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Staying Safe at the Salon: 5 Pros and Cons of Pedicures

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Many of us can benefit from an occasional pedicure’s ability to reduce inflammation, improve sensation in the feet, and promote healing. However, we at Carrollton Foot Center want you to know that pedicures can also be dangerous, especially for those with diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and weakened immune systems.

In this article, we’ll weigh both sides of the bathtub, from improved circulation to possible infection, to help you determine if pedicures are right for you.

The Pros and Cons

Pro: Improved Circulation

The massage techniques used by nail technicians stimulate blood flow in the feet and ankles.

Con: Infection

This massaging effect may not stimulate sensation in diabetics or those with peripheral nerve damage, meaning they are still susceptible to wounds from pedicure techniques.

Pro: Early Detection

Trained pedicurists can identify signs of potential problems like calluses and ingrown toenails.

Con: Inexperience

Untrained technicians may not notice the signs of a problem that a podiatrist can, leaving you with a false sense of security and confidence in your feet.

Pro: Exfoliation and Skin Health

Pedicures remove dead skin layers that lead to dryness, roughness, and cracking.

Con: Cuts and Abrasions

Even minor nicks from tools or buffing the cuticle can become entry points for infection, especially for diabetics with decreased circulation.

Pro: Improved Toe Health

Regular trimming and filing during a pedicure helps maintain proper toenail shape and generally prevents ingrown toenails.

Con: Ingrown Toenails

However, improper and aggressive trimming techniques can increase the risk of ingrown toenails and fungal nail infections.

Pro: Maintaining Good Foot Hygiene

The soaking, cleansing, and drying process removes dirt, sweat, and bacteria that can accumulate on the feet.

Con: Harsh and Unsanitary Tools

Improperly sterilized tools can spread bacteria or fungus. Some salons may also use strong chemicals in foot soaks or polishes that can irritate the skin, leading to allergic reactions or rashes.

Consult with Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari, an esteemed expert who is dedicated to her patients in Denton, Dallas, and Collins Counties. She helps with a wide breadth of issues, from ingrown toenails to diabetic neuropathy. Call Carrollton Foot Center’s office (located in Carrollton, Texas) at (469)-998-3668 to schedule your initial appointment today!

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!

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!

Strategies for Stinky Shoes

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Are stinky shoes a problem in your household? It’s a lot harder for us to notice our bodily scents than it is for others to notice. While you may just be realizing it today, the person that sat next to you on the bus last week might have been well aware. What even causes our shoes to reek? Carrollton Foot Center has one word: moisture. This could be from sweat, walking in the rain, anything that might get your shoes wet. When they’re not properly aerated after exposure to moisture, this leaves the moisture (sweat, water, etc.) to sit and grow the bacteria necessary to cause odors. This bacteria can even contribute to infections when exposed to broken skin or lead to developing the fungi responsible for athlete’s foot. If you’re lucky enough to catch it early, there are quick and easy ways to reduce the stink your shoes might be causing.

Step One:

Unlace your shoes and take the insoles out. Put these into the wash with other clothing items on a gentle, low cycle – often labeled as a ‘delicate’ cycle. If possible, use regular, unscented detergent and air dry them after they’re done washing. While it’s no doubt that our insoles can hold a lot of stink, you would be surprised at the capability of shoelaces to hold odor!

Step Two:

Tap the soles of your shoes together outside to loosen up debris. Get a basin of lukewarm water and add some dye-free, unscented detergent to it. Mix it thoroughly. Get a soft-bristled scrubbing brush and dip its bristles into the water. Using the scrubbing brush, gently scrub away any remaining debris.

Step Three:

Using the same cleaning solution in step two, dampen a cloth into the mixture. After wringing out your cloth, use it to dab and rub away stains and smudges. This can take some elbow grease! Once all the spots are gone, wring out the cloth and soak up excess moisture. Leave them to dry in a ventilated area overnight.

And voila! Your shoes will be rid of a considerable amount of dirt, debris, and bacteria that can cause odors to form. Your feet will thank you immediately! For other tips and foot issues, reach out to Dr. Lilly Khavari and schedule your appointment at our location in Carrollton, Texas which serves Denton, Dallas and Collin Counties. Call us today at 469-998-3668.

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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