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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!

Haglund’s Deformity: Debunking the Bony Bump

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What is that odd-looking bump near the back of your heel? It could be Haglund’s deformity, often referred to as “pump bump,” which is a bony enlargement located where the Achilles tendon attaches. This prominent bone can cause significant discomfort and irritation, especially when wearing shoes.

Luckily, we at Carrollton Foot Center are here to debunk the bony bump and offer expert insight into all things Haglund’s Deformity. Let’s take a look.

Causes of Haglund’s Deformity

While the exact cause is often unclear, several factors contribute to the development of Haglund’s Deformity. These include:

  • Foot structure: Individuals with high arches or flat feet may be more susceptible.
  • Shoe gear: Wearing shoes with rigid backs, such as high heels or tight-fitting footwear, can exacerbate the condition.
  • Overuse: Repetitive activities that put stress on the heel, like running or dancing, may contribute to the bony growth.
  • Achilles tendon tightness: A stiff Achilles tendon can pull on the heel bone, contributing to the deformity.

Symptoms of Haglund’s Deformity

Individuals with Haglund’s deformity often experience pain and inflammation at the back of the heel, which can worsen with shoe friction. The affected area may also become red, swollen, or blistered.

Prevention

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent Haglund’s deformity, certain measures can help reduce the risk:

  • Proper footwear: Choose shoes that fit well and provide adequate cushioning. Avoid tight-fitting shoes or those with hard backs, and regularly replace worn out shoes.
  • Stretching exercises: Incorporate calf stretches into your daily routine to maintain flexibility.
  • Orthotics: Custom orthotics can help distribute pressure and alleviate discomfort.
  • Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce overall stress on the foot and heel.

Treatment

Treatment for Haglund’s deformity focuses on pain relief and inflammation reduction. Non-surgical options include over-the-counter pain relievers, shoe modifications, and physical therapy. For severe cases, cortisone injections or surgery may be considered.

Depending on the severity of your bump, consult with your podiatrist to see which treatment option is the best for you.

Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari is dedicated to her clients in Carrollton, TX. From ingrown toenails to innovative surgical solutions, she offers a vast array of treatments. Contact Carrollton Foot Center’s office at 469-998-3668 to book an appointment now!

Fouling Out: 5 Game-Stopping Basketball Foot Injuries

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The NBA finals are here, which means summer leagues, AAU, and intense training sessions are upon us. We at Carrollton Foot Center understand that basketball is a fast-paced sport that demands a lot from your feet all year round.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, learning common basketball foot injuries and proper foot care is essential for staying healthy and hitting those jumpers this summer. That’s what this blog’s about.

Common Basketball Foot Injuries

The constant jumping, stopping, and changing directions on the court carries a risk for various injuries:

  • Ankle Sprains: This is perhaps the most common basketball injury, occurring when the ligaments in your ankle overstretch or tear. It can happen due to landing awkwardly, stepping on someone’s foot, or rolling your ankle outwards. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking.
  • Plantar Fasciitis: This painful inflammation of the heel is often linked to repetitive stress from activities like basketball.
  • Achilles Tendonitis: Even legends such as Kobe Bryant have experienced issues with their Achilles. Overuse or tight calf muscles can irritate this tendon, causing pain and stiffness, particularly in the back of your heel and ankle.
  • Stress Fractures: These tiny cracks in the bones of your foot can develop from repetitive stress, especially in athletes who increase their training intensity too quickly.
  • Ingrown Toenails: Tight-fitting basketball shoes can put pressure on your toes, increasing the risk of ingrown toenails that dig into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling.

Essential Foot Care for Basketball Players

  • Invest in high-quality basketball shoes that provide adequate support, cushioning, and stability for your feet. Choose shoes specific to your playing position.
  • Regularly consulting a podiatrist can be highly beneficial, especially for athletes. They can assess your feet, identify potential problems early on, and recommend orthotics or other preventative measures.

By incorporating proper foot care practices into your routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of injuries and keep your feet healthy for optimal performance.

