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

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!

How Certain Foods Affect Arthritis Symptoms

We all know how closely related our diets are to our physical and mental health, but one connection that’s frequently overlooked is the relationship between our food choices and our foot health. In honor of National Nutrition Month, Dr. Khavari of Carrollton Foot Center, PLLC, wants to bring our feet into the equation, exploring a very common foot condition that is greatly affected by what’s on our plates – arthritis.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is the swelling of one or more joints, and with 33 joints in the foot, there’s plenty of room for arthritis to develop. Arthritis in the feet can manifest in various forms, all of which result in joint discomfort and limited mobility.

The Impact of Poor Nutrition:

Inflammatory Foods

Consuming a diet rich in inflammatory foods can cause inflammation in the body. Processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive red meat intake are known to trigger inflammation, intensifying arthritis symptoms in the feet.

Lack of Antioxidants

Antioxidants play a crucial role in neutralizing free radicals, which can contribute to joint damage. A deficiency in antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables, and nuts may leave the joints vulnerable to oxidative stress, worsening arthritis symptoms. Anti-inflammatory foods, such as fatty fish, leafy greens, berries, and nuts, can help reduce inflammation and alleviate arthritis symptoms in the feet.

Omega-6 Fatty Acids Imbalance

An imbalance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids can promote inflammation. Diets high in processed oils and fried foods, which are abundant in omega-6 fatty acids, need to be balanced out with omega-3 to maintain joint health. Incorporating sources of omega-3, such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and fatty fish, while minimizing the consumption of processed oils and fried foods is key!

Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies

Inadequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals can contribute to weakened bones and joints. This deficiency may lead to an increased risk of arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis in the feet. Make sure to incorporate enough vitamin D, calcium, and antioxidants into your diet to support joint health.

Making informed dietary choices is essential in alleviating arthritis pain and discomfort. Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Khavari in Carrollton, TX, is committed to helping her clients prioritize their foot health so they can feel their best. Contact our office at 469-998-3668 to schedule an appointment!

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.

Custom Orthotics Cater to Feet of All Ages

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 solutionsContact Carrollton Foot Center’s office at 469-998-3668 to schedule an appointment today!

Shockingly Effective: Non-Invasive RSWT Nixes Nasty Heel Pain

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!

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!

Feet First Focus

Sometimes the focus on our foot health seems far from other health-related issues. We’re not sure why, but we know the facts: Foot health is another important part of your overall health. April is National Foot Health Awareness Month, and we hope you can change your perspective on how you approach health care. It can start today. It’s never too late.

Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari of the Carrollton Foot Center has the privilege of caring for her community’s foot and ankle needs. There are common foot concerns that worsen over time if left untreated. Unfortunately, we can also fall for the myth that foot health isn’t that big of a deal. We can create excuses for delaying appointments or even rescheduling recurring visits to the podiatrist. We hope you’ll think differently as we share more reasons to focus on your feet.

Everything is connected.

Do you think there is a connection between your foot health and overall health? It is. There are many health conditions that a patient can first detect simply by noticing changes in their feet. When we fail to understand the significance of our foot health, we could be missing out on other health concerns.

  • Foot health and heart health are related
  • Nutrition choices affect your feet
  • Poor circulation, swelling, and non-healing wounds could signal a problem

There are solutions.

Did you know many solutions to your foot and ankle pain are quite simple? It all starts with scheduling an appointment with your podiatrist. Allow a foot and ankle specialist to care for your needs. Podiatrists provide an accurate diagnosis, a treatment plan, and prevention tips.

  • Don’t tackle foot health alone
  • Maintain regular communication with your podiatrist
  • It’s always okay to schedule your first visit

Fix problems now.

Like other health conditions, untreated issues may reappear in the future. Fix your foot and ankle issues now. Don’t wait until a problem has worsened or progressed to require surgery as the only solution. For many common conditions, the solutions will surprise you. Take care of your foot health and take charge of your future health.

  • Inspect your feet regularly and act fast
  • Find a podiatrist in your neighborhood
  • It’s never too early to think about your foot health

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.

What is Lapiplasty?

