Blog | Carrollton Foot Center

Heel Pain Help for Active Feet

December 13, 2018/in Heel Pain /by Dr. Khavari

At least one out of every three people you meet will experience some sort of foot or ankle related pain in their lifetime. Whether that foot or ankle pain is due to life changes, like becoming more active, or due to incidents such as tripping and falling, foot and ankle pain is a universal experience. It will certainly help you become more appreciative of the times your feet work fine with no pain at all! Unfortunately, for some, this time is few and far between. For those who experience foot and ankle pain on a regular basis, it can be easy to simply accept this as the new normal. Thanks to Carrollton Foot Center, this doesn’t have to be your experience!

When you find yourself experiencing pain in the heel region, especially the bottoms of your heels, it is most likely to be diagnosed as plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a common condition affecting the large ligament that works to attach the base of our heel bone to the rest of our toes. This ligament can become damaged for several reasons; the most common reasons being overuse from physical activity (i.e., running), being severely overweight, wearing poorly supportive footwear, or developing a bone spur on the heel bone.

What are some things to look out for when you have heel pain?

Aching pain after standing for a long period of time.
Tenderness or sharp pains when stepping onto the heel.
Sharp pain along the arch of your foot.
Waking up to a sore, stiff heel that ‘loosens up’ over the day.
Having a relative with plantar fasciitis!

While there are many different ways to tackle the pain and discomfort of plantar fasciitis, many home remedies will not rid your feet of the irritation and inflammation that plantar fasciitis can cause. Rest, elevation, and icing your foot will help ease discomfort, but only for so long. When paired with other methods provided by a foot doctor like Dr. Lily Khavari, such as orthotics or shockwave therapy, your chances of recovering from plantar fasciitis greatly improves. Treatments like shockwave therapy are FDA cleared and proven to increase the rate of healing for conditions like plantar fasciitis, among others. Are you sick of the pain and discomfort of heel pain? Call us today at 469-998-3668 to schedule your consultation at our location in Carrollton, Texas.

Foot Safety This Fall

November 14, 2018/in Foot Care, Foot Safety /by Dr. Khavari

Are you keeping your feet in mind this fall when it comes to foot safety? With the passing of the hot, humid season, it can be easy for us to linger on the comfort of incoming cooler, more comfortable weather. With that cooler, more comfortable weather comes gusts of wind that help trees relieve themselves of their leaves and rainfall that turns those leaves into a hazard. How?

After a few weeks of being left on the ground to pile up, their interactions with water and dirt trigger the process of decomposition. In summary, those leaves then start to break apart into a slimy, slippery substance meant to fertilize the land for seasons to come.

When they become slimy and slippery, this can pose a risk to anyone walking on them. The danger of wet leaves is even more important to note if you have any foot or ankle issues, like weakened ankles due to repeated sprains, or tender, painful conditions like plantar fasciitis and bunions.

Ways to avoid unnecessary injury and discomfort this fall season

Invest in GREAT shoes – there is a lot that goes into what makes shoes great rather than just good. Good shoes can be comfortable, but great shoes are comfortable, supportive, and offer textured soles to increase your grip in slippery climates.

Avoid trouble areas – when and where possible, try to avoid walking through pathways littered with wet leaves, mud, or puddles. If and when you have to walk through a risky area, grab something to help stabilize you.

Tools of the trade – be sure to utilize the best tool of them all when it comes to keeping your foot and ankle health a top priority: your podiatrist! Dr. Lilly Khavari offers several types of advanced treatment methods, like bone stimulation, shockwave therapy, and custom orthotics. These tools can treat a range of conditions, from osteoarthritis pain to plantar fasciitis and fallen arches.

Want to feel more prepared this fall? Give us a call today at (469) 998-3668 to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Khavari at Carrollton Foot Center in Carrollton, Texas.

When Ankle Pain Isn’t Ankle Pain

October 11, 2018/in Ankle Pain /by Dr. Khavari

When it comes to getting us around every day, our feet do a majority of the work. Between every individual part of our feet, our ankles are arguably one of the most hardworking features of the lower halves of our bodies. They connect the rest of our body to our feet and grant us the flexibility do things like rock climbing or stair climbing! Considering our feet do so much for us, it’s inevitable that we might get ankle pain along with aches sometimes.

