Swelling of the feet and ankles, also known as edema, occurs when excess fluid collects in the tissues. This may develop gradually or appear suddenly, causing the feet to look puffy, tight, or shiny. Shoes may feel tighter, and pressing on the skin may leave a temporary indentation. Swelling can be caused by standing or sitting for long periods, of time, injury, and pregnancy. Underlying conditions like circulation problems, heart disease, or kidney issues may also contribute. In addition, swelling may be linked to medications or inflammation in the foot or ankle joints. A podiatrist can help determine whether the swelling is related to a localized foot condition or part of a broader medical concern. Evaluation includes examining circulation, joint health, and skin condition. Treatment options include compression therapy, elevation, footwear recommendations, and targeted exercises to improve circulation. If you have persistent or unexplained swelling of the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate relief and treatment tips.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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.

A bunion is a bony deformity that develops at the base of the big toe, where the joint becomes misaligned and pushes outward, creating a noticeable bump on the side of the foot. This condition is often noticeable as the skin is red and swollen over the affected joint, causing discomfort and irritation. Symptoms may include pain, tenderness, and difficulty wearing shoes. Common causes include inherited foot structure, wearing improper footwear, and repetitive stress on the joint, while risk factors include tight shoes, prolonged standing, and certain foot shapes. A podiatrist can assess the condition, recommend treatments, and provide relief strategies. If you notice symptoms of a bunion, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective management solutions for pain relief and guidelines on preventing progression.

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.

When the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, it can cause swelling, redness, and sharp pain with every step. Home care may help early, but ongoing discomfort often needs a minor in-office solution. One effective approach removes a narrow strip from the center portion of the nail. This creates space along the sides so the skin can heal without pressure. The procedure is quick, done with local numbing, and most patients return to normal activity soon after. Complications are uncommon when performed by a trained podiatrist. Proper trimming habits and shoe choices can also reduce future problems. Keeping the area clean and protected during healing helps lower risk of recurrence. If you have a persistent ingrown toenail, drainage, or signs of infection, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

Foot pain is easy to ignore at first. Many people assume it will go away on its own or blame it on being on their feet too long. However, pain in the foot is often a sign that something is not working properly. Problems such as plantar fasciitis, tendon strain, arthritis, stress fractures, or nerve irritation can all begin with mild discomfort. Without treatment, these conditions may gradually worsen and begin to affect walking, balance, and daily activity. A podiatrist is a medical specialist trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the foot and ankle. They can identify the cause of pain through a physical exam, imaging, and a review of your activity and footwear. Early care often leads to simpler treatment and faster relief. If you are experiencing ongoing foot pain, swelling, or tenderness, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide a diagnosis and appropriate treatment needed to keep you active and comfortable.

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.