Consult with Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari, a well-respected expert who is eager to assist her patients in Denton, Dallas, and Collins Counties. She treats a vast array of issues, from ingrown toenails to plantar fasciitis. Call Carrollton Foot Center’s office (located in Carrollton, Texas) at (469)-998-3668 to book your initial consultation today!

Barefoot Running: The Pleasure and the Pain

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With the foot pain many of us experience from running, it’s tempting to turn to the Barefoot Running Movement for answers! However, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association, the benefits of barefoot running have never been confirmed by research. Although the movement touts upsides such as improved circulation, coordination, and strength, you should speak with our experts at Carrollton Foot Center to ensure barefoot running will be safe and effective for you.

Bare Feet Vs. Regular Shoes

According to the Barefoot Running Movement, humans have been running barefoot since ancient times. Shoes, however, are a recent creation that stunts the way you are naturally designed to move. This notion that regular running shoes are unnatural may make sense to you if your feet hurt while running. This may also explain the success of “minimalist” or “five-toed” shoes. In between bare feet and regular running kicks, minimalist shoes act as a compromise to the pros and cons of pure barefoot running.

Benefits of Barefoot Running:

  • Encourages a more natural running This can help reduce impact on your joints, shorten your strides, and increase athletic performance.
  • Promotes landing on the ball of your feet as opposed to “heel striking,” reducing the chance of injury and plantar fasciitis.
  • Strengthens the muscles in your foot that aren’t usually engaged in regular shoes. Progressively, this could correct flat feet and similar arch problems.

Downsides of Barefoot Running:

  • Increases risk of infection and skin injury. This is especially the case for diabetics, who may not have proper feeling in their feet.
  • Takes time getting acclimated to the “natural” running form. Acclimation struggles also extend to not having access to clean or safe terrain.
  • Heightens the chance of stress fractures and Achilles injuries. This is due to lack of foot support.

Ultimately, it is necessary to weigh both sides to see if barefoot running is right for you. Consult with Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari, a well respected expert who is eager to assist her patients in Denton, Dallas, and Collins Counties. She treats a vast array of issues, from ingrown toenails to plantar fasciitis. Call Carrollton Foot Center’s office (located in Carrollton, Texas) at (469)-998-3668 to book your initial consultation today!

Hitting the Pavement Without the Pain: How Runners Can Conquer Heel Pain

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Carrolton Foot Center is all in favor of regular running! It’s an incredibly beneficial form of exercise that delivers consistent benefits, boosting both physical and mental well-being. However, there’s no such thing as a free lunch, and running is no exception.

Heel pain and Achilles tendonitis are among the common costs runners must confront, and like any podiatric problem, they create serious stumbling blocks when left untreated. The blog below should help you stay fit, flexible, and focused on your goals.

Preventing Heel Pain with a Strong Foundation

You can keep heel pain from starting with some of these preventative measures.

  • Supportive Shoes: Invest in well-fitting running shoes with proper arch support and cushioning specifically designed for your running style. Replace them every 300-500 miles to maintain optimal shock absorption.
  • Stretch It Out: Regularly performing calf stretches and foot mobilizations helps maintain flexibility and range of motion, reducing stress on the heel.
  • Gradual Progression: Don’t jump into high mileage or intense training too quickly. Gradually increase distance and intensity to allow your body to adapt and strengthen.
  • Cross-Training: Mix up your routine with low-impact activities like swimming or cycling to provide recovery periods for your heels.

Managing Heel Pain: When Prevention Isn’t Enough

Sometimes, you’ll need to handle pain that’s already present, and RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) isn’t always enough.

  • Custom Orthotics: Podiatrists can create custom orthotic inserts that address your specific biomechanical imbalances, providing targeted support and pressure relief to prevent conditions like plantar fasciitis and overpronation.
  • Pain Relief Options: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort.

Treating Persistent Heel Pain: Advanced Strategies

If pain persists despite conservative measures, your podiatrist may recommend:

  • Leneva® Fat Pad Injections: These injections replenish lost cushioning in the heel pad, promoting pain relief and tissue healing, which is particularly helpful for plantar fasciitis.

Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari is committed to helping patients in Carrollton, TX. With advanced treatment methods, she offers assistance with everything from ingrown toenails to sophisticated surgical solutions. Contact Carrollton Foot Center’s office at 469-998-3668 to schedule an appointment today!

Shockingly Effective: Non-Invasive RSWT Nixes Nasty Heel Pain

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Heel pain can derail your day, and unfortunately, it can also be a stubbornly persistent problem. Typically caused by weakened or strained plantar fascia, untreated heel pain can spiral into further complications and become intensely painful.

At Carrollton Foot Center, many of our patients have active lifestyles, so they’re eager to return to their normal daily activities. And because we utilize the latest in advanced medical technology, we often recommend RSWT, or Radial Pulse Shockwave Therapy, to help repair your heels and get your routine back to normal.

This post is devoted to explaining the ins and outs of RSWT, covering what it can treat, how it works, and why it might just be the perfect choice for your aching heels!

What is RSWT?

Radial Pulse Shockwave Therapy may be sophisticated technology, but in some ways it’s simple:

  • This FDA-approved method has been shown to speed up the rate of recovery for soft tissue tendinopathy and related conditions.
  • Of all the non-invasive, conservative treatments available, it is the most advanced.
  • It uses sound waves to trigger your body’s natural healing response.

What Can It Treat?

RSWT can be a great option for treating a variety of issues, but most of them pertain directly to soft tissue dysfunction or similar problems, such as:

How Does it Work?

Chronic pain can trick your response systems; if it endures long enough, it will cause your body to stop recognizing that there is an injury in the afflicted region. Once this occurs, the healing process is halted, but the pain will remain. That’s when RSWT really comes in handy:

  • Ballistic sound waves penetrate deeply into the soft tissue and cause a minor inflammatory issue in the chosen area.
  • The soundwaves and inflammation reactivate your body’s natural healing process.
  • Additionally, energy emissions cause the cells in surrounding tissue to exude biochemical substances that empower your boy’s healing capabilities.
  • Said biochemical substances enable the construction of new blood vessels and soft tissue as needed.

When it comes to innovation, Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari is always raising the bar in Carrollton, TX. She offers a variety of treatments, from conservative interventions to advanced surgical solutions. Contact our office at 469-998-3668 to schedule an appointment today!

Foot Pain and Your Golf Game

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August is National Golf Month, so we are making sure you are all set for your next swing. Whether you enjoy golfing as a hobby or competing with other professionals, we know you are dependent on your feet. As you travel from one hole to the next, foot pain is not a part of the plans. There are common foot conditions that can affect your game, but we’re here to make sure you stay steps ahead.

Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari of the Carrollton Foot Center works with a variety of athletes, from basketball players to golfers. Regardless of the sport, support, and shoe style matter. She helps athletes make the best decisions for their feet. The results can help them with the game, too.

Here are three things to do before your next golf game:

Trim your toenails

Long toenails in your golf shoes can cause discomfort and an ingrown toenail. Trim your toenails properly to limit how much they rub against the inside of your shoes. An ingrown toenail occurs when the toenail begins to grow into the side of your skin. If it pierces the skin, there is a risk of infection.

Address foot pain

If you have foot pain, it will seem like the longest walk from one hole to the next. Addressing foot pain now will allow you to perform your best. Simple solutions include getting evaluated for custom orthotics, increasing your shoe size, or allowing your feet to rest. Common foot problems include plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails, and Achilles tendonitis.

Check your shoes

Your shoe style can make a significant difference with your support. While shopping for golf shoes, take your time. Shop at the end of the day, which is when your feet are at their largest. Ask the sales representative to use a Brannock Device to measure your feet. The device is the best tool for getting an accurate shoe size.

Giving your best on the golf course starts with feeling great from head to toe. We can help with the foot-and-ankle part of your swing. If you have concerns about foot pain and how it can affect your game, contact us today.

Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari, is here to help. She treats a variety of conditions such as bunions, corns, calluses, 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.

When Ankle Pain Isn’t Ankle Pain

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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.

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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