A: Fallbrook Podiatry Inc. is located at 407 Potter Street, Suite A, Fallbrook, CA 92028. Additionally, you can reach the clinic by phone at 760-728-4800, fax at 760-728-0061, email at softtoessmile@gmail.com, or online at 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. Whenever possible, we accommodate urgent issues (infected ingrown nails, severe pain, suspected foreign body, injuries) the same or next business day.

A: Please bring a photo ID, insurance card (if using insurance), medication list, prior imaging or records, and your most-worn shoes/orthotics. Additionally, 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 older adults, including people with diabetes and circulation concerns. We see patients of every age.

A: Virtual consults are not available. However, 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. If 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 also accept CareCredit.

A: It uses 2–3 tiny ~2 mm incisions and micro-instruments to realign and reshape bone with minimal soft-tissue disruption. As a result, 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 while activity increases progressively. Most desk work resumes quickly; however, high-impact sports and jobs involving prolonged walking or standing 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, and walking in a protective shoe is typical.

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

A: Bone spur removal is helpful when a toe spur creates a painful corn or 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: Downtime is 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. However, standing, heavy labor, and sports depend on the procedure and your healing. You’ll receive a personalized timeline.

A: You’ll get detailed instructions. Typical themes include keeping the dressing clean and dry, elevating as advised, following weight-bearing limits, using the provided shoe or boot, and calling for any concerning symptoms.

A: Treatment options include 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 or 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. It is performed with minimally invasive technique to reduce trauma and support healing.

A: An infected ingrown nail is urgent. Infection can progress quickly and, in high-risk patients (diabetes or poor circulation), can threaten tissue. Therefore, 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: Onyfix is 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 or curved nail patterns.

A: No. This is a boutique cosmetic service.

A: Application is usually well-tolerated because 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 and nail hygiene protocols for best outcomes.

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

A: Protocols vary by severity. Nails grow slowly, so 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: First-line treatments may include activity modification, targeted stretching, night splints, taping, footwear changes, custom orthotics, laser therapy, H-Wave therapy, corticosteroid (cortisone) injections, PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections, and dry needling.

A: Minimally invasive plantar fascia surgery using 3–4 tiny ~2 mm incisions, generally without sutures, aims 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 diagnosis). We’ll advise based on your exam.

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

A: Yes—Kinesio Taping is used 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: Our orthotics are fully custom, hand-made devices 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: Orthotics can help with plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, over-pronation or supination, neuromas, tendonitis (for example, posterior tibial or Achilles), arthritis offloading, and sports biomechanics. The vast majority of foot and ankle pains can be significantly improved by well-made orthotics.

A: Many orthotics 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 or 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: People with diabetes should have at least a yearly preventive exam. More frequent visits are recommended if you have neuropathy, deformities, prior ulcers, or circulation issues. For broader guidance on healthy feet with diabetes, you can also review the CDC's diabetic foot care resources.

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—care includes comprehensive wound assessment, local care, offloading strategies, and coordination with your care team.

A: Spreading redness, swelling, drainage or odor, fever or chills, sudden color or temperature change of toes or foot, or a new ulcer are all red flags. If you notice these changes, call us promptly.

A: We usually recommend a stable heel counter, good 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. Additionally, you can read our blog about best-fitting shoes for more tips.

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