your Fairfax podiatrist.   A skilled podiatrist can properly diagnose your injury and recommend the best course of treatment.

If you’re a runner, then you know that your shoes are an integral piece of equipment when it comes to comfort, performance and injury prevention.  Your foot type and function will determine which type of running shoe will be best for your unique needs and training regimen. A shoe must properly fit the shape and design of your foot before you can train in it comfortably.

There are several factors to consider when searching for a new running shoe. These may include:

• Foot structure
• Foot function
• Body type
• Existing foot problems
• Biomechanical needs
• Training regimen
• Environmental factors
• Previously worn running shoe

Failing to replace old, worn shoes is a major cause of running injuries, as old shoes gradually lose their stability and shock absorption capacity. The typical lifespan of a pair of running shoes is approximately 500 miles. It’s important to keep track of their mileage to avoid overuse.

Helpful tips for choosing your shoes include:

• Go to a reputable shoe store that specializes in running footwear
• Bring your old/current running shoes with you
• Know your foot type, shape as well as any problems you’ve previously experienced
• Have your feet measured
• Wear the same socks you wear when training
• Try on both shoes, and give them a test run

If you’re a beginning runner and just starting your training regimen, then it’s a good idea to visit Family Foot and Ankle Centers for an evaluation. Your podiatrist will examine your feet, identify potential problems, and discuss the best running shoes for your foot structure and type.Seasoned runners should also visit their Fairfax podiatrist periodically to check for potential injuries.

Don’t allow poor shoes choices derail your training program and jeopardize your running goals.  A proper-fitting running shoe is an invaluable training tool that allows you to perform your best without injury or pain. The correct footwear, in combination with a proper training routine and professional attention from a skilled Fairfax podiatrist is the key to minimizing faulty foot mechanicsand maximizing your performance.

But before jumping into a rigorous workout or fitness program that involves running, you may want to give your feet some extra attention, starting with a trip to your Fairfax podiatrist. A professional podiatrist can properly examine your feet, detect potential problems, and provide tips for injury-free training and shoe selection.

Beginning runners are not the only ones who should see a podiatrist. Frequent runners should also pay their podiatrist a visit from time to time to check for any stress on the lower extremities brought on by repetitive force.

Common injuries experienced by runners include plantar fasciitis, heel spurts, Achilles tendon and stress fractures.

Helpful Tips for Preventing Injury

In addition to visiting Family Foot and Ankle Centers, you can also prevent injuries that commonly occur during training and running by stretching properly, choosing appropriate footwear and paying attention to pain or signs of an injury. 

• Stretch

To prevent injury to your lower extremities, it’s important to stretch carefully before beginning any workout regimen. When muscles are properly warmed up and stretched, the risk for injury is greatly reduced. Appropriate stretches include stretching of the hamstring and wall push-ups.

• Choose Proper Footwear

The type of shoe you should wear also plays an important role in your ability to run without pain and with optimal performance. The shoe that your foot requires will depend on your foot structure and function, your body type, and the type of running or workout regimen. Your podiatrist may also prescribe an orthotic, or shoe insert, to alleviate any foot pain or anomalies.

• Be Mindful of Injuries

Even with proper footwear and stretching, not all foot problems can be prevented. Whenever you experience pain, stop whatever workout you are doing and rest. As pain subsides, gradually increase exercise with caution.  When pain persists, visit Family Foot and Ankle Centers for a proper evaluation.

New joggers and seasoned runners alike should take the necessary steps to avoid injury to the lower limbs. Consult with your Fairfax podiatrist before start any new workout, and always seek professional care when pain or injury occurs.

This foot injury is particularly common among athletes who play on artificial turf, hence the name “turf” toe. When athletes play sports on turf or other hard surfaces, the foot can stick to the ground, resulting in jamming of the big toe joint.  Typically with turf toe the injury is sudden, but it can also occur after sustaining multiple injuries, such as pushing off repeatedly when running or jumping.  

Symptoms of turf toe range from mild to severe, and may gradually worsen with continued movement. The most common symptoms of turf toe include:

• Swelling and pain at the joint of the big toe
• Pain and tenderness when bending the toe
• Stiffness and limited movement of the big toe joint

If your symptoms are indicative of turf toe, then you may be able to relieve the pain and swelling with the following self-treatment. 

