Arch Pain: Causes and Symptoms

The term arch pain (often referred to as arch strain) refers to an inflammation and/or burning sensation at the arch of the foot. There are many different factors that can cause arch pain such as flat feet, high arches, structural imbalance, or an injury to the foot. The most common condition that causes arch pain however is plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue located along the bottom surface of the foot that runs from the heel to the forefoot. If you notice any arch pain that is persistent, consult Dr. Mark Forman today.

The arch of the foot is a collection of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that are constructed to allow your foot to bear the weight of your body safely. Some arch pain symptoms could include the following: a dull, constant ache if the ligaments have been overstretched, swelling or tenderness of the foot, difficulty putting weight on the foot, and/or a sharp pain when the foot is manipulated. It’s important to play close attention to your feet when you feel discomfort, if arch pain persists beyond a few days, visit Dr. Mark Forman for treatment to prevent this condition from becoming worse.

If you experience pain in the arches of your foot, please give us a call. To learn more about painful arches as well as the services we provide here at the office, visit www.azfootpain.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Forman in Scottsdale, AZ, call 480-423-8400.

What is Tendonitis?

Tendons connect muscle to bone and allow them to exert their force across the joints that separate bones. Tendonitis implies that there is inflammation, enlargement, and thickening with swelling of the tendon. The vast majority of tendonitis will heal on its own, but the only way to diagnose the condition is to visit Dr. Mark Forman for a foot exam.

Usually tendonitis is referred to by the body part involved, for example, Achilles tendonitis which affects the Achilles tendon or, or patellar tendonitis which affects the patellar tendon (jumper’s knee). It can also occur in various other parts of the body, including the elbow, wrist, finger, or thigh. Tendonitis can affect people of any age, but is more common among athletes because it is commonly caused by repetition of a particular movement over time. It can also be caused by sudden injury. If Dr. Mark Forman diagnoses you with tendonitis, a treatment plan will be determined by the cause and location of the condition.

If you notice pain, swelling, or have difficulty moving your tendon, please give us a call. To learn more about tendonitis as well as the services we provide here at the office, visit www.azfootpain.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Forman in Scottsdale, AZ, call 480-423-8400.

Foot Infection Facts

Foot infections are painful disorders that can stem from basic foot injuries, and cause swelling, lack of mobility, and other serious consequences if ignored. Although often treated with antibiotics, serious foot infections can require hospitalization when left untreated. Regardless of what type of foot condition you have, Dr. Mark Forman will always discuss non-invasive and conservative treatment first.

Checking your feet daily is crucial in noticing a potential problem as early as possible to help prevent an infection. Pain and swelling that occur without an injury and with redness, red streaking, tenderness, heat, fever, or pus may be caused by an infection. People who have diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or an impaired immune system are more likely to develop a toe or foot infection. However, any problems that are discovered should be reported to Dr. Mark Forman as soon as possible whether or not you feel they are “serious.”

If you notice symptoms of a foot infection, please give us a call. To learn more about foot infections as well as the services we provide here at the office, visit www.azfootpain.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Forman in Scottsdale, AZ, call 480-423-8400.

How to Give Yourself a Foot Exam

Most of us know that foot exams can be lifesaving for patients with diabetes, but realistically they are important when it comes to diagnosing any serious foot condition. Everyone can develop different types of foot problems, but all can lead to serious complications if left untreated. This is why Dr. Mark Forman recommends foot self-exams at least once a month. Doing this will help you detect irregularities early on. Here are just a few things to look for when self-examining.

• Balance – a good test for balance involves standing on one foot, with your arms out to the side and your eyes close. If you are less than 30 years old, you should be able to balance for 15 seconds, 30 to 40 years old for 12 seconds, 40 to 50 years old for 10 seconds and over 50 years old for seven seconds. This can be improved with exercises.


• Circulation. Look at the color of your toes. Do they look like a normal nail color or are they leaning towards red, white, purple, or blue? Press down on the nail of your big toe until the color blanches. Now let go and allow the blood flow to return to your toe. The return of normal color should take 2 to 5 seconds in a person with average circulation.


• Flexibility. How flexible are your toes? Try to pick up a marble or a small dish towel with your toes. To test your ankle flexibility, hang your heel off of a stair. Now let the heel go below the level of the stair. If this causes pain, stop the test. If your heel goes below the level of the stair without causing strain in your calf, that is a good sign.


• Check your skin for calluses, blisters, or areas of irritation.

 If you wish to receive a foot exam from a professional, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide here at the office, visit www.azfootpain.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Forman in Scottsdale, AZ, call 480-423-8400.