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.

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.