Don’t Suffer from Sesamoiditis

In the normal foot, the sesamoids are two pea-shaped bones located in the ball of the foot, beneath the big toe joint. Sesamoiditis is a painful foot condition that affects these sesamoid bones and the surrounding tissues. It is a common ailment that affects the forefoot, where pain accumulates in the ball-of-the-foot, especially on the medial or inner side, or in the big toe. If you are experiencing inflammation in either of these areas, Dr. Mark Forman in Scottsdale, AZ can help.

Given the fact that the culprits are two small bones that reside within the ball of the foot, the condition is most common in those who run frequently, dance, squat, or wear high heeled shoes. Sesamoiditis generally comes on slowly, with a slight pain occurring infrequently and then growing both in intensity and frequency as time moves on. If you feel that you are experiencing a dull painful sensation when extending your big toe upward, Dr. Mark Forman can discuss treatment options with you.

If any of the above sounds all too familiar, 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.

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.

How to Give Yourself a Foot Exam

Most of us know that foot exams can be lifesaving for patients with diabetes, but realistically they are important when it comes to diagnosing any serious foot condition. Everyone can develop different types of foot problems, but all can lead to serious complications if left untreated. This is why Dr. Mark Forman recommends foot self-exams at least once a month. Doing this will help you detect irregularities early on. Here are just a few things to look for when self-examining.

• Balance – a good test for balance involves standing on one foot, with your arms out to the side and your eyes close. If you are less than 30 years old, you should be able to balance for 15 seconds, 30 to 40 years old for 12 seconds, 40 to 50 years old for 10 seconds and over 50 years old for seven seconds. This can be improved with exercises.


• Circulation. Look at the color of your toes. Do they look like a normal nail color or are they leaning towards red, white, purple, or blue? Press down on the nail of your big toe until the color blanches. Now let go and allow the blood flow to return to your toe. The return of normal color should take 2 to 5 seconds in a person with average circulation.


• Flexibility. How flexible are your toes? Try to pick up a marble or a small dish towel with your toes. To test your ankle flexibility, hang your heel off of a stair. Now let the heel go below the level of the stair. If this causes pain, stop the test. If your heel goes below the level of the stair without causing strain in your calf, that is a good sign.


• Check your skin for calluses, blisters, or areas of irritation.

 If you wish to receive a foot exam from a professional, please give us a call. To learn more about 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.