Dr. Anne Sharkey

Dr. Anne Sharkey Educating on foot and ankle health while advocating for women in both motherhood and medicine to live a healthy lifestyle.

07/30/2026

If I could teach everyone one thing about shoe shopping, this would be it. 👣

A patient came in today with a wide foot, a bunion, painful corns on the fifth toe, nail changes on the second toe, and recurrent ingrown toenails.

The common denominator?

Her shoes were significantly narrower than her foot.

When I traced both her foot and the shoe, the difference was impossible to ignore. The outline of her foot extended well beyond the borders of the shoe.

Here’s the reality:

Your foot shouldn’t be squeezed to match your shoe.

Your shoe should match your foot.

When your toes are compressed into a narrow toe box, that constant pressure can contribute to:
✔️ Bunion irritation
✔️ Corns and calluses
✔️ Ingrown toenails
✔️ Nail deformities
✔️ Toe pain

One of the simplest tests you can do is trace your foot and compare it with the outsole of your shoe.

If your foot extends outside the borders of the shoe, it’s time to look for a better fit.

Remember: support isn’t just about arch support. Support starts with choosing a shoe that actually matches the shape of your foot.

👇 Have you ever traced your foot against your shoe? Let me know what you found!

07/09/2026

Parents ask me all the time: “What should I look for when buying my toddler’s first shoes?” 👶👟

The goal of an early walking shoe isn’t to control or “correct” a healthy developing foot.

It’s to protect little feet while allowing them to move as naturally as possible.

When shopping for early walkers and toddlers, I recommend looking for:

👟 A roomy, foot-shaped toe box that allows the toes to spread and move

👟 A lightweight, flexible sole that bends with the foot

👟 A secure, adjustable closure to help keep the foot from sliding inside the shoe

👟 A flat, stable base that allows your child to feel the ground beneath them

👟 The correct fit with room to grow, but not so much extra space that the foot slides around

I recently spotted See Kai Run shoes at Target , and I was impressed by how many of these features they offer.

See Kai Run designs children’s shoes specifically for growing feet, with lightweight construction, flexible soles, roomy toe boxes, and adjustable closures. Select styles have also earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance.

And I love that parents can now find an option like this during a regular Target run.

SAVE this post for the next time you’re shopping for toddler shoes, and SHARE it with a parent who has an early walker!

Want the link to shop the See Kai Run shoes I found at Target?

Comment SHOE below and I’ll send the link straight to your DMs! 💌



What children’s shoe brand should I review next? 👇

Happy 250th America! ❤️🇺🇸We spent the Fourth of July on the shores of Lake Travis, surrounded by sunshine, laughter, and...
07/05/2026

Happy 250th America! ❤️🇺🇸

We spent the Fourth of July on the shores of Lake Travis, surrounded by sunshine, laughter, and the people who make life so incredibly rich.

From paddle boards, kayaks, and swimming to fireworks lighting up the Texas sky, it was one of those perfect summer days that reminds you to slow down and soak it all in.

Feeling especially grateful for the freedoms we enjoy, the friendships we cherish, and the memories we’re creating together.

Happy Independence Day, America. 🇺🇸✨

06/26/2026

An ankle injury doesn’t end when the pain goes away.

One of the biggest reasons I see recurrent ankle sprains is that people stop strengthening too soon. Building back strength, balance, and stability is an important part of recovery and may help reduce the risk of future injuries.

I’ve been testing the AKLS™ Ankle System and I really like how simple it is to use at home. It targets all of the major ankle movements without requiring complicated resistance band setups, making it easier to stay consistent with your exercises.

The system is $229.99 with FREE shipping, and you can save even more by using my discount code DRSHARKEY at checkout.

👇 COMMENT “ANKLE” below and I’ll send you a direct message with the purchase link and my exclusive discount code!

Have you ever sprained your ankle? Tell me how many times in the comments!

Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations. Home rehabilitation tools are not a substitute for an individualized evaluation or prescribed physical therapy when medically indicated.

06/23/2026

Do you know what this condition is? 👣

This is syndactyly, a congenital condition in which two or more toes are connected by skin and sometimes deeper tissues. The term comes from the Greek words syn (“together”) and dactylos (“digits”).

🦶 It affects approximately 1 in every 2,000–2,500 live births, making it one of the most common congenital limb differences.

The most frequently affected toes are the 2nd and 3rd toes, just like in this video.

✨ A few interesting facts:
• Most cases involve only skin (simple syndactyly).
• Some cases involve bone or other structures (complex syndactyly).
• It may occur as an isolated finding or as part of certain genetic syndromes.
• In many people, it causes no pain or functional limitations and requires no treatment at all.

As a podiatrist, I evaluate syndactyly based on function, comfort, and shoe fit rather than appearance. Surgery is typically reserved for patients experiencing pain, shoe irritation, progressive deformity, or those with more complex forms of the condition.

Every foot is unique, and differences like this are a great reminder of the incredible variety of human anatomy.

Have you ever seen syndactyly before? Let me know in the comments! 👇

I’m honored to share that I’ll be speaking at the upcoming annual meeting of the American Podiatric Medical Association ...
06/19/2026

I’m honored to share that I’ll be speaking at the upcoming annual meeting of the American Podiatric Medical Association this August in Nashville!

I’ll be presenting on two topics: regenerative medicine and the use of Class IV laser therapy in podiatric practice. These technologies continue to transform the way we approach healing, recovery, and patient care, and I’m excited to share clinical insights, practical applications, and emerging trends with colleagues from across the country.

One of my favorite parts of conferences is the opportunity to learn from fellow physicians, reconnect with friends, and build new relationships within our profession. I’m looking forward to an inspiring few days of education, collaboration, and innovation.

Will you be in Nashville this August? 🎤👣

👇 Tell me in the comments below if you’ll be attending—I would love to connect in person!

06/19/2026

Most flip flops đź©´ were never designed for all day wear.

That’s why I’m always looking for styles that offer more support, cushioning, and stability. I was sent these sandals and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by these AEROTHOTIC FOOTWEAR flip flops.

I’ve been wearing these for several weeks. Here are the features that are a MUST for me when looking for a supportive sandal:

✔️ Contoured orthotic footbed
✔️ Built-in arch support
✔️ Deep heel cup
✔️ Cushioned comfort
✔️ Lightweight design

These are a great example of how a flip flop can be more foot friendly when it includes the right structural features. Whether you’re heading to the pool, traveling, or simply running errands, these have become a regular part of my summer rotation.

👇 COMMENT SANDAL and I’ll send you a link to purchase directly to your DMs.

🎉 Use code DRSHARKEY25 at checkout for savings on your order.

Address

2901 Caballo Ranch Boulevard , Suite 8A
Cedar Park, TX
78613

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