Overusing shoes in settings that don’t require them can progressively weaken the feet, according to one functional podiatrist. Dan Michaels, DPM, explained that there is a common misconception that shoes offer more support to the body.   Dr. Michaels added, “Our toes need to push into the ground to maintain balance, and our foot muscles contract…

While you can buy foot peel masks over the counter, Daniel Michaels, DPM warns that anyone with underlying medical issues, such as diabetes or poor circulation, should consult their podiatrist or primary care practitioner before attempting any type of peel. Another reason to skip acid peels: you have foot problems like wounds or sores. “The…

Daniel Michaels, DPM, has treated just about every foot problem imaginable, including the special problems diabetics face with foot diseases and disorders. “Diabetics are more at risk of developing severe foot problems than the general population, so it’s very important that they pay close attention to their feet,” Dr. Michaels said.” “A lot of what…

Dan Michaels, DPM recommends that nurses consider wearing compression stockings, especially if they spend the majority of their shifts standing. He explained that compression stockings can be helpful because veins have valves that push blood back up where it needs to go, but when you’re standing, gravity takes a huge toll on those valves and…

Bunions are a hereditary condition according to Dan Michaels, DPM. “Because of hereditary mostly what happens is mom, dad, grandma, grandpa have a bunion and then what happens is it’s passed on. Most people have flat feet also with bunion deformities, and that’s what causes them to form even more.” Dr. Michaels adds that surgical…

Dan Michaels, DPM, says that neutral running shoes should be the default choice for most runners; that is, unless you have a known musculoskeletal issue that would require extra support. Generally, the two main types of shoes are stability and neutral running shoes. When in doubt, you may want to start with a neutral shoe….

According to Dan Michaels, DPM, “Nail changes develop, over time, for a host of reasons. It is inaccurate to assume these changes are always fungal. Don’t waste your time applying some OTC fungal nail medicine to your discolored toe for the next year if you don’t know what it is. Besides, these are ineffective even…

Our feet are the foundation of our bodies. The average American walks approximately two miles every day, and it is estimated that nearly half of Americans have one or more foot problems at any given time. The good news: most foot and ankle issues are preventable and treatable with proper care and attention. According to…

  “The leading cause of hospitalization among people with diabetes ““ regardless of ethnicity ““ is foot ulcers and infections, but most of those problems are largely preventable,” said Daniel Michaels, DPM. “It’s important for those with the disease to “˜knock their socks off’ and receive regular foot exams by today’s podiatrists.”   “Although ulcers…

According to Daniel Michaels, DPM, “Morton’s neuroma is often caused by shoes that are too tight or that have high heels. These shoes can cause the nerves in your feet to become compressed or irritated. The irritated nerve thickens and gradually becomes more painful as a result of the pressure on it. Another possible cause…