fbpx

Posts

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!

Barefoot Running: The Pleasure and the Pain

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!

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!

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!

Is Your Heel Pain Plantar Fasciitis?

Heel pain often goes hand-in-hand with the arch pain you get from plantar fasciitis. If this is the case for you, you’re not alone. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common conditions podiatrists diagnose. How can you tell if your heel pain is simply due to a tough morning run or the beginning of something more serious? Let’s take a closer look.

Signs and Symptoms

The first and most common sign you have plantar fasciitis is a stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot, typically near your heel. This pain usually is worse first thing in the morning or after a period of overactivity. You may also experience stiffness, swelling, and tightness in your foot and heel.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Most patients develop this condition due to:
  • Inadequate arch support. Wearing incorrectly sized shoes with little support (like flip flops or high heels) can wear your muscles down over time.
  • Carrying more weight. Your extra weight is multiplied fourfold in your feet and ankles, increasing the stress and pressure on the arches.
  • Repetitive stress injury. Dancers, professional athletes, and people on their feet all day for work are more likely to develop injuries to the plantar fascia and other foot and ankle problems.

What Are Your Options?

First and foremost, call your podiatrist. Foot pain is not normal and shouldn’t be ignored. Your foot doctor will be able to diagnose and treat you. In the meantime, here are some other treatment options that you can try at home:

  • I.C.E. treatment – Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation
  • A wide variety of physical therapy exercises for the calf muscles and Achilles tendon can help improve arch and foot alignment and prevent pain and discomfort.
  • Always wear properly fitted shoes with the proper arch support to treat existing arch problems and prevent arch problems from starting in the first place.

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!

Foot Pain and Your Golf Game

August is National Golf Month, so we are making sure you are all set for your next swing. Whether you enjoy golfing as a hobby or competing with other professionals, we know you are dependent on your feet. As you travel from one hole to the next, foot pain is not a part of the plans. There are common foot conditions that can affect your game, but we’re here to make sure you stay steps ahead.

Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari of the Carrollton Foot Center works with a variety of athletes, from basketball players to golfers. Regardless of the sport, support, and shoe style matter. She helps athletes make the best decisions for their feet. The results can help them with the game, too.

Here are three things to do before your next golf game:

Trim your toenails

Long toenails in your golf shoes can cause discomfort and an ingrown toenail. Trim your toenails properly to limit how much they rub against the inside of your shoes. An ingrown toenail occurs when the toenail begins to grow into the side of your skin. If it pierces the skin, there is a risk of infection.

Address foot pain

If you have foot pain, it will seem like the longest walk from one hole to the next. Addressing foot pain now will allow you to perform your best. Simple solutions include getting evaluated for custom orthotics, increasing your shoe size, or allowing your feet to rest. Common foot problems include plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails, and Achilles tendonitis.

Check your shoes

Your shoe style can make a significant difference with your support. While shopping for golf shoes, take your time. Shop at the end of the day, which is when your feet are at their largest. Ask the sales representative to use a Brannock Device to measure your feet. The device is the best tool for getting an accurate shoe size.

Giving your best on the golf course starts with feeling great from head to toe. We can help with the foot-and-ankle part of your swing. If you have concerns about foot pain and how it can affect your game, contact us today.

Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari, is here to help. She treats a variety of conditions such as bunions, corns, calluses, 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.

Flat Feet Can Stop Your Stride

Flat feet seem like no big deal at first, but Dr. Lilly Khavari at Carrollton Foot Center urges you to reconsider. Think about it – our feet are an essential part of our ability to be mobile on two legs. Imagine you’re riding a bike and over time your once circular bicycle wheels become slightly less circular and more oblong. In order to ride smoothly, you end up having to overcompensate to ride like you did when the wheels were round. This is similar to what our bodies do when our arches have fallen or become flat! The other structures in and around our feet and ankles will overcompensate, become fatigued, and develop other issues.

