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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.

Pain

Pain-Free Feet for The Holidays

The holidays are here! Christmas and New Year’s are a time for joy and celebration. But while you’re spending quality time with loved ones and searching for the perfect gifts, you may be neglecting your feet. A common complaint for people is achy feet around the holidays, since we’re usually up on our feet cooking, shopping, and participating in fun activities. But we have some good news! You can still enjoy your holiday season and keep your feet pain-free by incorporating some easy foot care steps into your routine. Here are our top tips for success!

Take A Foot Bath

After a long day of cooking and entertaining guests, this is exactly the thing your feet will need. Not only do foot baths help with inflammation, foot odor, and sore muscles, but they are super relaxing and the perfect way to destress. Fill your bathtub with lukewarm water up to ankle level, then add Epsom salts, essential oils, or tea bags for added benefits. Soak your feet for around 20 minutes, then dry them completely.

Incorporate Inserts

Arch support helps greatly if you’re on your feet for long periods. Is your favorite pair of shoes not cutting it when it comes to comfort? Look into getting a pair of arch support inserts. Or better yet, custom orthotics. Orthotics can help with a wide range of foot concerns, from arthritis to flatfoot.

Ice Your Feet

Inflammation causes soreness, and soreness is a complete buzzkill during the holiday season. Instead, apply ice to sore feet for 10 minutes each day. You can do this by putting some ice cubes into a towel or plastic bag, or try freezing a water bottle and rolling your feet on it.

If you find your feet are still suffering, it may be a sign of a larger issue at hand. For continuous foot pain, call your podiatrist for help.

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!

The Benefits of Berries

Did you know that July is National Blueberry Month? For patients with arthritis, adding a handful of blueberries to cereal or yogurt may help to reduce symptoms. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants that help reduce inflammation. Among other lifestyle changes and treatment options, Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari of the Carrollton Foot Center hopes that you celebrate this month and walk with more comfort.

What is arthritis?

This condition is all about inflammation and swelling of the cartilage and lining of the joints. There are 33 joints in each foot, and each joint can be impacted by arthritis. For patients with this condition, inflammation can make walking very uncomfortable. Symptoms include tenderness and pain. For patients who are seeking treatment, their options range from anti-inflammatory medication to custom orthotics to injections.

What if I don’t like blueberries?

We’d love for you to celebrate National Blueberry Month with us, but we understand if you like another type of fruit. Berries are an excellent source of fiber, and they also have antioxidants that help protect your body against inflammation. Other berry options include strawberries, blackberries, cranberries, and others. The additional fiber helps you to snack on these delicious treats, feeling full and satisfied without having to eat too much.

How does the blueberry compare to other berries?

Berries have antioxidants known as anthocyanin. These antioxidants help to give berries their colors. While other berries may have only three or four types of this antioxidant, blueberries have 20 types. To include these berries in your diet, try to add them to a smoothie or put them on top of your bagel with cream cheese.

If you’re having worsening foot and ankle pain because of your arthritis, we are here to help. We continue to follow CDC guidelines to protect you and our staff. We encourage patients to use our telemedicine option, and we will continue to provide excellent care. Call us at (469) 998-3668. We are located at 4221 Medical Parkway, STE 450, Carrollton, TX.

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