A Brand New Digital Experience, Podcast Launch, Flag Football Fever, and Hiker Health!
Hello friends!
September is almost over, but we haven’t had much relief from the summer heat just yet. I know I can’t wait for the crisp morning air and fall energy across the Fort Mill region!
Between back-to-school routines, weekend sports tournaments, and preparing for our grand opening at our new location, September has been running at full speed.
In this month’s newsletter, we are unveiling two major digital upgrades for SmartStep Foot and Ankle, celebrating a huge athletic milestone for our daughter, and sharing essential advice for anyone planning to hit the trails this autumn.
Top of My Mind: Upgrading How We Connect With You
Announcing Our Brand-New Website & Online Booking!
We are thrilled to officially launch our completely redesigned website at smartstepfootandankle.com!
We’ve built this new digital home from the ground up to make your care experience as smooth and accessible as possible.
On the new site, you’ll find in-depth educational resources on the specific foot and ankle conditions we treat, clear breakdowns of our podiatry services, and direct online booking so you can schedule your appointments with just a few clicks.
Tune In: "10 Toes Down" Podcast is Live!
We are also excited to announce the official launch of our brand-new podcast, 10 Toes Down!
Co-hosted by Dr. Thurmond Lanier (Owner & Medical Director at SmartStep Foot and Ankle) alongside Sheena Pickett (Owner of Alpha Male Nail Care in Charlotte), 10 Toes Down dives into real, candid conversations about:
Foot health care
Grooming
Culture
Footwear
Maintaining healthy mobility for active lifestyles
Want to catch the first episodes? Head over to our new website to listen now!
The Lanier Family Corner: Making History on the Gridiron
Girls' Flag Football Goes Global & Hits Close to Home!
There is a huge, well-deserved spotlight on flag football right now! The sport has officially been sanctioned in schools and was recently announced for its global debut at the 2028 Summer Olympics.
This historic momentum hits especially close to home for our family this fall: our daughter is playing on her school’s flag football team this season!
Watching her step onto the field, learn the strategy, and be a part of this growing athletic movement for young women has been pure joy for Toni and me. As both proud parents and foot health advocates, we’re cheering hard for her and making sure her feet and ankles are protected as she cuts and sprints across the field!
Flag football will make its global debut at the 2028 Olympic Games!
Clinical Corner: Progressive Arch Collapse in Hikers
What Fall Trail Walkers Need to Know Before Heading Out
With cooler weather right around the corner, fall hiking season in the Carolinas is about to be in full swing. However, as outdoor enthusiasts hit steeper trails and longer distances, many experience a subtle, aching fatigue along the inside of their ankle and arch.
This is often the first warning sign of Progressive Arch Collapse (historically known as Adult-Acquired Flatfoot Deformity).
In our latest blog post, we break down:
Early Warning Signs: How to distinguish normal soreness from tendon strain.
Terrain Adaptation: Why rocky incline trails place strain on your arch support.
Proactive Protection: Custom stabilization and footwear strategies to keep you hiking pain-free all autumn long.
Join Us for a Special Event in Fort Mill!
SmartStep Foot and Ankle is excited to partner with Fleet Feet for this upcoming special event. We’ll be talking footwear, healthy feet, and having a great time.
I’ll be there personally, and don’t forget to take part in the shoe raffle. It’s going to be a lot of fun!
You can connect with me on social media by searching for “SmartStep Foot and Ankle” or using the handle "@smartstepfootandankle”
Connecting With Us: Care Designed Around Your Life
Whether you need pre-season sports guidance or care for a nagging issue before the busy fall routine takes over.
Explore the New Website: Visit smartstepfootandankle.com to check out our condition guides and book online.
Listen & Subscribe: Search for 10 Toes Down wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts to hear Dr. Lanier and Sheena Pickett break down foot care and health.
Stay Tuned: Our grand opening is coming up very soon, and we want you to be a part of it. Stay tuned for details about the big day!
Wishing you and your family a healthy, active, and wonderful start to the fall season!
Dr. Thurmond Lanier, DPM, MPH, FACFAS
SmartStep Foot and Ankle
Fort Mill, SC
