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How Certain Foods Affect Arthritis Symptoms

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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!

Common Misconceptions About Foot & Ankle Arthritis

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Do you have arthritis? Because your feet each have 30 joints, you’ll likely experience pain and discomfort in your lower extremities. Most people have heard of arthritis but don’t know enough about it, especially when it comes to how this disease can affect your feet. Let’s clear up some myths about foot and ankle arthritis.

Myth: Arthritis causes all joint pain

Bursitis, tendonitis, and soft-tissue injuries can also cause joint pain. Visit your podiatrist for an accurate foot or ankle pain diagnosis.

Myth: Arthritis is only for the elderly

The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age. But people of any age, even children, may suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, where the body’s immune system attacks the joints and cartilage.

Myth: Sharp pain is the only arthritis symptom

Arthritis can cause sharp pain or dull throbbing pain, as well as joint swelling, joint tenderness, and difficulty walking.

Myth: Surgery is the only treatment option for an arthritic joint

Non-surgical treatment options are our first choice. These include lifestyle modifications such as losing weight and exercising, physical therapy, using an assistive device like a cane or brace, wearing custom-fitted orthotics, anti-inflammatory medication, and cortisone shots. Surgery is typically recommended if your pain is severe and disabling.

Myth: Arthritis is inevitable

You can lower your risk of osteoarthritis by maintaining a healthy weight, staying active and exercising regularly, quitting smoking, avoiding foot and ankle overuse, and wearing the right protective gear during sports activities.

Do you have painful arthritis that affects your ability to be active and experience comfort in your feet? Give us a call today!

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!

Arthritis and Exercise: A Good Solution

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When joint pain is at the top of your mind, exercising may seem like the last thing to do. In fact, it is one of the activities that podiatrists recommend. May is Arthritis Awareness Month, and Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari of the Carrollton Foot Center is sharing ways that exercise helps to reduce the discomfort that can come along with arthritis. Get moving this May and see how your new routine helps your condition.

In partnership with your treatment plan, here are some of the benefits:

Stronger muscles around your joints

Ignore the myth that exercise will only make joint pain and stiffness worse. Physical activity helps to strengthen the muscles around your joints. Without movement, the muscles around your joints weaken, which adds more stress. Exercise brings benefits — not more pain. Find the right activity to add to your schedule.

Weight management

Additional weight adds more stress to your joints. Once you’ve spoken with your doctor about an approved workout plan, it’s time to get moving. Maintaining a healthy weight not only helps with joint pain but also your heart health. From head to toe, exercise offers many benefits.

Energy booster

If you’re looking for a mood-booster, you’ll love a great workout. Physical activity also helps with our stamina. We recommend workouts that are low-impact and that allow for gentle movement. If you have pain before an activity, apply heat. For post-activity care, apply ice to reduce swelling. Make your choice wisely by first consulting your doctor.

Find activities outdoors or indoors. Work out alone or in a group. We’re excited to hear how exercise improves your joint pain. 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.

The Benefits of Berries

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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.

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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