Technique for Trimming Those Toenails

If you don’t clip your toenails you risk the chance of them growing too long, becoming ingrown and/or causing discomfort as you walk. Trimming your toenails may seem simple enough, but it isn’t something that should be done carelessly. This is why Dr. Mark Forman that it would be helpful to compile a list of toenail trimming basics, so that you can give your feet the care they deserve.

• Cut straight across – Guide the clippers across the nail of each toe and avoid cutting a curved shape.


• Use appropriate toenail clippers – large clippers are for toenails, small clippers are for fingernails.


• Leave nails a little long – If you cut them too short, ingrown toenails occur. It can also leave your nails susceptible to infection.


• Cut nails when they are dry, not wet – wet nails may be likely to tear, bend, or not cut smoothly because they’re softer when wet. Cutting dry nails will give you a cleaner, smoother cut.


• Make a few small cuts – don’t try to clip the toenail in one snip. Make a few small cuts across your nail first.


• Don’t cut cuticles – Cutting them can cause bleeding or infection. Instead, try using a cuticle stick and push them back.

To learn about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our office, visit www.azfootpain.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Forman in Scottsdale, AZ, call 480-423-8400.

Walking Tips

Walking has endless health benefits that include improving your balance and coordination as well as improving your mood, strengthening your bones and muscles and even preventing health conditions like Diabetes. However, if you’re not walking properly it can wreak havoc on your posture as well as your feet. At the office of Dr. Mark Forman, as much as our staff loves to see you for a visit, we also like to see you pain free. Next time you decide to go for a stroll through the neighborhood, take these walking tips into consideration.

• Put on those walking shoes – The ideal shoe should be stable from side-to-side, well-cushioned, and it should enable you to walk smoothly.


• Stride – Your stride should come naturally. As you master the correct walking posture (chest up, shoulders back) you’ll find your stride may become a little smaller as you start to walk faster. Plus, the more short, quick strides you take equal more work for your glutes.


• Foot Action – Always walk heal to toe. Push off from your heel and roll through to your toe. Your heel should always strike the ground first and your toes should gently flex upward. The ideal foot action should be Heel-arch-ball-toe before completing the step and moving to the next one.

To learn about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our office, visit www.azfootpain.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Forman in Scottsdale, AZ, call 480-423-8400.

Diabetic Foot Care Tips

If you suffer from diabetes, the condition can affect the feet in many ways. You can experience loss of sensation in your toes, decreased blood flow, unstable walking, frequent falls, and ulcers on your feet. Visiting Dr. Mark Forman on a regular basis can help prevent the foot complications of diabetes. In the meantime, to avoid serious foot complications follow these guidelines.

• Wash and dry your feet daily – use mild soaps, warm water and pat your skin dry (do not rub). You can also apply lotion to your feet to prevent cracking; however, do not put the lotion between your toes.


• Examine your feet each day – check the tops and bottoms of your feet, and check for dry skin, as well as blisters, cuts, scratches, or other sores.


• Take care of your toenails – cut toenails after bathing, when they are soft and avoid cutting into the corners of toes.

If you suffer from diabetes and need assistance with your foot care routine, please give us a call. To learn about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our 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 a Foot Contusion?

On Saturday, Eric Aybar of the Atlanta Braves sustained a right foot contusion at while batting at the plate. He’s on the 15 day DL and thankfully, his X-ray results came back negative for any type of fracture. But a “foot contusion” sounds pretty painful, so what is it? And how can you treat it, if you get one?

A foot contusion is nothing more than a bruise to your foot. Like any bruise, it may become black and blue, or even yellow in some cases. The more severe the contusion, the more painful it will be, and there might be some swelling, in addition.

Luckily, this can be treated at home in most cases. All you need to do is ice your foot and keep it elevated. Do this for about 15 to 20 minutes, 3-4 times a day. Try to avoid walking or running while the foot is in pain, and if need be, take over the counter medicines, such as  Advil, to reduce the pain.

If:

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  You have increased redness, swelling, or pain in your foot.

  
  


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  Your swelling or pain is not relieved with medicines.

  
  


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  You have loss of feeling in your foot or are unable to move your toes.

  
  


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  Your foot turns cold or blue.

  
  


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  You have pain when you move your toes.

  
  


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  Your foot becomes warm to the touch.

  
  


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  Your contusion does not improve in 2 days.

  
  

You should seek medical attention at Put Your Feet First, where Dr. Mark Forman can make your foot feeling as good as new!

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. 

Pregnancy and Feet

Aside from morning sickness, pregnancy can cause plenty of discomfort in the body, especially in the feet. In addition to an expanded belly, many women experience swollen legs and feet during their pregnancy because of the extra weight that is gained. Sometimes the extra pregnancy weight can place so much pressure on the body that the arches of the feet flatten, leading to pain. If you are pregnant and experiencing foot pain of any kind, Dr. Mark Forman in Scottsdale, AZ, is here to alleviate your symptoms.

In addition to the added weight of your unborn baby, the body retains 50 percent more fluid than it normally needs during pregnancy. All of that fluid has to go somewhere, and it often settles in your feet. Some swelling during pregnancy is natural and can’t be avoided. However, if you aren’t careful, your feet could swell to the point where your skin becomes tight and painful. Don't let your feet suffer more than they have to during your pregnancy. Be sure to provide plenty of support to painful, flat feet, and rest your feet often to relieve pressure.

To learn more about the services Dr. Mark Forman provides, visit www.azfootpain.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Forman in Scottsdale, AZ, call 480-423-8400.