Flexible flat feet occur when the arch appears low while standing, but becomes more visible when the foot is lifted or not bearing weight. Some people have no symptoms, while others experience fatigue, foot pain, or discomfort during activity. In certain cases, targeted exercise can help improve support and movement by strengthening the muscles that influence foot position and overall lower body function. Treatment is not always limited to the foot itself, since weakness in the legs or hips may also affect alignment and how pressure moves through the feet during walking. A podiatrist can evaluate gait, foot structure, and muscle function to determine whether strengthening exercises may be helpful as part of treatment. Supportive care may also include shoe guidance or custom inserts when needed. If you have painful or symptomatic flat feet, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for appropriate relief and management solutions.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Donovan Gowdie, DPM from The Foot & Ankle Treatment Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that often causes sudden, intense pain, frequently affecting the big toe. Many people notice that symptoms worsen at night, with sharp, throbbing pain that can wake them from sleep. The joint may appear red, swollen, and warm, and even light pressure from bedsheets can feel uncomfortable. This occurs when uric acid builds up in the bloodstream and forms crystals in the joint, triggering inflammation. Causes include dehydration, certain foods high in purines, and alcohol use. Underlying medical conditions that affect how the body processes uric acid can also be a factor. A podiatrist can recognize the signs of gout and may work with other healthcare providers to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment includes medication to reduce inflammation and manage uric acid levels, along with guidance on lifestyle adjustments. If you have painful gout, especially at night, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Donovan Gowdie, DPM from The Foot & Ankle Treatment Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment 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.

An isolated medial malleolar fracture is a break in the inner part of the ankle, at the bony bump on the inside called the medial malleolus. The word isolated means the fracture occurs on its own, without other parts of the ankle being broken. This injury often happens from a sudden twist, fall, or direct hit during sports or everyday movement. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and trouble putting weight on the foot. Even though the break is in one area, it can still affect balance and walking. A podiatrist can diagnose the injury with an exam and imaging, then guide treatment such as casting, bracing, or surgery, if needed. This type of doctor also monitors healing to help restore movement safely. If you have ankle pain after an injury, it is suggested that you seek care from a podiatrist.

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Sever’s disease is a painful condition that affects children, usually between ages 8 and 14. It involves inflammation of the heel’s growth plate, an area of developing bone. Sever’s disease often develops when repeated stress from running or jumping irritates the heel. In addition, a tight Achilles tendon can pull on the bone and increase the strain. Recovery focuses on reducing pressure so the area can heal as the child continues to grow. A podiatrist can examine the foot and confirm the diagnosis. Factors like flat feet or poor alignment can add stress to the heel. Imaging tests may be used to rule out other injuries. Treatment options include custom orthotics, heel-supporting devices to reduce pressure, and bracing to limit movement during healing. If your active child complains of heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for help.

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 care needs.