You change as you age, but so do your feet

If you want to age gracefully, it is also important to maintain foot health in order to help you properly move about.  Mobility is important for gaining the independence that is needed to help our aging population remain active and healthy.  Foot ailments make it difficult and sometimes impossible to work or participate in social activities.  Just as you need to prepare a newborn’s health by visiting doctors, you need to maintain proper foot health to prevent various foot ailments that could disrupt your life.

Foot problems can be prevented

There are more than 300 different foot ailments and some can even be traced back to heredity, with the majority of foot pain being treated by your podiatrist to eliminate any problems.  For the aging population, most of these foot ailments stem from the cumulative years of neglect or abuse, but even people in their retirement years, foot problems can be treated successfully, and pain relieved.

As a person ages, their feet tend to spread and lose the fatty pads that cushion the bottom of the feet.  Additional weight can also affect the bone and ligament structure. Older people, consequently, should have their feet measured for shoe sizes more frequently, rather than assuming that their shoe sizes remain constant. Observing preventive foot health care has many benefits for you, the patient.  Preventive measures can increase comfort, limit the possibility of additional medical problems, reduce the chances of hospitalization because of infection, and lessen requirements for other institutional care.

Remember these health tips for feet

When it comes to your feet, it is important to take extra precautions and properly care for your feet.  Some common foot health tips include:

• Properly fitted shoes are essential; an astonishing number of people wear shoes that
  don’t fit right, and cause serious foot problems.
• Bathe your feet daily in lukewarm (not hot) water, using a mild soap, preferably one
  containing moisturizers, or use a moisturizer separately.
• Trim or file your toenails straight across.
• Pantyhose or stockings should be of the correct size and preferably free of seams.
• A shoe with a firm sole and soft upper is best for daily activities.
• Shop for shoes in the afternoon; feet tend to swell during the day.
• Walking is the best exercise for your feet.
• Do not wear constricting garters or tie your stockings in knots.
• Never cut corns and calluses with a razor, pocket knife, or other such instrument;
  use over-the-counter foot products only with the advice of a podiatrist.
• Inspect your feet every day or have someone do this for you. If you notice any redness,
  swelling, cracks in the skin, or sores, consult your podiatrist.
• Have your feet examined by a DPM at least twice a year.

Contact Dr. Mark Forman at our Scottsdale, AZ office for more information on how you can better prepare your feet for optimal health as you age. And remember, pain is not something you should live with. 

If You Stand All Day At Work - Here's Some Tips!

Working on your feet all day can cause an array of physical ailments for your feet and legs. Since changing the daily expectations of your job does not seem realistic try these tips to help get your feet through your hectic work week.

• Shoe choice- When choosing your work shoe make sure your heel is elevated by at least ¼ inch and is less than 2 inches. It is also important to choose a shoe with strong arch support which will help to reduce soreness in your legs 
• Shoe fit- If your shoes are not big enough they can cause blisters and poor circulation making standing all day almost unbearable. Remember that your feet naturally swell as the day goes on. Some podiatrists recommend buying your shoes half a size larger to accommodate for arch supports or custom orthotics. 
• Regular stretching- If possible give your legs and feet a stretch every hour or so to reduce stiffness and pain. Try calf raises to help pump blood out of the feet. 
• Home care- When you have a chance to get off your feet and relax go the extra step and provide your feet some comfort through icing, elevation, or massage. Immersing your foot in water with ice for 20 minutes will address swelling and inflammation. Propping your feet above the rest of your body will also help reduce the days swelling. An at home foot massage can be as easy rolling your foot from heel to toe over a tennis ball.

Bone Spurs and Your Feet

Bone spurs, also known as osteophyte, can be a fairly common foot ailment, especially as you grow older.

Quite often when people have a bone spur they will not even know it simply because often they do not cause any symptoms. However, if a bone spur is putting pressure on other bones or tissues that material can break down over time. This ailment can then cause swelling, pain, or tearing.

When bone spurs occur in the feet they can also cause corns and calluses because tissue builds up to create padding over the bone spur. They can also occur in the feet as a response to tight ligaments. Common activities such as dancing or running can induce the tightening of these connective tissues. Other common causes of bone spurs in feet are being overweight, wearing poorly fitting shoes, or wearing high heels often.

