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How To Find Your Correct Shoe Size

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Having your feet measured professionally is a good idea when shopping for shoes. As we age, our feet grow when the tendons and ligaments lose elasticity. The results are that the toes spread out, the arch flattens, and the feet become longer and wider.

Using The Brannock Device

This strange-looking metal device used to measure your feet in shoe stores is called a Brannock Device. It has been in use for almost 100 years!

Charles F. Brannock came from a shoe industry family and wanted an improved means of measuring the length and width of your feet and the height of the arch. The foot-measuring device that we know today as the Brannock device gives accurate measurements of both right and left feet and is the international footwear industry standard.

There are models for men’s shoe sizing, women’s and children’s, and specialized types for athletic shoes and ski boots. Even the Smithsonian Institution recognizes its contribution to the American industry and houses samples of some of the first Brannock devices.

Getting the Right Shoe Fit Is Important

Studies show that only about 37% of people wear shoes of the correct length and width! Are you one of them? Wearing shoes that are too short, too narrow, or too tight can cause some significant foot problems, including:

  • Neuropathy: Pins and needles in the feet and decreased sensation can be caused by tight-fitting shoes that put pressure on the nerves.
  • Hammertoe: Shoes that are too narrow in the toe box can force toes to bend unnaturally into the hammertoe shape. Besides being painful, the skin of the hammertoe can have corns and calluses from footwear pressure against bony spots.
  • Ingrown toenails: Pressure on the toe from poorly fitting shoes can force the edge of a toenail to grow into the skin and become infected.
  • Bunion: Although tight shoes won’t cause a painful bunion, they can worsen it by pushing the big toe.

Foot pain from poorly-fitting shoes can also cause mobility issues and falls. Play it safe – measure both feet at least twice yearly for foot comfort and safety.

Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari is committed to helping her clients in Carrollton, TX. She offers a wide variety of treatments, from ingrown toenails to advanced surgical solutions. Contact Carrollton Foot Center’s office at 469-998-3668 to schedule an appointment today!

Common Misconceptions About Foot & Ankle Arthritis

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Do you have arthritis? Because your feet each have 30 joints, you’ll likely experience pain and discomfort in your lower extremities. Most people have heard of arthritis but don’t know enough about it, especially when it comes to how this disease can affect your feet. Let’s clear up some myths about foot and ankle arthritis.

Myth: Arthritis causes all joint pain

Bursitis, tendonitis, and soft-tissue injuries can also cause joint pain. Visit your podiatrist for an accurate foot or ankle pain diagnosis.

Myth: Arthritis is only for the elderly

The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age. But people of any age, even children, may suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, where the body’s immune system attacks the joints and cartilage.

Myth: Sharp pain is the only arthritis symptom

Arthritis can cause sharp pain or dull throbbing pain, as well as joint swelling, joint tenderness, and difficulty walking.

Myth: Surgery is the only treatment option for an arthritic joint

Non-surgical treatment options are our first choice. These include lifestyle modifications such as losing weight and exercising, physical therapy, using an assistive device like a cane or brace, wearing custom-fitted orthotics, anti-inflammatory medication, and cortisone shots. Surgery is typically recommended if your pain is severe and disabling.

Myth: Arthritis is inevitable

You can lower your risk of osteoarthritis by maintaining a healthy weight, staying active and exercising regularly, quitting smoking, avoiding foot and ankle overuse, and wearing the right protective gear during sports activities.

Do you have painful arthritis that affects your ability to be active and experience comfort in your feet? Give us a call today!

Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari is committed to helping her clients in Carrollton, TX. She offers a wide variety of treatments, from ingrown toenails to advanced surgical solutions. Contact Carrollton Foot Center’s office at 469-998-3668 to schedule an appointment today!

Back-To-School Foot Care Tips

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August is back-to-school month! Are you starting to prepare your kids for early mornings, homework, and fall sports? One of the best things you can do for your child’s health this school year is to start or continue prioritizing foot care.

Here are some easy ways to include healthy feet in your back-to-school prep and checklists:

 

Start Fresh with New Shoes and Socks

Back-to-school shopping can be costly. When you consider shopping for shoes and socks, it can be overwhelming. If there is one investment that we cannot underestimate, it is comfort and support for your children and their feet. Poor foot hygiene at a young age can lead to more problems in the future.

