Imagine the arch of your foot is the arch of a wooden bow. The plantar fascia is this taut string between the two ends of the bow – the ball of the foot and the heel. Every step a person takes, the arch of the foot collapses under their weight, and the plantar fascia stretches,…

According to Maryland-based podiatrist Dan Michaels, DPM, “A textured sole is important for traction, especially during inclement weather. And it’s also really important to look at the stitching to make sure it’s tight if you’re looking for a waterproof boot,” she advised. If you’re specifically looking for ankle boots, she also recommended choosing a pair…

According to podiatrist, Daniel Michaels, DPM, if you are looking for a stylish slip-on sneaker that has good support, you should “make sure the sole is stiff, which will help with keeping the arch of the foot stable and not allow for added heel and foot pressure.”   How can you assess the stiffness of…

Unlike a gout attack, which is more waxing and waning and is typically relieved by a short course of medication, bunion pain can be more longstanding, explains podiatrist Daniel Michaels, DPM. When it comes to bunions, Dr. Michaels says the pressure from too narrow and tight shoes can cause pain while the shoes are on…

Science backs this up: Two recent studies found that walking between 2,000 and 10,000 steps each day can reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer, and decrease the likelihood of premature death by at least 10 percent. Other research has linked walking to mental (improved mood and self-esteem) and physical (better sleep and decreased…

Ultrarunner Jeff Garmire recently ran a 5K wearing Crocs in 19:05! However, experts don’t recommend running in Crocs or similar footwear, because they don’t offer the stability that your feet need while running. “There’s a difference between cushy and cushion,” Daniel Michaels, DPM states. “It’s a common misconception that something cushy would be good for…

According to Dan Michaels, DPM people typically seek medical care for their feet when they begin experiencing or noticing pain. “A lot of people think they have to live with foot pain at the end of the day after they get done at their job,” Michaels said, though this is untrue. He explained that there…

Whether you’re an avid runner or just like to zone out on the treadmill while getting some movement in, the right pair of running shoes can really make or break your workout. “You want to make sure that the running shoes you select offer the correct amount of support, and also that they provide more…

According to podiatrist Daniel Michaels, “Nearly all children appear to have flat feet when they first start walking. This is partly due to posture and is associated with fatty deposits in the foot. When toddlers walk, they have to balance a relatively large head and torso so they walk with the knees bent, legs wide…

There’s an old English proverb that says, “Time heals all wounds,” but doctors will tell you that the saying is only true for some. As a general rule of thumb, it should take two weeks for a wound to start healing and four weeks to complete the process, says Daniel Michaels, DPM. Depending on the…