• Ice the injury
• Apply a compression bandage
• Rest and temporarily discontinue any physical activity
• Wear a brace to protect the toe and to limit bending

For more severe cases of turf toe, visit Family Foot and Ankle Centers for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. A Fairfax podiatrist can easily diagnose turf toe through an evaluation that includes range of motion and joint stability tests. 

Professional treatment may include exercises to strengthen the toe, modified footwear or splinting. With proper treatment you can eliminate pain resulting from turf toe and regain your full range of motion in order to return to your favorite sport or activity.

If you’re an athlete, many sport-related injuries develop from poor biomechanics of the foot. Athletes with poor foot mechanics are more prone to sustaining lower extremity injuries.   As your body tries to compensate for any anomalies, your muscles, joints and tendons are placed under excessive stress.

It’s important that athletes visit their Fairfax podiatrist for athorough assessment of their biomechanics at the first sign of a problem or pain, including footdiscomfort, poor balance, or unexplained corns and calluses. An assessment of your low limbs will help identify what happens in your legs and feet when you walk, stand and run.   A professional evaluation is critical for successful prevention and treatment of any injury or condition. 

Many sport injuries can be traced back to biomechanical problems including:

• Sprained ankles
• Back pain
• Hip pain
• Shin splints
• Calluses and corns
• Plantar fasciitis

Once Main St Fairfax, VA has identified the problem and cause of your pain, a tailor made treatment plan can be created to restore your lower extremities and feet back to their normal function, thus improving your game. Treatment may involve one or more of the following:

• Exercises and therapy to stretch or strengthen muscles
• Orthotic devices that are worn inside the shoe to control, realign or cushion the abnormalities, thus reducing discomfort
• Footwear modifications

Don’t let poor foot biomechanics compromise your game. Whether you are a full-time athlete or the weekend warrior, your podiatrist can help you return to your favorite sport activity. Not only will performance improve, but injuries will also be significantly reduced with proper treatment.

Since your entire body is interrelated, any mechanical issues with the feet can lead to chronic musculoskeletal problems in other parts of the body, including your back.   

One common foot disorder affecting the back is excessive pronation. Also known as flat feet, this condition causes the foot’s arch to flatten and collapse under the body’s weight. While a normal arch promotes stability and alignment of the entire body, the ability to cushion and absorb forces is greatly reduced when the arch is collapsed. As a result, increased stress is placed on the joints of the body. This continued stress can cause deformities of the foot over time, such as misaligned bones, hammertoes and bunions, eventually making its way to the legs, knees and lower back.

If you suffer from chronic back pain, visit Family Foot and Ankle Centers for an evaluation.  Your feet may be the source of your pain.   If your back pain is caused by poor biomechanics of the feet, orthotics may be an effective treatment option.  These custom devices are designed to support and restore the arch of your foot.  Restoring the normal alignment of the foot helps normalize the posture and alignment of the lower body. This can reduce unnecessary stress to areas of your back.  

The shoes you are wearing may also be contributing to your back pain.  Good, proper fitting footwear will provide your feet with the support they need to stabilize your body’s weight and relieve the stress on the rest of your body.

If you suffer from back pain, visit your Fairfax podiatrist for an evaluation.  Your feet may be causing your pain. With proper treatment, you can achieve proper foot biomechanics and eliminate your back pain once and for all.

Your ankle or leg may feel stiff, especially if treatment required wearing a cast or a walking boot. Stiffness and instability are common symptoms following an ankle injury that will need to be addressed in order to get you back to your normal range of motion and activity level.

Your Fairfax podiatrist may recommend post-injury physical therapy or home exercises that will help you strengthen weak muscles surrounding the ankle joint and restore mobility to lower your risk of re-injury.  These series of stretches and exercises include range of motion exercises for the injured ankle and stretching exercises for the calf muscles.

