Blog Articles

Preparing for Phoenix Fall Marathons: How to Prevent Key Injuries During Peak Mileage

Two overuse injuries can compromise race-day goals: plantar fasciitis and stress fractures. Here is how you can spot the warning signs early, adjust your training smart, and protect your lower extremities so you make it to the start line healthy.

Oct 9th, 2026

Stepping Into Autumn: How to Safely Increase Your Activity as Phoenix Cools Down

As a podiatrist, autumn is one of my busiest times of year because a sudden increase in activity often leads to foot and ankle injuries. Here is how you can safely step back into an active outdoor lifestyle this fall while keeping your feet pain-free.

Sep 21st, 2026

Plantar Warts, Fungus, & Pool Decks: How to Avoid 'Pool Feet' this August

Warm, damp pool decks and communal splash pads are absolute paradises for microscopic invaders. Before you pack your beach bag for your next swim session, here is what you need to know about "pool feet" and how to keep your soles safe.

Aug 28th, 2026

Step into the New School Year: Why Concrete Floors Demand Better Shoes

Most students (and teachers!) don’t think about what’s beneath their feet, but school hallways, cafeteria floors, and classrooms are almost universally built on solid concrete covered by thin vinyl or linoleum.

Aug 7th, 2026

The Hidden Science of How Extreme Heat Destroys Your Shoes

We often think of shoe wear-and-tear as a function of mileage. “I’ve run 300 miles in these, time for a new pair.” But if you are living in Arizona, the thermometer matters just as much as the odometer.

Jul 24th, 2026

Red, White, and Blue... But Keep Your Feet Safe Too! Your 4th of July Footwear & Safety Guide

In Arizona, Independence Day also means peak summer heat. While you are busy planning the perfect side dish or finding the best spot to watch the fireworks, it is easy to forget about the very things carrying you through the holiday: your feet and ankles.

Jun 30th, 2026

Barefoot Running vs. Cushioned Shoes: What Does Your Podiatrist Actually Think?

It’s not about the shoe. It’s about the surface under your foot. Here is what is actually happening to your feet when you strip away the cushion, and how to decide what’s right for you.

Jun 9th, 2026

Parades, Parks, and Pavement: Survival Tips for Long Holiday Weekends

As a podiatrist, I see a predictable surge in patients the Tuesday after Memorial Day. Most of these visits could have been avoided with a little bit of "footwork" ahead of time. Here is your survival guide to keeping your feet happy while you celebrate.

May 22nd, 2026

The Flip-Flop Trap: Is Your "Valley Staple" Damaging Your Feet?

We see a predictable trend every year: as the temperatures rise, so do the cases of stabbing heel pain. By the time May hits, many of our neighbors are suffering from plantar fasciitis—and their choice of footwear is usually the prime suspect.

Apr 24th, 2026

Phoenix Spring: The "Dry Heat" Challenge for Diabetic Foot Care

I often tell patients that desert air is a sponge—it pulls moisture from everywhere, including the skin on your heels and soles. When diabetic skin becomes excessively dry, it loses its elasticity, leading to complications that can escalate quickly.

Apr 3rd, 2026

Spring Cleaning Your Closet: The Ultimate "Shoe Detox" Checklist

In my practice, I see a huge spike in plantar fasciitis and shin splints every spring. The culprit isn't usually the trail—it’s the "dead" shoes patients are wearing to conquer it.

Mar 13th, 2026

Love Your Feet: A Valentine’s Day Guide to Sole-Mates

Valentine’s Day is usually about chocolates, roses, and dinner dates. But this year, I want to talk about a different kind of "sole-mate": your feet.

Feb 13th, 2026

Camelback or Piestewa? How to Avoid Ankle Sprains on Phoenix’s Toughest Trails

While the views from the summits of Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak are unmatched, the rocky, unforgiving terrain of our local trails is a frequent culprit for ankle injuries. Before you lace up and head to the trailhead, follow these essential tips!

Jan 23rd, 2026

New Year, New Strides: Why Your 2026 Health Starts at the Ground Level in Arizona

Whether your resolution is to conquer a local trailhead or simply enjoy a pain-free walk through the neighborhood, your success starts right beneath you. At Arya Foot & Ankle, we know that a healthy year starts with healthy feet.

