Calluses are formed by the body as a means of protection when the skin encounters continued stress. They are typically harmless and often do not constitute a medical problem. But they are definitely unsightly and can cause problems if the underlying reason for them is not addressed. You may be able to treat them at home but for expert help consult with your Glendale and Phoenix, AZ, podiatrist Dr. Michael Dershowitz of Southwest Foot Institute.

Home Care for Calluses

Both calluses and corns form as thick hard patches of skin on your feet due to repeated friction. Corns tend to appear on the sides of your foot, often on the toes, while calluses are larger and are usually present on the heel and ball of your foot.

Calluses can occur if you take part in a sport or a job that demands that you be on your feet for extended periods of time. But they can be exacerbated by improper footwear.

So the first step you can take toward alleviating your calluses is to make sure that you are wearing shoes that are neither too tight nor too loose on your feet. Over-the-counter products can further aid in padding your foot, and incorporating periods of rest in your activities can also be helpful.

In dealing with the calluses you already have soaking your feet in warm water for 20 minutes before gently rubbing the affected area with a pumice stone can remove the hard skin little by little.

When to See Your Glendale and Phoenix, AZ, Podiatrist

If you are not seeing results treating calluses on your own, if they become painful, then it's time to see your podiatrist. This becomes much more necessary if you suffer from diabetes, it's inadvisable to treat foot conditions on your own if you suffer from the disease. Your doctor can advise you on the best course of treatment and offer in-office care, even surgery on far more severe cases. To explore all your options please make an appointment today with Dr. Dershowitz of Southwest Foot Institute in Glendale and Phoenix, AZ, by dialing (602) 340-8686.

Here’s what you should know about bunions and how to treat them.

While you may have heard the term “bunion” you may not actually know what it is. This hard, painful lump often affects the joint at the base of your big toe, which can lead to structural changes in the foot, as well as pain and swelling. Millions of Americans are dealing with bunions and the best way to prevent the need for surgery in the future is to turn to our Glendale, and Phoenix, AZ, podiatrist Dr. Michael Dershowitz at the very first signs of a bunion.

I have a bunion. Now what?

Most of the time home care and simple lifestyle modifications are all you need to slow the progression of the bunion and also to ease pain and discomfort. Of course, it’s important that you see our Glendale and Phoenix, AZ, foot doctor first to make sure that what you’re dealing with is truly a bunion.

Once you have a diagnosis from a qualified professional then you can start treating the problem. Some of the ways to improve the health and function of your feet include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight. If you are overweight or obese this will put more pressure on the bunion.
• Wearing properly fitted shoes that provide enough cushion and support for the whole foot and also have wide toe boxes. If the shoes rub against your bunion, don’t wear them!
• Avoiding high heels and shoes with pointed toes.
• Soaking your feet in warm water or using ice packs if you’re experiencing inflammation and pain.
• Massaging your feet daily to boost circulation and ease tension and discomfort.
• Applying a protective pad over the bunion before putting on shoes.

Will I need surgery?

Chances are good that you won't ever need bunion surgery. However, it’s important to recognize whether it may be time to consider surgery. It may be time to talk to our Glendale, and Phoenix, AZ, podiatrist about bunion surgery if:

• Your bunion is extremely large
• You are dealing with severe foot pain and swelling
• Home care isn’t providing you with relief
• The big toe has completely crossed over the other toes
• You avoid certain activities because of your bunion
• You have trouble going about your day due to bunion pain

Are you wondering whether you’re dealing with a bunion? If so, it’s important to find a podiatrist here in Phoenix, and Glendale, AZ, that you trust to give you the answers you need and care that you can rely on. Dr. Dershowitz at Southwest Foot Institute can help you get your bunion symptoms under control. Call us today at (602) 340-8686.

Here are some simple solutions for managing flat feet pain.

While flat feet are normal in babies and toddlers, most children develop arches in their feet around the age of six; however, a surprisingly large part of the adult population never develops arches. This condition is known as flat feet, and about 30 percent of people have it. If flat feet are responsible for your sore, achy peds, our Phoenix, AZ, and Glendale, AZ, podiatrist Dr. Michael Dershowitz can offer ways to combat that pain and discomfort.

Do I need to treat my flat feet?
If your flat feet aren’t causing you any issues then you won’t need to seek treatment for it; however, many people with flat feet will at some point deal with sore, achy heel or arch pain that may get worse when walking or exercising. Sometimes swelling may even occur.

If you are dealing with persistent foot pain that gets worse during activity, it’s a good idea to see your Phoenix, AZ, and Glendale, AZ foot doctor to find out if your pain could be due to flat feet. The sooner you can find out what’s causing your foot pain the sooner you can find relief.