Range of motion exercises help loosen stiff ankles while helping you regain any motion that was lost during the healing process.  It’s also important to keep your muscles flexible by stretching, especially prior to any workout or physical activity to decrease the risk of re-injury. As with all exercises, progress slowly and discontinue if painful.

The shoes you wear will also play an important role in protecting your injured ankle and restoring your mobility.  Supportive shoes will provide more comfort, better balance and help stabilize the weak ankle to prevent re-injury. 

Proper care and rehabilitation following an ankle injury is critical to ensure your ankle fully heals. Always consult Family Foot and Ankle Centers if ankle pain or stiffness persists or worsens, and before starting any new exercise program.

If you have chronic ankle instability, you may find it difficult to walk on uneven surfaces. Other symptoms include a repeated turning of the ankle during physical activity, tenderness, and persistent discomfort and swelling.

Treatment for an unstable ankle will depend on the degree of instability.  Bracing, medications and physical therapy are all conservative treatment options that may help strengthen your weakened ankle.  Often patients with ankle instability can be treated without surgery by strengthening the muscles that control the ankle joint; avoiding and or limiting high impact activities; and using a supportive brace to decrease the risk of recurrent ankle sprains.

In severe cases or when conservative treatments aren’t successful, your podiatrist may recommend surgery, which involves repair or reconstruction of the damaged ligaments.

If your ankle feels unstable or if you have had recurring ankle sprains, visit Main St Fairfax, VA for an evaluation.  Left untreated, chronic ankle instability leads to activity restrictions, tendon complications, arthritis and continued instability.  Our Fairfax podiatrists can provide a recommended treatment plan based on the severity of your instability so that you can get back to the activities you enjoy.

Types of Shoes

There are unique variations in the way different athletic shoes support your feet.  This means that it’s not good to play football in the same shoes you use for jogging. Your feet require different support for different activities and movement.

A good sports shoe should be fitted to support the foot in position that is most natural to the movement required.  For instance, a running shoe is designed to accommodate high impact while a shoe built for tennis or basketball provides a combination of flexibility and sideways support.

Out with the Old

Like most things, your athletic shoes will wear out after a period of time. An old, worn out shoe is a common cause of sport-related injuries.  If you run, track your mileage to determine when your shoes have endured too much activity, and when you notice obvious wearing of the soles or you sense a lack of cushioning from the shoes, it may be time to buy a new pair.

Remember, the best pair of athletic footwear doesn’t have to be expensive to support the needs of your feet and body during a workout.  There are numerous shoes available that will fit both your needs and your budget. When you’re feet are protected by the right footwear, you can reduce the likelihood of injury.  Visit our Fairfax office for an evaluation and shoe recommendations.

 

It is especially important to stretch properly before starting any exercise routine. When muscles are warmed up prior to a workout, the strain on muscles, tendons and joints can be reduced and injuries avoided.  

Simple stretches include flexing your feet repeatedly while pointing your toes to help build strength in the foot muscles, or rotating your foot from side to side while you point your toes. Massaging the muscles in your feet with your hands is another helpful way to promote circulation and relaxation.

Always allow at least 5-10 minutes to fully stretch your muscles, which should include a stretch/hold/relax pattern, without any pulling or bouncing.  Before beginning any new type of stretches, visit Main St Fairfax, VA first to make sure it’s safe for your particular foot pain. Here are just a few helpful stretches you can do at home to help lessen foot pain and improve foot health:

• Stretch for Calf Muscles.  Excessive tightness of the calf muscle can cause many foot problems. To stretch this muscle, face a wall from approximately 2-3 feet away. Lean into the wall, keeping heels on the floor and knees extended. Hold for 10 seconds as the calf muscle stretches, then relax. Do not bounce. Repeat five times.
• Stretch for Hamstring. Put your foot with knee straight on a chair or table. Keep the other leg on the floor straight with knee locked. Lower your head toward the knee on the chair or table until the muscles are tight. Hold to a count of 10 then relax. Repeat five times, and then switch to the other leg.
• ·Stretch for Plantar Fascia. This stretch for heel pain can be performed in the seated position. Cross your affected foot over the knee of your other leg. Grasp the toes of your painful foot and slowly pull them toward you. The fascia should feel like a tight band along the bottom of your foot when stretched. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds. Repeat it 20 times for each foot. This exercise is most effective when you first wake up, before standing or walking.

