Items filtered by date: July 2024

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition affecting the nerves between the toes, most commonly the third and fourth toes. It involves a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to the toes, causing sharp, burning pain or a sensation of stepping on a pebble. This benign growth, also known as intermetatarsal neuroma, results from repeated stress or irritation, often due to activities that involve wearing tight shoes or high heels. The incidence of Morton's neuroma varies, affecting more women than men, and typically occurring between the ages of 30 to 50. It involves the interdigital nerves becoming compressed or irritated, leading to inflammation and discomfort. If you have pain between these toes, it is suggested that you seek counsel from a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Donovan Gowdie, DPM of The Foot & Ankle Treatment Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition caused by various fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments. Frequent exposure to such environments, like public swimming pools or showers, can increase the risk of infection. Additionally, wearing tight or non-breathable shoes and having minor skin or nail injuries can also make toenails more susceptible to fungal infections. Symptoms of toenail fungus can include thickened, discolored, or brittle nails that may become distorted in shape. The affected nails may also separate from the nail bed, and a foul odor can develop. In some cases, the surrounding skin may appear red and inflamed. Early detection and treatment are critical to prevent the infection from spreading and causing further complications. Maintaining good foot hygiene and wearing breathable footwear can help reduce the risk of toenail fungus. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can successfully treat it, which most likely will include prescribed medication.

For more information about treatment, contact Donovan Gowdie, DPM of The Foot & Ankle Treatment Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Watkinsville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle pain can range from mild discomfort to debilitating agony, often hindering mobility and affecting daily activities. Common symptoms include swelling, stiffness, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle. Causes can vary from sprains and fractures to conditions like arthritis or tendonitis. Podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating ankle conditions. They can order diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or MRIs, to assess the extent of injury or identify any underlying conditions. Visiting a podiatrist is suggested to obtain a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan for ankle pain, promoting recovery and preventing future complications.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Donovan Gowdie, DPM from The Foot & Ankle Treatment Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Dancers are prone to foot and ankle injuries due to the physical demands of their art. Risk factors can include inadequate warm-up, improper technique, and wearing unsuitable footwear. Overuse injuries, such as tendinitis and stress fractures, result from repetitive movements and intense training schedules. Acute injuries often occur from sudden movements or missteps, leading to sprains or fractures. Additionally, common ankle injuries in dancers include lateral ankle sprains, where the ligaments on the outside of the ankle are stretched or torn, and Achilles tendinitis, which causes pain and inflammation in the tendon connecting the calf muscle to the heel. Ensuring proper warm-up routines, using supportive footwear, and focusing on technique can help prevent these injuries. Regular strength and flexibility training also play a critical role in maintaining foot and ankle health for dancers. If you are engaged in any type of dance and have endured a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment methods.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Donovan Gowdie, DPM from The Foot & Ankle Treatment Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

The choice of children's shoes can significantly impact their gait or the way they walk. Improper or unsupportive shoes can lead to issues with foot alignment, discomfort, and even pain during walking. Footwear that is excessively tight or narrow can limit the natural movement of the foot, whereas shoes lacking proper support may not offer the stability required for healthy gait development. Children’s shoes should fit properly, have cushioning, and allow room for growth as a way to promote healthy gait patterns. Small changes in routine, such as replacing shoes as children grow, ensure optimal foot health and development. The wrong shoes can also contribute to issues like flat feet or toe deformities in children, which also can affect their gait. High-quality, comfortable fitted shoes with support can aid in a balanced gait pattern, promoting better posture and reducing the risk of injuries. It is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can provide guidance on optimal gait development and the long-term foot health of your child.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Donovan Gowdie, DPM of The Foot & Ankle Treatment Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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