FAQ

We offer a range of foot and ankle care services, including:

• Treatment for sports and traumatic injuries
• Infections
• Foot and ankle surgery, including minimal incision surgery and Tenex procedures
• Orthotics
• Treatment for plantar warts and ingrown toenails
• Injections: cortisone, Leneva injections

We treat a wide variety of conditions, including:

• Ingrown toenails
• Warts
• Heel pain: plantar fasciitis, fat pad atrophy
• Tendinitis: Achilles tendonitis, posterior tibial tendinitis
• Foot conditions: flat feet, bunions, and hammertoes

You can prevent foot and ankle injuries by:

• Wearing supportive shoes and changing them frequently
• Considering the use of insoles or orthotics
• Stretching before exercising
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Being cautious when walking on uneven surfaces

Yes, we accept most insurance plans, including Premera, Regence, Aetna, and Cigna. Please contact our office to verify that we accept your specific plan.

You can manage foot pain at home by:

• Resting the affected foot and decreasing strenuous exercise
• Elevating the affected foot/extremity
• Applying ice and compression
• Taking over-the-counter pain medication as needed

Yes, we offer treatment for toenail fungus, including topical and oral medications.

Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery and the patient's individual needs. Your podiatrist will provide specific postoperative instructions and an estimated timeline during your appointment.

You can prevent foot and ankle swelling by:

• Elevating your feet above heart level whenever possible, especially after prolonged periods of standing or sitting
• Avoiding staying in one position for long durations
• Engaging in light physical activity, such as walking or performing foot exercises
• Wearing compression socks if recommended by your doctor

Yes, we provide effective treatments for plantar warts. Treatment options include:

• Topical medications: Salicylic acid helps remove the wart layer by layer.
• Cantharone treatment: A topical application that causes a blister to form under the wart, lifting it away from the skin.
• Surgical removal: For persistent or severe warts. Our podiatrist will work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment based on the severity and location of the wart.

Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs are common causes of heel pain:

• Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes.
• Heel spurs: Bony growths on the underside of the heel bone, often associated with plantar fasciitis.

Treatment options include:

• Rest, ice, and stretching exercises: Relieve tension in the plantar fascia and calf muscles.
• Orthotic inserts or custom-made shoe supports: Cushion the heel and reduce strain.
• Anti-inflammatory medications: Manage pain and inflammation.
• Advanced treatments: Physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, shockwave therapy, or surgery in rare cases.

Yes, we provide specialized care for individuals with diabetes to prevent and manage foot-related complications. Our services include:

• Regular foot exams to address issues such as ulcers, infections, or reduced circulation.
• Comprehensive wound care for diabetic foot ulcers.
• Guidance on proper footwear to prevent injuries and support healthy foot function.
• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) testing to assess blood flow and detect circulatory problems affecting foot health.

You can prevent ingrown toenails by:

• Trimming your toenails straight across, avoiding rounded edges.
• Avoiding cutting your nails too short.
• Wearing well-fitting shoes with enough room for your toes.
• Refraining from picking at nails or surrounding skin to reduce irritation and infection risk.

Yes, we treat heel spurs using various methods, including:

• Rest
• Stretching exercises
• Orthotic devices
• Therapeutic interventions such as extracorporeal shockwave therapy
• Surgical intervention for severe cases

To improve foot health, follow these steps:

• Practice good hygiene: Wash your feet daily with warm water and mild soap, and clean between the toes.
• Keep your feet dry: Dry thoroughly after washing, especially between toes, to prevent fungal infections.
• Moisturize regularly: Apply lotion to prevent dryness and cracking, avoiding between the toes.
• Calf stretching: Stretch calf muscles 2–3 times daily to reduce tightness and improve circulation.
• Wear properly fitting shoes: Choose shoes with proper arch support and a roomy toe box.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Reduces pressure on feet, preventing pain and joint issues.

Yes, we offer specialized care for foot and ankle problems related to arthritis, including:

• Custom orthotics to reduce pressure on arthritic joints
• Physical therapy to improve joint function and reduce stiffness
• Pain management solutions such as NSAIDs, injections, and other non-invasive treatments
• Recommendations for proper footwear to reduce discomfort
• Surgical interventions for severe joint damage

If you experience foot or ankle pain, follow these steps:

• Rest: Avoid putting weight on the affected foot.
• Ice: Apply an ice pack for 15–20 minutes every few hours.
• Compression: Use a compression bandage to provide support.
• Pain medication: Take over-the-counter medications like NSAIDs if safe for you.
• Seek medical care: If pain persists or worsens, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Yes, we provide treatment for Achilles tendonitis. Options include:

• Rest: Reduce activities that strain the Achilles tendon.
• Physical therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises.
• Custom orthotics: Reduce pressure on the tendon.
• Shockwave therapy: Non-invasive treatment for chronic cases.
• Advanced interventions: Immobilization, injections, or surgery if necessary.

A bunion is a bony bump at the base of the big toe that can cause discomfort and swelling. Treatment options include:

• Supportive shoes: Shoes with a wide toe box and good arch support.
• Custom orthotics: Redistribute pressure and provide better support.
• Padding and taping: Cushion the bunion and relieve pain.
• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Surgery: Minimally invasive bunion surgery for severe cases.

To prevent foot odor:

• Wash your feet daily: Use soap and water, especially between toes.
• Dry thoroughly: Prevent moisture buildup that can cause bacteria or fungus.
• Wear breathable shoes: Natural materials like leather or mesh allow air circulation.
• Rotate shoes: Avoid wearing the same pair daily.
• Moisture-wicking socks: Keep your feet dry.
• Use antifungal powder or spray: Absorb moisture and reduce odor-causing bacteria.

You can schedule an appointment by:

• By phone: Call us at (425) 358-4707.
• Online: Use our online scheduling system:
  • Kirkland location: https://kirklandpodiatrist.com/appointments/
  • Issaquah location: https://issaquahpodiatrist.com/appointments/