What is a Foot Contusion?

On Saturday, Eric Aybar of the Atlanta Braves sustained a right foot contusion at while batting at the plate. He’s on the 15 day DL and thankfully, his X-ray results came back negative for any type of fracture. But a “foot contusion” sounds pretty painful, so what is it? And how can you treat it, if you get one?

A foot contusion is nothing more than a bruise to your foot. Like any bruise, it may become black and blue, or even yellow in some cases. The more severe the contusion, the more painful it will be, and there might be some swelling, in addition.

Luckily, this can be treated at home in most cases. All you need to do is ice your foot and keep it elevated. Do this for about 15 to 20 minutes, 3-4 times a day. Try to avoid walking or running while the foot is in pain, and if need be, take over the counter medicines, such as  Advil, to reduce the pain.

If:

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  You have increased redness, swelling, or pain in your foot.

  
  


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  Your swelling or pain is not relieved with medicines.

  
  


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  You have loss of feeling in your foot or are unable to move your toes.

  
  


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  Your foot turns cold or blue.

  
  


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  You have pain when you move your toes.

  
  


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  Your foot becomes warm to the touch.

  
  


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  Your contusion does not improve in 2 days.

  
  

You should seek medical attention at Put Your Feet First, where Dr. Mark Forman can make your foot feeling as good as new!

Why Flip Flops Are Bad For Your Feet

Flip-flops: a longtime staple of warm weather. While they are easy to slip on and fun to wear, they are actually pretty bad for your feet. If you are a frequent flip-flop fan, keep reading. Dr. Mark Forman of Scottsdale, AZ wants his patients to know that flip-flops can be bad news for your feet- and more.

Flip-flops are probably the least supportive shoes out there. Walking in a thin, flat shoe all day can lead to overuse of the toes, tiny stress fractures, tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis. Because the shoe gives so little support, the toes have to grip the flip-flop to stay in the shoe. Overuse can lead to tendonitis in the toes and the Achilles' tendon. Overuse and also lack of support can cause plantar fasciitis and over-pronation, which means the arch flattens out. Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis can lead to heel pain. The feet can also become blistered and callused because of the rubbing flip-flops do between the first two toes and on the ball of the foot. Pain and irritation in the feet can lead to walking differently, which can lead that pain up your legs to your hips and back.

If you do want to wear flip-flops, make sure they have arch support and a thicker, more supportive toe strap. Also, refrain from wearing them all the time. Stick to only wearing them occasionally and for short amounts of time.

Next time you head out, remember that flip-flops are not the wise choice for healthy feet. If you are experiencing foot pain, schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Forman in our Scottsdale, AZ podiatry office. To schedule, call us at (480) 423-8400. For more information about us, visit our website, www.azfootpain.com. 

Morton's Neuroma

Have you ever felt like you are walking over a marble that is stuck in your shoe, particularly, a marble under the ball of your foot? This is a common sensation that arises with Morton’s neuroma. Morton’s neuroma can be painful, irritating, and it can even make you walk differently. The good news is that Morton’s neuroma usually has simple causes and simple treatments. Dr. Mark Forman treats patients with Morton’s neuroma right here in our Scottsdale, AZ office.

Morton’s neuroma is a condition that usually develops between the third and fourth toes. It is the thickening of tissue surrounding a nerve. Along with the feeling of walking on a marble, patients also often feel a burning sensation. The condition can be aggravated by a lot of walking or running or wearing tight shoes.

There are usually simple causes of Morton’s neuroma including wearing high heels, tight shoes, or repeated pressure like when someone stands, walks, or runs a lot. Because it is usually one of these simple causes, the fix is also usually simple. Wear supportive shoes with plenty of room for the toes and low heels. Dr. Forman may also suggest orthotic insoles based on the structure of your foot. Another type of treatment to help decrease inflammation is a corticosteroid shot. If conservative treatments fail for severe cases, surgery may be the next step.

If you suspect you may have Morton’s neuroma, schedule an examination to begin treatment. Worsening of Morton’s neuroma could lead to permanent nerve damage. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Forman, call our Scottsdale, AZ office at (480) 423-8400. More information can be found on our website, www.azfootpain.com. 

Pregnancy and Feet

Aside from morning sickness, pregnancy can cause plenty of discomfort in the body, especially in the feet. In addition to an expanded belly, many women experience swollen legs and feet during their pregnancy because of the extra weight that is gained. Sometimes the extra pregnancy weight can place so much pressure on the body that the arches of the feet flatten, leading to pain. If you are pregnant and experiencing foot pain of any kind, Dr. Mark Forman in Scottsdale, AZ, is here to alleviate your symptoms.

In addition to the added weight of your unborn baby, the body retains 50 percent more fluid than it normally needs during pregnancy. All of that fluid has to go somewhere, and it often settles in your feet. Some swelling during pregnancy is natural and can’t be avoided. However, if you aren’t careful, your feet could swell to the point where your skin becomes tight and painful. Don't let your feet suffer more than they have to during your pregnancy. Be sure to provide plenty of support to painful, flat feet, and rest your feet often to relieve pressure.

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.