Blogs
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.
Kenny Gaines of the Georgia Bulldogs Suffers a Lisfranc Injury
Kenny Gaines, a basketball player for the University of Georgia Bulldogs, is back on his feet after suffering a Lisfranc injury to his left foot last season. Lisfranc injuries result when a metatarsal bone is displaced from the tarsus. Gaines has been cleared by doctors to practice for the next three or four weeks, and he says that “I’ve been moving well in practice and I’ve felt great over the last couple weeks.” He also said that he wasn’t limited to playing just in his first game back, but is willing to practice as well. According to coach Mark Fox, Gaines is on break after the game because of some soreness, but that is typical of a Lisfranc injury.
Full recovery is much more difficult if one continues to play sports with a foot or ankle injury. To learn more, consult with Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor will provide you with quality foot and ankle information and treatment.
Playing Sports with Foot Injuries
Many types of foot injuries affect athletes over the course of their athletic career. Despite their setbacks, many of these athletes will continue to play with mild foot injuries and attempt to ‘push’ through the pain. In order to be able to prevent injuries, it is important to stretch before any activity, wear proper footwear and replace shoes as needed. Some of the foot injuries athletes are at risk for include:
Turf toe- upward bending of the big toe outside normal range of motion
Stress Fractures
Overpronation- excessive foot movement during gait
Plantar Fasciitis- swollen ligament in the foot’s base
Strains
For more serious injuries it is recommended to consult with a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist as fractures and other serious conditions may require 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.
Shockwave Therapy and Other Nonsurgical Options
Many patients are under the impression that a majority of foot ailments such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, hammertoes, and foot pain can only be treated with surgery. Foot experts agree, however, that most foot problems can be treated with non-surgical procedures such as shockwave therapy, ultrasound-guided injections, insoles, or physical therapy. Orthopaedic surgeon Norman Turner stated, “I think people come in wanting surgery because they want a quick fix and want to be back to normal.”
Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor will provide you with quality foot and ankle information and treatment.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.
Who Benefits from Shockwave?
Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.
Fast and Easy
The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, attacking the source of the problem so treatment lasts for a long time.
Treatment & Recovery Time
Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.
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.
Manchester Campaign raises awareness in Elderly Fall Prevention
The ‘Stay Strong, Stay Steady’ Manchester campaign set off in October to raise awareness in both the young and the old of actions that can prevent falls in the elderly. A third of people aged 65 and older are affected by falls, and they are the largest cause of accidental death for older people. Dr. Emma Stanmore from the University of Manchester shared, “With some simple methods such as helping more older people to undertake regular strength and balance exercises, safety checking their homes, or getting an eyesight and medication check, over a million falls could be prevented each year.”
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. For more information, consult with Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
The Elderly and their Feet
As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.
Common Conditions
Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet, and can hide many life threating medical conditions.
Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
Shoes that don’t fit properly
Pressure sores
Loss of circulation in legs & feet
Edema & swelling of feet and ankles
Susceptible Infections
Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies for your foot and ankle needs.
Proper Shoe Fitting for Foot Growing with Age
As foot size generally does get larger with age, it is important to remember several different pointers when shopping for shoes. Ensure that the uppers on shoes are made of a soft material that matches the shape of your foot. If you regularly walk on hard pavement, consider shoes with thick soles to cushion the feet. Make sure there is about a half-inch extra space for your longest toe when fitting shoes. Your heels should fit comfortably in the shoe with a minimum amount of slipping, and the shoes should not ride up and down while walking.
Finding a proper fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Proper Shoe Fitting
A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in properly fitting shoes:
● Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
● Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
● Even though they may look fashionable, improperly fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
● Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity
Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, keeping properly fit shoes is vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies for your foot and ankle needs.
Swimming Great for Pregnant Women’s Body and Feet
Because pregnant women put such stress on their feet, finding the right forms of exercise during their pregnancy is essential. One of those exercises is water aerobics, in which you perform aerobic activities in the water in tune with music, building stamina and endurance while also releasing endorphins to relax the mind. The use of water aerobics to remain active during pregnancy as well ease the soreness of swollen feet can be essential to pregnancy health
Swimming is a great way to exercise the feet. If you have any questions regarding the benefits of swimming on the feet, consider contacting Dr. Dean D. Hinners from Illinois. Our doctor will explain the unique health advantages this activity has and recommend some simple exercises.
Benefits of Swimming and Foot care
Our feet receive the most stress on a daily basis. Walking, running, and long standing contribute to pain and stress on the feet. Swimming helps promote circulation and keep the body feeling great and healthy.
