“A lot of the people who thru-hike the Appalachian Trail and do big ultramarathons are doing those events in trail running shoes, and not boots,” says Dan Michaels, DPM.  “My basic recommendations are to find a shoe that has appropriate traction for what you’re aiming to do, but keeps the weight as low as possible.”…

It’s important to note that there is a wide range of causes for dry feet. Sometimes, lifestyle habits are relevant, but other times what’s going on inside the body is the primary cause. A few examples of the latter, according to Dan Michaels, DPM, include dehydration, a lack of sweat gland production, diabetes, and aging. …

Blood clotting””also known as venous thromboembolism (VTE)””is a necessary function in the human body for wound healing and for stopping bleeding, but blood clots can also be dangerous if they form in the wrong place and don’t dissolve. According to the CDC, 900,000 Americans a year are affected by blood clots, resulting in nearly 100,000…

According to Dan Michaels, DPM, “When an ulcer remains open, numerous types of bacteria will “set up shop,” colonizing the surface of the lesion. These often don’t invade the tissues of the host, which would mean infection was present. Instead, multiple types of bacteria will form a cooperative colony, encased in tough, thick gelatinous material…

Cornstarch, a common kitchen ingredient made from corn, can also treat athlete’s foot by absorbing excess moisture from feet, says Daniel Michaels, DPM. That’s because keeping your feet dry prevents the spread of this fungal infection. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can try drugstore foot powders like Dr. Scholl’s, which can be helpful as…

  According to Daniel Michaels, DPM, “Our musculoskeletal system functions to keep us upright and moving from point A to point B via the act of ambulation, a task critical to our health and well-being. We are all different in myriad ways, some big and some small. These variations extend to the musculoskeletal system. A…

Crocs are considered to be comfortable enough to do many activities like exercise, but some doctors don’t recommend it. “I wouldn’t choose a Croc to wear to walk for exercise,” podiatrist Dan Michaels, DPM says. “If you’re in a situation where you do need support, you need your foot to be working optimally, then I wouldn’t…

According to Dan Michaels, DPM, “Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that can cause pain with every step you take. Tarsal tunnel, similar to carpal tunnel in the wrist, is a compressed or pinched nerve that occurs at the inside of the ankle. Symptoms can occur at the ankle, the heel, and even the bottom…

  Ah, the boot, fall’s quintessential footwear. While it’s fun to shop for all the textures, shapes, and heel heights, boots can nevertheless sometimes prove to be a pain to break in””specifically by causing blisters and bunions. In addition to these common side-effects of new footwear, podiatrist Dan Michaels, DPM, cites ingrown nails, pinched nerves,…

According to Dan Michaels, DPM, “Many fungal infections, once they have developed, never resolve, and stay with the host for the rest of his or her life. If one occurs in the lung, the treatment itself is potentially debilitating, and the success rate low. This likewise is true for toenail infections. If not caught relatively…