FAQs

What conditions do podiatrists treat?

Podiatrists are medical specialists trained exclusively in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foot and ankle conditions. At Sole Foot & Ankle Specialists, we treat a comprehensive range of conditions including heel pain and plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, ankle sprains and fractures, diabetic foot complications, neuropathy, fungal nail infections, arthritis, flat feet, neuromas, gout, foot ulcers, peripheral arterial disease, and much more. We also perform foot and ankle surgery when conservative treatments are insufficient.

Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?

In most cases, no referral is needed to schedule an appointment with Sole Foot & Ankle Specialists. Many insurance plans allow direct access to podiatric care. However, some HMO plans may require a referral from your primary care physician. We recommend checking with your insurance provider prior to scheduling if you are unsure. Our front desk team is happy to assist with insurance verification when you call.

What should I bring to my first podiatry appointment?

For your first visit, please bring: a government-issued photo ID, your insurance card(s), a list of current medications and dosages, any relevant prior X-rays or imaging on disc or film, and the shoes you wear most frequently (our podiatrists often examine footwear as part of the biomechanical assessment). If you are a diabetic patient, it is helpful to bring a recent A1c value or glucose log if available. Arriving 10 to 15 minutes early to complete new patient paperwork is appreciated.

Does it hurt to have a podiatrist treat my feet?

Most podiatric examinations and many in-office procedures are well-tolerated with minimal discomfort. Routine care such as nail trimming, callus debridement, and wound care is generally painless. Procedures like ingrown toenail removal or cortisone injections involve a brief numbing injection that causes mild temporary discomfort, after which the procedure itself is essentially painless. Our podiatrists always communicate clearly about what you will experience and take every measure to keep you comfortable throughout your visit.

How do I know if I need foot surgery?

Surgery is recommended only when conservative treatments have been exhausted over an appropriate period and the condition continues to cause significant pain or functional limitations. Common conditions that may eventually require surgery include severe bunions, rigid hammertoes, chronic Achilles tendinopathy, unstable ankle fractures, and end-stage foot arthritis. Our podiatrists always explore all non-surgical options first and make surgical recommendations only when the evidence clearly supports it. You will always be fully informed and involved in the decision-making process.

Can a podiatrist treat children’s foot problems?

Yes. Our podiatrists are experienced in treating pediatric foot conditions at every age, from infancy through adolescence. Common pediatric conditions we treat include flat feet, in-toeing, toe walking, Sever’s disease (heel pain in growing children), ingrown toenails, plantar warts, and sports injuries. We provide a welcoming, age-appropriate environment for young patients and involve parents fully in all treatment plans and decisions. See our Pediatric & Geriatric Foot Care page for more information.

How often should I have my feet examined if I have diabetes?

The American Diabetes Association recommends at least one comprehensive foot exam per year for all patients with diabetes. Patients with peripheral neuropathy, poor circulation, a history of foot ulcers, or foot deformities should be seen more frequently — typically every 1 to 3 months for preventive monitoring and care. Between professional visits, daily self-inspection of the feet is essential. Any wound, sore, or skin change that does not begin to improve within 24 to 48 hours requires prompt podiatric evaluation. See our Diabetic Foot Care page for comprehensive guidance.

What are custom orthotics, and are they worth it?

Custom orthotics are individually fabricated prescription shoe inserts designed to correct abnormal foot mechanics, redistribute pressure, and support the specific structures causing your pain. Unlike store-bought arch supports, they are created from a precise mold or digital scan of your foot and prescribed based on your gait analysis and clinical diagnosis. For conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, Achilles tendonitis, neuromas, diabetic foot complications, and arthritis, custom orthotics are one of the most effective and durable conservative treatments available — delivering results that generic insoles cannot replicate. Learn more on our Custom Orthotics page.

What is the difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon for foot and ankle care?

Both podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons can treat foot and ankle conditions, but their training differs significantly. Podiatrists complete four years of podiatric medical school followed by a three-year residency program focused exclusively on the foot and ankle — providing more concentrated lower extremity training than most orthopedic surgeons, who divide training across the entire musculoskeletal system. Our podiatrists hold FACFAS designation (Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons), indicating advanced surgical training and board certification in foot and ankle surgery.

