Valley Foot Care, Inc.

Frequently Asked Questions

A podiatrist is a licensed physician trained to treat all disorders and ailments of the lower leg, foot, and ankle.
You should call a podiatrist for any complaint of the lower leg, foot, and ankle.
To obtain the title DPM (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine), an individual must attend and complete a specialized four-year medical school. After obtaining a DPM degree, podiatrists will need to complete a residency program varying from one to three years in length depending upon the time of their entry into the profession.
Podiatrists in the state of Arizona can treat from a point just below the knee to the toes.
Podiatrists most certainly encounter patients with serious illnesses and are often known to preserve limbs and lives especially in those with diabetes who develop limb and life-threatening infections secondary to foot ulcers (or holes in the feet).
Podiatrists may focus on wound care, geriatric care, pediatric care, general care, orthotics, and surgery, or any combination of care. Surgery may be further specialized into foot or ankle surgery.
Podiatrists are an integral part of every healthcare system and in most cases participate with all health insurances.
One can find a qualified podiatrist by researching anyone of the numerous qualifying board such as the: American Board of Podiatric Medicine, American Board of Medical Specialties in Podiatry, American Board of Wound Healing, American Board of Lower Extremity Surgeons, and American Board of Podiatric Surgery
Corns are thickened skin on top of the foot usually the toes while calluses are thickened skin on the bottom of the foot. They are essentially the same thing but named differently by their location.
A hammertoe is a small toe that is curled from tendon imbalances. These can become painful and lead to ulcers and amputations if not treated properly.
The most common cause of heel pain is from an inflamed ligament; however, there are many other sources of heel pain which is why a podiatrist should be consulted when heel pain arises.
These are supports for the feet and vary widely in fit and function depending on whether they are over-the-counter (bought from the store) or custom-made (prescribed by a podiatrist who has received specific training in custom supports).
If the side of the skin next to the nail is red, painful, and swollen then it is infected.
This is an inflammation of the ligament that supports the arch on the bottom of the foot.
Medicare only pays for Diabetic shoes and inserts in certain cases when a patient has very specific associated risk factors such as the history of amputation, ulceration, poor blood flow, and/or neuropathy, and when numerous stringent paperwork guidelines have been adhered to.
Surgery is not always the best way to get rid of foot pain and conservative measures should be tried before surgery because of the risks involved.
Call us at (602) 938-8400.
Our office is centrally located in Phoenix off of I-17 and Peoria. Our address is 3201 West Peoria Avenue, Suite B-307.
Yes, we accept new patients. We also offer same-day or next-day appointments provided referrals are in place when needed.
We often provide consultations for a second opinion and recommend you bring reports of prior imaging studies and tests to that appointment. We also recommend you inform us if you are seeking a second opinion at the time of scheduling as these appointments require more time and discussion.
Podiatrists are licensed to treat all foot, ankle and leg conditions just below the knee all the way to the toes
To make your visit most productive we recommend:
  • Please bring a current copy of your insurance card and driver’s license
  • Have a copy of your referral if needed
  • Please bring a complete medication list to every visit
  • Bring reports on recent imaging studies and hospital discharges
  • Bring old orthotics
  • Please advise our staff if you are coming for a second opinion as more time is required
  • Please have key contact information of primary care physician and consultants
We accept all major credit cards, Check or Cash.  Coinsurance, co-pays and deductibles are due at the time services are rendered. Please contact our office at (602) 938-8400 with any questions you may have regarding claims and statements.