What is Metatarsalgia?

Metatarsalgia is not an injury; it’s actually a symptom or group of symptoms. These may include pain in the ball of the foot, with or without bruising, and inflammation. There are no one specific causes of metatarsalgia, but a lot of physically active people suffer from this condition as it can be caused by a high impact of the foot which is a product of running, jumping, etc. Sometimes, the condition can also be caused by badly-fitting footwear or even an underlying medical condition. If you are experiencing pain or inflammation in the ball of your foot, please give Dr. Mark Forman a call to discuss your treatment options.

Metatarsalgia develops when something changes or threatens the normal mechanics of the foot. Ultimately, this creates excessive pressure on the ball of the foot, and that leads to the condition. Symptoms of metatarsalgia may include sharp, aching or burning pain in the ball of your foot – the part of the sole just behind your toes, sharp or shooting pain, numbness, or tingling in your toes, and/or pain that worsens when you stand, run, flex your feet or walk – especially on a hard surface. Some of the best treatments of metatarsalgia come from being proactive. Keep body weight at a healthy level, and stick to shoes that fit properly.

To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide 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.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

The world is full of allergens, some which may pose no risk to you and others that might make you feel miserable. While many people are born with sensitivity to certain foods or substances, others may develop allergies later in life. Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by your body’s reaction to something that directly contacts the skin. For example, if you go hiking in the woods and notice red, itchy bumps around your ankles, you may have come in contact with a potential allergen or irritant. If washing the affected area with soap and water doesn’t work, Dr. Mark Forman may need to discuss more effective treatment options with you.

Symptoms of contact dermatitis can range from mild to severe, and they can appear anywhere from a few hours to 10 days after coming into contact with the irritant or allergen. Symptoms include red, irritated skin, itching, swelling, bumps or blisters with clear fluid, and hot or tender skin. Common causes of allergic contact dermatitis of the foot are poison ivy, oak or sumac, as well as particular dyes and chemicals that may be found in footwear or soap.

If you are experiencing what you may believe to be allergic contact dermatitis, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide 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.

Pediatric Foot Care Tips

When treating pediatric foot problems, it’s important for parents to remember that the needs of children’s feet are different from those of adults. Because children’s feet are actively growing and developing, parents should be careful not to over-correct abnormalities in a child’s walking gait (stride, pace) without first consulting Dr. Mark Forman. To assist you with providing optimal foot health for your child, Dr. Forman suggests utilizing these tips.

• Cut toenails straight across – doing so will help prevent painful ingrown toenails. Signs of an ingrown toenail include pain, redness, and swelling.


• Keep feet clean and dry – Preventing bacterial and fungal infections begin with good hygiene. Thoroughly wash your child’s feet at bath time. Afterward, dry them well between the toes to prevent athlete’s foot, a fungal infection that thrives in moisture.


• Prevent foot injuries – Walking barefoot outdoors on dirty pavement exposes kids’ feet to splinters, cuts, and severe injuries. If your child receives a cut, scrape, or scratch on the feet, rinse it with soap and water and keep the injury covered with a bandage until it heals.

If you have questions about your child’s foot care, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide 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.

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.