Many patients with foot pain are referred directly to physical therapy. While therapy can be valuable, some conditions require structural diagnosis first.
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.
When the source of pain is a deformity, joint degeneration, instability, or nerve entrapment, physical therapy alone may delay proper treatment.
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.
At Seattle Foot and Ankle Center, Dr. J. John Hoy provides comprehensive foot diagnosis, conservative treatment, and surgical evaluation when needed.
Before PT, Before Orthopedics, Before Chronic Pain Referral
Primary care providers should consider podiatric evaluation first for:
Bunions
Bunions are progressive structural deformities. Physical therapy cannot correct bone malalignment. Early podiatric evaluation can slow progression, reduce pain, and determine whether orthotics, shoe changes, or surgical correction may help.
Hallux Rigidus
Stiffness and arthritis of the big toe joint are mechanical problems. Delayed diagnosis may worsen cartilage loss and reduce future treatment options.
Metatarsalgia
Pain in the ball of the foot is often caused by overload, instability, or biomechanical imbalance. Proper diagnosis may reveal plantar plate injury, elongated metatarsals, or joint subluxation.
Morton’s Neuroma
Burning, tingling, or numbness between the toes may indicate nerve entrapment. Orthotics and injections may help, but persistent cases need surgical consideration.
Plantar Plate Tears
Often missed early. These are structural ligament injuries beneath the toe joints. Untreated tears can progress into crossover toe deformity and chronic instability.
Why Podiatry First?
Dr. Hoy provides:
- Weight-bearing biomechanical evaluation
- X-ray diagnosis
- Custom orthotic treatment
- Injection therapy
- Surgical planning when appropriate
You do not need to determine if surgery is necessary before referral.
Early podiatric diagnosis helps direct the right pathway from the beginning.
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.