Smelly shoes start with your feet. “The odor in feet is caused by the sweat and moisture “˜fermenting’-it’s actually a byproduct and can be any combination of bacteria, fungus, mold, or yeast,” says podiatrist Daniel Michaels, DPM. These odor-causing germs thrive in dark, damp spaces, which make your shoes an ideal environment. Feet that are…

According to Daniel Michaels, DPM, “The most important thing in preparing for a half or full marathon is to evaluate the weather conditions, especially if it is hot and humid. It is a necessity to be well hydrated going to the starting line, as it is too late when you get thirsty. Then dehydration is…

According to Dan Michaels, DPM, “The latest evidence appears to point rather clearly to the possibility of curing yourself of pre-diabetes. Is it easy or common? No. It means significant lifestyle changes and they are hard to make (or keep). Radically altering your diet is necessary for many of these people since it is primarily…

According to Dan Michaels, DPM, “Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, also known as progressive collapsing foot deformity, occurs with aging and wear and tear, resulting in a painful flatfoot. It occurs when chronic stress is placed on the posterior tibial tendon and other soft tissue structures of the arch, resulting in inflammation, and sometimes tearing of…

According to Dan Michaels, DPM, “A permutation of a hammertoe deformity is the dreaded plantar plate tear. When nothing is done for the conditions stressing the plantar plate, this can progress to a tear of the plate, worsening over time, as the second toe slowly drifts upward, bending at the ball of the foot. The…

Daniel Michaels, DPM says plantar fasciitis is caused by stress put onto the plantar fascia ligament that helps support the arch of the foot. Such things as poor fitting shoes and stress due to exercise and prolonged standing can cause the intense heel pain that sends many patients to a podiatrist to seek relief.  …

Dr. Michaels recommends gentle stretching before getting out of bed. When the heel is painful, icing or massaging may help. Over-the-counter or customized orthotic inserts may also be beneficial. Some people take an anti-inflammatory supplement such as turmeric or curcumin, and that may sometimes ease the pain.

“There are two types of plantar fasciitis: acute, which was triggered by a specific activity, and chronic, when the condition becomes worse over time,” says Dan Michaels, DPM. You may also experience knee, hip, or back pain due to the changes in your gait because of the compensation from plantar fasciitis pain, adds Dr. Michaels….

Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tight band of tissue on the bottom of your foot, can happen to anyone, said Dan Michaels, DPM, but it occurs more frequently in people who are on their feet for long periods of time. “It’s probably more common than most people think,” he said, noting that he has…

Dan Michaels, DPM sates how important it is to see your podiatrist as soon as plantar fasciitis occurs. He stressed that it is extremely important to educate the patient on the difference between an over-the-counter arch support and a custom functional orthotic that controls biomechanics force.     According to Dr. Michaels, “Studies have shown…