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Cycling and Your Foot and Ankle Health

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Did you know that May is National Cycling Month? Before you get out there on your bike, we at Carrollton Foot Center want to inform you of the upsides and downsides of cycling. In this article, we’ll stroll through the surprising relationship between your feet and this low-impact exercise, including the potential injuries you can sustain that most beginner cyclists don’t know about.

How Cycling Can Benefit Your Feet

One of the primary benefits of cycling for the lower extremities is improved circulation. The rhythmic pedaling action helps to pump blood through the muscles of your legs and feet. This can be advantageous for diabetics, people with ankle swelling, or those who spend long hours standing.

Since the circular motion of pedaling encourages a fluid movement in the ankle, cycling can also contribute to an increased range of motion in the ankle joint. While not as extensive as the range of motion during walking or running, this movement can be beneficial for overall joint health.

Many people think cycling is just for the thighs and glutes, however, cycling can indirectly strengthen the muscles surrounding the ankles and feet as they work to stabilize your position on the pedals.

Negative Impacts of Cycling on Your Feet

Despite its low-impact nature, cycling can negatively affect the feet and ankles if proper precautions aren’t taken. The repetitive motion of pedaling (while generally smooth) can lead to overuse injuries if training intensity or duration is increased too quickly.

Do you have neurological issues? While cycling can improve circulation, beware of certain pressure points from the pedals and tight-fitting cycling shoes. Both can compress nerves and blood vessels in the feet, which may not be a good match for these sensitive areas.

For everyone involved, improperly fitted cleats or an incorrect bike setup can also force the feet and ankles into unnatural positions and cause strain.

Common Foot and Ankle Injuries in Cycling

If you’re a cyclist, you should also look out for these common conditions:

  • Metatarsalgia: Pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot due to pressure on the metatarsals.
  • Achilles tendonitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, often linked to improper saddle height or cleat position.
  • Plantar fasciitis: Heel pain that can be aggravated by excessive pedaling or improper foot support within the shoe.
  • Sesamoiditis: Inflammation of the small bones under the big toe joint, potentially caused by increased pressure during the pedal stroke.

Cycling and Your Feet

So, what’s the verdict? It depends on your lifestyle and preexisting foot and ankle health status. However, for non-sensitive people who take the proper steps to cycle safely, this is still a relatively low-impact exercise compared to running.

Consult with Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari, a knowledgeable professional who is dedicated to her patients in Denton, Dallas, and Collins Counties. Dr. Khavari treats a wide range of conditions, from ingrown toenails to foot and ankle injuries. Call Carrollton Foot Center’s office (located in Carrollton, Texas) at (469)-998-3668 to schedule your first appointment today!

Run Safely This Fall

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The weather is cooling down and many of us are ready to hit the trails or track to enjoy the crisp air during our run. Running is a great way to move our bodies. But accidents do happen, particularly to those who aren’t taking precautions. Injuries are common to runners. For those lacing up their sneakers this month, here are some important things to keep in mind when it comes to safety.

Stretch Effectively

Before partaking in any form of exercise, it’s important to warm up your body and strengthen your muscles and tendons. Take some time out of your routine to stretch your entire body, paying close attention to your legs, ankles, and feet. Not stretching before or after a run is the easiest way to create an injury. For more information on which stretches are best for you, reach out to your podiatrist for some tips and tricks.

Ease Into It

For a lot of people, working out is about pushing your body to its limit and testing your strength. However, it’s important to not push yourself too far. Listen to your body and stop when you feel you need to. Always ease into your run. Start slow and steady and gradually build up your speed. Your feet will thank you.

Be On the Lookout

One of the most common ways to injure yourself is to not be aware of your surroundings and bump into something. This is especially true for those who run outside on trails. Watch out for rocks, twigs, wet leaves, animals, people, or anything else that you might come across on your run.

Support Your Feet

One of the best ways you can prevent an injury is to wear the right kind of footwear. There are plenty of sneakers on the market, making it easy to find the best one for you. The perfect pair will provide support, comfort, flexibility, and breathability. New shoes should also feel great during the first try-on. Never buy sneakers with the intention of “breaking them in,” as this can lead to pain and possible injury.

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!

Eat Better AND Move More

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When you think about National Nutrition Month, you may only consider which foods make it onto your plate. While it’s important to focus on adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet, one more thing plays a significant role in your nutrition: physical activity. Yes, eating well has tremendous benefits. Physical activity does, too! This month, as you introduce more healthy choices to the table, consider how helpful it is to also set aside time to exercise. 

 

Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari of the Carrollton Foot Center knows that foot and ankle issues can sometimes be the reason for holding patients back from their favorite activities. Schedule an appointment today. ­Together, we can create a treatment plan to get you moving again. Here are three fun ways to make changes to your plate — and your physical activity plans. 

