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Haglund’s Deformity: Debunking the Bony Bump

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!

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

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

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!

Two New Ways to Treat Toenail Fungus

Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, isn’t just unsightly – it can be painful and persistent, too. While traditional treatments can work, they often involve months of topical medications or oral antifungals. And frankly, they also tend to produce mixed results and potential side effects.

Podiatry is a field that’s friendly to innovation, however. That’s why the expert team at Carrollton Foot Center is proud to employ two innovative tools when treating toenail fungus: The Lunula Laser and KeryFlex nails. Used in tandem, these dynamic new treatments are revolutionizing the way our DPM approaches onychomycosis. Read on to learn how!

Shining a Light

  • The Lunula Laser utilizes painless, low-level laser therapy.
  • Its unique dual-wavelength approach targets the fungus directly while stimulating the nail bed to promote healthier growth.
  • This non-invasive treatment requires no downtime and boasts a high success rate, making it a patient-friendly option.

Adding Strength and Beauty

  • KeryFlex nails are flexible, resin-based prosthetics that seamlessly adhere to the damaged nail.
  • They offer immediate cosmetic improvement, hiding discoloration and restoring a natural appearance.
  • Their benefits go beyond aesthetics: KeryFlex nails create a protective barrier, preventing further fungal invasion and promoting healthy nail growth underneath.

The Synergistic Duo

Combining Lunula Laser’s fungus-fighting power with KeryFlex’s protective shield creates a powerful one-two punch against onychomycosis. The laser tackles the infection at its source, while the KeryFlex nail provides a favorable environment for healthy nail growth, preventing reinfection.

Compared to traditional methods, this duo offers several advantages in the fight against fungus:

  • Painless and non-invasive: No needles, harsh chemicals, or uncomfortable side effects.
  • Faster results: Visible improvement in weeks, compared to months with traditional treatments.
  • Higher success rates: Studies show high efficacy with both Lunula Laser and KeryFlex, often exceeding oral antifungals.
  • Improved patient experience: Comfortable, convenient, and cosmetically appealing.

Are you still struggling with fungal toenails? Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari, is here to help. She treats various conditions such as bunionscornscallusesdiabetic foot conditionsingrown toenailsplantar fasciitis, and more. Our team provides superior 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.

Stretching

The Benefits of Stretching Your Feet

Our feet do so much for us, but unfortunately, they’re often overlooked when it comes to physical health and self-care. Taking care of your feet, ankles, and toes can go such a long way. One of the best ways you can do so is by stretching your feet daily. Not only will it help with injury prevention, but it can ease any foot pain you experience and appropriately prepare you for your next workout. Let’s take a closer look!

Keep Your Feet Healthy

The average person walks 150,000 miles in their lifetime. At that rate, your feet are likely to go through some wear and tear as you age. Injuries happen, whether you take precautions or not, especially if you’re athletic. Stretching can not only help you avoid certain overuse injuries but reduce the possibility of developing conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. It also helps improve…

  • Blood circulation in your legs. This can go a long way if you have diabetes!
  • Posture
  • Muscle strength
  • Balance
  • Foot pain due to conditions like arthritis, flat foot, and heel pain

Tips and Tricks

As with anything, there’s a right and a wrong way to stretch your feet. To ensure you stay safe during your exercise and get the maximum amount of benefits, keep these tips in mind:

  • If your feet start to hurt, stop your exercise immediately
  • Focus on sore spots.
  • Start slow and easy.
  • Take your time! There’s no rush.
  • Make sure you’re stretching for at least 30 seconds at a time.
  • Repeat on both feet.

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!

Shopping

Shoe Shopping Tips for This Fall

November’s here and that means Black Friday and Christmas are approaching. If you’re going through your wardrobe, deciding what to keep, what to toss, and what you need to stock up on, you’re likely looking at your shoes, too. Shopping for new shoes can be nerve-wracking, especially if you find you’re always buying the wrong pairs. This fall, Carrollton Foot Center has your back! Here are our best tips for finding your new shoes this season.

  1. Shoes should always feel comfortable in the store. Don’t bother buying a pair that you intend on “breaking in”. This can not only lead to pain, but damage to your feet and ankles.
  2. Don’t be afraid to walk around the store and test the comfort of the shoes. Are they providing enough arch support? Are your toes squished? Or do your feet feel supported and comfy?
  3. Keep any concerns or conditions in mind! If you have diabetes or a nerve disorder, stick to shoes that provide extra comfort and help ease the pain. Do you work on your feet all day? Arch support is key.
  4. Find a pair you really love? Buy doubles! This will prevent your shoes from breaking down quickly and allow your shoes to air out in between wears.
  5. Always get your feet remeasured. Our feet are constantly growing and changing, especially as we age. This means your size from last year might not be your size right now.
  6. Bring along your favorite socks or custom orthotics! You’ll get the most realistic idea of how your new pair will fit.
  7. Consider shopping later in the day. Our feet swell and get larger as the day goes on. So, choosing a time in the afternoon to shoe shop will give you the best fit!
  8. If you’re in between sizes, choose the larger one. It’s better for your shoes to feel a little big than for your toes to get squished!

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!

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