Just what is an Ankle Sprain

Left fielder Brett Elbner from the Kansas City Royals has sprained his left ankle and was put on the 15 day disabled list earlier this month. Now, we hear people spraining an ankle or a wrist all the time. Many people have an idea about what a sprain is, but they don’t know what it truly is, or how to treat one.

What is a sprained ankle?

            A sprained ankle is a very common injury, it is when one or more ligaments on the outer side of your ankle are stretched or are torn. Typically, this happens when the ankle is rolled inward, which is called an inversion sprain. In fact, an ankle sprain is so common, that an estimated 25,000 people a day sprain their ankle, of course to differing degrees of pain.

            You’re most likely to sprain your ankle when your toes are one the ground and your heel is up (this is called plantar flexion). When your foot is in such a position, the ligaments in your ankle are now under tension, and this makes the susceptible to injury.

            If the pain goes away very quickly, you can go on your merry way. However, if the pain persists, and the ankle swells, go see Dr. Forman, who will do an X-ray to determine the severity of the sprain and differentiate it from a fracture.

How to treat a sprained ankle?

            Like most foot injuries, the best way to care for your injury is the “RICE” Method.

            R: Rest your ankle. DO NOT walk on it!

            I: Ice your ankle to keep the swelling down

C: Compression. This can control swelling as well the ice. This also supports your injury for a quicker recovery

E: Elevate. Get on your favorite Lazy Boy recliner and prop up your foot and recline!

By following these guidelines, you’ll be set on your way. But remember, if you think you sprain your ankle, and the pain does not go away, make an appointment with Dr. Forman as soon as possible. 

Turf toe?

Turf Toe: sounds scary, right? Well if you’re a coach and you hear your star player has turf toe, you might be a little scared. Turf toe for those non athletes who have never heard of it is when the ligaments around the big toe joint are sprained. Now, why is it called turf toe? Because it normally happens to football players on artificial turfs. Now, if you want to learn more about turf toe, how it’s caused, and what to do if you get it, you’re in the right place.

When our body walks or runs, we raise our heel and then place all of our body weight on the ball of our foot. Next we essentially “push off” with our big toe and the process continues on the other foot. Let’s say instead of “pushing off” your big toe stays flat on the ground, but a normal stepping movement still occurs, that would be a case of hyperextension (meaning: above the normal ability of your toe to extend). If this happens multiple times, the ligaments around the big toe can be sprained, leading to turf toe. Luckily, this injury usually quick and sudden and now slow and drawn out.

If you have swelling or pain in your big toe, the best thing to do is to make an appointment with Dr. Mark Forman DPM at his Scottsdale office, so you can get an official diagnosis. Once there, the best way to treat turf toe is the RICE method. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation is usually the most effective way to treat any foot injury. Dr. Forman will also recommend over the counter oral medication like Advil or Ibuprofin. In very extreme cases of Turf toe, the doctor may give you a special cast or boot to help keep pressure off the toe. For pain to truly subside, it could take two to three weeks.

Now, Dr. Forman believes that it's better to be safe than sorry. So one way to prevent turf toe is to to wear the best shoes possible for any sport you do. If you need help determining the right shoe, Dr. Forman will be happy to help! Make an appointment today!

Toenail Fungus: Causes and Treatment

Toenail fungus is an infection underneath the surface of the nail caused by fungi. When the tiny organisms take over, the nail often becomes darker in color and smells foul. Because it is difficult to avoid contact with tiny microscopic organisms like fungi, the toenails are especially vulnerable around damp areas where you are likely to be walking barefoot, such as swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers, for example. Treatments may vary, depending on the nature and severity of the infection. But once the problem has been detected, Dr. Mark Forman can recommend a remedy that is best for you.

You may have nail fungus if one or more of your nails are thickened, brittle, crumbly, or ragged, distorted in shape, or dull with no shine. A daily routine of cleansing over a period of many months may temporarily suppress mild infections. However, the earlier you seek professional treatment, the greater your chance at getting your nails to clear.

To learn about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our office, visit www.azfootpain.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Forman in Scottsdale, AZ, call 480-423-8400.

Technique for Trimming Those Toenails

If you don’t clip your toenails you risk the chance of them growing too long, becoming ingrown and/or causing discomfort as you walk. Trimming your toenails may seem simple enough, but it isn’t something that should be done carelessly. This is why Dr. Mark Forman that it would be helpful to compile a list of toenail trimming basics, so that you can give your feet the care they deserve.

• Cut straight across – Guide the clippers across the nail of each toe and avoid cutting a curved shape.


• Use appropriate toenail clippers – large clippers are for toenails, small clippers are for fingernails.


• Leave nails a little long – If you cut them too short, ingrown toenails occur. It can also leave your nails susceptible to infection.


• Cut nails when they are dry, not wet – wet nails may be likely to tear, bend, or not cut smoothly because they’re softer when wet. Cutting dry nails will give you a cleaner, smoother cut.


• Make a few small cuts – don’t try to clip the toenail in one snip. Make a few small cuts across your nail first.


• Don’t cut cuticles – Cutting them can cause bleeding or infection. Instead, try using a cuticle stick and push them back.

To learn about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our office, visit www.azfootpain.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Forman in Scottsdale, AZ, call 480-423-8400.

Walking Tips

Walking has endless health benefits that include improving your balance and coordination as well as improving your mood, strengthening your bones and muscles and even preventing health conditions like Diabetes. However, if you’re not walking properly it can wreak havoc on your posture as well as your feet. At the office of Dr. Mark Forman, as much as our staff loves to see you for a visit, we also like to see you pain free. Next time you decide to go for a stroll through the neighborhood, take these walking tips into consideration.

• Put on those walking shoes – The ideal shoe should be stable from side-to-side, well-cushioned, and it should enable you to walk smoothly.


• Stride – Your stride should come naturally. As you master the correct walking posture (chest up, shoulders back) you’ll find your stride may become a little smaller as you start to walk faster. Plus, the more short, quick strides you take equal more work for your glutes.


• Foot Action – Always walk heal to toe. Push off from your heel and roll through to your toe. Your heel should always strike the ground first and your toes should gently flex upward. The ideal foot action should be Heel-arch-ball-toe before completing the step and moving to the next one.

To learn about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our office, visit www.azfootpain.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Forman in Scottsdale, AZ, call 480-423-8400.

Diabetic Foot Care Tips

If you suffer from diabetes, the condition can affect the feet in many ways. You can experience loss of sensation in your toes, decreased blood flow, unstable walking, frequent falls, and ulcers on your feet. Visiting Dr. Mark Forman on a regular basis can help prevent the foot complications of diabetes. In the meantime, to avoid serious foot complications follow these guidelines.

• Wash and dry your feet daily – use mild soaps, warm water and pat your skin dry (do not rub). You can also apply lotion to your feet to prevent cracking; however, do not put the lotion between your toes.


• Examine your feet each day – check the tops and bottoms of your feet, and check for dry skin, as well as blisters, cuts, scratches, or other sores.


• Take care of your toenails – cut toenails after bathing, when they are soft and avoid cutting into the corners of toes.

If you suffer from diabetes and need assistance with your foot care routine, please give us a call. To learn about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our office, visit www.azfootpain.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Forman in Scottsdale, AZ, call 480-423-8400.