Is heel pain normal, or should I see a doctor?

Heel pain is common but not normal — it is always a sign that something is placing excessive stress on your heel. The most common cause is plantar fasciitis, but other conditions including heel spurs, Achilles tendonitis, nerve entrapments, stress fractures, and bursitis can all cause heel pain. Self-treatment with stretching and supportive footwear may help mild cases, but pain that persists longer than 2 to 3 weeks, is severe, affects both heels, or does not respond to conservative measures should be professionally evaluated. The sooner treatment begins, the faster and more completely heel pain resolves. See our Heel Spurs & Plantar Fasciitis page.

My foot pain started gradually — can it still be serious?

Yes. Many serious foot conditions develop gradually, including stress fractures, Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, peripheral arterial disease, and diabetic neuropathy. Gradual onset does not mean mild severity. In fact, conditions that develop slowly are often more deeply established by the time patients seek care, which can make treatment more complex. Any persistent foot pain — regardless of how it started — deserves a professional evaluation to identify the cause and begin appropriate treatment before the condition worsens.

Can I treat a foot fungal infection with over-the-counter products?

Over-the-counter antifungal products may help mild athlete’s foot infections, but they are generally not effective for nail fungus (onychomycosis), which requires treatments capable of penetrating the nail plate. Prescription topical antifungals, oral antifungal medications, and laser nail treatment are significantly more effective for nail infections. If you’ve been using OTC products for more than 2 to 3 weeks without improvement, or if your toenails are discolored or thickened, a podiatric evaluation is recommended for accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. See our Nail Fungus page and Athlete’s Foot page.

What should I do immediately after a foot or ankle injury?

For an acute foot or ankle injury, begin with RICE: Rest the injured foot, apply Ice (wrapped in a cloth) for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, use Compression with an elastic bandage to reduce swelling, and Elevate the foot above heart level. Avoid bearing weight if pain is significant. Seek professional evaluation promptly — especially if you cannot bear weight, if there is significant swelling or bruising, or if you heard a pop at the time of injury. X-rays are needed to rule out fracture. Do not assume a painful ankle injury is “just a sprain” without imaging confirmation. See our Ankle & Foot Sprains page and Fractures page.

How can I prevent bunions from getting worse?

While you cannot reverse an existing bunion without surgery, you can significantly slow its progression. The most effective prevention measures include wearing shoes with wide, rounded toe boxes (avoiding pointed or narrow-toed shoes and high heels), using custom orthotics to correct the foot mechanics driving joint misalignment, maintaining a healthy weight, and having regular podiatric monitoring to track changes over time. Beginning these measures early — before significant deformity develops — provides the best long-term outcome. See our Bunions page.

What is peripheral neuropathy, and can it be treated?

Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage in the feet and legs that causes symptoms ranging from tingling and burning to complete numbness. It is most commonly caused by diabetes, but can also result from vitamin deficiencies, alcohol use, certain medications, and other medical conditions. While nerve damage from neuropathy is generally not reversible, its progression can be significantly slowed with proper management — including blood sugar control, nutritional optimization, and protective footwear. Our podiatrists specialize in protecting neuropathic feet from the complications that arise when sensation is impaired. See our Neuropathy page.

Are your podiatrists board-certified?

Yes. Both Dr. Jay C. Larson, DPM FACFAS, and Dr. Jacob Nelson, DPM FACFAS, are board-certified podiatric surgeons and Fellows of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (FACFAS). This designation reflects the highest level of postgraduate training, examination, and peer recognition in podiatric surgery. Our doctors are committed to staying current with the latest evidence-based treatments and surgical techniques to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Scheduling is easy. You can call our office directly at (602) 938-3600, or book your appointment online through our patient portal. We offer flexible scheduling and strive to see urgent cases promptly. If you have a foot wound, severe ankle injury, or a diabetic foot concern, please call our office directly so we can ensure you are seen as quickly as possible.