SmartStep Foot and Ankle: Love Your Feet This February
Hello, friends!
Happy February! It’s the been the month of the "Big Game" and Valentine’s Day, which means the Carolinas have been full of energy.
This month, I’m recapping a great community race at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, sharing a lesson I learned while making Valentine's dinner plans, and focusing on a critical topic for our senior community: closing the "Mobility Gap."
Top of My Mind: Racing Toward Better Health
The Big Game Race 4 Miler
It was a thrill to be out in Charlotte at Bank of America Stadium recently for the Big Game Race 4 Miler. There is nothing like the energy of excited runners gathering at the home of the Panthers to push their limits.
I spent the day providing foot health information and performing quick evaluations for the participants, which was a great opportunity to engage with the community.
Whether you are a competitive runner or a casual walker, your feet take the brunt of the impact during movement. Seeing so many people active in the community and making a difference in the lives of others is exactly why I love practicing podiatry!
Our team spent some time in educating people about foot and ankle health in Charlotte at Bank of America Stadium.
My Takeaway from the Stadium
Many runners I spoke with were dealing with small pains they’ve been ignoring. My advice to them is the same I give my patients: your feet are your foundation. If you address a small structural issue now, you prevent a major injury later this spring.
If this sounds like something you’ve been dealing with, book a virtual visit with me through our website from anywhere in North and South Carolina. SmartStep Foot and Ankle also offers onsite care in the Charlotte Metro region.
The Lanier Family Corner: A Lesson in Valentine’s Planning
The Reservation Scramble
Toni and I recently had a bit of a "Valentine’s Day scare." We have a tradition of a nice dinner out, but with everything going on with school and the kids' activities, I realized a few days ago that I hadn't booked a table yet. Whoops!
As you can imagine, every top spot in Charlotte was long gone. We were lucky enough to snag a reservation, and while it wasn't our absolute first choice, we still got to enjoy the night together.
We had a wonderful Valentine’s Day dinner, but my planning had a few hiccups.
Why You Shouldn't Wait for Your Health
This little scramble reminded me of a common trend I see in podiatry: Just like a popular restaurant reservation, if you wait until the last minute to address foot or ankle pain, you might find yourself in a "limited options" situation.
When you address a foot issue early, we have a wide range of conservative treatments available. If you wait until the pain is unbearable, your options often become more invasive or require longer recovery times.
The Lesson: Don't wait until the "last minute" for your health. Instead, book your evaluation as soon as you feel something is off!
Clinical Corner: Closing the "Mobility Gap" for Seniors
The Foundation of Longevity
We’ve been seeing a significant increase in calls regarding our senior community lately, which is why I recently published a deep dive into the topic on our website titled: "The Foundation of Longevity: Addressing the 'Mobility Gap' in Charlotte’s Senior Community."
For our older neighbors, foot health is a primary driver of independence. In the blog post, I discuss:
Physiological Changes: Why "Fat Pad Atrophy" and thinning cushioning make walking painful.
The "Silent" Risk of Neuropathy: How loss of sensation can lead to unnoticed infections.
Fall Prevention: Why stability begins at the base and how small issues like calluses can cause trips and falls.
Bringing the Clinic to the Home
One of the most important parts of this discussion is the Transportation Barrier. Navigating traffic and large medical buildings can be daunting for seniors and their caregivers. These are some of the reasons why our virtual care model is so vital for seniors across the Carolinas and why we are expanding our onsite care model across Charlotte.
In addition to telehealth visits anywhere in NC and SC, I am now performing "house calls" throughout the Charlotte Metro, visiting seniors in their private homes, assisted living facilities, or offices.
By seeing a patient in their own environment, I can evaluate their footwear and their living space to provide a truly specialized treatment plan.
You can connect with me on social media by searching for “SmartStep Foot and Ankle” or using the handle "@smartstepfootandankle”
Connecting With Us: Let’s Stay in Step
Whether you need a quick telehealth consult or you’d like to schedule an onsite visit where I come to you in Charlotte, we are here to help you stay active and pain-free.
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Sincerely,
Dr. Thurmond Lanier, DPM, MPH, FACFAS SmartStep Foot and Ankle Charlotte, NC
