According to Dan Michaels, DPM, “Taking care of your feet is important all year long and is vital to our overall health and well-being. During the winter season, our feet can be prone to dryness, injury. and poor circulation. In cold weather environments, the body has mechanisms to retain heat in our core, but sacrifices warmth…

Did you know that working out in old sneakers can do more harm to your body than good? According to podiatrist Dan Michaels, DPM, you should test your sneakers to see if it is time for new ones. “Most experts say [you should replace shoes after every] 300 to 500 miles, but most people don’t…

Dan Michaels, DPM, states it is important to protect your feet during the hot summer months. “If you have to wear flip-flops, make sure you apply waterproof high SPF sunscreen (and apply it regularly) to your feet. A lot of people make the mistake of frolicking their toes in the water at the beach or…

Advice for Those in Their 40s and 50s   Dan Michaels, DPM notes that when looking for a sneaker specifically for working out, someone in their 40s and 50s should select a sneaker that has “proper support for the type of activity in which they are engaging,” as well as a shoe that properly supports…

“Back pain can occur for a variety of reasons,” says Dan Michaels, DPM. “In my patient population, frequently those with flat feet experience pain in their low backs. In this case, getting my patients into a more supportive shoe and maybe even orthotics can result in improvements in their back pain.”    When recommending shoes,…

In order to do their job of supporting your entire body, your feet need a little TLC-otherwise you could face issues like painful strains and sprains or gnarly infections. Especially now that warmer weather is here, it’s a good time to give this often-ignored body part the attention it deserves, Dan Michaels, DPM states.  …

According to Dan Michaels, DPM, “Self-care following the race is paramount! Consuming 12 to 24 ounces of water with electrolytes and eating a meal high in carbohydrates 30 minutes to two hours following the race refills your body’s depleted stores.”     Change out of your running shoes! Find a comfortable pair of non-constricting shoes or…

According to Dan Michaels, DPM, “Holiday shopping is like a marathon, and it is essential to wear the appropriate shoes. The ideal shoes are comfortable and well-fitted, providing support similar to that found in walking or running shoes. Shoe inserts can be used for added support if needed. Avoid wearing heels, flip-flops, or shoes that…

Dan Michaels, DPM, explains that the primary reason heels hurt is because your foot is sliding forward too much or the design isn’t properly shaped to your foot. When you’re shopping for special occasion heels (like prom, homecoming, or a wedding), you’ll want to try on each potential pair to ensure that they’re the correct…

Don’t let feet get too dry or too damp. Sprinkling talcum powder or cornstarch between the toes will absorb moisture that can break down skin. Using cream or lotion on the tops and bottoms of the feet keeps them from drying and cracking, which allows bacteria to enter. Podiatrist Dan Michaels, DPM, recommends, “Wear socks…