Items filtered by date: November 2024

While bunions are more common in adults, they can also develop in children. Pediatric bunions often result from inherited foot structures, where genetic factors influence bone alignment. Unlike adults, children's bunions tend to be softer, although they may still cause discomfort and visible bumps on the side of the big toe. Children with flat feet or hypermobility are more prone to bunions, especially if there is a family history. Unfortunately, bunions will not go away on their own and may worsen over time, particularly as children grow and become more active. Early intervention helps prevent progression. Wearing supportive shoes with wide-toe boxes and arch support can alleviate pressure. If you have a child with a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist so the severity of the bunion can be assessed, and individualized treatment options are offered for long-term foot health.

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?

Doctors 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 doctor.

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.

Learning how to care for your feet from a podiatrist offers personalized insights and expert guidance. During a consultation, a podiatrist can evaluate your specific foot health needs and recommend a care routine tailored to you. This can include advice on proper hygiene, such as washing and drying techniques, the best moisturizers to use, and how to prevent fungal infections. They can also demonstrate safe ways to trim toenails and care for calluses without causing injury. Podiatrists provide guidance on choosing the right shoes for your foot shape and lifestyle, which is essential for comfort and preventing problems. They may also suggest simple exercises to improve foot strength and flexibility, which can help prevent falls. If you would like to start a regular foot care routine, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for regular check-ups.This type of doctor can not only help with immediate concerns but also provide valuable education on maintaining lifelong foot health.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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 and ankle needs.

Heel spurs are bony growths that form on the underside of the heel bone, often due to repeated stress on the foot. They develop over time as calcium deposits build up in response to strain, particularly in the plantar fascia, which is the ligament connecting the heel to the toes. Many people with heel spurs feel a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially when taking their first steps in the morning or after prolonged sitting. Heel spurs are common among runners, people who are overweight, and those with flat feet or high arches. While they do not disappear, symptoms can be managed effectively. A podiatrist can recommend treatments such as orthotic devices, targeted exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, or cortisone injections to relieve pain. In severe cases, surgical removal may be considered. If you have pain from a heel spur, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for care.

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 feel free to contact our office located in Watkinsville, GA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Sever's disease, or calcaneal apophysitis, is a common cause of heel pain in growing children, typically between ages eight and 14. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel bone becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress, often from sports or activities that involve running and jumping. Symptoms include heel pain, tenderness, and swelling, particularly after physical activity. The discomfort may worsen when walking or standing on tiptoes. Diagnosis is based on a clinical examination, medical history, and occasionally imaging scans to rule out other causes. Treatment focuses on reducing pain and inflammation through rest and targeted stretching exercises. In some cases, custom orthotics or heel cups may be prescribed by a podiatrist to provide cushioning. Most children recover fully with proper management, and the condition resolves once the heel bone finishes growing. If your child complains of persistent heel pain, is limping, or avoiding walking, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and relief options.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Donovan Gowdie, DPM from The Foot & Ankle Treatment Center. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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 and ankle injuries.