Items filtered by date: August 2025

Heel fat pad syndrome occurs when the thick, protective layer of fatty tissue beneath the heel becomes thinned, displaced, or inflamed. This heel fat pad, known as the corpus adiposum, normally cushions the heel bone and helps absorb the force of impact during walking or running. When the fat pad loses its elasticity or volume, it can no longer protect the heel effectively. This results in a deep, bruise-like pain in the center of the heel, especially when walking barefoot or on hard surfaces. Common causes include repetitive impact from sports, prolonged standing, walking on hard floors, gait abnormalities, and age-related tissue breakdown. Excess body weight and medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, may also contribute. The heel pain typically worsens with activity and improves with rest. A podiatrist can evaluate heel structure, identify fat pad atrophy through a physical exam or imaging, and recommend methods to reduce discomfort and protect the heel. If your heels hurt during everyday activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Akena Wannamaker, DPM of ASW Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

As people age, nails often become thicker, more brittle, and harder to trim. Limited flexibility, vision changes, and certain health conditions can make nail care difficult and increase the risk of problems such as ingrown toenails, fungal infections, or painful pressure spots. Podiatrists provide safe and effective nail care, ensuring nails are trimmed properly to reduce discomfort and prevent complications. They can also detect early signs of other foot issues, including skin changes, circulation problems, and pressure-related sores. Beyond nail care, podiatrists help older adults maintain mobility through regular foot evaluations, treatment of corns and calluses, and advice on proper footwear. Ongoing professional care can improve comfort, lower the risk of infection, and support independence. If you or a loved one has difficulty in managing toenail care or notices changes in foot health, it is suggested that you seek help from a podiatrist for expert guidance.

If you need your feet checked, contact Akena Wannamaker, DPM of ASW Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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

Traumatic foot injuries often involve sudden force, such as a fall, twist, or direct impact. These injuries may damage soft tissues like ligaments, tendons, and muscles, in addition to affecting bones and joints. Sprains, ruptured tendons, dislocations, and severe bruising are common examples. Unlike overuse injuries that develop gradually, traumatic injuries cause immediate pain and often lead to swelling, bruising, or an inability to bear weight. Because the foot contains many small bones and delicate structures, even a single injury can affect balance and mobility. Prompt treatment helps prevent long-term complications. A podiatrist can assess the severity, recommend imaging, if needed, and guide recovery through bracing or surgery, if required. If you have experienced a sudden injury and your foot remains painful or unstable, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a full evaluation and appropriate treatment plan.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Akena Wannamaker, DPM from ASW Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, especially between the toes. Despite the name, you do not need to be an athlete to develop it. Causes include exposure to moist environments, wearing damp socks or shoes, and walking barefoot in public places like locker rooms or pools. Symptoms include itching, burning, peeling skin, and sometimes blisters. Risk factors include sweaty feet, poor hygiene, and sharing footwear. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition and prescribe antifungal treatments, skin care advice, and ways to prevent recurrence. If you notice symptoms of this uncomfortable condition, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat athlete's foot. 

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Akena Wannamaker, DPM from ASW Foot and Ankle.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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