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.