Bring Them for a Yearly Podiatry Appointment

Check with their podiatrist if your child is still healing from an ankle sprain from a summer sport. Ankle sprains are common injuries that can lead to prolonged symptoms, including weak ankles or arthritis. From blisters and bunions to ingrown toenails, now is the time to address foot issues. Schedule an appointment with your podiatrist today.

Discuss Healthy Foot Care Habits and Hygiene Tips

Does your child know that sharing shoes is not a good idea? Are they wearing shoes in the locker room if they play sports? There are key hygiene habits to share with your child before returning to school. From athlete’s foot to fungal toenails, sharing germs is an unfortunate part of sharing common spaces in school. But these can easily be prevented with some simple switches and reminders.

 

Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari is committed to helping her clients in Carrollton, TX. She offers a wide variety of treatments, from ingrown toenails to advanced surgical solutions. Contact Carrollton Foot Center’s office at 469-998-3668 to schedule an appointment today!

Is Your Heel Pain Plantar Fasciitis?

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Heel pain often goes hand-in-hand with the arch pain you get from plantar fasciitis. If this is the case for you, you’re not alone. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common conditions podiatrists diagnose. How can you tell if your heel pain is simply due to a tough morning run or the beginning of something more serious? Let’s take a closer look.

Signs and Symptoms

The first and most common sign you have plantar fasciitis is a stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot, typically near your heel. This pain usually is worse first thing in the morning or after a period of overactivity. You may also experience stiffness, swelling, and tightness in your foot and heel.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Most patients develop this condition due to:
  • Inadequate arch support. Wearing incorrectly sized shoes with little support (like flip flops or high heels) can wear your muscles down over time.
  • Carrying more weight. Your extra weight is multiplied fourfold in your feet and ankles, increasing the stress and pressure on the arches.
  • Repetitive stress injury. Dancers, professional athletes, and people on their feet all day for work are more likely to develop injuries to the plantar fascia and other foot and ankle problems.

What Are Your Options?

First and foremost, call your podiatrist. Foot pain is not normal and shouldn’t be ignored. Your foot doctor will be able to diagnose and treat you. In the meantime, here are some other treatment options that you can try at home:

  • I.C.E. treatment – Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation
  • A wide variety of physical therapy exercises for the calf muscles and Achilles tendon can help improve arch and foot alignment and prevent pain and discomfort.
  • Always wear properly fitted shoes with the proper arch support to treat existing arch problems and prevent arch problems from starting in the first place.

Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari is committed to helping her clients in Carrollton, TX. She offers a wide variety of treatments, from ingrown toenails to advanced surgical solutions. Contact Carrollton Foot Center’s office at 469-998-3668 to schedule an appointment today!

3 Top Tips to Keep Your Feet Safe at the Beach

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Summer is here! What are your warm weather plans? A favorite for many is hitting the beach and enjoying the cool breeze, hot sun, and refreshing waves. But take care at the beach, because there are plenty of opportunities to injure your feet. Between hot pavement, walking barefoot in less than supportive footwear, and strong UV rays, pay attention to the care and health of your feet during your beach visit.

Keep your feet safe and injury-free this summer with our top tips!:

1-Do Not Forget Sunscreen

Feet can easily get sunburned! Look at how thin the skin is on your feet, and protect them with a sunscreen lotion containing adequate SPF. Keep feet safe from sunburn and long-term sun exposure effects like skin cancer. Apply sunscreen to the tops and bottoms of your feet for sufficient protection against UV rays. Reapply lotion regularly, like after being in the water or taking a walk.

2-Protect Your Feet

Going barefoot and sinking your toes in the sand might be relaxing and what you are used to doing. But the sand often hides seashells, broken glass, and other sharp objects that can easily cut or puncture your bare feet. If you don’t happen to notice your injury, harmful bacteria from the sand, pavement, and water will enter it and lead to an infection. Remember, sand, pavement, and sidewalks get hot in the sun. You can avoid burns, blisters, cuts, and wounds by wearing supportive, protective shoes at the beach.

3-Pay Attention

Listen to your feet! Summer is usually a time for increased activity, which may leave your feet feeling worn down or in pain. If participating in a game of volleyball, soccer, or any other physical activity while at the beach, take breaks, protect your feet, and treat any potential injuries immediately.

Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari is committed to helping her clients in Carrollton, TX. She offers a variety of treatments, from ingrown toenails to advanced surgical solutions. Contact Carrollton Foot Center’s office at 469-998-3668 to schedule an appointment today!

