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Dr. Peter Awad, DPM

Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist)

Dr. Peter Awad is a podiatrist practicing in Hesperia, CA. Dr. Awad is a medical doctor specializing in the treatment of the foot , ankle and related parts of the leg. As a podiatrist, Dr. Awad diagnoses and treats conditions of the feet. The feet are key body parts that give a person stability, absorb shock, allow for walking and standing and are necessary for overall well-being. So, the feet need expert care. Podiatrists can specialize in surgery, wound care, sports medicine, diabetic care and pediatrics.
Dr. Peter Awad, DPM
  • Hesperia, CA
  • New York College of Podiatric Medicine
  • Accepting new patients

What are the best creams for toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus is best treated with solutions instead of creams. You can try topicals from over the counter. You should apply it 2x/day and should be for a duration of at least READ MORE
Toenail fungus is best treated with solutions instead of creams. You can try topicals from over the counter. You should apply it 2x/day and should be for a duration of at least 6-8 months depending on the extent of the infection.

Are high heels safe for my feet?

Yes, wearing high heels daily can cause many issues to the feet. There are generally better, podiatrist-approved high heels with more of a platform. These tend to be better than READ MORE
Yes, wearing high heels daily can cause many issues to the feet. There are generally better, podiatrist-approved high heels with more of a platform. These tend to be better than without.

Why do shoes give me a rash?

There is a possibility that you have an allergic reaction (contact dermaitis) to the synthetic material in the shoe. I would recommend avoiding that particular pair of shoes. If READ MORE
There is a possibility that you have an allergic reaction (contact dermaitis) to the synthetic material in the shoe. I would recommend avoiding that particular pair of shoes. If the rash is itchy, red, and/or burning, you should apply topical steroid cream (hydrocortisone) or topical benadryl to reduce the symptoms.

Why is my toe bleeding randomly?

I would get it evaluated by a specialist. You may have an ingrowing toenail, which may be infected.

Is the pain in my toe because of an ingrown toenail?

There is always a possibility that pain in the toes can be secondary to ingrowing toenails. There is no way of knowing without seeing the toes. The treatment is usually removal READ MORE
There is always a possibility that pain in the toes can be secondary to ingrowing toenails. There is no way of knowing without seeing the toes. The treatment is usually removal of the offending borders. I recommend evaluation by a specialist.

How are plantar warts caused?

Warts are viral in nature. They can occur when the dormant virus "gets activated". This can happen with a change in immune status or other idiopathic causes.

How can I reduce the growth of hammer toe?

The most important part about reducing the progression of the hammertoes is to wear proper, supportive shoes with possible addition of an orthotic to control the underlying biomechanical READ MORE
The most important part about reducing the progression of the hammertoes is to wear proper, supportive shoes with possible addition of an orthotic to control the underlying biomechanical etiology of the hammertoe. There is no way to reverse the deformity outside of surgical intervention. Stretching may help reduce some of the tightness of the musculature, which may alleviate symptoms and/or slow down the progression.

Should I try to remove a toenail?

It is always advised to have the toenail evaluated first prior to doing that as removing the toenail may be uncomfortable and to make sure that there is no trauma to the nail bed, READ MORE
It is always advised to have the toenail evaluated first prior to doing that as removing the toenail may be uncomfortable and to make sure that there is no trauma to the nail bed, which would require further treatment.

What is the best way to eliminate foot odor?

Most often the smell is secondary to a fungal infection, which may be due to the moisture that accumulates in the boot. I would start by applying anti fungal powder to the shoes READ MORE
Most often the smell is secondary to a fungal infection, which may be due to the moisture that accumulates in the boot. I would start by applying anti fungal powder to the shoes to reduce moisture accumulation.
There are prescription strength topicals that can be applied to the feet to control moisture also.

Why is the top of my left foot swollen?

There are many causes for swelling. In a specific area, it is likely a collection of inflammation in the joint and/or the metatarsal head. This can occur from repetitive stress READ MORE
There are many causes for swelling. In a specific area, it is likely a collection of inflammation in the joint and/or the metatarsal head. This can occur from repetitive stress to the same area or a biomechanical mal-aligment of the foot. It is recommended to have a specialist evaluate it to rule out a stress fracture.

