January in Gastonia is the peak of what we at Carolina Foot and Ankle Specialists call “Slipper Syndrome.” Between the colder mornings and the post-holiday desire to stay indoors, patients often experience a significant uptick in sharp, localized pain in the ball of the foot or the mid-arch.

What’s causing this, and what’s the common denominator? They’ve spent weeks walking on hard surfaces in nothing but socks or flimsy, flat slippers.

We understand; you’re at home, and you may be off work for a winter break. You want to be cozy. But those warm slippers or socks may be causing more harm than good.

It’s time to fire up the heating systems across Gastonia, Belmont, and the greater Gaston County area, and with that, you probably expect dry hands and chapped lips. What you might not expect, however, is a silent, often ignored threat that may be forming on your feet: deep, painful heel fissures.

A fissure is the medical term for a severely cracked heel, and while It's tempting to think that cracked heels are just a cosmetic annoyance, our podiatrists know that these cracks are not just surface-level dryness. In fact, for many people, particularly those with underlying health issues, a stubborn heel fissure is an open wound that demands specialized attention.

If you’re struggling with dry, cracked heels in Gastonia, Carolina Foot and Ankle Specialists wants you to know why this condition is a structural and health risk and what you can do about it:

Much to the chagrin of Northern transplants to the Piedmont region of North Carolina, winters here in Gastonia rarely result in deep, continuous snow. While that can be good news for our neighbors who are averse to the white stuff, there is another, far more insidious weather hazard we frequently face: black ice.

Black ice acts like an invisible glaze that forms when air temperatures drop near freezing, and it isn't just a threat to your commute on I-85 into and out of Charlotte. Black ice is a major culprit behind sudden, unexpected slips and falls, and this can mean serious ankle injuries, pain, and disability.

Whether it’s a little puffiness after a long day of standing or a sudden, dramatic change, ankle swelling (edema) can be unsettling. Although it can be worrying to notice your ankles looking swollen and feeling the stiff, the truth is that swelling in the ankle region isn’t uncommon and may not be a cause for concern. While swollen ankles may be a sign that further investigation and treat from your podiatrist is needed, many cases involve temporary or passing conditions that can be easily treated in the Gastonia, Belmont, and Charlotte Metro region.

At Carolina Foot and Ankle Specialists we often help patients understand the difference between temporary, harmless swelling and signs of a more serious underlying issue. To help put your mind at ease and provide answers, we’ve put together this guide to walk you through common and uncommon causes of ankle swelling and, most importantly, provide some insight into when it's time to call a specialist.

The name "Athlete's Foot" tends to conjure up images of sweaty gym locker rooms and humid summer afternoon, but you might be surprised to learn that this pesky (and sometimes dangerous) fungal infection can wreak havoc on your feet during the winter. In fact, as temperatures drop across Gastonia, Belmont, and the greater Charlotte area, fungal infections are far from vanishing and may actually become more prevalent.

At Carolina Foot and Ankle Specialists, we see cases of Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis) year-round. In fact, winter presents a unique and often overlooked set of circumstances that create the perfect breeding ground for foot fungus. Despite what you may have heard, it’s not about heat; it’s about occlusion, sweat, and moisture management, all of which are common problems that are exacerbated by heavy winter footwear.

As we get older, our bodies go through many changes. While we often notice the effects on our joints and muscles, it's easy to overlook one of the most hardworking parts of our bodies: our feet.

For many in Gastonia, NC, and the surrounding area, foot pain is often accepted as an inevitable part of aging. However, at Carolina Foot and Ankle Specialists, we believe that understanding these changes is the first step toward a pain-free life. Whether you're an avid hiker enjoying Crowders Mountain or simply love walking around Downtown Gastonia, your feet are your foundation for staying active.

To make matters more complicated, your feet are also complex structures of bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons that carry the weight of your body with every step. After decades of use, it's natural for them to show signs of wear and tear, but you may be surprised to learn just how much aging can affect your feet.

Sports Injuries are common during the fall around Gastonia, and some can lead to debilitating pain, a loss of mobility, and more. Thankfully, you can rely on Carolina Foot and Ankle Specialists for relief. Check out these simple tips to avoid the hassle of a season-ending foot or ankle injury.

When you’re dealing with foot pain, taking a trip down the shoe aisle at a local pharmacy or big-box store seems like a quick and easy solution. The shelves are lined with a wide variety of insoles promising comfort, support, and pain relief. But is a one-size-fits-all insole really enough to address your unique foot problems?

You've probably heard it a hundred times: if you have a foot or ankle injury, you should put ice on it. It’s a go-to piece of advice, but have you ever stopped to wonder why? Does a bag of frozen peas really make a difference, or is it just something we’ve always been told to do?

At Carolina Foot and Ankle Specialists in Gastonia, we believe in providing clear, actionable advice that our patients can trust. So, let’s get to the bottom of it: can ice really help foot injuries?

It can strike any time: You take a step, bend your foot, and a sharp, unwelcome pain shoots through your arch, heel, or the top of your foot. A quick search online will give you a list of potential culprits: plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, maybe a stress fracture, but what does any of this mean for you?

In this blog post, we’re going to take a look at common reasons for why your foot hurts when you bend it, but more importantly, we’ll take a look at solutions to help you identify the causes of your unique pain and get you back on track to healthy movement.

For many, a pedicure is a simple act of self-care and a moment of pampering and relaxation. But if you are living with diabetes, that visit to the nail salon can come with a lot of questions and concerns. Can a simple pleasure put your health at risk? Can you safely get a pedicure if you’re a diabetic?

You’re getting out of the shower and you notice a small, whitish spot on your toenail that you swear wasn’t there last month. Or maybe it’s an annoying, itchy patch of skin between your toes that just appeared after a weekend at the lake. Your first question is likely, "Where did this come from?" Your second is almost always, "How long has this been here?". Your third? “Is this serious?”

Sweaty, damp feet can be an annoyance but can they also pose a danger to your health? Dr. Thurmond Lanier sheds light on the truth and provides tips to deal with sweaty feet in Gastonia, NC, and beyond.