Benefits of swimming:
Improve blood circulation
· Swimming is a good, safe way to get in extra physical activity and improve circulation, without causing further trauma to the feet
Relieve aches or pains
· It takes all the pressure off of them, allowing the feet to relax and recover, and improves blood flow to them.
Circulation overall for diabetics
· Swimming contributes to blood flow, and increase oxygen levels within the body.
Reduce foot inflammation
· Swimming in warm water can increase blood flow and make it easier to move and stretch the afflicted foot. The feet are also exposed in water, giving them much needed air.
Swimming the helpful alternative:
Many people like the elderly and diabetics suffer from weakened muscles and joints. A water sport like swimming will support the body, thus allowing him or her to move freely. Blood flow circulation is a main trigger to tired inflamed feet.
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.
Preventing Blisters for Events Such as Ironman Kona
With the return of fall weather, it is important to get the feet prepared for blister prevention during the boot weather months. When purchasing shoes it always best to make sure you are getting the correct size and fit of the shoe. A shoe that is too tight will definitely cause blisters on the feet. Rubbing a blister block or silicone based hair serum on blister prone parts of the feet can help reduce friction if you already have shoes that are too tight. On the chance that you are unable to take the proper measures to prevent a blister and get one anyways, make sure to keep durable band aids on you to allow it to heal properly.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If you have any concerns with blisters on your feet contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor will treat 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 doctor.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
More...
Tour de France Winner Breaks Foot During Vuelta a Espana
Tour de France winner, Chris Froome, will have to withdraw from the Vuelta a Espana after suffering from a broken foot. The injury occurred after Froome crashed during the rocky ride through Andorra. Although the French cyclist was looking to win both the Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana just like fellow cyclists Jacques Anquetil (1963) and Bernard Hinault (1978), the crash diminished those goals early. “Really appreciate all the messages of support, I did my best to hang in there today as best I could with the hop of continuing,” Froome stated on Twitter after the injury.
A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you are seeking treatment for a broken foot, visit Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor will assess your injury and provide you with quality treatment.
Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.
Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:
Bruising
Pain
Redness
Swelling
Blue (foot)
Numbness
Cold
Misshapen
Cuts
Deformities
Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.
Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
A New Therapy for Those Suffering From Diabetic Foot Ulcers
A new form of therapy may increase the long-term survival rate of patients with diabetes and chronic diabetic foot ulcers. The new therapy, called hyperbaric oxygen therapy, uses high oxygen pressure given in hyperbaric chambers to systematically treat ulcers. Magnus Löndahl, MD, PhD, of Lund University shared, “One of the beneficial outcomes of this treatment is that you have an acute increment in oxygen concentration in the tissue, and later on you probably have some beneficial effect in microvascular function … In conclusion, in this trial, hyperbaric oxygen therapy seems to improve the 6-year survival in patients with diabetes and chronic foot ulcers.”
Foot therapy is a good idea for those with chronic pain and to recovery from foot injuries. To get consultation for foot therapy, contact Dr. Dean Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Most common injuries
People who are constantly on their feet are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is important to take part in physical therapy in order to get back on the right track quickly.
What to do when injured
Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. This is important for those wanting to get back into the game quickly. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.
During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. These are some steps physical therapy often involves:
Basic stretching & twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.
Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.
Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.
With the advancements in technology and greater knowledge of how muscles and joints work, physical therapists can turn things around dramatically.
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.
Four Expert Tips for Ingrown Toenail Prevention
Spring and summer weather is a sure indication of sandals, bare feet, and painted toes. Some women, however, have to contend with foot conditions such as ingrown toenails that developed over the winter months. Experts provide women with4 tips for ingrown toenail prevention and treatment. Be careful while cutting toenails and be careful to not cut the cuticles. Wear shoes that do not squish toes or force the big toe inward. Clip toenails straight across. Finally, soak the feet in a solution of ½ cup iodine and 1 gallon of warm water for 15 to 20 minutes a day.
Ingrown toenails are very painful and could lead to other complications. If you have any concerns about your ingrown toenails contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor will treat 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 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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Boston College Loses Jon Hillman Due to Foot Surgery
Boston College has lost tailback Jon Hilliman due to foot surgery. According to Coach Steve Addazio, the team will have to work hard as he rushed 122 yards and 24 carries during his last game. Other tailbacks, Myles Willis and Marcus Outlow, are currently both suffering from shoulder injuries leaving junior tailback, Tyler Rouse to maintain the position. “We will be without Jon Hilliman. This was a physical game that took a toll on us from a personnel standpoint,” Addazio stated.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries need proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Sport Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciosis
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles Tendon Rupture
Ankle Sprains
Sports-related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
