Have your feet inspected by a professional before starting a new sport or physical activity. Taking charge of your foot health will keep you in good physical condition and can help you avoid a potential injury, such as a fracture or sprained ankle.
Prevent injuries and see a foot specialist.
Running puts repeated force on the feet, and the plantar fascia absorbs stress. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes and supports the arch. When this tissue becomes irritated, heel pain can develop. Pain from plantar fasciitis is sharpest with the first steps after waking. A run may feel manageable at first, but discomfort can increase as the foot works harder. Sudden changes in mileage, faster training, and hills can place extra strain on the heel. Shoes that lack proper support can add stress.
Runners should not assume heel pain will fade. Continuing the same training schedule can make irritation harder to settle and affect running form. A runner may alter their gait by shortening each step or shifting weight away from the sore heel. These changes can strain the ankle, knee, or other foot. A podiatrist can examine the painful area and evaluate how the foot moves to rule out a stress fracture. Imaging can clarify the diagnosis if needed. An early evaluation gives the runner a clear plan and can reduce time away from training.
Treatment from a podiatrist focuses on easing heel stress and supporting a safe return to running. The podiatrist can recommend activity changes and prescribe custom orthotics to improve foot support. This helps avoid the motion that pulls on the plantar fascia. The doctor may suggest supportive shoes or a night splint, which keeps the foot in a gentle stretch while sleeping. Advice about mileage, running surfaces, and warm-up habits can lower the chance of another flare-up. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to check progress and adjust treatment. Surgery is rarely required, but a podiatrist can discuss it when pain remains severe despite careful treatment. If you are a runner with symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
How Can It Be Treated?
While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.
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.
Cuboid syndrome affects the cuboid bone on the outer side of the foot and is a common cause of lateral foot pain. The cuboid plays an important role in foot stability and movement, especially during walking and running. This condition occurs when the cuboid bone becomes slightly misaligned or disrupted, often due to strain or injury. Even a small shift in this bone can lead to significant discomfort and difficulty with normal foot function.
Symptoms of cuboid syndrome include sharp or aching pain along the outer side of the foot. This pain may worsen with weight bearing activities, such as walking, standing, or pushing off during movement. Some individuals experience tenderness when pressing on the affected area, along with mild swelling. Limited mobility and weakness in the foot may also develop, making it difficult to maintain balance or perform daily activities. In some cases, the pain may come and go, especially after periods of rest or increased activity.
Several causes contribute to the development of cuboid syndrome. Trauma to the foot, such as a sudden twist or ankle injury, is one of the most common triggers. Repetitive strain from physical activity or improper footwear can also lead to misalignment of the cuboid bone. Altered foot biomechanics, including flat feet or abnormal gait patterns, may place added stress on the lateral side of the foot.
Risk factors for cuboid syndrome include participation in sports that involve quick directional changes, a history of ankle instability, and prolonged standing or walking. Individuals with poor foot mechanics or inadequate support may also be more likely to develop this condition. Early recognition and treatment can help restore proper alignment and reduce pain. A podiatrist can assess the foot and recommend appropriate care to improve function. If you have pain on the outside of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat cuboid syndrome.
Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, 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.
Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.
Causes
The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:
Symptoms
A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.
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 can affect the way a person stands, walks, and completes daily activities. Pain can occur in different areas, including the toes, forefoot, and back part of the foot. Foot structure and the way the foot moves can also play a role in discomfort. A low-arched foot, sometimes called a flat foot, has a lower inner arch when bearing weight. Another pattern involves the foot rolling inward more than expected while walking. Research involving more than 3,000 people found associations between certain foot structures and foot pain. The findings showed that low-arched foot posture was associated with arch pain in men, while inward-rolling foot function was associated with general foot pain and heel pain in men. These findings show that foot shape and movement can be important factors when evaluating foot discomfort.
A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, movement, and areas of pain to help determine factors that contribute to symptoms. The examination can consider how the feet function while standing and walking. It can also assess whether changes in foot movement place added stress on certain areas. Podiatric care can include gait evaluation, assessment of foot alignment, and treatment designed to support normal foot function. Care can be tailored to the location and cause of the pain. Wearing footwear that provides proper support can also be considered when foot structure or movement contributes to discomfort. In some cases, supportive devices may be used to help modify foot function. The goal is to reduce stress on painful areas and support comfortable movement during daily activities.
Foot pain can have many contributing factors, so the shape of the foot alone does not explain every case. Age, weight, and other foot conditions can also influence symptoms. Pain that continues or affects normal movement deserves evaluation. A podiatrist can identify changes in foot structure and function and develop care based on the specific symptoms. Understanding how the foot moves can also help guide treatment and support better function. Research suggests that modifying abnormal foot posture or movement can have a role in managing foot pain. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
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:
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.
Foot wounds can develop from cuts, punctures, scrapes, or other injuries that damage the skin. While some wounds may seem minor at first, they can become more serious if healing is delayed or complications develop. Pain, swelling, and redness are common symptoms, while some wounds may also produce drainage or become warm to the touch. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced feeling in their feet often face a greater risk of slow-healing wounds and infection. Because the feet are under constant pressure from standing and walking, even a small wound can interfere with daily activities. A professional evaluation is important to determine the severity of the wound and identify the most appropriate treatment.
Proper wound healing depends on healthy blood flow, clean tissue, and protection from additional injury. If a foot wound remains open for too long, the surrounding tissue may become damaged and the risk of infection can increase. As discomfort worsens, many people begin to change the way they walk, placing extra stress on the ankle, knee, or hip. A thorough podiatry examination helps evaluate the depth of the wound and identify any underlying conditions that may delay healing. In some cases, additional testing may be needed to assess circulation or determine whether an infection is present. Early diagnosis helps reduce the risk of more serious complications and supports better long-term foot health.
A podiatrist specializes in evaluating and treating foot wounds while carefully monitoring the healing process. Professional treatment focuses on protecting healthy tissue, promoting wound healing, and reducing the risk of infection. Care is tailored to each patient's needs and may be adjusted as the wound improves. Regular follow-up visits allow healing to be monitored and any concerns to be addressed promptly. If you have a foot wound that is painful, slow to heal, or showing signs of infection, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.
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.
