When the skin on the foot is injured, the body begins a complex healing response designed to close the wound and restore healthy tissue. This process happens in several connected stages that gradually rebuild the damaged area. First, the body works to stop bleeding and protect the injury. Blood cells gather at the site and form a clot that seals the wound, preventing harmful bacteria from entering. Next, the body begins building new tissue. Fresh cells grow, small blood vessels develop, and the wound slowly fills in as healthy skin forms. During the final stage, the new tissue strengthens and becomes more organized. The skin becomes firmer and better able to handle normal pressure from standing and walking. Proper wound care, cleanliness, and reduced pressure help support healing. If a foot wound heals slowly or shows signs of infection, it is suggested that you promptly see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, 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.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

Athlete's foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, especially between the toes. There are various types, including chronic hyperkeratotic athlete’s foot, which causes dry, thick scaling on the soles and sides of the feet. Chronic intertriginous athlete’s foot develops between the toes, and produces redness, peeling skin, and itching. Acute ulcerative athlete’s foot is a more severe form that leads to painful sores and skin breakdown. Lastly, vesiculobullous athlete foot causes fluid filled blisters on the sole or arch. Risk factors include damp footwear, shared locker rooms, excessive sweating, and weakened immunity. A podiatrist can diagnose the infection and provide effective treatment to restore healthy skin. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide appropriate care, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Donovan Gowdie, DPM from The Foot & Ankle Treatment Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

Toe pain can arise from a variety of causes, ranging from minor injuries to underlying medical conditions. Wearing tight or poorly fitting shoes can compress the toes, leading to discomfort, corns, or calluses. Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. Sprained or stubbed toes from accidental trauma can also result in pain and difficulty walking. Medical conditions like gout may cause sudden, intense pain, redness, and swelling in the toes. Risk factors include high-impact activities, improper footwear, previous injuries, and certain health conditions. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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 Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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.

Buying running shoes as a beginner requires careful attention to comfort, support, and proper fit. The right pair should feel comfortable immediately, with enough room in the toe box and secure support around the heel. Look for cushioning that matches your activity level and provides shock absorption without feeling unstable. A good fit allows natural foot movement while preventing slipping or pressure points. Quality running shoes are important because they help reduce stress on joints, improve alignment, and lower the risk of common overuse injuries. Trying shoes on later in the day, when feet are slightly swollen, can improve fit. A podiatrist can assess your foot type and gait to recommend suitable options. If you have foot or ankle pain from wearing the wrong running shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, and offer additional guidance on selecting the right running shoes.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, 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.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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.