Items filtered by date: June 2025

Wearing high heels may enhance posture and confidence, but they often come at the cost of foot health. Prolonged use can lead to metatarsalgia, a painful inflammation in the ball of the foot, as well as Achilles tendon pain due to constant strain. Tight or narrow high heels commonly cause blisters and pressure points that lead to further discomfort. A podiatrist can provide expert care through custom orthotics, stretching regimens, and preventive guidance tailored to your lifestyle. Early intervention can reduce long-term damage and restore comfort. If you are experiencing persistent pain or discomfort from your footwear, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to protect your feet and maintain your mobility for years to come.

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.

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. It often causes heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning. Risk factors include prolonged standing, obesity, wearing improper footwear, and high impact activities. Symptoms typically involve sharp heel pain and localized tenderness along the arch. Diagnosis may include a physical exam to identify pain points and assess foot mechanics. A podiatrist can confirm the condition, recommend stretching exercises, prescribe custom orthotics, and guide treatment to relieve discomfort. If you are experiencing persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a personalized plan to help restore foot function and comfort.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is 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 care needs.

Foot blisters are a common issue for runners and are typically caused by friction that occurs when skin rubs against socks or shoes. Wearing running shoes that are too small or poorly fitted increases pressure and creates hot spots that lead to blister formation. Moisture from sweat softens the skin, making it more vulnerable to irritation. Certain foot conditions such as bunions, flat feet, or high arches can also change the way pressure is distributed, increasing the risk of blisters. To prevent them, runners should wear moisture-wicking socks, choose shoes that fit well, and consider using protective padding. A podiatrist can assess foot structure, identify problem areas, and provide personalized recommendations or custom orthotics to reduce friction and improve comfort during running. If you frequently develop foot blisters while running, it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor for safe treatment and additional prevention tips.

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.

Poor dorsiflexion, or limited upward movement of the foot toward the shin, can interfere with walking and increase strain on other joints. Poor dorsiflexion is often the result of tight calf muscles, especially the gastrocnemius and soleus, which can restrict ankle movement. Previous ankle injuries, such as sprains that did not heal fully, may also lead to scar tissue or stiffness, further limiting motion. In some cases, compression or injury of the deep peroneal nerve, which controls the muscles responsible for dorsiflexion, may prevent the foot from lifting properly. Ankle joint restrictions or structural limitations related to genetics may also play a role. When dorsiflexion is impaired, the body may adapt by altering gait, which can place excessive stress on the knees, hips, and lower back. A podiatrist can evaluate the ankle’s range of motion, identify the underlying cause of the restriction, and recommend medical treatment or surgery, if necessary. If you have problems flexing your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.