Your comfort comes first. Every step matters. Where science and experience meet compassion, Fallbrook Podiatry helps you walk with confidence

A: Fallbrook Podiatry Inc., 407 Potter Street, Suite A, Fallbrook, CA 92028. Phone: 760-728-4800. Fax: 760-728-0061. Email: softtoessmile@gmail.com. Online: fallbrookfootdoctor.com.

A: We manage bunions, hammertoes, bone spurs, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, plantar fasciitis/heel pain, warts, corns/calluses, diabetic foot concerns, wounds/ulcers, neuromas, tendonitis, arthritis, sports injuries, and gait/biomechanics issues (including flat feet and high arches) requiring custom orthotics.

A: Yes—Dr. Patish performs minimally invasive bunion repair, hammertoe correction, and bone spur removal using tiny ~2 mm (0.08") poke incisions, typically without sutures, enabling immediate ambulation and minimal downtime.

A: Call 760-728-4800. We do our best to accommodate urgent issues (infected ingrown nails, severe pain, suspected foreign body, injuries) the same or next business day.

A: Photo ID, insurance card (if using insurance), medication list, prior imaging or records, and your most-worn shoes/orthotics. If you have diabetes, bring your most recent A1c if available. If you’ve purchased any foot or ankle appliance to help with pain, bring that too.

A: Yes—care is individualized for kids, adults, and seniors, including patients with diabetes and circulation concerns. We see patients of every age.

A: Virtual consults are not available. With your permission, we can review laboratory or imaging results by phone; if treatment is required, we’ll review your results with you in our clinic.

A: We work with most major plans in California. Because networks change, please call 760-728-4800 with your plan name so we can confirm benefits and any referrals needed prior to your visit. In the event that we do not accept your insurance, our self-pay pricing is very reasonable and transparent. If treatment is needed right after the initial evaluation, we will provide an exact quote.

A: Yes, we see Medicare patients. Coverage and copays depend on your specific plan.

A: Not always. Boutique/cosmetic services—such as laser therapy for fungal nails and the Onyfix® nail correction system—are typically self-pay. We’ll provide transparent pricing and alternatives.

A: Yes—ask us for current self-pay packages and options. We outline costs before treatment to avoid surprises. We accept CareCredit.

A: It uses 2–3 tiny ~2 mm incisions and micro-instruments to realign/reshape bone with minimal soft-tissue disruption. Benefits often include less swelling, no sutures in many cases, and a faster return to shoes.

A: Most patients can bear weight in a protective shoe immediately unless otherwise instructed.

A: Many bunion severities qualify; candidacy depends on anatomy, joint status, and goals. An exam and imaging help Dr. Patish tailor your plan.

A: Swelling improves over weeks; activity increases progressively. Most desk work resumes quickly; high-impact sports and jobs involving prolonged ambulation take longer. We’ll discuss details with you.

A: Through tiny ~2 mm incisions, Dr. Patish releases or reshapes the structures causing the contracture. Occasionally, bone realignment and reshaping may be required, which can take longer to heal. Often no sutures are needed; walking in a protective shoe is typical.

A: Smaller incisions, less soft-tissue trauma, minimal scarring, and typically faster recovery.

A: When a toe spur creates a painful corn/callus (heloma molle or durum), rubs in shoes, or limits comfort. Minimally invasive removal via 1–2 tiny poke incisions can relieve pressure points.

A: Usually minimal; most patients walk out in a protective shoe and transition back to regular shoes per instructions.

A: Many minimally invasive procedures use no sutures, thanks to tiny (~2 mm) incisions. If sutures are needed, we’ll let you know in advance.

A: Desk work is often possible within days. Standing/heavy labor/sports depend on the procedure and your healing. You’ll receive a personalized timeline.

A: You’ll get detailed instructions. Typical themes: keep the dressing clean/dry, elevate as advised, follow weight-bearing limits, use the provided shoe/boot, and call for any concerning symptoms.

A: Conservative care, minimally invasive partial nail removal, and a properly performed chemical matricectomy when indicated (to prevent regrowth of the ingrown edge). We also offer Onyfix® and targeted infection care.

A: We do not recommend DIY lifting/splinting (cotton, floss, etc.) due to increased infection risk.

