Dr. Timothy Miller: What Your Arches, Achilles, and Bunions Are Telling You About Menopause | #163

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Your feet take 5,000 steps every single day, and most of us don't think about them until something goes wrong.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Timothy Miller, DPM, FACFAS, to talk about the one body part that literally holds everything else up. We cover everything from plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis to bunions, big toe arthritis, and fallen arches, and what you can do right now to stay strong, mobile, and pain-free for decades to come. This is the conversation I wish every one of my patients had before they ended up in my office.

What we explore:

- How foot dysfunction travels up the kinetic chain and causes hip, shoulder, and neck pain.

- Why perimenopause triggers arch collapse and shoe size changes.

- What a biomechanical evaluation is and why every woman over 40 should get one.

- Why barefoot shoes are not for everyone and how to know if you are ready.

- How estrogen loss accelerates Achilles tendon damage and raises rupture risk.

- Why bunion splints do not fix the underlying problem and what actually works.

- How foot hygiene is a serious longevity strategy, especially with pre-diabetes.

About Dr. Timothy Miller:

Timothy J. Miller, DPM, FACFAS, is a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon specializing in lower extremity reconstruction, deformity correction, trauma, limb salvage, and advanced ankle surgery. He is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery.

Connect with Dr. Timothy Miller:

Website: www.sunshineankleandfoot.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunshineanklefootexperts/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-miller-dpm-facfas-

4ab18359/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunshineanklefoot/

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

01:46 Gait Exam: How Your Walk Predicts Pain

04:19 How Feet Affect Your Hips, Shoulders, and Neck

06:30 The Case for a Preventive Foot Visit

09:26 Perimenopause, Relaxin, and Arch Collapse

12:06 Orthotics, Shoes, and Foot Strengthening

14:41 The Truth About Barefoot Shoes

21:00 Achilles Tendon: Estrogen, Damage, and Rupture Risk

27:10 Active Rest vs. Sedentary Rest

31:26 Flat Feet: Causes, Tests, and Treatment

36:36 Big Toe Arthritis and Bunions

43:39 Rapid Fire: Best Habits and Aging with Power

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About Dr. Vonda Wright

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