Tuesday, 08 August 2017 00:00

Dealing with Foot Pain

If you want to start taking care of your feet, the first step is to make sure you are wearing shoes that fit you properly. Wearing improper footwear can cause a lot of damage to your feet, and leave you in a lot of pain. If you are experiencing pain in your feet, you should be careful not to ignore it. A common source of foot pain is plantar fasciitis, but this condition can be avoided by stretching your feet and avoiding standing for long periods of time. Another tip you should follow if you want healthy feet is to get routine pedicures. Not only do pedicures help your feet feel more relaxed, but they also help them stay strong and healthy.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Every Day Foot Care

While flip-flops may be convenient to wear around the pool and locker rooms, they should not be worn for long periods of time. The only benefit that these shoes provide is that they can help protect you from infection, but they tend to do more harm than good for your feet. Typically, flip-flops fail to provide your feet with arch support, which may cause your natural foot arch to collapse. As a result, other parts of your body, such as your hip and back, may be disrupted. Nevertheless, the key to wearing flip-flops is moderation. It is crucial that you only wear these shoes for short periods of time in order to prevent long-term damage to your feet.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners from Illinois. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

  • Ankle problems
  • Hip problems
  • Lower back problems
  • Pain in the balls of the feet
  • Problems with foot arches
  • Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

  • Sprained ankles
  • Blisters
  • Infections
  • Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL .  We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 17 July 2017 00:00

Treating Ankle Sprains

Ankles are an important part of the human body's structure, since they provide the flexibility needed to walk. An ankle sprain occurs when there is a tear in the ligament. These tears can either be mild and result in a mild sprain, or they can be severe and cause a more serious sprain. Ankle sprains can happen to anyone regardless of age, and they can occur while performing any everyday activity. If you are suffering from a mild sprain, it is advised that you follow the RICE method, which stands for Rest, Ice, Elevation, and Compression. Anti-inflammatory medications may also be used to treat minor cases of ankle sprains.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Mild to moderate bruising
  • Limited mobility
  • Swelling
  • Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Ankle Sprains

It is no secret that the root cause of blisters is increased friction, but it is important to know what is causing the friction. It has been found that the four main causes of friction on the feet are: shoes, socks, sweat, and restricted foot motion. Shoes that squeeze the toes together have the power to increase the amount of friction between the toes, which may result in blisters. According to a study involving military personnel, low friction insoles have been found to reduce blister development. A similar study has shown that wearing double layer socks prevented the military personnel from getting blisters as well.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Monday, 03 July 2017 00:00

Why Heels are Bad for Your Feet

Almost every woman is guilty of owning a pair of high heels. While there are a few pros that come along with wearing heels, the amount of cons outweighs them. One of the common issues with high heels is the pain they cause to those who wear them. The worst pain tends to occur at the ball of the foot, since this is the part that is experiencing the most pressure. Additionally, it is hard for women to find their balance while wearing heels. This can lead to some dangerous injuries while wearing them. Another problem that stems from heels is the fact that they force your toes into an unnatural position. This shifting movement has the potential to cause pain in your toes and calluses.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

  • Ankle Joints
  • Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
  • Balls of the Feet
  • Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
  • Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

  • Corns
  • Calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Morton’s Neuroma
  • Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 27 June 2017 00:00

Treating Cracked Feet

Cracked heels can affect anyone of any age, and they are caused by a lack of moisture. Thankfully, at-home remedies may be performed in order to rid yourself of this unsightly condition. Prior to treating your cracked heels, it is crucial that you are aware of what may be causing them. Cold weather, harsh soaps, standing for long hours, and improper footwear have all been linked as causes of cracked heels. A simple treatment you can try for cracked feet is to soak them in warm soapy water for twenty minutes at night. Afterwards, try using a pumice stone to scrape off any dead skin you may have. You should then rinse your feet, and carefully dry them with a towel. Lastly, moisturize them with a foot cream and wear a pair of socks overnight in order to trap in the moisture. If you have a more severe case of cracked heels, you should not hesitate to seek help from a podiatrist.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 20 June 2017 00:00

What is Sesamoiditis?

Sesamoiditis is a condition that involves inflammation of the sesamoid bones in the feet. People who partake in physical activities that put stress on the toe-end of the foot are at a higher risk of developing sesamoiditis. The condition may also be caused by wearing improper footwear like high heels. The primary symptoms of sesamoiditis are pain and inflammation in the feet, and there usually aren’t any visual signs of the condition. Physical therapy is usually the first step in the route to treating sesamoiditis, and it is important that the patient does not put their feet under a lot of stress during the process.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

  • Sudden increase in activity
  • Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
  • Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Sesamoiditis
Monday, 12 June 2017 00:00

Why You Should Take Care of Your Feet

Walking can provide several benefits to your body. Following a walking routine can help lower your risk of diseases, strengthen your heart, prevent dementia, and boost your energy levels. A good walking routine starts with having healthy feet. Fortunately, there are some tips you can follow to make sure your feet are taken care of. Prior to walking, you should make sure that you are not cutting your toenails too short. Toenails that are short may lead to ingrown toenails and pain. Another tip is to wear breathable socks. This will help prevent unpleasant odors, blisters, and rashes. Lastly, you should make sure you keep yourself hydrated in order to help avoid getting cracked feet.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Every Day Foot Care
Monday, 05 June 2017 00:00

What is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection. Symptoms of the condition include itchiness, redness, flaking, and scaly skin. Although a variety of different fungi may cause athlete’s foot, they all thrive on moisture. The condition spreads through contact with the fungi itself or contact with infected skin. Areas such as damp locker rooms, bathroom floors, showers, and swimming pools are all prime breeding areas for the fungi. If you want to prevent yourself from getting athlete’s foot, you should be sure to wash all socks, towels, bath mats, and sheets that may have come in contact with the infection. Another tip is to always make sure you wear shower shoes while walking in moist areas. Keeping your feet warm and dry will also help prevent athlete’s foot.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners from Illinois.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

  • Hydrate your feet by using lotion
  • Exfoliate
  • Buff off nails
  • Use of anti-fungal products
  • Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Athlete's Foot
Tuesday, 30 May 2017 00:00

Choose the Right Running Shoe For You

One of the best ways to avoid running injuries is to make sure you are wearing properly fitting shoes. There are three types of running shoes: stability/neutral, cushion, and motion control. Prior to starting your running program, it is crucial that you buy the right shoe type for the activity you are about to partake in. Shoes also have different components that serve different purposes. The part that is responsible for providing support is called the midsole. The midsole acts as a shock absorber, which protects your body from the dangers of repeated loading from running. The stiffer the midsole, the more control the shoe gives your foot. It is important that you try on the shoe you want before purchasing to ensure that it is great fit for you.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners from Illinois. 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 one of our offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type
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