An ingrown toenail can make every step uncomfortable, especially when shoes press against a sore toe. It develops when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. The big toe is affected most frequently, although other toes can develop the problem. Early signs include tenderness, redness, and swelling along the nail's edge. As irritation increases, the area may become more painful. An infection can develop when the broken skin allows bacteria to enter. Yellow or green drainage, throbbing pain, and spreading redness can signal infection. These symptoms can make walking difficult and interfere with everyday activities.

Several factors can lead to an ingrown toenail. Cutting toenails too short or rounding their corners can leave sharp edges that dig into the skin. Wearing tight shoes can squeeze the toes and increase pressure around the nails. Heavy sweating can soften the surrounding skin, making irritation more likely. A toe injury or an unusually curved nail can also contribute. Ingrown toenails affect people of different ages, including teenagers and adults. People with diabetes or reduced feeling in their feet face greater risks from an unnoticed infection. Persistent pain or signs of infection deserve prompt attention. Understanding the cause helps reduce the chance of repeated problems.

A podiatrist can examine the affected toe and determine whether the nail has irritated or infected the skin. For a mild case, treatment can include carefully lifting the nail edge and protecting the surrounding area. A podiatrist can also recommend shoes with enough room for the toes and explain proper nail-trimming techniques. More severe or recurring cases may require removing the troublesome portion of the nail under local numbing medicine. The podiatrist can provide appropriate care for an infection and monitor healing. Early treatment can relieve pressure and help prevent further complications. If you have developed ingrown toenails, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions. 

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.

Good balance helps people walk with confidence and avoid falls. Balance depends on the feet, muscles, and nervous system working together. Age, an injury, or reduced foot sensation can interfere with this process. Foot pain and weak ankle muscles can make a person feel less steady. Balance exercises can improve control by teaching the body to respond to changes in position. Patients with recent injuries, severe dizziness, or frequent falls are at risk of falling. Exercises can be prescribed by a podiatrist. They should be performed near a sturdy counter or railing for support, while wearing shoes with soles that grip the floor.

A podiatrist can determine whether a foot or ankle problem is affecting balance. The evaluation includes checking joint movement, muscle strength, and sensation. Care can include customized balance exercises, wearing supportive shoes, or custom orthotics. Orthotics are shoe inserts made to improve stability and distribute pressure evenly. A podiatrist can explain which exercises are appropriate, and how often to perform them. Movements should remain controlled. Stop if pain, dizziness, or unusual weakness develops. Follow-up visits can track progress and allow the exercise plan to be adjusted safely. 

Several exercises can improve balance without special equipment. For a one-leg stand, hold a stable surface, lift one foot, and keep the standing knee relaxed. Hold briefly, lower the foot, and repeat on the other side. A heel-to-toe walk involves placing one foot directly in front of the other while looking ahead. Sideways walking can improve coordination. Take slow steps to one side, bring the feet together, and then reverse direction. A low step-up can strengthen the legs and ankles. Use a railing, place one foot on the step, and rise slowly before stepping down. If you have injured your foot or ankle from falling,  it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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.

Rheumatoid arthritis can make simple movements painful when it affects the feet. This condition develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue. The result is swelling, stiffness, and pain that can interfere with daily activities. Small joints in the toes and front of the foot can become tender. Some patients notice discomfort in both feet after resting. Morning stiffness may make the first steps difficult. Symptoms can suddenly worsen during a flare, then improve for a period. Without proper treatment, ongoing swelling can damage joints and change their shape.

The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis remains unknown. Certain factors raise the risk, including smoking, family history, and increasing age. Women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men. It can also cause tiredness and weakness, making ordinary tasks harder. In the feet, swollen joints can affect balance and make wearing shoes uncomfortable. Changes in toe position may create pressure points that become painful while walking. Because symptoms can resemble other foot conditions, a careful examination matters. A podiatrist can check joint movement, assess painful areas, and review changes in how you walk. Imaging or blood tests help clarify the diagnosis.

Although rheumatoid arthritis has no cure, treatment can reduce symptoms and help protect joints. A podiatrist can recommend shoes with proper support and enough room for sensitive toes. Custom orthotics are shoe inserts designed to spread pressure more evenly across the foot. A podiatrist can also provide guidance on protecting painful joints and monitoring changes in foot shape. Medicines that control the disease can slow joint damage, making early diagnosis important. Regular foot evaluations help identify new pressure areas before they interfere with movement. If you have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Donovan Gowdie, DPM of The Foot & Ankle Treatment Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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.

Falls can lead to painful injuries and a loss of confidence, especially for older adults. Several health and environmental factors can increase the risk of falling. Arthritis, poor balance, and vision loss can make safe movement more difficult. Certain medications can also affect steadiness. Inside the home, slippery floors, poor lighting, and cluttered walkways can create hazards. Footwear also matters. Shoes that fit poorly or lack proper support can make walking less stable. Understanding these risks is an important part of preventing falls and protecting long-term mobility.

The feet provide the foundation for balance and movement, so foot problems can affect stability. Pain, weakness, or changes in foot structure can alter the way a person walks. Properly fitting shoes with non-skid soles can provide better traction. High heels and loose slippers can increase instability. Home safety is also important. Clear pathways, secure rugs, and good lighting can reduce tripping hazards. Handrails on stairs and grab bars in bathrooms can provide added support. Fall prevention works best when personal risks and environmental hazards are considered together.

A podiatrist can evaluate the feet and ankles for problems that could affect balance or walking. An examination can assess foot structure, joint movement, and areas of pain. A podiatrist can also evaluate shoe fit and recommend footwear that provides better support and stability. Custom orthotics can help improve foot alignment or redistribute pressure when appropriate. Treatment for painful foot conditions can also make walking more comfortable and secure. For patients with balance concerns, a podiatrist can identify foot-related factors that could increase fall risk and develop a plan to address them. If you have symptoms of increased fall risk, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

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.