Summer Foot Care

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Summer’s almost here, and with warm weather comes more time spent outside! Between walks on the beach, time spent in the pool, and days traveling or road-tripping, summer can put a lot of stress on your feet. To ensure you keep your feet healthy and safe all summer long, we’ve put together this list of three-foot care tips we encourage you to try! What are your summer plans?

Moisturize Your Feet

Dry skin is prone to cracking, flaking, and breaking, so moisturizing is important for preventing open foot sores, especially for older adults whose skin is typically drier. Apply foot lotion after your feet are thoroughly washed and dried. The lotion will help lock in moisture and help keep skin soft, supple, and summer ready. Make sure to dry between your toes and avoid applying lotion between them, as this can lead to an infection.

Clean Your Feet

Good foot hygiene is crucial in preventing fungal infections and finding any cuts, blisters, or ulcers that need immediate attention. For most, you can clean your feet during your daily shower. Seniors tend to have special needs, and their feet require extra attention. Many older adults may have mobility issues or arthritis. They may not be able to bathe independently without help, so their feet may only get washed occasionally during the week. They can regularly use simple foot wipe-downs with warm water, soap, and a washcloth outside of a shower.

Cut Your Nails

Keeping toenails trimmed is always an important step for foot care. It can cause pain or interfere with stable walking if they get overgrown. Make sure you cut the nail straight across, then use a nail file to soften sharp edges so the nail doesn’t grow into the flesh. Seniors who have trouble cutting their nails can ask their podiatrist for help!

Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari is committed to helping her clients in Carrollton, TX. She offers a wide variety of treatments, from ingrown toenails to advanced surgical solutions. Contact Carrollton Foot Center’s office at 469-998-3668 to schedule an appointment today!

Bunions

Getting Rid of Bunions

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Living with a bunion can not only be painful, but it can also disrupt much of your daily life. When the bones in the front part of your foot shift out of place, it creates a bony bump on your big toe joint. Walking, exercising, or wearing shoes may be more difficult with a bunion. The good news is, there are plenty of treatment options for bunions and we’re here to share some of them!

Symptoms

Some signs you may have a bunion include…

  • A bony bump on the base of your big toe
  • Pain, redness, or swelling around the big toe.
  • Calluses
  • Corns
  • Pain, particularly when walking
  • Difficulty moving your big toe.
  • Difficulty finding shoes that fit comfortably.

Treatment

Depending on the severity and pain of your bunion, treatment options vary. Most podiatrists will recommend one or more of the following:

  • Wearing comfortable shoes
  • Bunion pads or cushions
  • Over-the-counter medicine, like Advil
  • Cortisone shots
  • Padded shoe inserts, like orthotics
  • Applying ice
  • Attending physical therapy
  • Removing the swelling around the bunion
  • Removing part of the bone
  • Realigning the bone

One of the latest treatment options for bunions comes from Lapiplasty, an innovative 3D bunion correction procedure. Carrollton Foot Center understands that traditional bunion surgeries can come with complications and don’t necessarily fix the foot problem of a bunion. Lapiplasty, instead, alters the alignment of your bones, ensuring a permanent fix. Other benefits of Lapiplasty include…

  • One surgery to fix your bunion.
  • Recovery in a boot, instead of a cast
  • Ability to wear whatever shoes you’d like after surgery.
  • Minimal recovery time

Think Lapiplasty is for you? Call our office today to ask our team about it!

Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari is committed to helping her clients in Carrollton, TX. She offers a wide variety of treatments from ingrown toenails to advanced surgical solutions. Contact Carrollton Foot Center’s office at 469-998-3668 to schedule an appointment today!

Feet

Healthy Eating for Healthy Feet

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Did you know that what you eat and the habits you make can make a big impact on the health of your feet? March is National Nutrition Month and we want to raise awareness on this important topic. Keeping your body and feet in great shape well into your senior years is important if you want to stay active and mobile. Choosing healthier, vitamin-enriched foods is easier than most people think. How can you make better choices this March? Here are some of our top tips and tricks!

