Frequently Asked Questions About Foot & Ankle Care in Salem, OR

  • 1. What conditions does a podiatrist treat?

    A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the feet and ankles. At Advanced Foot Clinic, we treat a wide range of problems, including heel pain, plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, fungal nails, neuromas, warts, gout, flat feet, sports injuries, fractures, and diabetic foot conditions. Treatment is based on your specific condition, symptoms, and goals.

  • 2. When should I see a podiatrist for foot or ankle pain?

    You should consider seeing a podiatrist when foot or ankle pain persists, interferes with walking or daily activities, or keeps returning. Swelling, changes in the way you walk, numbness, recurring injuries, or pain that does not improve with basic home care are also good reasons to have your feet evaluated. An examination can help identify the underlying cause and determine appropriate treatment.

  • 3. What should I expect during my first visit to Advanced Foot Clinic?

    During your first visit, the doctor will discuss your symptoms and medical history and perform a thorough examination of your feet and ankles. Depending on your condition, additional diagnostic testing may be recommended. Advanced Foot Clinic's goal is to understand the cause of your problem and develop a treatment plan appropriate for your individual needs.

  • 4. Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?

    In many cases, patients can contact Advanced Foot Clinic directly to schedule an appointment. However, referral requirements can vary depending on your health insurance plan. If you are unsure whether your insurance requires a referral, it is a good idea to check with your insurance provider before your appointment.

  • 5. What types of foot pain can Advanced Foot Clinic treat?

    Advanced Foot Clinic evaluates and treats many causes of foot pain, including heel pain, plantar fasciitis, neuromas, tendon problems, arthritis-related discomfort, bunions, hammertoes, and other foot and ankle conditions. Depending on the cause, treatment may include custom orthotics, therapy, pain management, laser treatment, shockwave therapy, injections, or other conservative or surgical options.

  • 6. How is heel pain and plantar fasciitis treated?

    Treatment for heel pain depends on the cause and severity of the problem. Advanced Foot Clinic offers several non-surgical treatment options, including custom orthotics, diode laser therapy and non-invasive shockwave therapy. The appropriate treatment is determined after evaluating your symptoms and condition.

  • 7. Can Advanced Foot Clinic treat bunions and hammertoes?

    Yes. Advanced Foot Clinic provides evaluation and treatment for bunions and hammertoes. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment may include conservative care or surgical treatment. The clinic also provides information about minimally invasive surgical approaches for certain foot problems.

  • 8. How are ingrown toenails treated?

    Ingrown toenails can cause pain, redness, swelling and sometimes infection. Advanced Foot Clinic provides treatment for ingrown toenails and offers a needle-free injection approach designed to make certain procedures more comfortable. The appropriate treatment depends on the severity and recurrence of the ingrown toenail.

  • 9. Does Advanced Foot Clinic provide diabetic foot care?

    Yes. Diabetic foot care is one of the services offered by Advanced Foot Clinic. Diabetes can increase the risk of foot complications, particularly when nerve sensation or circulation is affected. The clinic provides diabetic foot care and diabetic wound care and can help patients identify problems that may require professional attention.

  • 10. What are custom orthotics, and who can benefit from them?

    Custom orthotics are specially designed supports made for an individual's feet and specific condition. They may help patients whose foot structure, gait or alignment contributes to pain or other problems. Advanced Foot Clinic uses custom orthotics as part of its approach to treating conditions such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, arthritis and certain types of foot and ankle pain.

  • 11. Does Advanced Foot Clinic offer treatment for fungal toenails?

    Yes. Advanced Foot Clinic offers laser treatment for fungal nails. If you are experiencing thickened, discolored or damaged toenails, a podiatric evaluation can help determine whether a fungal infection or another condition is responsible and what treatment may be appropriate.

  • 12. Does Advanced Foot Clinic provide care for seniors?

    Yes. Senior foot care is one of the areas of care offered by Advanced Foot Clinic, including senior nail care. Regular professional foot care can be particularly important for older adults who have difficulty reaching their feet, have diabetes, experience reduced sensation, or have other conditions affecting foot health.

  • 13. Does Advanced Foot Clinic treat children with foot problems?

    Yes. Advanced Foot Clinic provides care for children with certain foot and ankle conditions, including flat feet. The practice also provides information about pediatric flatfoot and related structural concerns. If you are concerned about your child's walking pattern, arch development or foot pain, a podiatric evaluation can help determine whether treatment is needed.

  • 14. What non-surgical treatments are available for foot and ankle problems?

    Advanced Foot Clinic offers several conservative treatment options intended to address foot and ankle problems without immediately resorting to surgery. Depending on the condition, options may include custom orthotics, therapy, splints or supports, pain management, diode laser treatment, shockwave therapy and certain injection-based treatments. Your treatment plan will depend on your individual diagnosis and needs.

  • 15. Where is Advanced Foot Clinic located in Salem, Oregon?

    Advanced Foot Clinic's Salem office is located at 1475 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97302. The Salem office can be reached at 503-391-0688. The clinic is handicap accessible. Patients can contact the office to schedule an appointment or ask questions about services, insurance and referrals.

Have questions about your foot or ankle pain?


Don't let foot problems keep you from the activities you enjoy. Contact Advanced Foot Clinic in Salem to schedule an appointment and find out what may be causing your discomfort.


Call Advanced Foot Clinic in Salem at 503-391-0688 or contact us online to schedule your visit.