Professional Podiatric Foot Care

Friday, December 25, 2015

What is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that usually begins between the toes. It occurs most commonly in people whose feet have become very sweaty while confined within tight-fitting shoes. Typically contracted in damp communal places, such as locker rooms or public pools, Athlete’s foot is contagious and can also occur in non-athletes. If you are experiencing a scaly rash that is consistently itching and burning, Dr. Mark Forman can help.


Athlete’s foot spreads easily. You can get it by touching the toes or feet of a person who has it. It is important to treat Athlete’s foot at the first sign of infection as the body can become vulnerable to other bacterial infections as large cracks occur in the skin. Common symptoms are peeling, cracking, and scaling of the feet. If left untreated, the skin may become highly sensitive to the touch and the condition can result in white, peeling skin and a milky discharge.


If you believe you are suffering from Athlete’s Foot, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services Dr. Mark Forman provides, visit www.azfootpain.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Forman in Scottsdale, AZ, call 480-423-8400.

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Causes for Corns

Corns and calluses are protective layers of compacted, dead skin cells and although Dr. Mark Forman treats both conditions, in this particular post we are going to discuss the causes and treatments for corns. Corns on the feet are thickened areas of skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure or rubbing (friction) on the skin. You should never cut your corns at home and if you suspect that you have one, please give us a call.


Corns can be annoying, but your body produces them to protect sensitive skin. Corns generally occur on the tops and sides of the feet. A hard corn is a small patch of thickened, dead skin with a central core. A soft corn has a much thinner surface and usually occurs between the 4th and 5th toes. A seed corn is a tiny, discrete callous that can be very tender if it’s on a weight-bearing part of the foot. Seed corns tend to occur on the bottom of the feet, and are normally caused due to plugged sweat ducts.


If you have further questions about corns, give us a call. To learn more about the services Dr. Mark Forman provides, visit www.azfootpain.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Forman in Scottsdale, AZ, call 480-423-8400.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

What is a Ganglion?

Ganglion cysts are among the most common benign soft-tissue masses. Although they most often occur on the wrist, they also frequently develop on the foot – usually on the top, but elsewhere as well. Ganglion cysts vary in size, may get smaller and larger, and may even disappear completely. To diagnose a ganglion cyst, Dr. Mark Forman will perform a thorough examination of the foot.


A ganglion cyst is a sac filled with a jellylike fluid that originates from a tendon sheath or joint capsule. The word “ganglion” means “knot” and is used to describe the knot-like mass or lump that forms below the surface of the skin. They are usually caused by repeated irritation that weakens joint or tendon lining and if you wear boots or other restrictive footwear, you may be more susceptible to this condition. Ganglions grow slowly, but can cause severe irritation when they become too large. Treatment methods range from pads placed around the ganglion to reduce pressure, fluid removal, icing and as a last resort, surgery.


If you have further questions about ganglions, give us a call. To learn more about the services Dr. Mark Forman provides, visit www.azfootpain.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Forman in Scottsdale, AZ, call 480-423-8400.

Friday, December 4, 2015

Flat Feet Condition

If you have flat feet, Dr. Mark Forman can help you put your best foot forward. You have flat feet when the arches on the inside of your feet are flattened, allowing the entire soles of your feet to touch the floor when you stand up. A significant amount of people with fallen arches (flat feet) experience no pain and have no problems. However, some people with flat feet can experience foot pain, particularly in the heel or arch area.


Flat feet are generally associated with pronation, a leaning inward of the ankle bones toward the center line. Some people have flat feet because of a developmental fault during childhood, while others may find that the problem develops as they age, or after a pregnancy. Symptoms may vary and generally depend on the severity of the condition, but there are some simple devices that Dr. Mark Forman could suggest which may prevent the complications of flat feet.


If you have flat feet and would like to discuss your treatment options, give us a call. To learn more about the services Dr. Mark Forman provides, visit www.azfootpain.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Forman in Scottsdale, AZ, call 480-423-8400.