Because everyone is different, everyone experiences discomfort and pain in different ways. This can sometimes make it hard to decipher what really hurts. Many of the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, flat feet, and fatigued ankles are similar.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you pinpoint where your pain is:

When you wake up in the morning, do the bottoms of your heels feel painful? Sometimes this pain can radiate into the back of our ankles. Take note of when and where it hurts.
If you’ve been walking around all day, are you experiencing significant discomfort or pain along the back of your heel to your ankle? Does the pain radiate up your ankle?
Have you noticed any swelling between the bony sides of your ankles after standing for a long, or even a short period of time? Does the swelling come on quickly, and is it accompanied by aching pain?

We hope that this list of questions to ask yourself might benefit you when it comes time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lilly Khavari. Getting a quick and accurate diagnosis will only benefit you more in the long run! This will help you get to treatment more quickly – for example, if it truly is Achilles tendonitis, you definitely want to ask Dr. Khavari about shockwave therapy to speed up your healing process! Call us today at (469) 998-3668 to schedule an appointment at our location in Carrollton, Texas.

Orthotics – Big and Small

September 12, 2018/in Pediatric Foot Care /by Dr. Khavari

There’s a myth among many patients in the podiatric world that specialized footwear like custom orthotics is exclusively for adults. This couldn’t be farther from the truth! In fact, starting your child off young in orthotics can help them out in the long run…pun intended. Think about it: when you hang around your kids today, aren’t you amazed (and maybe even a bit jealous) of the sheer amounts of energy they display on a daily basis? What is the majority of their energy spent doing? They are busy running, jumping, climbing, hopping, skipping, and exploring their environment.

Why Does My Child Need Orthotics?

Here in Texas, their exploration can be additionally draining on the feet when you consider the heat and the types of rough, rocky surfaces they might be on. Since our feet and ankles take the brunt of our weight during any physical activity, it makes sense to want to protect them as early on as possible from long-term damage. This can help prevent them from needing treatments like shockwave therapy or bunion surgery later on in life. While we don’t expect you to put your toddler into a pair of orthotics, pre-teenaged children and young adults can greatly benefit from wearing custom orthotics. When you or your child wears a pair of custom orthotics, your feet will be manipulated into their proper positioning. Be it soft or firm, the biomechanics of orthotics are formed to the unique and individual shape of your feet, cradling them in the form they benefit from the most. Because orthotics is considered a biomechanical medical tool, you can only get a pair of real orthotics through a podiatrist that has prescribed them to you or your child.

Use this as your opportunity to get your child started on a healthy relationship with their podiatrist, especially if your child is particularly active and athletic. Dr . Lilly Khavari has all the answers! Call our office today at (469) 998-3668 to schedule your child’s first, or next appointment at our great location in Carrollton, Texas.

Before You Decide On Surgery, Read This!

August 9, 2018/in surgical procedures /by Dr. Khavari

If you’re like many of the patients that come into Carrollton Foot Center for skilled help in resolving their foot and ankle related ailments, it has probably crossed your mind that surgery might be suggested for you. Sometimes, surgery really is the best option for some people! Dr. Lilly Khavari strongly believes, however, that everyone deserves to know all of their options before opting for surgical intervention. Have you recently been diagnosed with a foot or ankle condition like plantar fasciitis, neuromas, Achilles tendinitis, or diabetic wounds that are struggling to heal? For these conditions, as well as others, relief can be found in an innovative treatment called Radial Shockwave Therapy, or RSWT.

Similar to the machinery of an ultrasound machine, the RSWT machine is small and easy to use. Its applicator is placed on the area(s) of concern and the shockwave treatment is administered in about five minutes, just once per week! Shockwave therapy works by using “ballistic sound waves” which “penetrate deep through your soft tissue,” and ultimately triggers the natural healing response of the body to that specific area which builds new microscopic blood vessels and promotes circulatory health.

Shockwave therapy is an attractive alternative to surgery for many reasons. One of the most appealing reasons, however, is how minimally invasive shockwave therapy truly is when compared to surgical intervention. There is always a time and place for surgery, but imagine getting the same or even better results without any of the downtime or a long and drawn out healing process! With a success rate of 80% in the majority of patients who experience shockwave therapy for themselves, it’s easy to see why you would want to talk to Dr. Khavari and team to see if shockwave therapy is right for you before deciding on surgical intervention. Know your options! Call us today at 469-998-3668 to schedule a consultation.

