Posts for category: Foot Conditions

- Pain that occurs immediately after an injury or accident
- Pain that is directly above a bone
- Pain that is worse with movement
- Bruising and severe swelling
- A cracking sound at the moment of injury
- A visible deformity or bump
- Can’t put weight on the injured foot
The symptoms of a sprain are far less severe. You can often put weight on the injured foot with a sprain; however, you may notice some slight pain and stiffness. You may also have heard a popping sound at the moment of the injury with a sprain, while a broken bone often produces a cracking sound. The pain associated with a sprain will also be above soft tissue rather than bone. A podiatrist will perform an X-ray to be able to determine if you are dealing with a break or a sprain.
Rest is key to allowing an injury, particularly a fracture, to heal properly. Along with rest, your doctor may also recommend either an over-the-counter or prescription-strength pain reliever, depending on the severity of your fracture. Those with more moderate to severe fractures may require a special boot, brace, or splint. Those with more severe fractures may need to wear a cast and use crutches, so they can avoid putting any weight on the foot.
Home care may be enough to ease symptoms, but sometimes you simply need to see a podiatrist.
An ingrown toenail typically affects the big toe, causing the toenail to curve down into the skin. This can lead to swelling, redness and pain, and if the skin breaks open this can also leave you prone to infection. Luckily, there are many ways in which you can treat an ingrown toenail at home; however, there are many reasons to visit our Fairfax, VA, podiatrists Dr. Steven Vetter and Dr. Jugal Dharia for treatment. If you have numbness or nerve damage in your feet, issues with circulation or diabetes, you should see our foot doctors right away.
I have an ingrown toenail. Now what?
If you are an otherwise healthy individual you may try home care before turning to our podiatrists here in Fairfax, VA. You may wish to ease your pain and discomfort by soaking the affected foot in warm water or by taking an anti-inflammatory. While the toenail is trying to grow in properly, you’ll want to avoid any shoes that bunch up your toes or put pressure on the toenails. Whenever possible, go barefoot or wear open-toed shoes, to give your feet a breather from being in shoes all the time.
How do I prevent an ingrown toenail?
If this isn’t the first time that you’ve had an ingrown toenail you may be wondering what you can do to prevent one from happening in the future. Here are some tips to follow,
- Wear protective footwear to protect against toenail injuries
- Wear shoes that allow your toes enough space to wiggle and move freely
- Trim nails straight across, never at an angle
- Keep the nails level with the tips of your toes (trimming nails too short can lead to ingrown toenails)
When should I seek medical attention?
If you suspect that you might have an infected ingrown toenail (e.g. pus, severe pain and worsening redness) then you should call our doctors right away for care. Also, if you find home remedies just aren’t giving you the relief you need, we can help.
If you are dealing with a painful ingrown toenail our Fairfax, VA, podiatrists can provide you with the treatment you need. Call Oakton Foot and Ankle Center today at (703) 352-8888 to schedule an appointment with us.

- You experience pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the joints of the foot, particularly the toes
- You experience aching feet, particularly after activity or long periods of standing
- Some parts of your foot may feel oddly warm to the touch or may emanate heat while the rest of the foot feels normal
- The joints of the toes and ankles may swell
What does RA do to the feet and ankles?
Along with painful joints and stiffness, you may also notice other changes to your feet over time. Some of these changes include,
- Bunions
- Corns
- Hammertoes and claw toes
- Bursitis
- Circulation issues (e.g. atherosclerosis; Raynaud’s phenomena)
Since RA is not curable, your podiatrist will focus on crafting a treatment plan that will help to alleviate your symptoms and slow the progression of the disease to prevent severe and irreparable joint damage. Prescription medications known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are biologics that can reduce inflammation and prevent the progression of the disease.
Of course, there are also lifestyle changes you can make along with taking prescription medication that can also ease symptoms,
- Warm soaks
- Custom insoles or orthotics
- Pain relievers
- Compression
- Stretching exercises for the feet
- Bracing
- Steroid injections (for targeting severe inflammation)
Most people with RA will eventually develop foot and ankle problems, which is why it’s important to have a podiatrist on your team that can help you manage your RA effectively.

Wear Appropriate Footwear
Consider Shoe Inserts
Apply Protective Padding
Practice Pain Management
Do I need surgery for a hammertoe?
If you are dealing with hammertoes or other foot problems, you must have a podiatrist that you can turn to for regular and immediate care.