
Dr. Joseph R. Disabato, DPM
Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist) | Foot & Ankle Surgery
103 S Pantops Dr Suite 201 Charlottesville VA, 22911About
Dr. Joseph Disabato is a Foot & Ankle Surgeon practicing in Charlottesville, VA. Dr. Disabato is a surgeon specializing in the treatment of the foot, ankle and related parts of the leg. As a Foot & Ankle Surgeon, Dr. Disabato diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle and leg. The lower extremities are key body parts that give a person stability, absorb shock, allow for walking and standing and are necessary for overall well-being. So, the feet need expert care. Foot & Ankle Surgeons specialize in trauma, reconstructive surgery, wound care, sports medicine, diabetic care and pediatrics.
Education and Training
Kent State University Doctor of Podiatric Medicine 1990
Provider Details

Dr. Joseph R. Disabato, DPM's Expert Contributions
How long after toe surgery can I wear shoes?
Depending upon the actual procedure performed, it may take 2-8 weeks to be back in supportive type footwear. It could be longer for dress shoes. READ MORE
I think I broke or sprained my foot
The way to determine if your foot is broken or fractured is to obtain a series of x-rays. Once the extent of the injury is evaluated, the proper treatment can be recommended. READ MORE
My left ankle is swollen?
Ankle swelling can have many potential causes. I recommend that you seek professional care from a Podiatric Foot & Ankle Surgeon in your area. READ MORE
How can I treat swollen ankle?
Ankle swelling can be the result of many medical conditions. It is paramount to know the source, this will determine the treatment. I recommend that you consult with a foot and ankle specialist. READ MORE
What can I do for ankle pain?
The first step in treating your ankle pain is to obtain the proper diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is established then a treatment program can be formulated. I recommend that you seek professional medical attention to properly address your complaints. Best wishes for the treatment of your ankle pain. READ MORE
Can you walk after big toe fusion?
Yes patients are able to walk following arthrodesis of the great toe joint once the joint is solidly fused. Arthrodesis is a very successful procedure and used commonly. Best wishes for the success of your surgery. READ MORE
How long does swelling last after a foot injury?
Swelling following an injury is truly dependent upon the severity of the injury. It is important to know if you have torn ligaments, tendons or sustained a bone fracture. Please seek medical advice to determine the extent of your injury. In general, swelling can last for several weeks to several months. READ MORE
How to manage my foot pain?
In your case that you have described. I recommend that you seek professional attention to determine the diagnosis in order to formulate a treatment plan. Best wishes for your recovery. READ MORE
What anesthesia is used for foot surgery?
There are a variety of anesthetic options for lower extremity surgery. The answer will depend upon the patient’s general health condition and the nature of the operative procedures. Options include: Local anesthesia with IV sedation Local anesthesia only General anesthesia Spinal anesthesia Regional nerve blocks READ MORE
Starting of ingrown toenail?
I do not recommend placing any foreign material under the toenail to further damage the toenail skin interface or application of any topical preparation. I would advice you to seek professional care to manage this condition properly. Best wishes Dr Disabato READ MORE
Red ankles?
This scenario requires medical attention. Please have this examined by a qualified specialist. READ MORE
Are there any side effects of wearing acupuncture slippers for a long time?
Accupressure slippers are simply massage slippers. I recommend caution with extended periods of usage to reduce the risk of blisters and wounds especially with those patients that have diabetic neuropathy or those with impaired sensation. READ MORE
I have pus-filled white bumps around my ankle. What could this be?
This could represent several possible causes. So, it is difficult to predict without examine this problem. I recommend that you seek out a local foot and ankle specialist for a consultation. Best wishes, Dr Disabato READ MORE
Toenail problems?
Hello, From the appearance of the toe. Possible causes are: Trauma Underlying bone problem Infection System issue I recommend medical evaluation by a foot and ankle specialist. Best regards Dr Disabato READ MORE
Thick toenails that grow out extremely slowly?
