Foot and ankle problems are often referred through fragmented systems.
That can delay diagnosis and prolong recovery.
Some patients are sent to:
- Physical therapy first
- Orthopedics first
- Wound care first
- Dermatology first
- Chronic pain management
But many foot problems benefit from podiatric evaluation first.
The foot and ankle are an anatomic region, and podiatry is the specialty dedicated to that region. Musculoskeletal conditions of the foot and ankle have long been part of comprehensive podiatric medicine. Podiatrists diagnose and treat these conditions using both conservative and surgical approaches. A foot and ankle physician can first evaluate the problem, establish the diagnosis, and determine the appropriate course of care. When additional expertise is needed, that care can be coordinated as part of the treatment plan.
Dr. Hoy provides individualized foot and ankle rehabilitation for appropriate musculoskeletal conditions, including tendon disorders, plantar heel pain, ankle instability, bone stress injuries, and sports-related overuse conditions. Rehabilitation may be provided as part of podiatric care or coordinated with physical therapy when additional or specialized rehabilitation is appropriate. Learn more about Foot & Ankle Rehabilitation.
Common Conditions That Often Belong in Podiatry First
Structural Foot Pain
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Hallux rigidus
- Neuromas
- Metatarsalgia
Foot Injuries
- Toe fractures
- Metatarsal fractures
- Turf toe
- Stress fractures
- Lisfranc injuries
Diabetic Foot Conditions
- Ulcers
- Infections
- Charcot changes
- Gangrene
Failed Conservative Care
- Heel pain after PT
- Persistent forefoot pain
- Recurrent pressure lesions
- Chronic instability
You Do Not Need to Decide If Surgery Is Needed
That is part of the evaluation.
At Seattle Foot and Ankle Center, Dr. Hoy provides:
- Diagnosis
- Conservative treatment
- Surgical judgment
- Referral when advanced reconstruction is needed
The goal is simple:
Get the patient into the right pathway earlier.
In pain? Don’t wait. Early treatment leads to faster recovery. Urgent appointments available. Read about Conditions We Treat. Request an Appointment 5am-5pm M-F or online. Call: 206-682-8741 or Contact Us. If you like our content, please link it to your website and Collaborate With Us. Thank you.