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5 Foot Conditions Alcohol Contributes To

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While enjoying a drink or two might be a part of social gatherings, excessive alcohol consumption can have far-reaching consequences for the health of your feet and ankles. It’s National Alcohol Awareness Month, which means it’s time to realize that alcohol can interfere with various bodily functions and lead to a range of foot and ankle problems. Today, we at Carrollton Foot Center will unpack 5 of the most common, from causes to symptoms and further complications.

Alcohol’s Impact on Your Feet and Ankles

  1. Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy can be significantly affected by excessive alcohol intake. Alcohol is a neurotoxin, meaning it can damage these nerves and impair their ability to send important signals.

This damage often manifests in the feet and ankles and gives you numbness, tingling, burning pain, and weakness. Reduced sensation in the feet can make it difficult to detect injuries, which increases the risk of unnoticed cuts, sores, and developing infections.

  1. Diabetes

That brings us to alcohol’s effects on diabetes. Not only does it disrupt blood sugar regulation and cause hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, but alcohol is also a diuretic that causes dehydration. If you are a diabetic already prone to infection, excessive use can further increase your risk of dry, cracked skin.

Alcohol also weakens the immune system, making such infections harder to fight off, and contributes to weight gain that puts extra stress on your diabetes (which continues the vicious cycle).

  1. Gout

Gout (a form of inflammatory arthritis) is another condition heavily influenced by alcohol consumption. Essentially, alcohol interferes with the kidneys’ ability to effectively eliminate uric acid from the body. This buildup of crystals drives intense pain in the big toe joint (along with swelling, redness, and warmth).

Gout isn’t exclusive to the big toe, though. It can also affect other joints in the foot and ankle, causing unique discomfort and mobility issues.

  1. Swollen Ankles

Alcohol can impair the function of the liver and kidneys, both of which play crucial roles in regulating fluid balance in the body. When these organs are compromised, it can lead to fluid accumulation in the feet and ankles. This swelling can cause the feet and ankles to feel heavy, tight, and uncomfortable, potentially hindering movement.

  1. Injury

Beyond these specific conditions, studies show that excessive alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of foot and ankle injuries. The impaired coordination, balance, and judgment can result in a variety of injuries, including sprains, fractures, and dislocations.

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!

The Signs of Heart Issues Your Feet Are Showing

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Our hearts are happy for American Heart Month! This February, we at Carrollton Foot Center are prioritizing cardiovascular health and raising awareness about heart disease. In this article, we’ll be explaining the heart and foot connection, sharing with you the signs of heart problems you can detect simply by looking down.

Foot Problems That May Signal Heart Issues

Certain foot appearances and symptoms can indicate a heart problem. These include:

  • Swelling: The heart may struggle to pump blood effectively, which can cause fluid to accumulate in the extremities.
  • Leg Pain: Pain or cramping in the legs and feet, especially during activity, can indicate peripheral artery disease, which we discussed in a recent blog.
  • Skin Changes: Changes in skin color or temperature, such as pale or bluish feet, can explain poor circulation that is potentially linked to heart disease or diabetes.
  • Sores that Don’t Heal: Slow-healing wounds or ulcers on the feet can be a sign of diabetes and inadequate circulation, both of which are risk factors for heart disease.
  • Tingling and Numbness: Peripheral neuropathy can occur due to diabetes or circulation issues associated with heart disease.
  • Decreased Sensation: Reduced blood flow to the feet can impair nerve function. This makes it harder to feel injuries or changes in temperature, thereby increasing the risk of foot ulcers and infections.
  • Increased Risk of Infections: Sometimes, heart problems can slow down wound healing and make the feet more susceptible to infections.

The Importance of Foot Care for Heart Health

Beyond foot checks for the aforementioned signs, if you have any existing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, it’s important to manage them effectively.

Also, stay active with regular exercise to improve heart fitness and benefit your feet. And lastly, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a podiatrist if you notice any concerning changes in your feet or have any persistent foot problems.

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!

Custom Orthotics Cater to Feet of All Ages

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Sometimes, we all need a little extra support to function. And when it comes to your feet, that’s especially true! Tired arches and aching heels don’t usually mend themselves, and leaving problems untreated can lead to further complications. This holds true for both our youngest patients and the senior citizens that we treat at Carrollton Foot Center.

In many cases, conservative interventions can make all the difference. That’s where custom orthotics come in, offering personalized solutions for both children and adults. Take a look at the information below to find out what these sole savers can do for you!

Growing Strong: Orthotics for Developing Feet

  • Children’s feet are constantly growing and evolving, and sometimes, that growth can lead to misalignments like flat feet or high arches.
  • Custom orthotics, crafted to mold perfectly to a child’s unique foot shape, can promote proper development, guiding growing bones into correct alignment while reducing the risk of long-term problems like hip and knee pain.
  • Early intervention with orthotics can address issues like heel pain and ingrown toenails, improving a child’s overall comfort and participation in activities.
  • By providing stability and support, orthotics can improve balance, coordination, and endurance, giving young athletes a boost in their chosen sports.

Stepping Ahead: Orthotics for Adult Feet

  • Whether it’s plantar fasciitis, arthritis, or simply tired feet, orthotics can redistribute pressure and provide cushioning, leading to pain relief and improved mobility.
  • Orthotics can address problems like foot pronation or supination, preventing further damage and improving overall posture and gait.
  • For individuals with diabetes or neurological issues, orthotics can play a crucial role in preventing foot ulcers and promoting wound healing.

Customized for You

  • Unlike the one-size-fits-all approach of over-the-counter inserts, custom orthotics are made specifically for each individual’s foot.
  • The precise fit minimizes pressure points, providing targeted support exactly where it’s needed.
  • High-quality materials ensure your orthotics withstand the demands of daily life.
  • With proper care, custom orthotics can offer years of improved foot health and comfort.

Wondering if orthotics are right for you? Come ask board-certified podiatrist Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari! Committed to helping all 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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