Hello, From your detailed description you may be experiencing a fungal infection and possibly a bacterial infection. I recommend that you consult with a Foot & Ankle Specialist in your area for prompt evaluation and treatment. Best regards, Dr J Disabato READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Chief of Foot & Ankle Surgery Sentara/Martha Jefferson Hospital -
- Attending Physician Monticello Community Surgery Center -
- Attending Physician UVA Culpeper Medical Center -
- Attending Physician Culpeper Surgery Center -
Professional Memberships
- American Microsurgical Orthoplastic Society
- American College of Wound Healing and Tissue Repair
- World Association against Infection in Orthopaedics and Trauma
- American Podiatric Medical Association
- Virginia Podiatric Medical Association
Fellowships
- Russian Ilizarov Scientific Center
- Instituto Humanitas Hospital
Fellowships
- 1. Russian Ilizarov Center for Restorative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Kurgan, Russia2. Humanitas Istituto Hospital, Milano, Italy
Dr. Joseph R. Disabato, DPM's Practice location
Charlottesville, VA 22911Get Direction
Dr. Joseph R. Disabato, DPM's reviews
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Get to know Dr. Joseph R. Disabato, who serves patients in Virginia.
A reputable foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Disabato of Virginia Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates in Charlottesville and Culpeper, Virginia, has been in private practice since 1994.
Handling both pediatric and adult disorders, his practice encompasses all aspects of foot and ankle care including simple and complex deformity management, medical and surgical intervention of traumatic injuries, microsurgical procedures, total ankle replacement surgery, preventive and interventional management of diabetic foot, ankle and leg complications.
As part of its ongoing efforts to provide the most advanced care, Virginia Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates is a center of excellence for microsurgery and orthoplastics. The practice also offers the latest laser therapies for musculoskeletal issues and dermatologic fungal problems.
Allowing patients a wide range of choices when it comes time for surgery, Dr. Disabato is Chief of Foot & Ankle Surgery at Sentara/Martha Jefferson Hospital. He is also an attending physician at Monticello Community Surgery Center, UVA Culpeper Medical Center, and Culpeper Surgery Center.
A native of Altoona, Pennsylvania, Dr. Disabato completed his undergraduate studies at St. Francis University with a BS in chemistry. Graduated with his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine.. He then went on to perform his internship and residency in foot & ankle reconstructive & trauma surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and fellowships at the Russian Ilizarov Scientific Center, Kurgan Russia and the Instituto Humanitas Hospital, Milano Italy.
Having been trained in traditional podiatric, orthopaedic and plastic surgical methods, he has undergone specialized training in reconstructive surgery, peripheral nerve surgery, total ankle joint replacement surgery, and the Russian Ilizarov Method. He has studied reconstructive and trauma surgery of the lower extremity throughout the USA, Asia, Europe, South America, and Russia.
Triple board-certified, Dr. Disabato is a Diplomate of the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine.
Dedicated to excellence, he is a Fellow of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons, the American College of Foot & Ankle Orthopedics & Medicine, and the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons. He is also a member of the American Microsurgical Orthoplastic Society, the American College of Wound Healing and Tissue Repair, the World Association against Infection in Orthopaedics and Trauma, the American Podiatric Medical Association, and the Virginia Podiatric Medical Association.
Podiatric Medicine and Surgery is a branch of medicine devoted to the study, diagnosis, and medical and surgical treatment of a variety of disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower extremity.
In his line of work, Dr. Disabato serves as a lecturer for national and international presentations, an expert witness with deposition and trial experience, and as an educational consultant at AxoGen and Integra Lifesciences.
Outside of the office, he enjoys fitness training, GP and dirt track motorcycle racing.
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Nearby Providers
- Dr. Jimmy W Downing DPM600 Peter Jefferson Pkwy Charlottesville VA 22911
- Dr. Stewart Michael Chang D.P.M.887 Rio East Ct # A Charlottesville VA 22901
- Dr. Robert J Baglio D.P.M.2050 Abbey Rd Charlottesville VA 22911
- Ms. Elaine Allen DPM325 FOUR LEAF LN STE 11A CHARLOTTESVILLE VA 22903
- Dr. Samuel Howard Schustek DPM2050 Abbey Rd Charlottesville VA 22911
- Dr. Evan M Ross103 S Pantops Dr Charlottesville VA 22911
Nearest Hospitals
MARTHA JEFFERSON HOSPITALl
500 MARTHA JEFFERSON DRIVE CHARLOTTESVILLE VA 22911UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA MEDICAL CENTERl
JEFFERSON PARK AVE CHARLOTTESVILLE VA 22908