Running shoe companies are looking to 3D-printing to provide customers with the comfort and customization many runners require in running shoes. A new 3D-printing process, “selective laser sintering,” creates components of a shoe one layer at a time and allows companies to engineer the structure of a shoe, from outsole to midsole. Companies such as Nike, New Balance, and Adidas have used 3D-printing in recent releases. The new process will allow athletic companies to create one-of-a-kind models from the bottom up and to hone in quickly on custom fits for their clients and their running shoe needs.

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
Monday, 17 April 2017 00:00

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is a condition that plagues many people, and chronic cases can be especially difficult to endure. For many common cases of chronic heel pain, plantar fasciitis is the underlying culprit; plantar fasciitis affects all types of people, though most commonly active men between the ages of 40 and 70. Plantar fasciitis pain manifests in various ways. For some people, it can be described as dull; in other cases, people feel it as a sharp pain, a burning sensation, or an ache that extends outward from the heel. There are various factors that can contribute to plantar fasciitis. To determine the cause of your heel pain and the best way to treat it, consult with your podiatrist.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please 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 Heel Pain
Monday, 03 April 2017 00:00

Exercises for avoiding foot pain

While wearing proper-fitting shoes is a well-known tip for avoiding foot pain, sometimes it may not be enough. If your shoes are comfortable and fit properly to your feet and you’re still experiencing pain, trying certain foot exercises and stretches may help. Rolling a tennis ball underneath the toes is a great way to massage the entire foot. Using your hands and fingers to stretch between the toes can also give relief. Other exercises include repeating heel and toe raises as well as toegrips, or picking up a pencil using only one foot.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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 Exercise for Your Feet
Monday, 27 March 2017 00:00

Maintaining Foot Health for Seniors

When thinking about our body and our general health, the feet are often overlooked and ignored until considerable pain or changes occur. This habit can be especially damaging for seniors, who are more likely to experience the effects of neglecting foot health at their older age. Many aches and pains are caused by ill-fitting shoes that don’t offer support. Underlying conditions, like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, weight gain, and prior injury, can also be a cause of pain. Outside of the podiatrist’s office, seniors can maintain foot health by ensuring that their feet are kept clean and by trimming their nails to an appropriate length.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

  • Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
  • Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
  • Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
  • Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
  • Shoes that don’t fit properly
  • Pressure sores
  • Loss of circulation in legs & feet
  • Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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 Elderly and their Feet
Monday, 20 March 2017 00:00

Managing Blisters

Those who spend a large amount of time putting pressure on their feet are prone to developing blisters, or pockets of fluid between layers of skin which develop due to friction. Minor blisters should not be popped, and instead left alone and covered to provide cushioning and avoid further friction. Prevent the development of blisters by wearing proper-fitting shoes and socks that provide ample comfort and support. Be sure to treat blisters immediately after discovery to avoid pain and disruption of daily activities. If a blister ruptures, immediately disinfect the area and treat it with antibiotic ointment. Consult with a doctor if the pain persists or there is any sign of infection.

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.

Read more about Blisters on the Feet
Monday, 13 March 2017 00:00

Foot Health Determines Overall Health

Looking at a person’s feet can help determine how healthy their overall body is. Some important factors to look for include: sudden or chronic pain in the feet, skin discoloration which can indicate a more serious problem, and numbness or peripheral neuropathy which is typically associated with diabetes. Other symptoms of potential health problems are: swelling or edema which can be caused by insufficient veins or lymphatic ducts, cold feet which is most commonly associated with arterial disease, itchy feet which is associated with fungal infections, and changes in your foot structure, such as flatfoot. Overall, any noticeable changes should be looked at by your podiatrist, as our feet are the bedrock of our bodies.

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, 06 March 2017 00:00

Diabetic Patients and Cold Weather

Diabetic patients who have poor circulation and nerve damage are most prone to foot problems, especially in cold weather conditions. Moisture from cold weather can collect in your shoes and socks, soaking your feet, leading to the propagation of bacteria and possibly an infection. Diabetic patients should remember to change their socks often when going out in cold weather, and to moisturize their dry feet. Avoid using warming aids on your feet, as this can be dangerous for patients who have numbness due to peripheral neuropathy. Properly-fitting shoes, combined with sufficient soles and moisture-wicking socks, are necessary to ensure proper care for diabetic patients.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

  • Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
  • Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
  • Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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 How to Care for Diabetic Foot
Monday, 27 February 2017 00:00

How to Avoid Achilles Tendon Injuries

If you find yourself engaging in vigorous activity, but only on the weekends, this is something you should be aware of.  Injuries like Achilles tendonitis, or a ruptured Achilles tendon, can happen very quickly.  For us non-professional athletes that don’t have time in our busy schedules to reach pinnacles of muscular strength, we are more susceptible to these acute injuries.  The Achilles tendon connects the heel bone to the calf muscles and is essential to being able to walk.  If the tendon ruptures, surgery will be necessary in order to repair this very painful injury.  Achilles tendonitis is when the tendon becomes inflamed, typically due to overuse or not stretching beforehand.  Both of these conditions can be treated by a podiatrist and if you experiencing intense heel pain you should consult with one immediately.  In order to avoid these injuries, strengthening the tendon by gradually stressing them over time may be helpful.  And always remember to stretch!

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

  • Inflammation
  • Dull to severe pain
  • Increased blood flow to the tendon
  • Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

  • Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
  • Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

  • Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
  • Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about What are Achilles Tendon Injuries
Tuesday, 21 February 2017 00:00

Lupus in the Feet

Known as a chronic autoimmune disease, lupus and its symptoms are similar to that of arthritis, affecting the tissues in the joints and leading to various problems in the feet including bunions, claw toes, and hammertoes. Lupus can also lead to tendonitis, loss of feeling or neuropathy, muscle inflammation, corns and calluses, swollen feet or oedema, and more. It is especially important to watch lupus symptoms, as infections such as gangrene can develop in a healthy person. Visit your podiatrist to assess your condition, as well as invest in proper footwear with insoles.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners from Illinois. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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 Systemic Diseases of the Foot
Tuesday, 14 February 2017 00:00

Removing Corns and Calluses

Among foot conditions, corns and calluses are often seen as some of the more harmless concerns. Regardless, if either condition does become troublesome, there are methods available for removal. Because calluses are essentially small areas of thick, hardened skin, softening them can help aid in their removal. Soaking the feet in warm water and avoiding using harsh soaps while washing can help maintain softness of the skin. Hard areas can also be buffed away using a pumice stone. If you are suffering from corns or calluses and seek ways to remove them, consult with your podiatrist.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

  • Well-fitting socks
  • Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
  • Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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 Corns: What Are They, and How Do You Get Rid of Them
Page 54 of 61