According to Dan Michaels, DPM, “Scientifically-speaking, we cannot say that soaking in Epsom salts really does anything. Maybe more important to the benefits of Epsom salt soaks is the associated use of moist heat, which has a long and well-researched history of positive health consequences. Hydrotherapy is a widely used treatment for acute or chronic…

When going to the doctor, cortisone injections are sometimes used to reduce inflammation and lessen pain localized to particular areas of the body. However, cortisone shots are not without potential side-effects. To get a better idea of what these side-effects may look like states Dan Michaels, DPM, who further explained the risks as well as…

Studies show that certain foods like red meat are pro-inflammatory, driving conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. So it would make sense that these pro-inflammatory foods could also affect plantar fasciitis, another inflammatory condition. “Although no direct evidence-based literature has been established on plantar fasciitis, I can indirectly relate decreasing inflammation with a…

“Ankle sprains are an epidemic problem, and the numbers of sprains are astounding. It is estimated that there are over 3 million ankle sprains reported to doctors annually in the United States,” says Daniel Michaels, DPM. “The problem is, for every ankle sprain that is reported, at least 10 are treated at home without proper…

“The major benefits of wearing compression socks is reduction of swelling to the lower legs,” explains podiatrist Daniel Michaels, DPM. This helps with leg fatigue and pain, and can aid in preventing leg wounds in people who have medical issues like diabetes or poor circulation. “It happens by encouraging the blood to circulate back up…

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which a nerve known as the posterior tibial compresses while traveling through the tarsal tunnel, reports Johns Hopkins Medicine. It is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome but affects the ankles and feet.    How it’s diagnosed: Daniel Michaels, DPM, states it can “cause numbness, burning, and tingling that…

Tailor’s unions rarely cause worrisome complications unless they go without being treated. If bunions continue without treatment, Daniel Michaels, DPM says there are a few possible complications, including inflammation of the joint that connects the small toe to the foot and inflamed bursal tissue which protects the fifth metatarsal bone from irritation from your shoe. If…

There are ways to relieve swelling from everyday causes – and sometimes you can even prevent it, says podiatrist Daniel Michaels, DPM. “When it comes to swelling, it’s about management and getting through the day,” Dr. Michaels says. “There’s nothing that’s necessarily curative, but you can take steps to ease pain and discomfort.”    …

According to Dan Michaels, DPM, “Surgery for club foot is an incredibly complex and delicate process. When performed by a skilled surgeon, it can be remarkably successful with little complication. The surgery typically involves repairing misaligned tendons and ligaments, as well as shortening them to improve the overall flexibility of the foot. After surgery, the…

If you’re someone who tends to put extra pressure on the outer parts of your feet while walking or running, your feet supinate. Supination happens when your weight rolls to the outside edges of your feet. It’s associated with people who have high arches, says Dan Michaels, DPM.   “If someone has a high foot arch,…