Dec 31st, 2025

Holiday Hype: Surviving the Shopping Mall Marathon Without Foot Pain

As foot health specialists, we want to share a few tips to help you conquer your gift list without letting foot pain spoil the holiday cheer.

Dec 15th, 2025

✈️ Traveler's Feet: 5 Must-Do Steps for a Pain-Free Thanksgiving Trip

While preparing for Thanksgiving (family, food, and thanks), don't overlook the strain of travel (plane, train, or car). Remember to prioritize the most important travelers: your feet and ankles.

Nov 24th, 2025

More Than Just a Pretty Polish: A Podiatrist’s View on Nail Health

As a podiatrist, my focus is the long-term health, function, and structure of your feet. I view the toenails as a crucial window into your overall health, which is why I must address a seemingly small, but significant, issue: your nail polish.

Nov 7th, 2025

A Podiatrist's Guide to Fall Booties and Boots: Function, Fit, and Foot Health

Choosing a boot that marries style with proper fit is the best way to prevent common autumn ailments like arch strain, plantar fasciitis, and forefoot pain.

Oct 17th, 2025

Lace Up for the Trails: Dr. Arya’s Picks for Fall Hiking Shoes in Arizona

Here's what you need to look for in a good hiking shoe for Arizona's unique terrain, along with some recommendations that podiatrists often suggest.

Oct 3rd, 2025

Heavy Backpacks and Little Feet: What Recent Research Says About Your Child's Gait

While we often worry about the weight of textbooks on young backs and shoulders, recent studies are shedding light on a critical, often-missed connection: how heavy school backpacks significantly alter a child's gait and impact their delicate foot health.

Sep 8th, 2025

From Pool Parties to Hiking Trails: The Right Shoes for Your Phoenix Labor Day Weekend!

As a Phoenix podiatrist, I see a lot of holiday-related foot injuries. The biggest culprit? The wrong footwear for the job. Don't let a sprained ankle or a painful blister ruin your weekend!! Here’s a guide to picking the perfect pair of shoes for whatever

Aug 25th, 2025

Summer Sandals: Your feet's best friend or worst enemy?

As a podiatrist, I see many patients who come in with foot problems that are caused by wearing sandals… the worst offender, you guessed it…floppy thong style flip flops!

Jul 28th, 2025

Beat the Heat: Your Podiatrist's Personal Guide to Arizona Summer Sports Safety

As your podiatrist, my focus is often on your feet, but their health is intrinsically linked to your overall well-being, particularly in extreme conditions.

Jul 2nd, 2025

Understanding Your Oral Nail Fungus Treatment: Prioritizing Safety and Accuracy

At Arya Foot & Ankle, our commitment is to provide you with the safest and most effective care. We understand that navigating treatment options for nail fungus can be complex, and we want to explain our approach to oral antifungals.

Jun 23rd, 2025

Feet on the Ground, Head in the Sun: A Summer Solstice Reminder for Staying Active and Intentional

The summer solstice is today!! It’s the longest day of the year & and it’s more than just a celestial milestone. It’s a natural invitation to slow down, look around, and reconnect with how we move through the world.

Jun 20th, 2025

Don't Just Play – Play Smart: The Critical Role of Court Shoes in Pickleball and Tennis

As a sports medicine podiatrist and avid tennis player, I've observed that many foot and ankle injuries, particularly in racquet sports, could be significantly reduced or prevented simply by wearing appropriate footwear.

Jun 4th, 2025

What is My Ball of Foot Pain?

Ball of foot pain, also known as metatarsalgia, is a common condition that can cause discomfort and make everyday activities challenging. It refers to pain in the ball of your foot, the area just behind your toes.

May 17th, 2025

Super Shoes on Super Legs: What Boston Marathon 2025 Taught Us About Race-Day Footwear

The 2025 Boston Marathon was not only a display of elite endurance but also a showcase of the latest innovations in running footwear.

Apr 29th, 2025

ON CLOUDMONSTER HYPER: A CUSHIONED LOWDOWN

So, you've probably seen the Cloudmonster Hyper – it's hard to miss, right? Big, bold, and promising a super-cushioned ride.