 

Sit less

It’s not surprising, but we are sitting down more. With the transition to a new work-from-home season, the home became our office. We sat in our chairs doing video calls, sending emails, and doing our best. Unfortunately, our jobs may have kept us in our seats longer. You may have walked to the printer more or connected with co-workers in a common space in the office. We understand that things have changed. It’s okay to make another change.

 

Brighten your plate

Aren’t fruits and vegetables so bright and beautiful? They certainly add more color to your plate. If you’re thinking of fun ways to create a healthful plate, start by choosing your favorite color. Is it blue, green, or yellow? It’s your choice. Then, seek out fruits and veggies that you can begin to add to your diet. You may also discover something new. 

 

Learn the lingo

If looking at the Nutrition Facts label is intimidating, you’re not alone. This month, check out the available resources to help you learn some common terms. Get the breakdown on cholesterol, sodium, added sugars, fiber, and more. Feel empowered when shopping or even exploring a menu at your favorite restaurant. We’re here to help, and we’re happy to connect you with other community resources. 

 

When is the best time to start making changes? We hope the tips above are easy to start. Here’s a quick recap:

  1. Set a timer in your day to take a walk,
  2. Seek out fruits and vegetables of your favorite color,
  3. Learn more about nutrition.

Have fun being healthy! Now.

Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari, is here to help. She treats various conditions such as bunions, corns, calluses, diabetic foot conditions, ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, and more. We also offer advanced surgical solutions. Our team provides excellent service to patients in Denton, Dallas, and Collins counties. Contact our office at (469) 998-3668 for your foot and ankle solutions. Our office is at 4221 Medical Parkway, STE 450, in Carrollton, TX.

Make Room for Exercise

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To practice social distancing, we’re all at home much more these days. We’re working from home, teaching from home, and finding new activities to enjoy. Even more, we’re finding creative ways to exercise. Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari of the Carrollton Foot Center wants to help you stay fit but injury-free. As you’re making room for movement in your home, here are some ways to protect your feet and ankles from an injury.

Wear socks

As you’re moving furniture in the living room, your room, or even the basement, protect your toes. Wearing shoes is best, but socks are also a great layer of protection. From your big toe to your pinky toe, watch out for sharp corners. Stubbed toes are a common injury.

Stretch before you move

Even if you’re moving your couch to the other side of the room, you’re still doing some form of movement. To avoid injuries and best prepare your body, take time to properly stretch. You will also want to stretch after you move items around. If you experience any pain while moving, it’s important to stop. Also, be sure to rest and hydrate.

Don’t do it alone (if possible)

If you live with family members or friends, ask them to guide you or even help you carry the load. It will go much faster, and you won’t have to carry as much weight. If you live alone, be sure that you can safely move an item of furniture before committing. If you previously experienced a foot or ankle injury, our office recommends that you avoid moving furniture. You can worsen the injury or create a new one.

Have fun with moving some things around! Open space allows you to exercise safely and without fear of bumping into that special vase or sharp-edged coffee table. If you experience an injury or are concerned about your foot health, call us at (469) 998-3668. To practice social distancing, we encourage patients to use our telemedicine option. We are located at 4221 Medical Parkway, STE 450, Carrollton, TX.

Ready, Set, HIKE!

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Are you hoping to get out and about on the trails for a hike this summer season? If you haven’t already, start planning! Texas is fast approaching the time of year when hiking is best done very early in the morning or not at all due to the heat. There are several benefits to hiking when it comes to our health and wellbeing, however just like anything else, there are risks, too.

Hiking Risks & Benefits

Hiking can be an easy way to get yourself hurt. As an activity, hiking relies primarily on your feet and ankles to get you around the trails you’re exploring. Most instances of hiking related injuries happen to involve the person’s feet or ankles due to walking on rough, slippery, soft, or uneven terrain. When you’re out hiking, you are much more exposed to potentially harmful parts of nature: jagged sticks and rocks that can lead to cuts and scrapes, as well as poison ivy or insects that can cause intense itching, scratching, and potentially lead to infection.

If you ask us, the benefits outweigh the risks – especially when you take the time to prepare for these situations before going on a hike! There are plenty of ways we can prepare ahead of time to help make our next hiking trip even more safe and exciting:

  • Research your trails ahead of time. What terrains will you be walking on?
  • What’s the weather going to be like? Is it better to go early before it gets hot?
  • Have you purchased a first aid kit yet?
  • Will you have enough water, or access to refill your water containers?
  • Do you have a plan in case of emergency, like falling and hurting your ankle?
  • Are your shoes appropriate for your hike?

Sandals can be more comfortable and allow better airflow, but this leaves them vulnerable to insect bites, cuts and scrapes, and sunburn. We hope these questions you can ask yourself before a hike will help you be better prepared for your next adventure! Remember, any foot or ankle aches or pains that last longer than a day or two after your hike shouldn’t go ignored. Call us today at (469) 998-FOOT (3668) to set up an appointment with Dr. Lily Khavari at Carrollton Foot Center in Carrollton, Texas.  We proudly serve Denton, Dallas and Collin Counties.

 

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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