Items filtered by date: October 2022

A common symptom many women suffer from during pregnancy is swollen feet. This is the result of more fluids that are needed for the growing baby and it can be uncomfortable as the pregnancy progresses. There are simple methods that can be implemented that may help to reduce swollen feet. These include drinking plenty of water daily and wearing comfortable shoes that do not constrict the feet. Reducing salt intake can make a profound difference in controlling swollen feet and research has shown blood circulation may be improved when a gentle exercise routine is practiced regularly. Many women find mild relief when their feet are elevated throughout the day and this can give the body a chance to relax. Swollen feet during pregnancy are an uncomfortable but temporary condition and if you would like more information about how to control this, please consult a podiatrist.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Dr. Dean D. Hinners from Illinois. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to 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.

Toenail fungus can be a nuisance. Not only can the development of toenail fungus make the toenails appear brittle and ragged, it can also cause you pain. There are several things that a patient might consider doing to avoid the development of toenail fungus. First, you might try selecting shoes that offer a decent amount of space for the toes. Shoes that have tiny toe boxes can make the toenails rub up against the shoes. Second, you might also try alternating the shoes that you wear from day to day. When an individual wears the same pair of shoes day after day, the shoes can become damp from sweat, which only increases the likelihood that a toenail fungus will take hold. If you are particularly concerned about developing a toenail fungus, contact a podiatrist today. This is a foot specialist who can help you with your concerns.

For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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.

A bunion starts out as a small bony protrusion, and can become a deformity if not promptly treated. It is a progressive disorder, and can occur from wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Genetics is another reason why some people may get bunions, and frequently performing foot stretches may diminish the discomfort. Additionally, these exercises and stretches can help to relieve overall foot soreness. There is a muscle that runs from the bottom of the big toe to the forward area of the arch. When this muscle is strengthened, it can help to align the big toe, where the bunion is located. An effective stretch that can accomplish this is done by picking up a napkin with the foot, and the toes will scrunch to grab it. Research has indicated that getting frequent foot massages may help to relax the adductor muscles, which may gradually strengthen the arch. When the foot is rolled on a tennis ball, the plantar fascia may become stronger, and this may positively affect the arch. If you would like more information about the benefits of how stretching the feet can help bunions, please consult with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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 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 due to 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 worsen existing bunions

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 one of our offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A corn is a small area of skin that hardens to protect the skin from excessive pressure that gradually forms on the foot from friction.  This friction comes from wearing shoes or socks that do not fit correctly. A common place for a corn to develop is the side of the pinky toe. As small as it is, it can be extremely painful, and may make completing daily activities difficult to do. Additional reasons why a corn can appear may include standing for long periods of time, or if the feet are constantly sweaty. Corns that are found between the toes are referred to as soft corns, and are so named for the moisture that is found there. Seed corns develop on the soles of the feet, and are often found in clusters. Temporary relief may be found when a protective covering is worn over the corn, until a podiatrist is contacted. This is the type of doctor who can determine what the best course of treatment is, which may include surgery for permanent removal. If you have a corn on your foot, please consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can effectively evaluate and treat the condition. 

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions 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 are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

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

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist 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.