Apr 8th, 2025

Festival Foot Pain? Here's What Your Podiatrist Recommends for All Weekend Long Fun

Festival season is here, and while you're getting ready to enjoy the music and atmosphere, don't forget about your feet!

Mar 19th, 2025

Plantar Warts: What You Need to Know

Plantar warts are small, rough growths that typically appear on the soles of the feet. The word planta in Latin means “sole of the foot” and we refer to the foot warts as Plantar warts or Plantar Verrucae more specifically!

Mar 3rd, 2025

IV. Surface Matters: Ice Sports

This is a 4-part series on foot care considerations for different surfaces.

Feb 10th, 2025

III. Surface Matters: Mat Sports

This is a 4-part series on foot care considerations for different surfaces.

Feb 3rd, 2025

II. Surface Matters: Court Sports

This is a 4-part series on foot care considerations for different surfaces.

Jan 27th, 2025

I. Surface Matters: Field Sports

This is a 4-part series on foot care considerations for different surfaces.

Jan 20th, 2025

New Year, New Feet: A Step-by-Step Guide to Better Foot Health

As we step into a new year, let's prioritize the often-overlooked foundation of our well-being: our feet. At Arya Foot & Ankle, we believe that healthy feet are essential for a healthy life. Join us in making foot health a priority!

Dec 27th, 2024

Massage Therapy: A Game-Changer for Athletes

Massage therapy has become an essential tool for athletes of all levels, from weekend warriors to professional sports stars. Dr. Arya is a huge proponent of massage for the right patients as it offers a wide range of benefits...

Dec 9th, 2024

Foot Fractures: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. Fractures can range in severity from simple hairline cracks to complete breaks. The type of fracture will often determine the treatment required, which can include immobilization, surgery, or a combination of both.

Nov 6th, 2024

Are Hammertoes Inevitable? A Phoenix Podiatrist’s Take

Hammertoes are a common foot condition where the toes curve downward, resembling a hammer. While they can be a nuisance and sometimes painful, many people wonder if developing them is inevitable.

Oct 7th, 2024

Strong, Flexible Feet: The Foundation of Yoga

While many people focus on the flexibility of their hamstrings, shoulders, and spine, the importance of strong, flexible feet is often overlooked, especially in relation to foot pain.

Sep 16th, 2024

Happy Feet, Happy Travels: Tips for Comfortable Feet on Your Labor Day Getaway

Labor Day weekend is just around the corner, and many of you are gearing up for your well-deserved vacations. Whether you're jet-setting to an exotic locale or embarking on a road trip adventure to Sedona, your feet are in for a journey of their own.

Aug 30th, 2024

Hiking the Grand Canyon: The 411 on Protecting Your Feet

The Grand Canyon is a hiker's paradise, offering breathtaking views and challenging trails. However, the demanding terrain and extreme conditions can take a toll on your feet. Proper foot care is essential for a safe and enjoyable hiking experience.

Aug 14th, 2024

Life's a Beach: Foot Care Tips for Summer Fun!

Life's a Beach (But Not With Stinky Feet & Blisters!): Foot Care Tips for Summer Fun Ah, summer in Phoenix...

Jul 29th, 2024

Custom Orthotics: Helping Athletes Move Better, Feel Better

Athletes put a lot of stress on their feet, making them prone to various injuries. Custom orthotics can help re-balance the foot during those activities to keep injuries at bay!

Jul 15th, 2024

Keeping Your Golden Years Active: Essential Foot Care for Phoenix Seniors

This blog post will delve into prevalent foot problems of seniors and explore podiatric solutions that we recommend to our patients, on a case-to-case basis, to get them back on their feet and pain-free.

Jul 1st, 2024

Growing Pains or Something More?

Growing Pains or Something More? Phoenix Podiatrist's Tips for Recognizing Foot and Ankle Issues in Young Athletes

Jun 24th, 2024

Sandal Showdown: Strappy vs. Sporty - Conquering the Phoenix Heat in Style

Phoenix summers are a test of endurance, and finding footwear that battles the blazing heat is essential. When it comes to sandals, two main contenders emerge: strappy sandals and sporty sandals. But which one reigns supreme for comfort and breathability?

