Heel pain is often caused by plantar fasciitis or heel spurs, both of which can make walking painful and limit daily activity. Plantar fasciitis results from inflammation of the thick band of tissue called the plantar fascia running along the bottom of the foot. Heel spurs are bony growths that can develop on the heel bone due to chronic stress and inflammation. Symptoms include sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after rest. The heel may feel tender, swollen, or achy throughout the day. A podiatrist can determine the exact cause of your heel pain and recommend effective treatments. Included are custom orthotics, stretching routines, anti-inflammatory medications, night splints, or targeted exercises. In more severe cases, advanced treatments like injections may be needed. If you are dealing with ongoing heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

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 contact our office located in Watkinsville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion is most commonly recognized as the bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, but it may go by different names, depending on its location or severity. The medical term for a traditional bunion is hallux valgus, which refers to the sideways deviation of the big toe. When a similar bump forms at the base of the little toe, it is often called a bunionette or tailor’s bunion. These changes in terminology reflect differences in position, underlying cause, or the particular joint affected. Regardless of the name, bunions are usually caused by inherited foot structure, poor footwear, or conditions like arthritis. They can lead to pain, stiffness, and difficulty with shoes. Early treatment can reduce symptoms and slow progression. If you have a visible bump near your toe joint or discomfort when walking, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for proper evaluation and options.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.

Preventing workplace falls begins with proper training and awareness. Safe use of ladders includes placing them on stable surfaces and maintaining three points of contact while climbing. Scaffolding must be properly assembled with guardrails and secure platforms. In construction and other high-risk jobs, wearing the correct footwear and keeping walkways clear of debris are essential. Reducing slips and falls involves cleaning spills quickly, using slip-resistant mats, and wearing shoes with good traction. A podiatrist can recommend supportive footwear or orthotics to improve stability and help address foot pain that may affect balance. If you have sustained a foot and ankle injury while working, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you toward effective fall prevention tips.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Donovan Gowdie, DPM from The Foot & Ankle Treatment Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.

Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. It often results in sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. Causes include overuse, improper footwear, or high-impact activities. Risk factors include flat feet, obesity, and prolonged standing. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the condition, recommend custom orthotics, suggest stretching exercises, and offer advanced treatment to reduce pain and promote healing. If you are struggling with persistent heel pain or discomfort when walking, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an expert evaluation and care, tailored to restore your comfort and foot function.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Donovan Gowdie, DPM from The Foot & Ankle Treatment Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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.