Top of My Mind: Panthers Fancy Footwork Leads the Way
As many of you know, my wife and I are huge Carolina Panthers fans, and as fans, we’ve been through our share of ups and downs over the years; however, I'm thrilled to see the team digging deep and grinding out some recent wins!
It takes incredible agility, speed, and fancy footwork to compete in the NFL. These recent comeback performances are a testament to the fact that when you have a solid foundation, you can overcome anything.
The Laniers enjoying some time in the sun at Panthers Stadium in Charlotte, NC.
The Footwork Foundation
In my world of podiatry, that foundation is literal: it's your feet. A football player’s footwork relies on perfectly functioning ankles, arches, and toes.
Whether you are an elite athlete or just trying to stay active and healthy in the Carolinas, remember that the smallest issues like an untreated ankle sprain or chronic heel pain can ruin your performance, even if your "performance" is just a weekend walk.
My quick tip for all Panthers fans: Next time you see a great tackle or a swift move, remember the importance of maintaining your own foundation. If you’re struggling with foot pain, don't wait for a "comeback" of your own health. I’m available to help in your home through our telehealth options at SmartStep Foot and Ankle.
The Lanier Family Corner: Black Belts and Board Breaking!
Four Kids, Eight Medals
Toni and I always try to set an example of commitment and discipline for our kids, and this month, they really made us proud! All four of our children are involved in taekwondo, and they recently competed in a large regional tournament in the Winston-Salem area, where all the area Taekwondo locations gather.
I’ve seen our kids’ dedication really pay off for our two oldest, who are impressive black belts! However, every single one of our children, from the black belts down to our youngest, who is just starting out as a white belt, competed fiercely.
I'm happy to report that they all received two medals each! One medal was for successfully performing their complex form, and the second was for the board breaking segment, which requires them to execute both a powerful kick and a hand chop.
The amount of commitment they show for this sport is incredible, and I'm proud that it's become such a family passion!
The Need for Explosive Force
It probably won't surprise you that my mind always goes to foot health. Taekwondo requires tremendous stability and explosive force.
We ensure our children wear the proper footwear and we focus on exercises that build strong ankle support and flexibility. If your kids are active in sports, remember that preventative care is key to avoiding ligament and tendon issues.
Clinical Corner: Telehealth is a Smart Step, Even with Insurance
One of the questions I often get is, "Dr. Lanier, why should I use telehealth if I have good insurance and can come into the office?"
That's an excellent question! While in-person visits are essential for procedures and hands-on diagnostics, telehealth provides unmatched convenience and efficiency that works with your insurance, not against it.
Ideal for Triage and Follow-Ups
Triage and Initial Assessment: If you're experiencing a new pain or injury, a quick telehealth appointment with me through SmartStep Foot and Ankle can help us determine the severity, provide immediate self-care instructions, and efficiently schedule your follow-up, ensuring the best use of both our time.
While some specialized plans (like certain Medicaid/Medicare) may have restrictions, for the vast majority of our patients, using telehealth is the smartest step toward modern, effective healthcare!
Maximizing Convenience and Speed
Here is why you should consider booking a virtual consultation:
Ultimate Convenience: You can talk to me directly from your home in the evening or on weekends or even from your office during a lunch break, eliminating travel time, finding parking, and waiting room time.
Direct Messaging: I understand that our modern healthcare system can make it challenging to get quick answers from a provider. When you book with me through SmartStep Foot and Ankle, I’m able to provide direct messaging through our HIPAA-compliant, secure portal. This allows you to directly message me at your convenience and receive personalized answers fast.
You can connect with me on social media by searching for “SmartStep Foot and Ankle” or using the handle "@smartstepfootandankle”
Connecting With Us: Your Feedback Fuels Our Footwork
As we continue to grow, we rely heavily on your feedback and support. We are constantly striving to offer the best experience possible for people seeking foot care in the Carolinas, and your voice is the most valuable tool we have.
Leave a Google Review: If you've had a great experience with me or the Smart Step team, please consider leaving us a Google Review. It helps others in the Charlotte community and across North and South Carolina know they can trust us with their foot and ankle health.
Follow Our Journey: We share foot health tips, podiatry advice, and fun updates on our social media platforms. Following us is the easiest way to stay informed and connected. Simply search for “SmartStep Foot and Ankle”, or use the handle “@smartstepfootandankle” on all your favorite platforms.
I truly appreciate you trusting me for foot care guidance. You can always email me with questions at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Dr. Thurmond Lanier, Medical Director - SmartStep Foot and Ankle