Stretching in combination with supportive footwear will help you keep your feet healthy and fit. So whether you’re gearing up to train for a marathon or simply looking to revitalize your feet after a long day at work, talk to your podiatrist at Family Foot and Ankle Centers about the best foot stretches for your individual needs.

Stress fractures are tiny, hairline breaks in the bones. They can occur in any bone, but most often afflict the weight-bearing bones of the lower leg and foot. Athletes are especially susceptible to stress fractures, as this common injury is often a problem of overuse.  It frequently results from overtraining and high impact sports, such as running, basketball and tennis.  People with abnormal foot structure or insufficient bone may also be more vulnerable to suffer a stress fracture.

Pain is the primary symptom of a stress fracture. In the early stages, the pain may begin toward the end of an activity and resolve with rest. Untreated, the pain will eventually become persistent with minimal activity.

The most common symptoms of stress fractures include:

• Pain with or following normal activity
• Pain at the site of the fracture
• Tenderness and swelling at a point on the bone
• Pain intensified with weight bearing

Rest, ice, compression and elevation are recommended as an initial treatment plan for stress fractures. You should also minimize all weight bearing activities until you have fully recovered. Other treatments may include immobilization of the foot, footwear modifications, orthotic devices and in some severe cases, surgery. Rest is the key to a full recovery, and returning too quickly to normal activity may result in more serious damage.

Overuse injuries and stress fractures aren’t completely unavoidable, but you can take extra care to help prevent stress fractures from occurring. Remember to increase any activity or training program slowly and gradually.  Wear supportive footwear with good cushioning to help manage the forces placed on your feet and legs during high impact activities.   If pain or swelling returns, stop the activity and rest for a few days.

Stress fractures come on gradually and may not present obvious symptoms at first, so it’s important to recognize the early warning signs to prevent further damage.  If you suspect a stress fracture, contact our Fairfax office right away for an evaluation. Proper diagnosis is essential to prevent further damage and improve recovery time as stress fractures tend to get worse and may even lead to a complete break if not treated right away. A podiatrist will examine your foot or ankle, take an x-ray to determine if there is a break or crack in the bone, and recommend an appropriate treatment plan for optimal recovery.

The feet of children grow and change rapidly during their first year, reaching almost half their adult foot size. Many changes in children’s feet are a natural part of development while others require attention and treatment from a professional. That’s why it’s important for parents to pay close attention to their child’s feet to ensure proper growth during every stage of development.  Family Foot and Ankle Centers provides expert care, diagnosis and treatment of ankle and foot disorders for children.

Here are some tips to help parents guide normal development for their child’s feet:

• For babies, avoid covering the feet too tightly as this restricts movement and can delay normal development.
• If your child participates in sports, choose sport-specific shoes that fit his or her feet properly
• Observe walking patterns. Does the child toe in or out; have bowlegs or knock-knees; limp or experience other gait abnormalities? These problems can be corrected if they are detected early.
• A child’s feet size changes rapidly, so check your child's shoe size often. Shoes should be supportive, well-cushioned and roomy.
• When applying sunscreen, remember to apply to the feet.
• Kids love the freedom of being shoeless, but walking barefoot may increase a child’s risk of infection, sprains or fractures.

Remember, your child doesn’t necessarily have to show signs of foot pain or discomfort for something to be abnormal.  A child’s feet are very pliable and can be deformed without the child recognizing the warning signs.  Carefully monitor your child’s feet. If you notice unusual symptoms, seek professional care immediately. Deformities will not be outgrown by themselves.  

Your child will depend on his or her feet for the rest of their life to get them where they need to go. Whenever you have questions about your child's foot health, contact Family Foot and Ankle Centers.  Any pain that lasts more than a few days, or that is severe enough to limit the child’s walking, should be evaluated by a professional.