The Podiatry Scene for Teens

July 26, 2018/in Pediatric Foot Care /by Dr. Khavari

As a teenager, we’re sure you remember hearing a lot of adults joke about how they wish they could be as energetic and physically resilient as they once were. What a lot of people don’t realize is that not all of our bones, joints, and tendons in our feet and ankles are fully formed in our early years! From around 12 to 15 years of age, for example, the growth plate of our heel bone is still finishing up its development. As you can imagine, children and teenagers age 12 to 15 are especially susceptible during this age period to developing inflammation, irritation, generalized pain, and sustaining injuries to the feet or ankles. Early acknowledgement can help avoid surgical intervention in the future! Even minor issues like corns, calluses, or ingrown toenails are important to look out for!

In most cases, this is due to how active and energetic children and teenagers are during these years. While we would never want to discourage physical activity and joining in on the fun, it’s important to keep the vulnerability of their feet and ankles in mind during these years. The repetitive stress of sports, skateboarding, track and field, as well as many other outdoor activities are likely culprits for early trauma and injuries for children and teens. It’s never too early to establish a relationship with a podiatrist, like Dr. Lilly Khavari, for your active child or teenager.

Recognizing and acknowledging symptoms of pain and discomfort in your child or teenagers feet and ankles is important. Start by asking your child or teenager how their typical activities are going, be it the soccer team or cheerleading. If your child or teenager spends two or more days per week at practice, ask them how they feel their sports shoes are feeling lately. This simple gesture can give you huge insight into any current or developing problems your child or teenager may be facing regarding foot and ankle pain. In the event that something comes up or you notice physical changes in your child or teenager, like a slight limp or a change in the way they walk, schedule an appointment with Dr. Khavari at our convenient location in Carrollton, Texas by calling 469-998-3668 today!

What is a hammertoe and solutions to relieve the pain

June 14, 2018/in Happy Feet /by Dr. Khavari

Hammertoes are a biomechanical condition caused by imbalance of the muscles, tendons, and/or ligaments which hold the toe in a straight position. Foot structure, types of shoegear, genetics, trauma, and certain disease processes such as arthritis and diabetes can lead to this deformity. Women are much more likely to develop the deformity in comparison to men. Hammertoes

are mostly seen in the second, third, and fourth toes of the foot. In basic terms, it is a condition of curling of the toe and its downward rotation which results in a claw/hammer type look. The deformity is mostly seen in the middle joint of the toes. In early stages, hammertoes are flexible and can be corrected and remain pain free with conservative solutions and without surgical assistance, however, if left untreated they can become quite painful to live with and can also be quite unsightly.

Over time the hammertoes become more pronounced due to prolonged pressures of narrow shoes and high heels. The hammertoe can also be caused by bunion development along the outside of the big toe. As more pain develops, hammertoes are unable to correct themselves out and in severe conditions can start crossing over the adjacent digits. The pain from malpositioned toes is usually felt in the first joint of the affected toes – the proximal interphalangeal joint – the pointed joint continues to throb with prolonged use of shoes with narrow toe boxes, thus limiting activity level due to intense pain and discomfort.

Fortunately, there are solutions to prevent this from happening, so follow our three easy steps to keep your feet healthy and pain-free.

©Spanishalex/iStock

Change Up Your Footwear

You would be surprised by how much the simple change of shoes can help prevent the condition from progressing. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, a toe box that is too narrow or too short in shoes will cause the toes to compress and curl under to make room for the rest of the foot. A pair of shoes with deep toe boxes of a minimum of a half-inch of space between the longest toe and at the end of the should be worn. Medical grade or custom inserts for daily use are also highly recommended as they correct the biomechanical imbalances of the foot and balance all tendons to prevent progression and worsening of the hammertoes.

Exercises and Stretching

Keeping the toe joints flexible is one of the most common recommendations passed on from your podiatrist. Stretching and strengthening the toes can be done with simple activities at home, such as picking up marbles with the affected toes, using a towel to gently stretch the curved joints and rolling the toes on a golf ball or a water bottle.

Reducing Inflammation

The hammertoe is constantly under stress, so reducing inflammation is standard for patients dealing with discomfort. You may feel immediate relief from non-prescription pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Alongside the medication, icing the affected toes 10 minutes at a time can effectively reduce inflammation and relieve pain quickly.

Dealing with hammertoes and foot pain varies among patients and some may need advanced physical therapy or surgical treatment. If you are struggling to manage hammertoe pain, then these conservative methods may be effective. If hammertoe pain continues to limit your everyday activities then make an appointment for surgical correction at our office, Carrollton Foot Center.

Curious about your child’s feet?