Foot Problems Associated with Flat Feet:

  • Plantar fasciitis – flat feet, or fallen arches, can lead to developing plantar fasciitis. This condition affects the plantar fascia, a band of muscles found on the bottom of our feet. It extends the length of our feet and, when damaged, can become inflamed and painful.
  • Calluses – while less serious than plantar fasciitis, calluses can still negatively impact your everyday life as a side effect of flat feet. Due to the lack of support from the arch, the skin of your foot takes more impact than nature intended, requiring it to ‘toughen up’ and form calluses to handle the workload.
  • Heel spurs – sometimes also called a bone spur, heel spurs can happen for various reasons. One of the most common reasons, however, is as a result of fallen arches. Heel spurs can go hand in hand with plantar fasciitis and accentuate the inflammation and discomfort brought on by both.

Not only will flat feet, or fallen arches, change the shape of your feet, but it will also change the course of the health of your feet and ankles. Contact us today at (469) 998-3668 to schedule an appointment at our location in Carrollton, Texas which serves Denton, Dallas and Collin Counties.

Shockwave Therapy: An Alternative to Surgery

There’s some exciting news electrifying the world of podiatry today: a shocking alternative to invasive surgical procedures! Though it was invented in the mid-1960s, this innovative treatment method has become especially known in the last few decades thanks to advancements in podiatric medicine. While traditional surgical methods are appropriate in certain cases and often serve as viable options to treat various foot and ankle issues, podiatrists have worked hard to develop less invasive alternatives that produce similar or better results. One of these treatment methods, in particular, called Shockwave Therapy, is a treatment offered by Dr. Lily Khavari to address several types of foot and ankle pain. Though Shockwave Therapy is most commonly used to treat heel pain, that’s not all it can be used to address:

  • Stress fractures
  • Corns & Calluses
  • Neuromas

While the name of this treatment method might sound like it could be painful, Shockwave Therapy is well known for being relatively painless. Shockwave Therapy utilizes high-intensity soundwaves by directing them at target areas that are painful, inflamed, or uncomfortable. These soundwaves penetrate the tissues deep within our bodies. As a result, they stimulate the growth and development of healthy new tissues to replace damaged, inflamed tissues. Prior to Shockwave Therapy becoming widely used with leading podiatrists, foot issues like plantar fasciitis and chronic tendinitis were treated by surgical intervention. It can take a lot of time to prepare for surgery when you consider getting time off of work, having to go under anesthesia and the recovery time of the incision site. When comparing this to trying Shockwave Therapy first, you could:

  • Avoid long waits for a surgery date
  • Going under anesthesia
  • Taking up to a week or more off of work
  • Virtually eliminate a painful recovery that requires drugs
  • Enjoying the same success rate as invasive surgery

Our team at Carrollton Foot Center in Carrollton, Texas offers the best care in town. If Shockwave Therapy has piqued your interest, follow up today! Call us at (469) 998-3668 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Khavari.

When Ankle Pain Isn’t Ankle Pain

When it comes to getting us around every day, our feet do a majority of the work. Between every individual part of our feet, our ankles are arguably one of the most hardworking features of the lower halves of our bodies. They connect the rest of our body to our feet and grant us the flexibility do things like rock climbing or stair climbing! Considering our feet do so much for us, it’s inevitable that we might get ankle pain along with aches sometimes.

Because everyone is different, everyone experiences discomfort and pain in different ways. This can sometimes make it hard to decipher what really hurts. Many of the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, flat feet, and fatigued ankles are similar.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you pinpoint where your pain is:

  • When you wake up in the morning, do the bottoms of your heels feel painful? Sometimes this pain can radiate into the back of our ankles. Take note of when and where it hurts.
  • If you’ve been walking around all day, are you experiencing significant discomfort or pain along the back of your heel to your ankle? Does the pain radiate up your ankle?
  • Have you noticed any swelling between the bony sides of your ankles after standing for a long, or even a short period of time? Does the swelling come on quickly, and is it accompanied by aching pain?

We hope that this list of questions to ask yourself might benefit you when it comes time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lilly Khavari. Getting a quick and accurate diagnosis will only benefit you more in the long run! This will help you get to treatment more quickly – for example, if it truly is Achilles tendonitis, you definitely want to ask Dr. Khavari about shockwave therapy to speed up your healing process! Call us today at (469) 998-3668 to schedule an appointment at our location in Carrollton, Texas.

Call Now ButtonCall Now!