There’s a solution for your bunion — and a way to fix the source of your pain. Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari of the Carrollton Foot Center is pleased to offer Lapiplasty ®, an innovative 3D bunion correction procedure. Bunions are a common foot problem that can cause pain for many patients. Traditional surgeries may reduce the pain; however, they don’t address the root problem. Learn more about this innovative procedure and contact us today.     

What is a bunion?

A bunion is much more than the bump alongside your big toe joint. It’s a progressive toe deformity that will only worsen over time. For some patients, walking can become painful. Over time, these progressive toe deformities can also lead to hammertoes and arthritis.

How does this procedure help?

Lapiplasty ® fixes the alignment of the unstable bone anatomy, which causes the toe deformity. The benefit is that this procedure offers a permanent solution by treating the root cause of the bunion. Here are additional benefits:

  • Restore your natural anatomy with one surgery.
  • Wear shoes without the worry of your condition worsening.
  • Treat your pain for good.

What’s after surgery?

Within days of surgery, patients can walk in a boot — not a cast. We love to share that our patients can skip the casts and have minimal downtime. While patients must still take it easy, a boot helps them ease back into regular activities.

Before you get discouraged, learn more about how you can say “goodbye” to your bunion pain for good. We also offer the miniBunion™ procedure, which is minimally invasive.  Carrollton Foot Center, our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari, treats a variety of 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.

Stay Active To Lower Risk of Heart Disease

Did you know that increasing your physical activity is one of the top ways to reduce your risk for heart disease? February is American Heart Month, and Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari of the Carrollton Foot Center knows foot pain is one of the many reasons patients may be holding back from a consistent exercise routine. If you have foot or ankle pain, schedule an appointment today. There are also connections between foot health and heart health.    

What are the benefits of physical activity?

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, regular physical activity reduces the risk of developing common heart disease risk factors.

Here’s how exercise can help:

  • Aid in loss of excess weight
  • Manage stress and improve mental health
  • Lower risk for conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and more

Are there different types of physical activity?

Yes, here are a few categories with examples:
  • Aerobic activities
    Running, swimming, and walking
  • Muscle-strengthening activities
    Lifting weights and climbing stairs
  • Bone-strengthening activities
    Jumping rope and lifting weights
  • Stretching
    Doing side stretches and yoga

How can foot pain impact physical activity?
We encourage patients to put their exercise routine on pause if they experience foot or ankle pain. Instead, we recommend that they schedule an appointment with their podiatrist. Here are common foot pain causes:

How can I prevent foot pain?

  • Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist before you begin a new workout
  • Wear the proper footwear, including supports like orthotics
  • Stay hydrated and stretch before and after each workout
  • Ease into physical activity and allow recovery time

We’re here to care for your feet and ankles while you meet your health and wellness goals. At Carrollton Foot Center, our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari, treats a 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.

Improve Your Balance and Strength to Help Prevent Falls

We’ll be entering a new season this month. September is also the time when we raise awareness about the dangers of falls. There are a few things you can do inside your home to reduce the chances of you or your loved ones falling. Did you know you can also do simple exercises to improve your balance and strength? Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari of the Carrollton Foot Center has three exercises to get you started as we celebrate Falls Prevention Awareness Month.

Who should try these exercises?

Although falls can happen at any age, seniors are the most vulnerable. For adults who are 65 and older, falls are the leading cause of death and injury. It benefits everyone to improve their balance and strength, so why not take some preventative steps? Try these exercises now and join in with a senior loved one.

 

Heel lifts
For this exercise, begin by standing with both of your feet flat. Then, raise your heels and stand on your tiptoes. Stay in this position for one second and lower your heels back to the ground so your feet are once again flat.

Heel to toe walk
Using your heel as your guide, slowly walk forward. Then, place one heel in front of the other. You will want to do this for 20 steps.

Sit to stand
First, find a sturdy chair. Next, take a seat in the chair and place both feet on the floor. Then, stand using only your legs. Finally, slowly sit down again. Feel free to hold your arms out in front or cross them.

To avoid an injury while exercising, we recommend you first schedule an appointment with our office. Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari can assess your overall foot health to see if exercising is safe for your body. She can also help by completing an in-house fall risk assessment; we continue to follow CDC guidelines in our office. Call us at (469) 998-3668, located at 4221 Medical Parkway, STE 450, Carrollton, TX.

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