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Dr. Mary Benjamin-Swonger, DPM

Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist)

Dr. Mary K. Benjamin-Swonger is a podiatrist practicing in Scottsdale, Arizona. She specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of the foot and ankle. She believes in incorporating good, old-fashioned medicine, through hands-on examination and the latest advances in healthcare. Dr. Benjamin is a double board-certified podiatric physician and surgeon with almost 30 years of experience. To better serve her patients, she combines traditional medicine with a more holistic approach. She understands that many patients, due to their chronic underlying medical issues, will require a multidisciplinary approach to their care. She treats patients of all ages and can accurately diagnose and treat their foot, ankle, and lower leg concerns. She believes that in educating her patients to better understand their diagnosis and proposed treatment plan it helps to not only improve their outcome but delivers a higher quality of care. She is passionate about her work and her patients. She is especially passionate about those with diabetes and believes in offering options and opinions as if they were a family member. She is strong in her commitment in educating patients as to their diagnosis and formulating a customized treatment plan. Ultimately, her goal is educating her patients to move forward with a better quality of life. 
Prior to joining Four Peaks Foot and Ankle, Dr. Mary K. Benjamin-Swonger had practiced in Arizona under a hospital corporation, a private podiatry practice along with a family practice. She has enjoyed getting a perspective from each platform but prefers private practice. 
After her 3-year residency, she owned and operated 7 podiatry offices throughout west central Ohio and was a staff physician at 3 local wound care centers. She was instrumental in developing the surgical residency program in St. Mary’s, Ohio. She enjoys all aspects of podiatry from pediatric to geriatric. She believes in a multi-disciplinary approach to obtaining the best outcome. During her years in Ohio, she donated a great deal of her time on the soccer field coaching her children and up to 2 teams per season from U6-U15. 
Her areas of interest in the adult patient include Diabetic Education/ Wound Care/ Diabetic Limb Preservation/ Neuropathy Care (She offers treatment options for painful neuropathy as well as insensate feet)/ Heel Pain/ Foot and Ankle Arthritis/ Bunions/ Hammertoes/ Sports Medicine/ Injuries/ Fracture Management/ Orthotics/ Warts/ Infected and Ingrown Nails/ Fungal Nails/ Athlete’s Feet.
Her areas of interest in the pediatric patient include Heel Pain (Sever’s Disease)/ Flat Feet/ Bunions/ Hammertoes/ In Toeing/ Metatarsus Adductus/ Infected and Ingrown Nails/ Athlete’s Feet/ Warts/ Orthotics/ Sports Injuries/ Fracture Management.
Originally from Flint, Michigan, Dr. Benjamin-Swonger, did her 1st year residency here in Arizona and fell in love with the area. Although she chose to further her training in Ohio, she knew one day she would love to return to the “Valley of the Sun”. In 2016, she did just that. In her spare time, she loves family time with her 4 children, playing pickleball, golf, boating, hiking, and the outdoors. She looks forward to being able to serve you and your podiatric needs. 
33 years Experience
Dr. Mary Katherine Benjamin-Swonger, DPM
  • Scottsdale, AZ
  • Kent State University
  • Accepting new patients

What treatments are available for a heel spur?

Good morning, Many patients have heel spurs. Most are found incidentally when taking X-rays for another complaint. You did not advise as to whether or not you have already had READ MORE
Good morning, Many patients have heel spurs. Most are found incidentally when taking X-rays for another complaint. You did not advise as to whether or not you have already had an X-ray or are simply assuming you have a spur since you have pain. The heel spurs do not cause the pain at the level of the heel. They are actually in response to stress and pull of the Achilles tendon and plantar ligament. It is the inflammation that is causing the pain if you are experiencing it. If you are having pain at the level of the heel, it is strongly advised to seek an opinion from a podiatrist so that a stress fracture or bone cyst can be ruled out. There are many treatments, short and long term conservative that can offer incredible relief without undergoing surgery. Treatment options include; ice, medications by mouth, topical agents, laser therapy, physical therapy with or without dry needling, injections (steroid, traumeel, PRP and growth factors) along with good supportive shoes, stretches and orthotics. To answer your question simply with regards to the heel spur, it cannot be removed without surgery. Majority of patients do NOT need surgery. I hope I have answered your question fully. Respectfully, Mary K. Benjamin-Swonger, DPM Four Peaks Foot and Ankle 480-931-3887