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New Shoe Trends Push Back High Heels
While high heels have been a major staple in fashion, it seems like with their presence in causing injury, more accommodating shoes are gaining popularity. From the new Adidas and Kanye West “Yeezy” collection to cute orthopaedic flats, high heels are taking a back seat to comfort. This may be happening due to the damage the shoes are causing to the feet. If worn for long periods of time, high heels can put stress on your back and the arches of your feet.
High heels have a history for causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, see Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor will treat your heel pain symptoms in addition to other podiatric-related needs.
Effects of High Heels on the Feet
High heels are popular shoes among women because their style and societal appeal. Despite this, they can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.
What parts 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. Also, 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 our offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Tom Brady Recovering from Sprained Ankle
Quarterback Tom Brady of the New England Patriots says he’s “feeling better” about the sprained ankle he sustained in the game against the Miami Dolphins. Brady was seen limping at a recent news conference. He was tackled by defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who had landed on him. Brady says “I’ve always dealt with injuries. I’m very confident I know how to deal with injuries,” going on further to say that he’s keen on making a full recovery so he can get back to playing for his team.
Ankle sprains are common, but need immediate attention. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, see Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor will treat your heel pain symptoms in addition to other podiatric-related needs.
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 can aid in prevention
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 our offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Link Between Gene and Athlete’s Foot
According to a study, the gene known as CARD9 is heavily related to fungal infections in the feet. Scientist Anne Puel states, “Our research showed that CARD9 deficiency is the genetic cause of dermatophytosis.” This means that patients were left unable to effectively fight fungi. Treatment of fungal infections typically includes antibiotics, healthy hygiene, creams, powders, and regularly changing your socks.
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 see Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor will treat your heel pain symptoms in addition to other podiatric-related 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 helping you figure out which treatment options are best for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Foot Exercises can bring Activity to a Sedentary Lifestyle
Sitting in chairs all day is bad for your body. But recent studies suggest that standing on flat ground is just as bad, and that these activities are putting our bodies into an unnatural constraint. Sitting for long periods of time is damaging to your circulation and metabolism, while flat ground hinders your natural gait. Repeated activity can lead to the body becoming weaker. It’s important to take care of your body often, to maintain a healthy structure. You can do this by exercising your feet to help train your muscles. Huffington Post recommends going outside barefoot and standing on an uneven surface, like a rock. This will help stretch the structure of your feet.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, see Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor will treat your heel pain symptoms in addition to other podiatric-related needs.
Exercise for Your Feet
Exercise for your feet can help you to 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 often we 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 not to have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure its good health in the long run.
Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rise, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, also flexing the toes and involving the shins may help too. It is best to speak with your doctor regarding how to do these fitness steps and how often is right for you. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different and it varies from individual to individual to determine what should be done for you to maintain strength in your feet.
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 our offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The Proper Care for Preventing Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails can become a nuisance when they start causing pain. If not treated, ingrown toenails can also lead to infection. There are many ways to prevent ingrown toenails, and those include maintaining your feet often. When cutting your toenails, make sure to cut straight across and refrain from cutting them in a round shape. Avoid wearing footwear that is tightly-fitting and uncomfortable as well as socks that can push your nails. Being mindful of the comfort of your feet is important for maintaining your overall health.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, consult with Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
· Bacterial infections
· Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
· Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
· Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
· Genetic predisposition
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Tumeric may be Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Janet Funk, an associate professor of medicine at University of Arizona, and her research team have studied the South Asian spice turmeric to determine its usefulness in treating rheumatoid arthritis. For centuries, the spice has been used to treat many ailments. Traditionally, tumeric has been traditionally known for its anti-inflammatory benefits. Rheumatoid arthritis flare ups typically causes the joints to become inflamed. The clinical trial will involve 45 people who will take dietary supplements for a month to determine the safety of the remedy.
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, consult with Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. 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 & 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 offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Treating Your Blisters
Although blisters can be annoying, especially on the feet, there are many different options to help treat them. Let your blisters get some air and refrain from popping the outer layer of skin. Use antibacterial cream, especially if you plan on draining your blister. Clean thoroughly to prevent infection. Use bandages as needed to protect your blister and let the skin heal. Keeping your feet elevated helps relieve inflammation on your blister, and also keep your blister clean. Blisters can also be treated with a saline solution or moisturizer to help reduce inflammation.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If you have any, consult with Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
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 our offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Facts About Bunions
There are many reasons as to why bunions may develop. Bunions are not only a hereditary problem, but can also be caused by an imbalance of muscles in the foot or improper foot support. The bony protuberance on your foot can result from an uneven pronation, the outward rolling of your foot, or uneven supination, the inward rolling of the foot. While there is no cure for bunions other than surgery, there are many different ways for you to prevent your bunions from growing. Mensjournal.com offers guides for different stretches and exercises that strengthen your muscles and improve your balance.