• Follow a training schedule that is appropriate for your experience level
• Start easy and increase your mileage slowly
• Stretch and warm up properly to reduce strain on muscles, tendons and joints
• Choose appropriate footwear based on your foot structure, function, body type, running environment and training regimen
• Never ignore pain. If the pain gets worse with reduced exercise and rest, stop training and visit your podiatrist

Aside from stress fractures which often occur from overtraining, additional foot problems you may experience include:

• Toenail problems, including ingrown and fungus
• Heel pain, such as plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendon and calf pain
• Toe pain, such as bunions
• Shin splints

Before you start training, Family Foot and Ankle Centers recommends visiting a podiatrist for a complete evaluation of your lower extremities.  Our Fairfax office will examine your feet and identify potential problems, discuss training tactics, prescribe an orthotic device that fits into a running shoe (if needed), and recommend the best style of footwear for your feet to allow for injury free training all the way up to your race day. It is especially important to come in for an exam if you have already started training and are experiencing foot or ankle pain.  

Training for a marathon is hard work. It takes time and dedication.  At Family Foot and Ankle Centers, we offer special interest and expertise working with marathoners to ensure good foot health throughout your entire training program to help you achieve your goals.

When the tendon is stretched beyond its normal capacity, a complete or partial tear may occur. Most Achilles tendon ruptures occur as a result of sport-related injuries when forceful jumping or sudden accelerations of running overstretch the tendon and cause a tear. Individuals with Achilles tendinitis -- weak and inflamed tendons -- are also more susceptible to tendon tears.

Signs of a torn Achilles tendon include:

• Sudden, sharp pain in the back of the ankle and lower leg
• Snapping or popping sensation at the time of the injury
• Swelling down the back side of the leg or near the heel
• Difficulty walking or rising up on the toes

The best treatment for a torn Achilles tendon is prevention. Avoiding this injury could save yourself months of rehab and extended time away from your game. Help prevent injury to your Achilles tendon by:

• stretching your calf muscles regularly
• limiting hill-running and jumping activities that place excess stress on the Achilles tendons
• resting during exercise when you experience pain
• maintaining a healthy weight
• alternating high impact sports, such as running with low impact sports, such as walking or biking
• wearing appropriate, supportive shoes with proper heel cushioning

If you suspect a ruptured Achilles tendon, visit Main St Fairfax, VA as soon as possible. Until you can seek professional care, avoid walking on the injured tendon and keep it elevated. Ice the affected area to reduce pain and swelling and if possible, wrap the injured foot and ankle. For partial tears, swelling and pain may be less severe, but prompt treatment should still be administered.

Treatment for an Achilles tendon rupture can be surgical or non-surgical. Surgery to reattach the tendon is generally recommended, followed by rehabilitation, especially for individuals who want to return to recreational sports. Family Foot and Ankle Centers can evaluate the severity of your tear and suggest the best treatment plan. With proper care, most people return to their former level of performance within six months.

When it comes to exercise, your feet are one of the most overlooked parts of the body, enduring tremendous strain and stress during a hard workout. It's no surprise that an athlete's foot and ankle are prime candidates for injuries. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), poor foot care during physical activity is a contributing factor to some of the more than 300 foot ailments.

The following tips may help prevent foot and ankle injuries to keep you in the game.

Get a check-up

Visit Family Foot and Ankle Centers and your regular physician before starting any sport or fitness activity. This should include a complete foot and physical exam. During a foot exam, a podiatrist can identify whether your previously injured ankle is vulnerable to sprains, and recommend supportive ankle braces for increased stability.

Pre-workout warm up and stretch

Jogging before a competition or workout can help reduce the risk for foot and ankle injuries by warming up muscles, ligaments and blood vessels. Proper stretching before beginning a workout is also important. When muscles are properly stretched, the strain on joints, tendons and muscles is greatly reduced.

Treat foot and ankle injuries immediately

It's possible to injure bones in the foot or ankle without knowing it. What may seem like a sprain at the time may actually be a fracture. See a podiatrist at the first onset of ankle pain. The sooner you start treatment, the better your chance of preventing long-term problems like instability, and the sooner you can get back in the game.

Wear shoes specific to your sport

Different fitness programs require different footwear. Wearing the appropriate type of athletic shoe for your unique foot type and needs can help prevent foot problems while keeping you at your best performance. Remember to replace old, worn shoes in order to ensure optimal stability and support.