Jun 1st, 2024

Walking for Wellness & Picking the Right Shoe: A Healthy Way to Spend Memorial Day!

What better weekend to get your steps in. Walking on Memorial Day is a fantastic way to enjoy the benefits of exercise and outdoors. Walking is an often-underestimated exercise, yet it offers a multitude of benefits for both physical and mental health.

May 20th, 2024

Don't Skip Your Feet: Why Diabetics Need a Podiatrist

Diabetic foot care is crucial year-round. Podiatrists ensure the health of your feet, therefore leg and body. Annual foot checks are recommended for diabetics, making podiatrist care essential.

May 8th, 2024

Toe Woes & Summer: Dealing with those Funky Feet

We all love our sandals and open-toed shoes in this glorious sunshine, but sometimes our poor toes take a beating. Let's be honest, nobody wants to be rocking funky feet when pool season hits. So let's dive into some common toenail troubles that plague us.

Apr 26th, 2024

Is My Heel Pain Plantar Fasciitis?!

While plantar fasciitis is a common underlying reason for heel pain, it’s not always the cause. Seeing a medical professional is oftentimes imperative for quick and efficient diagnostics and return to activity.

Apr 15th, 2024

Unveiling the Dangers of Fish Pedicures With Phoenix Foot Specialist, Dr. Shylaja Arya: A Must Read!

You might've been tempted to try out a fish spa while waiting for your flight at the airport or walking along the beach. Dr. Arya explains what a fish spa is, and a research backed recommendation of whether or not you should partake in this experience.

Jan 27th, 2024

Autumn Aesthetics - Fall Shoe Picks from Dr. Arya

Get Phoenix Podiatrist Dr. Arya's top recommendations for shoes as you adventure this fall season. Read below for some tips on choosing your next athletic, casual, dress, or boot shoe.

Oct 17th, 2023

Phoenix Podiatrist, Dr Shylaja Arya Asks Everyone to Try Yin Yoga At Least Once!

Everyone and anyone should try Yin Yoga. Check out Dr. Arya's blog all about cool practice! Dr. Arya says "you will leave feeling like someone gave you an enormously generous warm gift–like a hug that you didn’t know you needed!"

Jun 21st, 2022

How & Why To Check Your Feet Daily

Our feet can warn us of underlying health conditions. From foot pain to more serious symptoms, such as cold feet/legs or numbness; our feet often show symptoms of disease before any other part of the body.

Feb 14th, 2022

4 Foot & Ankle Tips to Start the New Year Right from Phoenix Podiatrist

Dr. Shylaja Arya discusses tips for improved foot and ankle health, and starting 2022 off "right" by taking care of our feet. Here our Phoenix Podiatrist reminds us of simple things we can do to give ourselves a fresh start for a healthy new year!

Jan 12th, 2022

Phoenix Podiatrist Explains Anthony Davis's Groin Pull in Game 4 of the Playoffs

Dr. Arya talks: Who, What, Where, Why, & How of the Lakers player groin injury tonight in Game 4 against the Phoenix Suns. My passions include patient education with a focus in sports medicine & injury prevention...so I don't enjoy seeing anyone get hurt.

May 31st, 2021

Phoenix Podiatrist Talks: Ankle Sprains are SERIOUS

Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks sprained his left ankle. We discuss today what an ankle sprain is, how high level athletes and normal people might get ankle sprains, how to treat an ankle sprain, and encourage patients to come see us @aryafootankle

Apr 21st, 2021

Phoenix Podiatrist, Dr. Shylaja Arya talks: 10 tips for a safe pedicure

Prior to Covid-19 and even more so now, patients are asking whether or not it is safe to go get a pedicure at their local nail salon. Regionally “mask-up” policies are different around the United States, so I can’t speak to whether or

Apr 8th, 2021

Phoenix Podiatrist Talks: 8 things your feet are trying to tell you, listen up!

This blog is a subtle reminder that our feet are extremely important. If your feet are sending you any of these warning signs, you should not hesitate to see your physician or podiatrist! Below are my 8 symptoms NOT to ignore when it comes to your tootsies

Mar 16th, 2021

Preparing For Your Upcoming Appointment

Let’s See ‘Em! Bring your shoes and inserts in with you!

May 13th, 2020