Osteoarthritis, or OA, is a degenerative joint disease that can increase the risk of falls, especially in older adults. When OA affects the feet, it leads to joint stiffness, pain, and limited mobility, which can make walking and balancing difficult. In the feet, OA commonly affects the ankles and toes, causing discomfort with every step and reducing stability. To prevent falls, people with osteoarthritis should focus on maintaining mobility and strengthening muscles surrounding the affected joints. Wearing well-fitted, supportive shoes and using custom orthotics can improve balance and reduce pain. A podiatrist can provide valuable care by fitting custom orthotics, recommending appropriate footwear, and guiding patients through foot-specific exercises that enhance stability and reduce the risk of falls. If you have osteoarthritis of the feet or ankles, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist on your health care team for routine exams and help with falls prevention.

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.

Three common causes of foot pain are plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and tendonitis. Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, leading to sharp heel pain, especially after periods of rest. Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms and physical examination. Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, causes joint pain and stiffness, often affecting older adults or individuals with prior injuries. X-rays can help diagnose arthritis by showing joint damage. Tendonitis is inflammation of tendons, such as the Achilles, often from overuse or poor footwear. Diagnosis involves a physical exam and imaging. Treatment for foot pain includes custom orthotics as well as prescribed medication for pain. If you are suffering with persistent or worsening foot pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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 is a common foot condition that causes heel pain, often most noticeable with the first steps in the morning. It occurs when the thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes becomes inflamed due to overuse, strain, or repetitive impact. Common in runners, individuals who stand for long periods, and those with flat feet or high arches, plantar fasciitis can cause sharp, stabbing pain in the heel or arch, especially after rest or prolonged activity. Relief focuses on reducing inflammation and relieving stress on the fascia. This can be achieved by resting and wearing supportive footwear or orthotic inserts. Anti-inflammatory medications and targeted stretching exercises may also be prescribed. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections or, rarely, surgery may be needed to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. If you have persistent heel and arch pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and relief options.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. 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 the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

Proper healing of a broken ankle requires timely medical attention, effective treatment, and careful rehabilitation. Treatment depends on the severity of the fracture. For minor fractures, non-surgical options like casting or using a walking boot may be sufficient to immobilize the ankle, allowing the bone to heal. More severe fractures, where the bone is misaligned or displaced, often require surgery using screws or plates to stabilize the bone. During recovery, rest and elevating the ankle can help to reduce swelling. Using crutches or a walker prevents putting weight on the ankle until cleared by a doctor. Targeted exercises play a critical role in regaining strength, mobility, and balance after the bone heals. Full recovery can take several weeks to months, depending on the injury's severity. If you have broken your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist as quickly as possible for a proper diagnosis and medical advice.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, 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. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.