  1. Exercise 3-4 times a week. If you’re not into heavy lifting or long runs on the bike trail, keep it light with some yoga or a gentle walk. Any form of action will help you maintain a healthier weight and keep your blood flowing nicely.
  2. Ensure you’re eating enough fruits and veggies throughout the day. Instead of potato chips, grab an apple or some carrot sticks.
  3. Takeout may be quick and delicious, but they’re usually packed with excess sodium, sugars, and unnecessary ingredients. Go for home-cooked meals, where you can choose what goes into your meal.
  4. Make the switch to healthier alternatives to your favorite foods. Like pasta? Try whole wheat or veggie pasta! White rice may be tasty, but quinoa and brown rice pack a lot more nutritional value. Making potatoes for dinner? Leave the skins on or try sweet potatoes! Instead of your daily bowl of breakfast cereals, go for oatmeal or granola to cut down on sugar.
  5. Dehydration isn’t good for your body and digestive system, so make sure you’re drinking 6-8 glasses of water per day.
  6. Do you tend to skip breakfast? Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If you’re normally rushing around in the morning, go for something quick and easy, like a banana or a cup of yogurt. You can take them on the go, too!

Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari is committed to helping her clients in Carrollton, TX. She offers a wide variety of treatments from ingrown toenails to advanced surgical solutions. Contact Carrollton Foot Center’s office at 469-998-3668 to schedule an appointment today!

Stretching

The Benefits of Stretching Your Feet

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Our feet do so much for us, but unfortunately, they’re often overlooked when it comes to physical health and self-care. Taking care of your feet, ankles, and toes can go such a long way. One of the best ways you can do so is by stretching your feet daily. Not only will it help with injury prevention, but it can ease any foot pain you experience and appropriately prepare you for your next workout. Let’s take a closer look!

Keep Your Feet Healthy

The average person walks 150,000 miles in their lifetime. At that rate, your feet are likely to go through some wear and tear as you age. Injuries happen, whether you take precautions or not, especially if you’re athletic. Stretching can not only help you avoid certain overuse injuries but reduce the possibility of developing conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. It also helps improve…

  • Blood circulation in your legs. This can go a long way if you have diabetes!
  • Posture
  • Muscle strength
  • Balance
  • Foot pain due to conditions like arthritis, flat foot, and heel pain

Tips and Tricks

As with anything, there’s a right and a wrong way to stretch your feet. To ensure you stay safe during your exercise and get the maximum amount of benefits, keep these tips in mind:

  • If your feet start to hurt, stop your exercise immediately
  • Focus on sore spots.
  • Start slow and easy.
  • Take your time! There’s no rush.
  • Make sure you’re stretching for at least 30 seconds at a time.
  • Repeat on both feet.

Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari is committed to helping her clients in Carrollton, TX. She offers a wide variety of treatments from ingrown toenails to advanced surgical solutions. Contact Carrollton Foot Center’s office at 469-998-3668 to schedule an appointment today!

Toe Cramps

Dealing With Toe Cramps

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Toe cramps may not be a serious condition, but the effects of it can range from mild annoyance to serious pain that makes walking more difficult. If toe cramps are interfering with your daily life, it’s crucial that you talk to your podiatrist for fast and easy relief. They can help get you back on the right path to being pain-free and help diagnose the root cause of the cramping! Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons why you might have toe cramps.

Tight or Weak Muscles

There are dozens of tiny muscles in your feet and toes. If one of them becomes too tight or weak, it can lead to muscle spasms, which create pain. Ankle pain and Achilles tendonitis are also known to leave you with toe and foot cramps. New exercise routines, too-tight shoes, sitting for too long, and not stretching before your workout can all lead to muscle tension and weakness.

Ill-Fitting Shoes

High heels, too-tight shoes, or too-loose shoes can put too much pressure on your toes, making way for pain and eventually cramps. Finding shoes in your right size with a wide, spacious toe box is key to eliminating toe cramps.

Dehydration

Dehydration is known to make your muscles feel tight and tense. This tension can easily lead to cramping if you’re dehydrated for an extended period. Ensure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day.

Muscle Injuries

An unhealed injury to your feet, calves, or toes can cause toe cramping and soreness. Sprains, strains, and other injuries to your ligaments typically create pain and tenderness in your toes.

Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari is committed to helping her clients in Carrollton, TX. She offers a wide variety of treatments from ingrown toenails to advanced surgical solutions. Contact Carrollton Foot Center’s office at 469-998-3668 to schedule an appointment today!

Contact Us

We’d love to hear any question or concern you have.

4221 Medical Parkway
STE 450
Carrollton, TX

(469) 998-3668

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