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Simple Techniques for Everyday Foot Care
The result of practicing a good everyday foot care routine can improve the skin on the feet, in addition to possibly providing a general sense of well being. The feet endure the weight of the body, and they are often the most neglected area when engaging in self-care. Cold winter months may cause the skin on the feet to flake or crack, and using a good moisturizer may restore the oils in the skin. The skin can soften when they are soaked in warm water with Epsom salt, and the feet can be exfoliated as they are rubbed together. It is beneficial to trim the toenails to the desired length, and this can prep the nails to be polished. The feet can feel better when the correct size shoes and socks are worn and gentle toe stretches are performed. If you have questions and would like to learn about additional everyday foot care techniques, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
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.
Pre-Podiatry Concentrations
Podiatrists are medical professionals that specialize in maintaining the health of patient’s feet. They are trained in treating a wide range of different foot conditions. Some podiatrists can begin gaining their skills at their undergraduate institution through a pre-podiatry concentration. In these programs, an individual can prepare to be admitted into a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree program. Through this kind of concentration, an individual can learn more about biology and the sciences while conducting independent research projects. This is just one potential step along a podiatrist’s long journey to becoming a professional podiatrist. If you are someone that is struggling with the health of your feet, it is suggested that you seek out a podiatrist.
If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to 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 a Podiatrist?
Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.
Podiatric Treatment
A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:
- Physical therapy
- Drugs
- Orthotic inserts or soles
- Surgery on lower extremity fractures
A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans 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.
What Is Pitting Edema?
Pitting edema refers to a visible swelling of a specific area caused by fluid buildup in the tissues. When pressure is applied to the area, it leaves a pit in the skin. While pitting edema can occur throughout the body, the feet and ankles are often affected. Beyond swelling and pitting, this condition can also cause tingling or burning sensations, pain, stiffness, numbness, and cramps. There are many potential causes for pitting edema, including poor circulation, obesity, pregnancy, dehydration, and injuries. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the condition, but may involve elevating the feet, wearing compression socks, or taking certain medications. If you notice swelling in your feet or ankles, please consult with a podiatrist.
Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.
Causes
Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:
- Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness
- Numbness or cramping in the legs
- Skin discoloration
- Slower nail & hair growth
- Erectile dysfunction
Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.
As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication.
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.
What Does Maffucci Syndrome Look Like?
There are a variety of rare foot conditions that might affect some individuals. For example, Maffucci syndrome is a rare foot condition. Many patients often ask podiatrists what the feet look like when they are affected by Maffucci syndrome. The answer is that the feet can become covered in growths that are characteristics of the condition. These growths are essentially known as multiple enchondromas, and they are ultimately made up of cartilage. If an individual has Maffucci syndrome, it is possible for it to be noticeable at birth. However, in other cases, the condition might not be noticeable until the age of 5. If you are someone that wants to learn more about Maffucci syndrome, then it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for more information.
Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Rare Foot Conditions
The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist. Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care.
There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:
- Freiberg’s disease
- Kohler’s disease
- Maffucci syndrome
Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp.
Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.
Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking.
A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.
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.
Surgery For Plantar Fasciitis
Severe cases of the foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis may require surgery for better relief. The plantar fascia is found on the bottom of the foot, and it is the band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. It can become damaged suddenly from an injury, or it may happen gradually from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. A torn plantar fascia can result in developing plantar fasciitis and many cases can be successfully treated by wearing orthotics or by changing the shoes that are worn. Surgery is often a final option after less invasive treatments have proven to be ineffective. There may be risks that are associated with this type of surgery, including recurring heel pain, infection, or a delay in completing daily activities. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose this condition, and discuss surgery options, if applicable.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:
- Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
- Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
- Cosmetic reconstruction
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
- Bunionectomy for painful bunions
- Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
- Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
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.
Am I Wearing the Right Shoe Size?
There are various ways to determine your shoe size and ensure a proper fit. Using a Brannock device is an effective measuring tool that is found in most shoe stores. However, many people opt to know their shoe size before going to the store and this can be accomplished at home. The first step is to trace the foot on a piece of paper while wearing the intended socks. This is followed by using a size conversion chart and matching the length of the traced foot to its corresponding size. When a shoe fits properly, there is adequate room for the toes to move freely, and the heel and midfoot fit snugly. It is beneficial to measure the feet each time new shoes are purchased. The best time of day to measure the feet is in the afternoon when the feet are at their largest. If you would like more information on how to find shoes that fit properly, please speak with your local podiatrist.
Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners from 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 proper 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, improper 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, properly-fitting shoes are 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 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.
It's Time for Beautiful Feet
You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.
