Falls can lead to painful injuries and a loss of confidence, especially for older adults. Several health and environmental factors can increase the risk of falling. Arthritis, poor balance, and vision loss can make safe movement more difficult. Certain medications can also affect steadiness. Inside the home, slippery floors, poor lighting, and cluttered walkways can create hazards. Footwear also matters. Shoes that fit poorly or lack proper support can make walking less stable. Understanding these risks is an important part of preventing falls and protecting long-term mobility.

The feet provide the foundation for balance and movement, so foot problems can affect stability. Pain, weakness, or changes in foot structure can alter the way a person walks. Properly fitting shoes with non-skid soles can provide better traction. High heels and loose slippers can increase instability. Home safety is also important. Clear pathways, secure rugs, and good lighting can reduce tripping hazards. Handrails on stairs and grab bars in bathrooms can provide added support. Fall prevention works best when personal risks and environmental hazards are considered together.

A podiatrist can evaluate the feet and ankles for problems that could affect balance or walking. An examination can assess foot structure, joint movement, and areas of pain. A podiatrist can also evaluate shoe fit and recommend footwear that provides better support and stability. Custom orthotics can help improve foot alignment or redistribute pressure when appropriate. Treatment for painful foot conditions can also make walking more comfortable and secure. For patients with balance concerns, a podiatrist can identify foot-related factors that could increase fall risk and develop a plan to address them. If you have symptoms of increased fall risk, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

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.

Blisters between the toes are small, fluid-filled areas that develop when skin becomes irritated or damaged. They can be uncomfortable and may make walking difficult, especially when footwear presses against the affected area. Friction is one of the most common causes. Wearing tight shoes, damp socks, and repeated rubbing can create enough irritation to form a blister. However, not every blister between the toes comes from friction. Common skin conditions, including athlete's foot and eczema, can also cause irritation, peeling, or small fluid-filled bumps.

Symptoms can vary depending on the cause. A friction blister may appear as a raised area filled with clear fluid and may feel tender when touched. Skin affected by athlete's foot can become itchy, red, peeling, or cracked. Risk factors include wearing poorly fitting shoes, excessive foot sweating, and spending long periods of time walking or standing. People who frequently participate in sports may also experience repeated friction that increases the chance of developing blisters.

A podiatrist can determine why blisters are developing by examining the skin and reviewing your symptoms. If a fungal infection or another skin condition is suspected, additional testing may help confirm the diagnosis. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. A podiatrist may protect the area from further friction, recommend appropriate wound care, or prescribe medication when an infection or skin condition is involved. If a blister is large or painful, professional drainage may sometimes be considered. The area should be monitored for signs of infection during healing.

Blisters between the toes should not be ignored, especially when they return or become painful. Keeping feet dry and choosing properly fitted footwear can help reduce irritation. However, recurring blisters may signal an underlying condition that requires professional attention. Early evaluation can help identify the cause and support healthier skin. If you have blisters between the toes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and prevention solutions.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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.

A heel spur is a calcium deposit that develops along the underside or back of the heel bone. The most common type forms beneath the heel and may be associated with plantar fascia strain. A spur can also develop where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel. Although the growth itself may not always cause pain, surrounding tissues can become irritated.

Pain may feel sharp when taking the first steps after waking or after sitting, and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. A spur may appear on an X-ray as a small, pointed or hook-shaped calcium growth. However, it cannot usually be seen through the skin. Risk factors include repetitive impact, excess body weight, and tight calf muscles.

Heel spurs develop when repeated stress causes the body to deposit calcium near an irritated attachment site. Running, jumping, and walking on hard surfaces can contribute to ongoing strain. Foot mechanics may also play a role, especially when the arch collapses excessively or the foot rolls inward. A podiatrist begins treatment by reviewing symptoms and examining the foot. X-rays may be used to identify a spur and rule out other causes when needed. Treatment can include activity changes, wearing supportive footwear, and custom orthotics, when appropriate.

Healing focuses on reducing irritation while addressing the reason the heel is under repeated stress. A podiatrist may recommend temporary activity modification and cushioning inserts to reduce pressure. If heel pain or suspected heel spurs are affecting your routine, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Donovan Gowdie, DPM from The Foot & Ankle Treatment Center. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some 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.

A bunionette is a bony bump on the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe. The bump forms when the fifth metatarsal, the bone behind the little toe, shifts outward or has an unusual shape. The little toe may lean inward. Pressure from shoes can irritate the area and cause redness, swelling, or a painful callus. Some patients feel pain beneath the joint rather than beside it. A podiatrist can determine whether the discomfort comes from a bunionette or another foot problem.

Treatment begins with an examination of the foot. The podiatrist checks the bump, skin, and little-toe joint. Weight-bearing X-rays can show the position and shape of the bones while the patient is standing. These images help the podiatrist select treatment that matches the deformity. Options include padding to reduce rubbing, professional callus care, and custom orthotics to improve pressure distribution. The podiatrist can also recommend shoes with a wide toe box and enough room along the outside of the foot. If swelling is severe, an injection may be considered to reduce inflammation. These measures do not remove the bump, but they can ease pressure and make standing or walking more comfortable.

Surgery can be considered when pain continues despite treatment or when the deformity limits activity. The chosen procedure depends on the location of the bump and the position of the fifth metatarsal. A surgeon may remove excess bone, realign the metatarsal, or correct the little toe. Recovery instructions depend on the procedure and can include protected weight-bearing in a special shoe. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to check healing and guide a safe return to regular shoes and activity. Patients should seek prompt care for worsening redness, open skin, or drainage around the bump. If you have a painful bunionette, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management solutions.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your provider.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• 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.