If a bone spur is not causing any pain or discomfort, it does not necessarily need to be treated. Proper care of this ailment will require the specific patients cause or causes of the symptoms. Weight loss will help to relieve pressure within the joints and allow for more effective stretching of the affected area, possibly the heel cord or the bottom of the foot. Your podiatrist, Dr. Forman, may also recommend deep tissue massage, rest, ice, or an over the counter anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen. Adding padding to a shoe or finding a more suitable type of footwear may also help relieve discomfort.

If the problem persists your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid injection. This will reduce pain and inflammation in the tissue that is near the affected area. Contact us today if you have questions, or to schedule a consultation!

Treatment for Hallux Rigidus

Arthritis in the foot can lead to pain and it can majorly slow you down. The most common arthritic condition for the foot is called hallux rigidus. Dr. Mark Forman, DPM is able to diagnose and treat patients with hallux rigidus here in our Scottsdale, AZ office.

Hallux rigidus is arthritis located in the big toe joint. It can cause pain and stiffness in addition to swelling. Some patients may even develop a bump on top of the joint. The condition is aggravated by walking and otherwise being active. Rubbing against the inside of a shoe can also cause more agitation.

Causes of hallux rigidus are usually related to the anatomy of the foot. Improper alignment, an unusually long metatarsal, or an elevated metatarsal can lead to wear-down of the joint. Injury or genetics are also able to cause this condition.

Dr. Forman is able to identify this condition and find the appropriate treatment for you. Depending on the severity of the case and each individual’s foot, common treatments include physical therapy, orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medication. Surgery is also an option when conservative approaches do not resolve the pain and stiffness.

If you experience pain and stiffness to your big toe joint that affects your everyday life, you may want to be evaluated for hallux rigidus. Do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Forman, DPM in our Scottsdale, AZ office. Call us at (480) 423-8400 or visit our website, www.azfootpain.com. 

Orthotics

The support of your entire body’s frame starts at your feet. While some shoes offer nice support, others don’t or sometimes a patient just needs a little extra support. This is where orthotics come in. Dr. Mark Forman, DPM

Orthotics are insoles that can be placed inside of most types of shoes. They offer specific types of support for different feet types. Whether you have heel pain, flat feet, bunions, or another type of foot condition, an orthotic is likely able to help you. They can often fit inside of gym shoes, dress shoes, work shoes, boots, and more.

Orthotics take pressure off of areas of concern and offer support to the areas of your foot that need it. Orthotics can greatly relieve pain and help patients walk easier.

Getting the right support for your feet is an investment in your entire framework. Pain or a poor gait travels from your feet, to your ankles, to your knees, to your hips, back, and neck. A poor foundation can affect the rest of your entire body.

Orthotics can make sure that your foot is getting the special attention it needs. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Forman, DPM in Scottsdale, AZ, call our office at (480) 423-8400. We may also be reached through our website, www.azfootpain.com. 

Treatment for Haglund's Deformity

Haglund’s deformity is a painful condition that can even affect the health of your Achilles tendon. If you suspect you may have Haglund’s deformity, schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Forman, DPM in Scottsdale, AZ. Dr. Forman is committed to helping patients relieve their foot pain and get back to a healthy life.

Haglund’s deformity is a bump that forms on the back of the heel. A bony bump is often very painful, inflamed, and it can appear red. It is usually formed from wearing shoes that are too tight and stiff in the heel. High heels are common causes of Haglund’s deformity. When the enlarged heel bone rubs against shoes, the soft tissue at the back of the heel can become irritated, causing bursitis. This is the inflammation of the fluid-filled sac between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone.

There are many conservative approaches to treat Haglund’s deformity before surgery needs to be considered. Depending on your condition, Dr. Forman may utilize treatments like anti-inflammatories and ice, stretching, physical therapy, orthotics, and immobilization. The proper shoes will also need to be worn. For severe cases or cases where conservative methods do not work, surgery may be performed to remove the excess bone tissue.

If you suspect you may be developing Haglund’s deformity, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with us. To schedule with Dr. Mark Forman, DPM in our Scottsdale, AZ office, call us at (480) 423-8400. More information about Dr. Forman and Haglund’s deformity can be found on our website, www.azfootpain.com. 

