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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!

Feet

Healthy Eating for Healthy Feet

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Did you know that what you eat and the habits you make can make a big impact on the health of your feet? March is National Nutrition Month and we want to raise awareness on this important topic. Keeping your body and feet in great shape well into your senior years is important if you want to stay active and mobile. Choosing healthier, vitamin-enriched foods is easier than most people think. How can you make better choices this March? Here are some of our top tips and tricks!

  1. Exercise 3-4 times a week. If you’re not into heavy lifting or long runs on the bike trail, keep it light with some yoga or a gentle walk. Any form of action will help you maintain a healthier weight and keep your blood flowing nicely.
  2. Ensure you’re eating enough fruits and veggies throughout the day. Instead of potato chips, grab an apple or some carrot sticks.
  3. Takeout may be quick and delicious, but they’re usually packed with excess sodium, sugars, and unnecessary ingredients. Go for home-cooked meals, where you can choose what goes into your meal.
  4. Make the switch to healthier alternatives to your favorite foods. Like pasta? Try whole wheat or veggie pasta! White rice may be tasty, but quinoa and brown rice pack a lot more nutritional value. Making potatoes for dinner? Leave the skins on or try sweet potatoes! Instead of your daily bowl of breakfast cereals, go for oatmeal or granola to cut down on sugar.
  5. Dehydration isn’t good for your body and digestive system, so make sure you’re drinking 6-8 glasses of water per day.
  6. Do you tend to skip breakfast? Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If you’re normally rushing around in the morning, go for something quick and easy, like a banana or a cup of yogurt. You can take them on the go, too!

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

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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.

Bring the Family Picnic Inside

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What’s one way to avoid weather interruptions for your picnic? Bring it inside. That’s right — try to create a picnic experience in your home. We’ve all had to get a bit more creative these days. Find your picnic basket, favorite cutlery, snacks, and more. Of course, you must have a blanket. Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari of the Carrollton Foot Center sees the value of sharing a meal with your family, so try a picnic with a twist.

Plan the menu

When you’re planning your picnic, spend some time creating a menu. Be intentional about this picnic. If your family wants to get involved, invite them to offer some suggestions. They can even help to prepare the dishes. Keep healthy items on the menu, but also feel free to bring out some of your other favorite treats.

Find an activity

Whether it’s an indoor scavenger hunt or a game of Scrabble, select an activity. You can either do your activity while eating or after you’ve taken your last bite. Since you’re indoors, find the best ways to maximize your space. If your activity requires extra movement, be sure to move items in advance. This helps to prevent any bumps or bruises.

Keep it simple

A lot is going on these days. Don’t let this picnic become a stressor. If you end up ordering a pizza, enjoy your time. If you prefer to cook a meal, that’s fine, too. Consider this as an opportunity to try something new while spending quality time with your loved ones. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just be open to trying something new.

We encourage you to be mindful of your space while enjoying your indoor picnic. However, if a bump or bruise is a cause for concern, call us at (469) 998-3668. We’re doing our part to flatten the curve, so we encourage patients to use our telemedicine option. We’re still here to answer your questions and provide excellent care during this time. We are located at 4221 Medical Parkway, STE 450, Carrollton, TX.

What’s On Your Plate?

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Before you take that next bite, think twice. During March, we want to bring awareness to nutrition and how a healthy diet and exercise routine can reduce your chances of foot and ankle complications. Dr. Lilly Khavari of Carrollton Foot Center, PLLC, wants to share three conditions that are greatly impacted by your food choices and ways you can make lifestyle changes. March is National Nutrition Month, which focuses on what you eat and how you choose to move while exercising.

Gout

There are many forms of arthritis, and osteoarthritis is among the most common. There is also a form known as gout. When the amount of uric acid increases in the body, the result is intense pain along with redness and inflammation in the big toe joint. This condition is painful, and certain foods can become a trigger. These foods include red meat, certain types of alcohol, seafood, and sugary foods like juices or candy. Gout can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications.

Diabetes

We describe this condition as a diabetic foot. This keeps in mind all of the foot issues that may come along as people are diagnosed with diabetes. When glucose levels become too high, there are serious complications. Damage to the nervous system and poor circulation are a few examples. Other complications include peripheral neuropathy, slow-healing wounds that develop into ulcers, and more.

Plantar fasciitis

Simply, plantar fasciitis is heel pain. It is one of the most common conditions and impacts a variety of patients. The pain and discomfort occur because the tissue that connects the heel bones to the toes becomes inflamed. Weight gain is one change that can cause this tissue to become inflamed, so we encourage patients to maintain a healthy diet and remain active.

Schedule an appointment today by calling (469) 998-3668. We are located at 4221 Medical Parkway, #450, Carrollton, TX 75010. Dr. Lilly Khavari of Carrollton Foot Center, PLLC, is a board-certified foot and ankle specialist, and the office serves patients from Denton, Dallas, and Collin counties. She focuses on pediatric and diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and more.

 

 

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4221 Medical Parkway
STE 450
Carrollton, TX

(469) 998-3668

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