Podiatry Blog | Foot Doctor Metropolis, IL 62960 and Eldorado, IL 62930

Gout and Its Risk Factors

Tuesday, 26 August 2025

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, often affecting the big toe. It can cause sudden episodes of intense pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected area. Risk factors include certain medications, obesity, previous joint trauma, kidney disease, genetics, and dehydration, all of which can increase uric acid levels or trigger flare-ups. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the condition, managing pain, reducing inflammation, and providing guidance on lifestyle changes to prevent future attacks. If you experience severe joint pain in your big toe or foot, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners from Illinois. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment 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 care needs.

Why the Top of the Foot Can Hurt When Running

Tuesday, 19 August 2025

Pain in the top of your foot after running is often caused by inflammation of the tendons that are responsible for lifting and straightening your toes. This condition is known as extensor tendonitis. When these extensor tendons become inflamed, they can cause pain, particularly during activities like running. Factors that contribute to top of the foot pain include overuse, tight calf muscles, or having flat feet, which can place additional strain on the tendons. Wearing shoes that are too tight or poorly fitted may also increase the risk. Pain from extensor tendonitis is typically felt along the top of the foot, often near the shoelaces, and can be accompanied by swelling and a bump on the tendon. If you experience top of the foot pain after running, 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 Dr. Dean D. Hinners from Illinois. 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:

Bunions
Hammertoes
Plantar Fasciitis
Bone Spurs
Corns
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Ingrown Toenails
Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
Flat Feet
Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
And more

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.

Causes and Risk Factors of Sprained Ankles

Tuesday, 12 August 2025

An ankle sprain occurs when the foot twists in a way that stretches or tears the ligaments holding the ankle joint together. This often occurs during sports or other activities that involve jumping, quick turns, or sudden stops. Most sprains affect the outside of the ankle when the foot rolls inward, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Wearing shoes that lack adequate support, poor balance, or weak ankle muscles can increase the chance of injury. People with a previous ankle sprain are also more likely to sprain the same ankle again, especially if it did not heal properly. Sprains can range from mild to severe, and, in some cases may include a bone fracture. A podiatrist can examine the foot and ankle, determine how serious the injury is, and suggest the right treatment to help it heal correctly. If you believe you have sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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 are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

Pain at the sight of the tear
Bruising/Swelling
Ankle area is tender to touch
In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

Arthritis Can Cause Pain in the Feet and Ankles

Wednesday, 06 August 2025

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

How Peripheral Neuropathy Contributes to Falls

Tuesday, 05 August 2025

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that damages the nerves responsible for sending signals between the feet and the brain. When these nerves are affected, people may experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the feet and ankles. This damage can interfere with balance by reducing the ability to feel pressure, detect joint position, or sense vibrations in the feet. As a result, people with peripheral neuropathy may have difficulty sensing uneven surfaces or adjusting their posture quickly, which increases the risk of falling. Muscle weakness in the feet and ankles can also make it harder to maintain stability when walking or standing. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve function, recommend footwear designed for stability, and discuss whether custom orthotics may help to reduce fall risk. If you have fallen or are at risk of doing so because of neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

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 Dr. Dean D. Hinners from Illinois. 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.

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