Bunion surgery usually occurs after non-surgical methods have proved to be ineffective. If you have any, consult with Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
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 by 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 cause bunions to form
How are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors 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 doctor.
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 offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Mangok Mathiang of Louisville Cardinals Has Foot Surgery
Mangok Mathiang, the basketball team captain of the Louisville Cardinals, has successfully had surgery. Mathiang had “a screw placed into the broken fifth metatarsal in his left foot,” which will put Mathiang on recovery for about 6 to 8 weeks. Mathiang had injured his foot during the game against Western Kentucky, attempting to play through the game despite the pain in his foot. He was unable to continue, later realizing he had sustained a broken foot injury.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to fix a foot ailment. If you have any, consult with Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to help with the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary are:
● Removing foot deformities like bone spurs and bunions
● Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
● Cosmetic reconstruction
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
● Bunionectomy for painful bunions
● Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
● Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
What is Hyperhidrosis?
A condition when the body sweats more than what is required to regulate the body’s temperature, hyperhidrosis can be an unsightly and bothersome condition. Although hyperhidrosis has no definite cause, it can be caused by a variety of factors. Those who do have hyperhidrosis may have another condition, such as diabetes or menopause. Symptoms of hyperhidrosis include excessive sweating that occurs sporadically, usually in the palms, face and soles of the feet.
If you have any concerns, consult with Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
Hyperhidrosis of the Feet
Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.
Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.
Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.
In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.
A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact 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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Women and Stress Fractures
A possible gender gap may exist between the likelihood of suffering from sports-related injuries, suggests Robert Shmerling, M.D. One of the many injuries that seems to be most common among women more than men is stress fractures. Stress fractures result more often in the foot or lower leg tibia area in women athletes, or women who may have insufficient diets, irregular menstruation cycles, bone loss, and eating disorders. Injuries like stress fractures can be avoided if overall muscles are strengthened.
Activities, where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, consult with Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor will provide you with quality foot and ankle information and treatment.
Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
The Stress Fractures occur on the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. Then the feet and ankles lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection the bones receive the full impact of each step. The stress on the feet causes cracks to form in the bones, thus called stress fractures.
What are Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:
-runners
-people affected with Osteoporosis
-play tennis or basketball
-gymnastics
-high impact workouts
Symptoms
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures, and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves in high impact will aggravate pain.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Advice on Medicine for Gout
Vanita Panjwani, a clinical pharmacy specialist and adjunct clinical faculty member of Wayne State University College of Pharmacy, has some advice for pharmacists about improving their patients’ gout problems. She explains how anti-inflammatory and urate-lowering medications are designed to help reduce gout. It’s important for patients to manage their uric acid levels, which they can do with their doctors. Treatment for gout involves patient education, managing your diet, and avoiding foods that may trigger your gout.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. For more information, consult with Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
North America has Largest Market for Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapeutics
According to a recent global study on Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), North America has the biggest market for rheumatoid arthritis therapeutics. Europe follows at second. An increasing number of patients with rheumatoid arthritis are emerging in North America, causing a rise in research and development, in awareness among people of the condition, and in improved healthcare in the region. Drugs that treat RA include pain relieving drugs, corticosteroids, disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, and non-biologic drugs.
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 about Rheumatoid Arthritis and its symptoms, consult with Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
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 & 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 offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Obesity Rates Are Rising
Obesity is a common problem among Americans, with obesity rates in adults climbing as much as 38 percent in 2013 to 2014, according to lead researcher Cynthia Ogden of the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics. If obesity is not treated, this can lead to chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Obesity is defined by an adult’s body mass index (BMI), which can be calculated by body fat, height, and weight. Those who have BMIs of 30 or more are considered obese, and obesity rates can vary by sex, age, and race.
Any additional problems in the feet of those with obesity can be detrimental to foot health. To learn more, consult with Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor will provide you with quality foot and ankle information and treatment.
Obesity and your Feet
Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.
Problems & Complications
Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.
Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.
Solutions
Footwear – Specially made footwear that supports your joints, arches, and ankles, and allows room for good circulation is a great option to mitigate pressure and pain. A podiatrist will help you decide what works best for your specific needs.
Exercise – Exercise will help alleviate the pain and give your feet the strength it needs to support your body. Exercise also increases blood flow to your feet, allowing them to remain healthy and strong.
Most importantly, seek the help of a podiatrist for foot care if something is wrong or doesn’t seem to be working. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
