Children are naturally born with flat feet, and by the time they are teenagers, the arch usually develops normally. However, there are various circumstances where the arches either do not develop or they fall. These include injuries, obesity, genetics, and arthritis. Those with neurological or muscular diseases may also be more prone to having flat feet. Wearing orthotics or arch supports, and performing certain stretches, can reduce pain from fallen arches or help correct them. Examples of exercises that might help raise, strengthen, and lengthen the arches are heel stretches and tennis or golf ball rolls. Stretch your heels by standing with your hands resting on a wall at eye level. Keep one leg forward and the other extended behind you. Press both heels into the floor. Then bend one leg at a time toward the wall with the opposite heel pressed into the floor and hold this position for 30 seconds. Repeat on each side four times. For the tennis or golf ball roll, sit in a chair with a ball under one foot. Keep a straight spine and roll the ball under your foot, focusing on the arch. Do this for two to three minutes and then change feet. If you have flat feet and they are causing you discomfort, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with additional exercise options and further treatment that is right for you.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners from Illinois. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.

An ingrown toenail is easily distinguishable and is defined as a toenail that grows into the skin instead of over it. An ingrown toenail often causes severe pain and discomfort, and it can become infected. This foot condition can happen for a variety of reasons. Common causes can include wearing shoes that are too tight and trimming the toenails incorrectly. There are some patients who have family members with ingrown toenails, which may increase the risk of developing this ailment. Temporary relief may be found when the affected nail is soaked in warm water. This can soften the skin enough so that a small piece of cotton can be used while gently pulling the nail away from the skin. Permanent relief is often found with medical attention. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can provide appropriate treatment options, which may include minor surgery.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

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 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.

Given the importance of our feet in getting through life comfortably and maintaining independence, it is wise to practice good foot care. There are things that can be done on a regular basis that can rejuvenate the feet. These can include taking a warm foot bath to relieve sore, aching muscles, and performing stretching and strengthening exercises to prevent cramping. Additionally, regular stretching may improve flexibility and foot strength. Having foot massages done may help to relieve soreness and improve circulation. Wearing shoes that fit well and are appropriate for the activities that are practiced can also help to keep the feet stable while standing and walking, in addition to possibly eliminating pain. If you have injured your foot or you are experiencing chronic foot pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can diagnose the reason, and provide correct treatment options.

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.

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 small, thickened area of skin on the foot may be a corn. It can cause severe pain, despite its small size. A corn develops as a result of excess friction that generally comes from wearing socks or shoes that are too tight. Frequent rubbing against the shoe can cause a corn to form on the pinky toe or top of the toes. Many people who have a corn notice their walking style shifts to accommodate for the discomfort felt. In addition to wearing shoes and socks that do not fit well, a corn can happen if the toe is deformed or if there is poor bone alignment. Mild relief may be found when the foot is soaked in warm water as this may help to soften the corn. At this point, a pumice stone may be used to gently file the corn down, although this is a temporary solution. If you have a corn on your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can remove it and provide methods to prevent future corns from developing.

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.