What is Morton's neuroma?

Neuroma of a thickening of (commonly) the nerves between the long metatarsal bones in the foot. It can occur due to trauma, poorly fitting shoes, repetitive stress, etc. The nerve READ MORE
Neuroma of a thickening of (commonly) the nerves between the long metatarsal bones in the foot. It can occur due to trauma, poorly fitting shoes, repetitive stress, etc. The nerve starts with inflammation and progresses with time to scarring and thickening.

Are orthotics enough for foot bunions?

The best way to control bunions from progressing is with use of custom orthotics. They are generally a rigid type of device, and not gel in nature.

Are there home remedies for foot fungus?

I would start by picking up a topical anti-fungal cream from a pharmacy store first and start applying it twice/day. It usually takes about 2 months of consistent treatment twice/day READ MORE
I would start by picking up a topical anti-fungal cream from a pharmacy store first and start applying it twice/day. It usually takes about 2 months of consistent treatment twice/day to get rid of it. You should also wear white socks so you can bleach them, as well as use an anti-fungal spray in all your shoes while you are treating the feet.

How can I get rid of a fungal infection?

There are generally 2 main treatments for fungal toenails. Topical medication and oral medication. There are advantages and disadvantages to each. There is also laser treatment READ MORE
There are generally 2 main treatments for fungal toenails. Topical medication and oral medication. There are advantages and disadvantages to each. There is also laser treatment for fungal toenails. A trip to your local podiatrist would be beneficial to understand all your options.

I keep getting bunions--what should I do to prevent them?

The most important preventative method is shoegear and supports. Recurrences can happen after surgery, but are far less common if you wear the proper shoes and be fitted for a READ MORE
The most important preventative method is shoegear and supports. Recurrences can happen after surgery, but are far less common if you wear the proper shoes and be fitted for a custom orthotics that controls the biomechanics of the feet.

Is Vick's really a treatment for athlete's foot?

There are many home remedies that people have passed down from generation to the next, but it is difficult to point you to one that works due to lack of studies. Generally, you READ MORE
There are many home remedies that people have passed down from generation to the next, but it is difficult to point you to one that works due to lack of studies. Generally, you can resolve athletes foot infections with use of topical antifungals and proper foot hygiene. You might also want to incorporate antifungal powder to your sports shoes.

Do bunion correctors work?

Bunion "correctors" do not really work to reverse the deformity. Bunions are biomechanically driven and are a structural change on a bone level. Little gadgets that are advertised READ MORE
Bunion "correctors" do not really work to reverse the deformity. Bunions are biomechanically driven and are a structural change on a bone level. Little gadgets that are advertised as things that will get rid of the bunion are not true. They may help alleviate tension on the tight soft tissues, but they cannot correct the underlying structural problem.

How can I get rid of toenail fungus?

The extent of the fungus makes a difference as to the treatment. There are generally 2 treatments: topical and oral medication. The more advanced the fungal infection, the more READ MORE
The extent of the fungus makes a difference as to the treatment. There are generally 2 treatments: topical and oral medication. The more advanced the fungal infection, the more likely you would need something stronger. Home remedies include topical Vicks and vinegar, but none are known to truly work due to lack of studies.

Why does my big toe hurt when I apply too much pressure?

An ingrown toenail can cause these symptoms. It usually shows a side(s) of the toenail curved into the skin and often accompanied with redness, swelling, pain with touch and tight READ MORE
An ingrown toenail can cause these symptoms. It usually shows a side(s) of the toenail curved into the skin and often accompanied with redness, swelling, pain with touch and tight shoes.

How can I get rid of athlete's foot?

There are many topical anti-fungals on the market that can be used. Look for one that is a cream and apply it all over the foot twice/day x 8 weeks. It is also important to treat READ MORE
There are many topical anti-fungals on the market that can be used. Look for one that is a cream and apply it all over the foot twice/day x 8 weeks. It is also important to treat all your shoes with a spray/powder.