Hello, friends!
As we head into the holiday season, I hope you’re all enjoying the beautiful fall weather here in Charlotte. We’ve had some ups and downs, but I’ve enjoyed being able to get outdoors more during the warmer spells.
In this month’s newsletter, I’m sharing some of my experience during an outing to the Mint Museum that touched on my professional life, a fun family day at a local orchard, and a very timely clinical topic: Gout. It's crucial to be mindful of our health as the holiday feasts begin!
Top of My Mind: Sneaker Culture and Foot Health at the Mint Museum
Shots from the virtual sneaker exhibit at the Mint Museum in Charlotte, NC.
A Look at Footwear Art and Design
Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting the Mint Museum to check out the virtual sneaker exhibit. It was a fascinating look at the history, design, and cultural impact of athletic shoes. For many people, a sneaker is a fashion statement, but for a podiatrist like me, it's a piece of engineering that directly impacts your health!
We even created an IG Live and some Reels about the visit, which you can find on our social media pages. We were honored when the Mint Museum shared a post about my visit and tagged SmartStep!
I had a great time at the Mint Museum in Charlotte checking out virtual sneaker exhibit.
The Link Between Design and Performance
Seeing the evolution of footwear highlighted the link between design innovation and human performance. Whether it’s a lightweight running shoe or a highly supportive walking shoe, the structure and material choices are critical. A poorly designed shoe can lead to chronic pain, heel spurs, and structural issues.
My takeaway: Never underestimate your footwear. When you buy a pair of sneakers, you're investing in your mobility as well as your look. If you’re unsure what type of shoe is best for your foot structure, bring it up during your next appointment with me at SmartStep Foot and Ankle.
The Lanier Family Corner: Apple Picking at Windy Hill Orchard
Making the Most of Fall
It's been a busy fall for our family, but Toni and I always make time for local activities. A couple of weeks ago, we headed to Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery for a perfect fall afternoon.
The kids loved riding the hayride through the orchard, and we even got to help with the final harvest of the season's apples. Of course, the real treats were the fresh-pressed ciders and those famous apple donuts!
Staying Grounded on Uneven Terrain
A day at the orchard, navigating hills, mud, and uneven ground while carrying heavy baskets of apples, is a great reminder that our feet work hard.
While it was a fun outing, activities on uneven terrain are where many people risk ankle sprains or stress injuries if they don't have good support.
Podiatry Tip: Even for short trips to the farm or park, wear shoes with decent traction and ankle support. It keeps your family grounded (literally!) and ensures a fun day doesn't end with a trip to the clinic.
Clinical Corner: Gout—Be Mindful as the Holidays Approach
With Thanksgiving just around the corner and other holidays meals planned ahead, we need to talk about Gout.
Gout is a common, complex form of arthritis that causes sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the joints, often starting in the big toe. It’s caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body, which forms sharp crystals in the joints.
Holiday Triggers You Need to Watch For
While holidays are a time of celebration, especially with food, traditional feasts can trigger painful attacks for those susceptible to gout. Why? Because many holiday staples are high in purines, which the body converts into the aforementioned uric acid.
To stay safe while still enjoying some holiday cheer, be especially mindful of these known triggers:
Alcohol: Beer and spirits are primary culprits, as they increase uric acid production.
Red Meat: Turkey, while often lean, and red meats consumed in excess can trigger attacks.
Shellfish: Shrimp, scallops, and other seafood are high in purines.
Sugary Drinks: Soda and fruit juices (especially those sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup) are known to increase risk.
Tips for a Pain-Free Season
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water. It helps your kidneys flush out excess uric acid.
Moderate: You don't have to skip the feast, but practice moderation with high-purine foods and alcohol.
Medication: If you have prescription medication for gout, take it exactly as directed, even during the holidays.
Call Us: If you feel an attack coming on, don't suffer through it. Early intervention is key to managing the pain and preventing joint damage. For questions and concerns about gout or other foot and ankle concerns, book a visit with me at SmartStep Foot and Ankle.
Using telehealth can be a quick and convenient way to assess a sudden flare-up. Don't let gout ruin your holiday season!
You can connect with me on social media by searching for “SmartStep Foot and Ankle” or using the handle "@smartstepfootandankle”
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We truly appreciate you trusting us with your care, and our entire team wishes you and yours health and happiness!
Sincerely,
Dr. Thurmond Lanier Smart Step Foot and Ankle Charlotte, NC