How are flat feet treated?
There are several simple ways in which Dr. Dershowitz can treat your flat feet. One simple solution is by creating custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, that are made specifically for your feet to provide ample arch support while standing and walking. Even if you aren’t dealing with symptoms associated with your flat feet, custom orthotics could be a way to prevent foot pain in the future.

If you are an athlete or runner who is prone to overuse injuries due to flat feet, our podiatrist may recommend physical therapy. A physical therapist can show you techniques and ways to improve your current form to prevent arch pain and swelling associated with flat feet.

For particularly flat feet, where conservative treatments have been unsuccessful in eliminating symptoms of the foot, ankle, knee, and low back, there are minimally invasive techniques now available to correct the cause of the problem and create an arch.

If you are dealing with sore, swollen feet as a result of flat feet our Phoenix, AZ, and Glendale, AZ, podiatry team can help you find relief Call Southwest Foot Institute at (602) 340-8686 to learn more.

Heel pain is one of the most common problems that bring patients into our office and we are pretty sure that there are many other people who have dealt with heel pain but have never had to turn to a podiatrist for treatment. Heel pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, which is both inflammatory conditions caused by overuse. While many people may choose to treat minor heel pain through rest and home care it’s also important to recognize when you may need to see a podiatrist. Dr. Michael Dershowitz of Southwest Foot Institute can help you at his offices in Phoenix and Glendale, AZ.

It’s important that you visit your Phoenix, AZ, heel pain expert right away if you are dealing with any of these issues:

• Severe pain and swelling around the heel
• Heel pain even when you are at rest
• Numbness and tingling in the heel
• Trouble walking or bending your foot
• Intense heel pain caused by an injury

While it would require immediate attention, you should still schedule an appointment with a podiatrist if you are dealing with:

• Heel pain that isn’t responding to home care after five days
• Heel pain that is getting worse
• Heel pain for the first time
• Heel pain that goes away and then returns

While plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis tend to be the two most common causes of heel pain they aren’t the only causes. This is why it’s important to see a podiatrist and find out what the underlying cause may be, as different conditions require a different set of treatments. Other causes of heel pain include:

• Heel spurs
• Bursitis
• Stress fracture
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Arthritis
• Nerve problems
• Cysts

If your heel pain is minor, you may choose to treat the problem at home first. Here are some ways to do that:

• Rest as much as possible and avoid exercise or standing for long periods of time
• Ice your heel up to 20 minutes at a time, 2-3 times a day
• Wear shoes that are supportive and provide ample cushioning (do not wear shoes that are old and worn out)
• Do not walk around barefoot, even in the house
• Wear custom shoe inserts or place heel cups in the shoes
• Take pain relievers like ibuprofen to alleviate pain and inflammation

Dealing with persistent or recurring heel pain? Is foot pain keeping you from living the life you deserve? If so, then it’s time you got answers. Call Dr. Michael Dershowitz of Southwest Foot Institute at (602) 340-8686 to schedule an evaluation with our podiatrist in Glendale or Phoenix, AZ.

How your podiatrist in Phoenix AZ can help with ingrown toenails

An ingrown toenail looks ugly and is very painful. The pressure caused by wearing shoes is very difficult to deal with. Your Phoenix podiatrist can help with an ingrown toenail, so you can have a new healthy toenail grow in its place.

Dr. Michael Dershowitz at Southwest Foot Institute offers comprehensive foot care, including treatment for ingrown toenails. He has two convenient office locations in Phoenix and Glendale AZ to help you and your feet.

Ways of Preventing an Ingrown Toenail

You can do a lot to prevent the formation of an ingrown toenail. These are some easy tips to prevent this painful toe condition:

• Stop cutting your toenails too short
• Cut your toenails straight across and don’t round the corners
• Wear protective shoes so you don’t damage your toenails
• Wear shoes with enough room for your toes

If you do get an ingrown toenail, there is no mistaking the dark, purplish color, severe pressure, and pain. It's important to talk to your Phoenix podiatrist right away. There are a few easy home remedies to consider. To get some relief and healing, you can try:

• Placing your toe in warm water to soak for several minutes
• Threading dental floss underneath your toenail to gently move your toenail off of your skin
• Rubbing over-the-counter antibiotic cream underneath your toenail
• Placing bandages around your toenail to cushion it
• Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medication

Ingrown toenails can become a severe problem, and it’s best to visit your Phoenix podiatrist. Dr. Dershowitz may recommend:

• Lifting and separating your toenail from the skin around it, so your toenail can grow freely
• Trimming off the piece of your toenail that has grown into the skin
• Removing your toenail so you can grow a healthy new one

You don’t have to suffer from an ingrown toenail when relief and healing are just a phone call away. To find out more about ingrown toenail treatment and other foot care services, call Dr. Michael Dershowitz of Southwest Foot Institute with offices in Phoenix and Glendale AZ at (602) 340-8686. Call now and help your feet!