Pay attention to what your feet are telling you and remember to rest and consult our Fairfax office when you first notice pain. Exercising is a great way to stay energized and fit, but if you're neglecting the health of your feet, you may be setting yourself up for serious injury.

After extensive research and new advances in podiatric technology, there are now faster and more accurate ways to asses a patient's feet and administer the most appropriate treatment. In fact, many foot problems can be treated most effectively by addressing their mechanical function, and at Family Foot and Ankle Centers we offer our new Computerized Gait Analysis technology that helps us identify biomechanical faults faster and more accurately than ever.

Assessing Your Gait

Our Computerized Gait Analysis is an advanced method used to assess the way an individual walks or runs to highlight biomechanical abnormalities. While many of these common problems are treatable with modern medicine, assessing motion, and more specifically how you walk, has always been limited until the recent development of the Computerized Gait Analysis.

The Procedure

A Computerized Gait Analysis uses pressure mapping technology to identify pressure points in the feet as a patient walks or runs. Dr/s. can observe and analyze the way an individual moves, looking in particular at the feet, ankles, knees and hips to determine the problem. This can then be relayed to a computer screen where slow motion and freeze frames can be used to carefully assess your running or walking style. By assessing the condition in the actual environment that causes that particular problem, we can actually identify what is happening while you walk and give you the best treatment for your condition based on this data.

By analyzing the mechanics of a patient's stance, postural alignment, and flexibility of the hips and back, recommendations can be made for orthotics, shoe modifications or a course of physical therapy designed to strengthen core muscles. Many times, with the right treatment, surgery can be avoided, thus diminishing the recovery time from a variety of injuries or disorders. With the new foot pressure measurement technology, our Fairfax office can identify foot abnormalities more accurately than ever before.

The good news is that a custom-made orthotic from Family Foot and Ankle Centers can relieve your chronic foot pain by supporting the bone structures of your feet, allowing these structures to work together properly. Orthotics help correct structural problems and conditions such as heel pain and plantar fasciitis; arch pain; pain related to diabetes or age; and many other foot pains related to bunions, sprains and other conditions.

State-of-the-Art Foot Scanners from Family Foot and Ankle Centers

Now when patients come into our Fairfax office, we can use our state-of-the-art foot scanner to provide a dynamic, biomechanic assessment of the foot. Our new foot scanning technology offers precise mapping of the contours of the feet, resulting in a more accurate orthotic fitting for each patient. The process is extremely fast and accurate, and using this advanced technology, we can create the most comfortable and suitable solution for the correction of your feet.

If you are experiencing foot pain or instability, visit Family Foot and Ankle Centers for a thorough biomechanical assessment. After an evaluation of your foot, we can use our advanced foot scanning system to manufacture the best orthotic specifically for you and your feet.

If your feet hurt, your entire body hurts. At Family Foot and Ankle Centers our goal is to design and fabricate the most effective custom orthotic devices to help relieve your pain and get you on the road to recovery!

The Procedure

Shockwave Therapy from our Fairfax office is a non-invasive surgical procedure that involves directing strong sounds waves to the affected area, penetrating the heel and stimulating a healing response by the body in the affected non-healing tissue. The sound waves break up the tissue, creating small tunnels through which new blood vessels can grow, and the increased blood supply allows the tissue to heal. The result is a reduction in inflammation and pain from the affected ligament.

The outpatient procedure performed in our Fairfax office is quick and safe. Patients experience a short recovery period, often with few or no side effects. Most patients notice pain relief instantly, but for others, the full results from a single treatment may be experienced within one to three months.

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy from Family Foot and Ankle Center:

- Reduces inflammation and stimulates a healing response in the injured tissue
- Fewer side effects compared to surgery
- Quick recovery time
- Risks associated with surgery and general anesthesia are eliminated

Contact our Fairfax office today to receive more information about Shockwave Therapy. Once we've assessed your condition, we can help you determine the most appropriate treatment for your plantar fasciitis- and this mean putting an end to your heel pain once and for all.