Brachymetatarsia: A Shortened Toe

Brachymetatarsia is a condition where one of more of the toes is shorter than the rest. While this can cause some significant problems, there are several treatment options to counter the issue. Dr. Mark Forman of Scottsdale, AZ treats patients with brachymetatarsia here in our office.

Having one or more shortened toes is often a genetic occurrence. It mostly affects the fourth toe, making it shorter and often placed higher up on the foot. While genetics can give people this growth disturbance, it can also be caused by trauma to the toe in childhood. Brachymetatarsia can result in pain, difficulty with balance or stride, difficulty fitting into shoes, and self-esteem issues.

Some cases just need minor adjustments made while others will need more attention like bone grafting. Conservative approaches include wearing the right shoes, wearing foot orthotics, and taking anti-inflammatories. The right shoes will include a roomy toe box, arch support, and other areas of support each individual needs. For more complex cases, surgery may be needed. Surgery options include bone-cut lengthening and bone-graft lengthening.

If you are living with pain or issues with balance because of a shortened toe, be sure to visit us for treatment. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Forman, DPM, contact our Scottsdale, AZ office by calling (480) 423-8400. More information about this condition can be found on our website, www.azfootpain.com. 

Tailor's Bunion

While many of our patients know what a bunion is, there are many who have not yet heard of the tailor’s bunion. This is the same type of deformity but in another location on the foot. Dr. Mark Forman, DPM can help patients with both bunions and tailor’s bunions right here in our Scottsdale, AZ office. Keep reading to learn about the difference.

A regular bunion is a bump formed in the joint at the base of the big toe; a tailor’s bunion, also known as a bunionette, is formed in the joint at the base of the little toe. They earned their name, “tailor’s bunion”, by being a well-known foot problem of tailors, who often sit cross-legged on the ground. These days, the tailor’s bunions are usually caused by not wearing proper shoes, which is usually the same cause of regular bunions. Shoes that do not allow enough room for toes, high-heels, and pointy-toed shoes push in the little toe which can deform the base joint. A predisposition to tailor’s bunions can also be passed down through inheritance.

While the pain in a normal bunion is usually experienced in the bump that forms, with a tailor’s bunion, pain is usually felt inside of the joint. Toe spacers and foot padding worn inside shoes can help relieve pain and move the little toe back to its normal position. Icing the area at the end of the day will also help relieve pain and swelling. In addition, you will want to avoid high heels and shoes that leave too little room for all of the toes.

If you are noticing pain near your little toe’s joint, or especially a bump in the area, scheduling an appointment with us can help slow down or stop the progression of a tailor’s bunion. To schedule with Dr. Mark Forman, DPM of Scottsdale, AZ, call us at (480) 423-8400. More information about our practice can be found on our website, www.azfootpain.com. 

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis can cause major pain and if not treated, it can lead to the complete rupture of your Achilles tendon. Dr. Mark Forman, DPM of Scottsdale, AZ is vastly experienced in proper Achilles tendon care and can put his patients back on the right track to health before disastrous outcomes.

Achilles tendonitis is a condition where the Achilles tendon is irritated and overloaded. The Achilles tendon, the tendon that connects your heel bones to your calf muscle, can feel tender, stiff, and often there is a burning sensation. The symptoms typically occur after the tendon has been inactive for a while, like stepping out of bed first thing in the morning. This condition is usually caused by a sudden increase in activity. For instance, if you never were a runner before, but all of a sudden started running multiple miles per day, the Achilles tendon can become irritated.

Dr. Forman can recognize when the Achilles tendon is inflamed and can recommend a treatment plan based on your condition and past history. Many patients need a regimen of anti-inflammatories, ice, stretching, and strengthening. Orthotic insoles are also great for providing specific support that feet need.

If you have been feeling symptoms similar to the ones listed for Achilles tendonitis, do not hesitate to schedule your appointment with us. To schedule with Dr. Mark Forman, DPM, call our Scottsdale, AZ office at (480) 423-8400. More information about this condition can be found on our website, www.azfootpain.com. 

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.