Chronic ankle instability is a condition characterized by a recurring “giving away” of the outer (lateral) side of the ankle.  This condition often develops after repeated ankle sprains.  Usually the “giving away” occurs while walking or doing other activities, but it can also happen when you’re just standing.  Many athletes, as well as others, suffer from chronic ankle instability.  People with chronic ankle instability often complain of:  A repeated turning of the ankle, especially on uneven surfaces or when participating in sports. Persistent (chronic) discomfort a ..read more

What is the Achilles Tendon? A tendon is a band of tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. The Achilles tendon, the longest tendon in the body, runs down the back of the lower leg and connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Also called the “heel cord,” the Achilles tendon facilitates walking by helping to raise the heel off the ground.   Achilles Tendonitis and Achilles Tendonosis Two common disorders that occur in the heel cord are Achilles tendonitis and Achilles tendonosis. Achilles tendonitis can also be spelled Achilles tendinitis.   Achilles tendonitis is an infla ..read more

What is Gout? Gout is a disorder that results from the build-up of uric acid in the tissues or a joint—most often the joint of the big toe.  An attack of gout can be miserable, marked by the following symptoms: Intense pain that comes on suddenly—often in the middle of the night or upon arising. Redness, swelling, and warmth over the joint—all of which are signs of inflammation. What Causes Gout? Gout attacks are caused by deposits of crystallized uric acid in the joint.  Uric acid is present in the blood and eliminated in the urine, but in people who have gout, uric acid accumulat ..read more

When your toes start feeling numb, it's understandable to ask yourself, "My toes are numb - should I be worried?" This sensation can be disconcerting, but knowing why it might be happening can guide you towards the right course of action. Here’s an expanded look at the common causes of toe numbness and advice for those experiencing these symptoms- Nerve Damage: When diabetes leads to consistently high blood sugar levels, it can harm the nerves in your feet, a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. This damage impairs the nerves' ability to transmit signals, often resulting in numbness in you ..read more

We are thrilled to announce that three of our doctors, Steven K. Neufeld, M.D., Daniel J. Cuttica, D.O., and Arthur W. Black, D.P.M., have been named in have been named in Northern Virginia Magazine's Top Doctors of 2024 for another consecutuve year!  At The Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Center, we are committed to providing the highest quality care to our patients. We are honored to have such accomplished and skilled doctors on our team and are thrilled that their expertise and dedication have been recognized by Northern Virginia Magazine. Drs. Neufeld, Cuttica, and Bl ..read more

Ankle Sprain: How and What? Ankle sprains are one of the most common orthopaedic injuries. They occur when the ankle is rolled to the inside often after the person steps on uneven terrain or lands awkwardly from a height. Sports such as basketball and volleyball are "high-risk" activities for ankle sprains Not everyone has the same risk for suffering an ankle sprain. Individuals with loose joints, high arched feet, and a past history of sprains are at higher risk. An ankle sprain causes the strong ligaments that stabilize the ankle joint on the outside to be partially (and in rare instances c ..read more

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, is a condition where the arches on the inside of the feet are flattened, allowing the entire sole of the foot to touch the floor when standing. This common condition can be painless or cause discomfort and lead to other issues. In this blog, we will explore the causes, impacts, and effective management techniques for flat feet, providing valuable insights for those affected. Cases of Flat Feet: Flat feet can be caused by a variety of factors. In some people, this condition is inherited and appears during childhood. In others, it develops over time due to ..read more

The Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Center proudly announces that three of our orthopaedic surgeons, Dr. Steven Neufeld, Dr. Daniel Cuttica, and Dr. Thomas Sanders, have been recognized as Castle Connolly Top Doctors for another consecutive year! Castle Connolly Top Doctors represent the top 7% of all U.S. practicing physicians. Castle Connolly Top Doctors are peer-nominated, and thoroughly vetted by our physician-led research team. These doctors are best-in-class healthcare providers, embodying excellence in clinical care as well as interpersonal skills ..read more

The Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Center proudly announces that three of our orthopaedic surgeons, Dr. Steven Neufeld, Dr. Daniel Cuttica, and Dr. Thomas Sanders, have been recognized as Castle Connolly Top Doctors for another consecutive year! Castle Connolly Top Doctors represent the top 7% of all U.S. practicing physicians. Castle Connolly Top Doctors are peer-nominated, and thoroughly vetted by our physician-led research team. These doctors are best-in-class healthcare providers, embodying excellence in clinical care as well as interpersonal skills ..read more

During winter, foot and ankle injuries become more prevalent, and at The Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Center, we understand the importance of both prevention and treatment. In this article, we delve deeper into specific winter-related injuries and how carefully selected footwear plays a critical role in minimizing these risks. Fractured Ankles Due to Falls Winter brings a heightened risk of fractured ankles, mainly due to falls on icy surfaces. Orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Thomas Sanders highlights this issue, stating, “The busiest days I’ve ever had on call in the ER have been after ice storms. Th ..read more