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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

I have white spots on the bottom of my feet. What could these be?

White spots are very nonspecific. They can secondary to friction, moisture, pigmentation changes to the skin cells, etc. The best way to know for sure would likely require a biopsy. READ MORE
White spots are very nonspecific. They can secondary to friction, moisture, pigmentation changes to the skin cells, etc. The best way to know for sure would likely require a biopsy. I would advise having a professional evaluation to determine.

My legs and feet become very heavy during my periods. What is the connection and how can I manage the pain better?

There are some people that may experience foot and leg pain and swelling during menstrual cycles. Some of the pain may be secondary to pelvic region nerve network, radiating pain READ MORE
There are some people that may experience foot and leg pain and swelling during menstrual cycles. Some of the pain may be secondary to pelvic region nerve network, radiating pain to the legs. Other times it may be related to increased swelling of the feet. Some foot exercises you can try include calf and hamstring stretches. Soaking feet in warm water soaks and rolling your foot arches on a tennis ball may relieve some of the tension in the deep, intrinsic musculature of the feet.

Why do I keep getting blisters even after switching shoes?

Many times blisters are due to friction against an outside object, which is in this case the heel counter. It is likely that your foot structure is the force responsible for the READ MORE
Many times blisters are due to friction against an outside object, which is in this case the heel counter. It is likely that your foot structure is the force responsible for the friction against the shoe counter. I would have it checked out for possible shoe recommendations and to rule out other underlying conditions that may predispose you to developing blisters.

How can I control the bad smell from my feet?

Yes, seeking professional help is always a wise decision. There are prescription strength products that may work better for you.

Why do I have flat feet?

Flat feet is a very common condition. Some people are born with flat feet. Other people acquire flat feet with time due to laxity of their feet and shoe selection over years. There READ MORE
Flat feet is a very common condition. Some people are born with flat feet. Other people acquire flat feet with time due to laxity of their feet and shoe selection over years. There is a definitive hereditary correlation for flat feet. Biomechanical control of the feet is the best solution for this problem. This is usually done by customizing an orthotic to control the biomechanics and support the feet well. Podiatrists see flat feet very routinely, much more than any other specialist out there and should be able to help with this.

Why does my foot feel heavy?

A heaviness feeling in one foot may be secondary to swelling, which can be secondary to many things. It may also be secondary to nerve damage or loss of motor function of a certain READ MORE
A heaviness feeling in one foot may be secondary to swelling, which can be secondary to many things. It may also be secondary to nerve damage or loss of motor function of a certain muscle. It is difficult to pinpoint the etiology without an exam. Having the condition diagnosed through a specialist is probably the best way to go!

A glass piece has gone inside my foot and the area has become red. Will a podiatrist be able to help me?

I would go to a podiatrist to have the foreign body removed and manage any infections that may be evident.

Why do I keep getting an ingrown toenail?

Of course! Ingrowing toenails can be treated permanently. It is very similar to having the ingrowing toenail removed, but the second part of the procedure involves applying a chemical READ MORE
Of course! Ingrowing toenails can be treated permanently. It is very similar to having the ingrowing toenail removed, but the second part of the procedure involves applying a chemical that stops the cells of that toenail border from functioning, to that the ingrowing portion never grows out again. The procedure is called a matrixectomy. Any trained podiatrist should be able to perform in the office.

Why do my feet hurt every time I run?

The most common reason is overuse due to increased pronation, depending on your foot type. The shoe gear usually has a big role as well. As a general rule, stiffer running shoe READ MORE
The most common reason is overuse due to increased pronation, depending on your foot type. The shoe gear usually has a big role as well. As a general rule, stiffer running shoe are better than soft, cushioned, and flat shoes. Some of the more stable shoes out there are runner shoes like New Balance, Asics, Brooks, etc. It would be better to have an evaluation done by a specialist to identify the underlying problem and treat it properly.

Is dipping feet in hot water with Epsom salt supposed to help my heel spurs?

Heel spurs can be very painful. Heel pain is usually secondary to inflammation of the plantar fascia (ligament the encompasses the bottom the foot). Epsom salt and warm water may READ MORE
Heel spurs can be very painful. Heel pain is usually secondary to inflammation of the plantar fascia (ligament the encompasses the bottom the foot). Epsom salt and warm water may help to relieve tension in the musculature of the foot, but there is no evidence that it helps with healing. The immediate things that can be done to relive pain include arch supports, anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone injections, icing, stretching, and rolling the foot over a roller, ball, or frozen water bottle. Seeing a podiatrist is always important to rule out other common reasons for heel pain and have a focused plan to treat it.

Are there any side effects of wearing acupuncture slippers for a long time?

There are no known side effects associated with wearing acupuncture slippers.

What is the best way of recovering from a sprain?

Ankle sprains require rest, icing, compression, and elevation. That is the best way to reduce the immediate swelling that occurs with injuries. It is however very important to READ MORE
Ankle sprains require rest, icing, compression, and elevation. That is the best way to reduce the immediate swelling that occurs with injuries. It is however very important to make sure there is no fracture of the ankle. An x-ray is very important to rule out fractures as it can change the management of the condition.

I have had repeated sprains in my ankle. Will it keep happening? What can I do?

Repeated sprains often occur due to the ankle ligaments losing their strength, tearing, fraying, etc. As it happens more than once, the ankle joint becomes weaker and it develops READ MORE
Repeated sprains often occur due to the ankle ligaments losing their strength, tearing, fraying, etc. As it happens more than once, the ankle joint becomes weaker and it develops into chronic lateral ankle instability. This can predispose you to severe sprains, fractures, ankle derangement and arthritic changes. There are conservative approaches to treat this condition with physical therapy and bracing. There are also surgical approaches to correct the underlying problem and tighten the ankle ligaments to prevent future sprains. In a young, healthy, active individual, surgical correction is considered a better approach if you are looking to maintain or increase an active lifestyle.

I have pus-filled white bumps around my ankle. What could this be?

Pus is usually a serious condition. It is a sign of infection. Blister formation can be the etiology, but there are many other conditions that can cause bacterial infections. I READ MORE
Pus is usually a serious condition. It is a sign of infection. Blister formation can be the etiology, but there are many other conditions that can cause bacterial infections. I recommend you have a specialist evaluate it as more often than not, you will need to have the lesions drained professionally and likely need oral antibiotics and local wound care.

Foot pain in the morning

There are a number of etiologies that may be playing a factor here. If the pain is localized to the heel, the most common reason for that specific pain is usually plantar fasciitis. READ MORE
There are a number of etiologies that may be playing a factor here. If the pain is localized to the heel, the most common reason for that specific pain is usually plantar fasciitis. If the pain however is of the entire foot, that is usually attributed more to arthritic changes (degenerative, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, etc.). Keep in mind, there may be other conditions that can cause the same pain. The ones mentioned here are the most commonly seen. A clinical exam by a specialist should help make a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Is hammertoe genetic?

Bunion and hammertoe deformities are not directly related to hereditary factors, but they are indirectly. You can inherit foot structures like flatfeet, which may predispose you READ MORE
Bunion and hammertoe deformities are not directly related to hereditary factors, but they are indirectly. You can inherit foot structures like flatfeet, which may predispose you to develop foot deformities. The best way to prevent it from getting worse is to make sure your feet are well supported and biomechanically aligned using proper shoe gear and possibly custom orthotics. I would advise that you have a consultation by a specialist to formulate a plan aimed to decrease progression of the hammertoes.