Hi Dr. Arya! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions!! I’m extra happy because she’s my podiatrist and LIFE CHANGING! I’m going to jump right in!

How would you introduce yourself to people who are unaware of you?

I am a foot and ankle specialist in the greater Phoenix, Scottsdale area. I specialize in sports medicine, pediatric podiatry, non-surgical management of foot and ankle trauma, diabetic care, and skin and nail issues.

Why did you decide on Podiatry? What is the most rewarding part of your job?

With more and more specialists, it’s hard to get everything done at one appointment. 

I like podiatry because it’s such a small niche (only feet and ankles) that I can take care of my patient’s needs all at one time. Whether it’s getting an x-ray, doing a nail procedure, or performing an injection- I can help treat my patient’s needs the same day they come in without normally having to refer them to anyone else. Being in such a small niche means I am an expert of my field;  so I can act as a surgeon, radiologist, and medicine doctor all within the scope of podiatry.  The most rewarding thing about my job is after I take the time to do patient education, a patient is compliant, and they heal an injury that gets them back into what they love doing because of it. 

Ingrown toenails lead to infection because the nail digs into the skin and cuts the skin, or there is a small opening in the skin that allows a portal of entry for bacteria. The most common reasons for ingrown toenails are: shoes that are too narrow, shoes that are too short/tight, improper cutting, aggressive pedicurists, and a congenital (family history) cause–as in some people’s nails just “grow” in a curled/cupped fashion. In kids, I see them because they are outgrowing their shoes quicker than parents realize and they “pick” at the hangnail skin on the sides. 

The infections associated are because our feet are in shoes, sweaty, dark, wet, damp places where bacteria and fungus can thrive! If we make sure the skin and surrounding areas are always clean, dry, and intact (no cuts)--we can minimize the chance for infections. 

Preventing an ingrown toenail is more simple than I think we realize, the problem is, when it’s too late–it’s way too late and people persist with pain, redness, swelling, and drainage. The first step is to make sure the nails are cut short and straight across. We instruct patients not to chase any curved borders and keep the nails squared. If patients like pedicures, I always educate the patient that they MUST communicate with their pedicurist. They should articulate that they do not want their cuticles pushed back/cut away (this is our sealant from infection) and ask the nails be cut or filed short and straight across.  Avoiding tools like the cheese grater “sander” is important, because these tools often leave small cuts in the skin without us noticing. Remember, if there is a portal of entry for bacteria–it’s going to get in–so we want to barrier proof our skin by making sure it’s free of any cracks, and maintains its integrity as clean, dry, and intact. The last thing is-if something doesn’t look right, don’t try to fix it on your own–if you’re starting an infection, see your local podiatrist to have the site examined/evaluated. 

Okay! With the weather constantly changing and sandal season fast approaching. What do you recommend for treating cracked and dry heels? 

This is an awesome question and SO important. Did you know cracked heels can lead to cuts called fissures, and these fissures can lead to pain and foot infections?! In Diabetics those little cuts in their heels can lead them to a hospital admission for cellulitis (leg infection). So, dry, cracked heels should be dealt with and I’m glad you asked. 

If the skin is cracked, as in it’s open/bleeding/painful–the crack/cut/fissure must be healed with an antibiotic ointment. I recommend seeing a doctor if you’re not sure. Once the skin is sealed, I recommend using a gentle acid cream every night as an exfoliant. This can be glycolic or uric acid based. Then I recommend after a shower always using a humectant cream that is thick and putting on socks. 

What is the ‘proper way’ for people to clean and take care of their feet? 

I recommend in the shower get soap on your wash towel or loofah, and bring it down under your feet and then lacing it through each individual toe. We call the spaces in between the toes “webspaces.” Web Spaces can get mucky pretty quickly, especially because they’re stuffed in shoes that are often moist from either sweat or daily activities. So, drying out in between the web spaces is one of the best things we can do to prevent interdigital infections. So quickly clean the soles, in between the toes, and pat dry. No harsh soaps or scrubbing needed. 

Okay! So you blew my mind when you informed me it’s the safest to bring your own polish to nail salons. So can you please tell us the benefits of bringing your polish? How does someone find a good nail salon? How should they ask for a proper pedicure? 

Bringing your own polish gives you the control over what’s being put on your nail and absorbed through the nail into your bloodstream. Traditional polishes in America have known carcinogens that have actually been banned in other places, like Europe. Nail polishes that are at least “5 free” are important. There are also 8 free, 10 free, and 12 free polishes–but I think that’s mostly marketing. Basically you are looking for polishes that skip the following toxic chemicals: DBP, Toluene, Xylene, Formaldehyde, Camphor, Formaldehyde Resin, Halides, Silicones.. Companies like Kapa Nui, Zoya, and Butter are just a few. 

List 5 things you can’t live without

Tongue scraper, contact lens stuff, hydrating moisturizer, conditioner, and hair clip!

Last & most fun question! What is  your favorite way to unwind!

Hugs and walkies with my dog, Chai, making a wholesome dinner, and the ultimate wind down of a bath while listening to an audio-book before bed.