May 3, 2018/in Happy Feet /by Dr. Khavari

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I am passionate about pediatric foot care because I am a true believer that if simple foot and biomechanical issues are addressed early on in life, then the chances of having major foot issues as an adult are MUCH lower. I recently had a baby, and there is nothing sweeter than those chubby baby feet but keeping them healthy is also of utmost importance. With all the different shoe types out there and the many different activities that our kids get into these days, it is hard to truly know what is best and when to really notice a problem with their ever-growing feet. With that said, it is important to know that a kid’s arch does not really form until about age 3 and the foot appears flat due to a thick layer of baby fat that fills the arch area, if the foot is flexible and free of pain, there is no reason for concern.

It is not uncommon for parents to be concerned about their child’s “flat feet”. Children possess an apparent flat foot during the first year of life. Some will outgrow this, but some will not. When a child’s arch is flat, coupled with inward bowing of the ankles and Achilles tendon, they may have a true flexible flatfoot. The most important thing to note is that it is never normal for child to com

plain of foot pain and their complaints should not be taken lightly, “growing pains” are not normal!

FIVE SIGNS YOUR CHILD MAY HAVE A FOOT PROBLEM:

Can’t keep up with peers
Withdraws from activities thy usually enjoy
Trips often and falls
Does not want to show his/her feet
Complains of pain-IT IS NEVER NORMAL FOR A CHILD TO HAVE FOOT PAIN

Toe walking is normal for the first 2-3 months of walking, if this continues, they should be examined for tight heel cords.

What can be done???

There are many things that can be done to manage a developmental flat foot. Your podiatrist can help diagnose, condition and recommend proper treatment. Intervention may include balance and coordination exercises, in addition to littleSTEPS foot orthotics for kids.

What are littleSTEPS?

They are prefabricated foot orthotics, an affordable alternative to expensive custom foot orthoses while delivering a prescription-based correction. They improve pain, posture, strength, coordination, balance, and flat feet.

For more information and to have your children’s feet evaluated, please contact our office at 469-998-3668 for a consultation with Dr. Khavari!

Are you ready for sandal season?

April 15, 2018/in Happy Feet /by Dr. Khavari

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Are you embarrassed of discolored or damaged nails? With Sandal season coming up, many are excited to show off their feet and pedicured toes, however, some people are suffering from various toenail conditions causing toenail discoloration and breakage. These conditions could include toenail deformities, fungal nails, ingrown toenails, fallen nails due to trauma and sometimes nail changes due to other organ/systemic diseases. It is important to get your nail deformity examined by a podiatrist to evaluate the condition and rule out any suspected melanoma. Should the condition not be concerning for a melanoma, then your podiatrist is able to apply a product called KeryFlex to your discolored or deformed toenail.

KeryFlex is a safe, non-systemic in-office application that restores the appearance of a patient’s natural nail(s). It allows for the remodeling of a patient’s nail(s) affected by fungus, trauma, or other nail dystrophies. This medical-grade resin creates a flexible, non-porous artificial nail which allows the remaining natural nail to grow. A KeryFlex nail provides an immediate cosmetic solution during any anti-fungal treatment regimen. It also provides an immediate cosmetic improvement to compliment laser nail procedures. A KeryFlex nail is durable and unaffected by acetone, nail polishes or detergents. If you’ve taken the step to treat your nails, and you’re concerned about their appearance, you don’t have to hide your feet. The KeryFlex™ nail restoration procedure produces a realistic nail substitute that allows you to show off your toes while your natural nail tissue grows underneath.

When you come in for a treatment, Dr. Lilly Khavari will first debride the affected tissues. Then the resin is carefully brushed onto the nail bed and the layers are then built up. From there our expert doctor and medical assistant can sculpt the resin until it
matches the curve and shape of your natural nail. Once you and they are satisfied with the result, the gel is sealed and allowed to dry. Then a final layer of a bonding substance is applied, and everything is hardened under an ultraviolet light. Once the resin has set, the nail is buffed for smoothness and you are sent on your way with beautiful toes.

The whole process takes about 10-15 minutes per toe, and the nail lasts between six to eight weeks before needing a reapplication. During that time, your new nail is still growing underneath the artificial one– healthy and protected from damage. There are no side effects from the procedure and each KeryFlex treatment uses a new kit, so you are never exposed to someone else’s infection.

You don’t have to wait months for your natural nails to heal to feel comfortable removing your socks and showing off your toes again. This special resin allows your toes to look their best while they recover. If you don’t want to be embarrassed by your feet any longer, contact Carrollton Foot Center for an appointment or more information. Call us at (469) 998-FOOT (3668) to make your appointment. We look forward to seeing you.

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