A: It’s designed to permanently stop the offending side from regrowing while preserving the rest of the nail. Performed with minimally invasive technique to reduce trauma and aid healing.

A: Urgent. Infection can progress quickly and, in high-risk patients (diabetes/poor circulation), can threaten tissue. Contact us promptly for evaluation and treatment.

A: Warm Epsom salt soaks can reduce discomfort and support healing when advised. Important: Patients with diabetes (DM) or peripheral vascular disease (PVD) should carefully test water temperature with a functional thermometer to avoid burns and follow clinician guidance.

A: A non-surgical nail-plate “bracing” system applied on top of the nail to help guide flatter, healthier growth over time—useful for certain ingrown/curved nail patterns.

A: No. This is a boutique cosmetic service.

A: Application is usually well-tolerated as it’s non-invasive and does not require removing nail tissue.

A: We combine dual-frequency Summit laser therapy with topical and/or oral medications when appropriate, plus shoe/nail hygiene protocols for best outcomes.

A: Laser for fungal nails is considered cosmetic; insurance plans don’t cover it. We offer clear self-pay pricing.

A: Protocols vary by severity. Nails grow slowly; visible improvement takes months as new nail grows out.

A: Combination care can improve success rates. Dr. Patish will personalize the plan to your health history and goals.

A: Activity modification, targeted stretching, night splints, taping, footwear changes, custom orthotics, laser therapy, H-Wave therapy, corticosteroid (cortisone) and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections, as well as dry needling.

A: Minimally Invasive Plantar Fascia Surgery using 3–4 tiny ~2 mm incisions, generally without sutures, aimed at precise fascia release with a faster return to walking.

A: Sometimes imaging is helpful to rule out other causes (stress fracture, nerve entrapment, bone bruising, or a different pathology). We’ll advise based on your exam.

A: Corticosteroid injections for targeted inflammation relief and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in appropriate cases to support healing. We also offer dry needling techniques, with anesthetic and a corticosteroid if necessary.

A: Yes—Kinesio Taping for short-term support and pain relief during recovery.

A: Yes—our Summit Series dual-frequency laser is also used on soft-tissue pain syndromes to reduce inflammation and promote tissue recovery.

A: Fully custom, hand-made orthotics by Kevin Root Medical. We use modern digital casting equivalent to the gold-standard plaster-of-Paris casting; plaster-casting is available on request.

A: Plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, over-pronation/supination, neuromas, tendonitis (e.g., posterior tibial, Achilles), arthritis offloading, and sports biomechanics. The vast majority of foot and ankle pains can be significantly improved by well-made orthotics.

A: Many last for years with proper use. We recommend annual check-ins to assess wear and fit as your activity or shoes change.

A: We do not emphasize cryotherapy due to reduced efficacy for plantar warts. Instead, we offer specially compounded chemical ablation (generally painless) with prescription topical medication, and electrodesiccation/hyfrecation and/or laser destruction for recalcitrant cases.

A: Larger/harder warts can crack and get infected. In weight-bearing areas they build callus, cause pain, and alter gait. People with diabetes or poor circulation face higher risks.

A: Often multiple sessions are needed. We choose the least disruptive path that still gets results—and provide options to fit your preferences.

A: At least yearly for a preventive exam; more often if you have neuropathy, deformities, prior ulcers, or circulation issues.

A: Thick calluses under metatarsal heads and heels can mask pressure points and break down into ulcers. Regular debridement reduces pressure and helps prevent ulceration.

A: Yes—comprehensive wound assessment, local care, offloading strategies, and coordination with your care team.

A: Spreading redness, swelling, drainage/odor, fever/chills, sudden color/temperature change of toes/foot, or a new ulcer. Call us promptly.

A: Stable heel counter, torsional control, adequate cushioning, and a toe box that doesn’t squeeze the forefoot. Bring your shoes to visits; we’ll assess fit and wear patterns. Also, check out our blog about best-fitting shoes.

A: When recommended, they may soothe and promote comfort. If you have diabetes or PVD, always test water temperature first with a thermometer to avoid burns and follow your doctor’s instructions.

A: Trim straight across (not too short), avoid tight shoes, protect toes during sports, and address recurring curvature early (clinical care, Onyfix®, or definitive matrix procedures when appropriate).