Caring for Foot Calluses

The human body is impressive in its ability to protect itself from repeated pressure and stress. A foot callus can be ugly, but it’s important to remember that the formation is part of the body’s defense system. Calluses are protective layers of compacted dead skin cells or patches of skin that thicken, especially in bony areas, to protect the skin against damage or injury. If you have recurring foot calluses, contact Dr. Mark Forman to discuss your treatment options.

When foot calluses first begin to develop, they are not painful. However, when they have deep-seated cores, they can become extremely painful and make it difficult to walk, stand, or even wear shoes. If you suspect a callus is developing, look for symptoms such as thickening of the skin, discoloration of thickened skin, and a burning sensation. You should never attempt to remove a callus on your own because doing so can cause further damage and lead to infection.

If you have a foot callus and would like to discuss removal, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide visit www.azfootpain.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Forman in Scottsdale, AZ, call 480-423-8400.

Ingrown Toenails Can Be a Nuisance

When a toenail becomes ingrown, it is curved and grows into the skin, usually at the nail borders (the sides of the nail). Although they can start out as a small nuisance, ingrown toenails can become a real problem if left untreated. The reason is that the “digging in” of the nail often irritates the skin, creating pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the toe. Often you can take care of ingrown toenails on your own, but if the pain is severe or spreading, Dr. Mark Forman can take steps to relieve your discomfort and help you avoid complications.

While some people are more prone to ingrown toenails than others, they can be caused by improper nail trimming techniques or trauma from repeated impact or stubbing the toe. If an ingrown nail causes a break in the skin, bacteria may enter and cause an infection in the area, which is often marked by drainage and a foul odor. If this occurs, Dr. Mark Forman may need to prescribe antibiotics to manage the infection. However, if the infection becomes unmanageable it may be necessary to remove the offending nail with surgery.

If you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide visit www.azfootpain.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Forman in Scottsdale, AZ, call 480-423-8400.

Plantar Warts Can Be Pesky

Plantar warts are seen in all age groups, but they are most common among children 12-16 years of age and rare in the elderly. These benign (noncancerous) growths occur on the sole, heel or ball of the foot and are diagnosed based on their appearance. Plantar warts occur when the human papilloma virus (HPV) invades the body through the skin on the bottom of the feet typically through cuts or breaks. The virus is often present on contaminated surfaces, such as tile floors of public locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools. If you frequent any of these places, Dr. Mark Forman suggests wearing shoes while walking around.

When first diagnosed, individuals often feel a “lump” on the bottom of the foot when standing, similar to having a stone in the shoe. If left untreated, plantar warts can grow up to one inch in circumference and may spread into clusters called mosaic warts. In severe cases, they can cause a change in posture that results in leg or back pain. Plantar warts are rarely an emergency, but you should call Dr. Forman to find effective treatment options for you.

If you notice your feet becoming increasingly dry, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide visit www.azfootpain.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Forman in Scottsdale, AZ, call 480-423-8400.

Xerosis: Dry Skin on Your Feet

Dry skin, also called xerosis is a very common skin condition that occurs at all ages and affects numerous parts of the body, including the feet. Skin that’s involved may appear dehydrated, peeled, irritated and inflamed. It can also feel rough, scaly, and sometimes itchy. Skin becomes dry when it loses too much water and natural oils. If you’ve typically had normal skin on your feet and notice them becoming increasingly dry, Dr. Mark Forman can help.

Xerosis is the medical term for abnormally dry skin. Dry skin is common, especially in the elderly and people who live in dry climates. It is usually a minor and temporary problem, but may cause discomfort to those affected. Your skin needs moisture to stay smooth, which is why it’s important to keep hydrated every day. There are several factors that can cause xerosis such as bathing or showering habitually more than once a day, not applying lotion to re-moisturize the area, and using excessively hot water while showering or bathing. Using a moisturizer frequently throughout the day may help relieve symptoms. However, if the condition persists more than two weeks, this could indicate an infection and you may want to call Dr. Forman.

If you notice your feet becoming increasingly dry, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide visit www.azfootpain.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Forman in Scottsdale, AZ, call 480-423-8400.