Methods on How to Properly Measure Feet
When shoes fit properly, the feet will generally feel good. This being stated, research has indicated that many people wear shoes that are the wrong size, and can cause foot conditions to develop which may include bunions and hammertoes. Many people choose to purchase shoes that are slightly tight, and they often think the shoes will gradually stretch to accommodate their foot. It is important to properly measure the foot which can help to determine the correct shoe size. This can be accomplished by tracing the foot on a piece of paper, and it is helpful to wear the socks that are typically worn with the chosen shoes. At this point, the width and length of the foot can be measured. An alternative would be to use a Brannock device, which is found it many shoe stores. A podiatrist is able to provide you with additional information about how to buy shoes that fit correctly.
It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners from Illinois. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Proper Shoe Fitting
Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.
Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting
- Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
- Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
- Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
- Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
- Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot
The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.
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.
Common Causes of Heel Pain
Two common causes of heel pain are plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. Each foot has 28 bones, 30 joints, and more than 100 muscles, ligaments, and tendons. All of these structures work in tandem to provide weight-bearing and forward movement. The heel bone, or calcaneus, is the largest bone in the foot, and is a common site for injury as a result of walking style, or gait. Plantar fasciitis is caused by microtears in the connective tissue under the foot. This is typically caused by overstretching and can produce pain in the heel and arch areas of the foot. Pain is often worse in the morning when the first steps are taken. A heel spur is a bony overgrowth on the heel that can cause severe pain while standing or walking. Heel spurs can be common among those with plantar fasciitis. For a proper diagnosis and treatment of your heel pain, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes
- Wearing non-supportive shoes
- Weight change
- Excessive running
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.
If you have any questions please 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.
Development of Baby's Feet
Babies’ feet may look like miniature versions of adult feet, but that is only true on the outside. Early development enables the baby to find various ways to move their feet. This generally begins with wiggling their toes to gradually walking. During the crawling stage, the child’s feet will grow approximately three sizes, and the cartilage will start to form into bones. Eventually, this will add up to 26 bones and numerous joints, tendons, and muscles that make the adult foot. It is beneficial to have your child crawl and walk barefoot while indoors. This can help the toes and feet become strong. When the first shoes are purchased, make sure they are made of breathable materials, and having soft soles can help the toes stretch. There are many stages to a child’s foot development, and it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist to learn more.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
- Make sure their shoes fit properly
- Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
- Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
- Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
- Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
- Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
- Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
- Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.
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.
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Bearing Weight on a Broken Foot
Regardless of how you broke your foot, bearing weight on a broken foot before it has healed sufficiently can cause additional injury. It is important that you wear a walking boot, are in a cast, or use crutches when you break your foot. It is generally seen that a broken bone takes six to 12 weeks to heel. The younger and healthier you are, the quicker healing can happen. The location of the break will also impact healing time. If the injury to your foot is in the heel, big toe, or fifth metatarsal, expect to be off your feet for at least six weeks. As might be expected, if you have a displaced broken bone that requires surgery or pins for stabilization, healing time will be longer. If you have sustained a break to your foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and treatment plan.
A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
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 in color
- 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 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.
Simple Methods to Prevent Running Injuries
There are people who enjoy many forms of running, ranging from recreational jogging to training for a marathon. Incurring a running injury can wreak havoc on the running routine, and it is often temporarily stopped until the injury has healed. Seasoned runners may know how to implement effective techniques to prevent running injuries. These can consist of warming up before running, performing foot and ankle stretches, and cooling down after the run. Additionally, it is beneficial to get adequate sleep and rest between runs, which can help the body to recover. Gradually increasing speed and distance can help the body to adjust to running, and it is important to be aware of the type of surfaces that are run on. When the right running shoes are worn, in addition to performing strength-training exercises, the risk of incurring a running injury may be reduced. If you would like more information about how running can affect the feet, and efficient methods to prevent running injuries, please contact a podiatrist.
All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.
More Tips for Preventing Injury
- Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
- Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
- “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
- Cross-Training is Crucial
- Wear Proper Running Shoes
- Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury
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.
Heel Pain Can Be Treated!
Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
Is Your Toenail Fungus Dying?
Simply put, nobody wants to develop a case of toenail fungus. This is because toenail fungus can negatively impact the color, texture, and odor of the toenails. When a patient has a case of toenail fungus, they often want to know what signs they should be looking for that might indicate that the toenail fungus is dying. It is important to remember that just because these signs might be present, this does not mean that a patient should immediately discontinue using any medication that their medical professional provided them. Some of these signs include a decline in the discoloration of the toenail. The toenail might slowly start getting less and less yellow, white, black, or brown. Additionally, another important sign to look for is the diminishing thickness of the toenail. Lastly, a sign that a case of toenail fungus is dying is that a new nail is growing in a healthy state. Contact a podiatrist today if you want to treat your toenail fungus.
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.
