Dr. Tong is affiliated with MarinHealth Medical Center

Frequently Asked Questions

General Foot & Ankle Health

Q: When should I see a podiatrist? A: You should see a podiatrist if you have persistent foot or ankle pain lasting more than a few days, open sores or wounds that are slow to heal, numbness or tingling in your feet, changes in skin or nail color, or difficulty walking. Early evaluation prevents minor issues from becoming serious problems.

Q: Can foot problems affect the rest of my body? A: Yes. Your feet are the foundation of your entire musculoskeletal system. Untreated foot problems can alter your gait, leading to knee, hip, and lower back pain over time.

Q: How often should I have my feet checked? A: Most healthy adults should have a foot exam annually. Diabetic patients and those with circulatory issues should have their feet checked every 3–6 months, or more frequently if wounds or sores are present.

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Common Conditions

Q: What is plantar fasciitis and how is it treated? A: Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel to your toes. It causes stabbing heel pain, especially with your first steps in the morning. Treatment includes stretching exercises, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medication, and in some cases, corticosteroid injections.

Q: What causes bunions and can they be treated without surgery? A: Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, often due to genetics, improper footwear, or abnormal foot mechanics. Mild to moderate bunions can be managed conservatively with wider shoes, padding, orthotics, and anti-inflammatory treatments. Surgery is considered when conservative options no longer provide relief.

Q: What is a neuroma and what does it feel like? A: A neuroma (most commonly Morton’s neuroma) is a thickening of nerve tissue between the toes, usually between the third and fourth toes. It causes a burning, tingling, or sharp pain in the ball of the foot — often described as feeling like you’re standing on a pebble. Treatment includes shoe modifications, orthotics, and injections.

Q: What causes ingrown toenails and how are they treated? A: Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and sometimes infection. They’re often caused by improper nail trimming, tight footwear, or injury. Treatment ranges from at-home soaking and proper trimming technique to minor in-office procedures to remove the offending nail border.

Q: What is nail fungus and is it contagious? A: Fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) causes nails to become thick, discolored, brittle, or crumbly. It is contagious and can spread through shared shoes, socks, or nail tools. Treatment includes topical or oral antifungal medications. Proper hygiene and keeping feet dry are key to prevention and avoiding recurrence.

Q: What are heel spurs? A: Heel spurs are calcium deposits that form on the underside of the heel bone, often associated with plantar fasciitis. They can cause sharp pain with standing or walking. Treatment mirrors that of plantar fasciitis — stretching, orthotics, and anti-inflammatory therapy. Surgery is rarely needed.

Q: What causes flat feet and do they need treatment? A: Flat feet (fallen arches) occur when the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole to contact the ground. Some people have no symptoms; others experience foot fatigue, arch pain, or swelling. Treatment includes supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and physical therapy exercises to strengthen arch-supporting muscles.

Q: What is an ankle sprain and how long does it take to heal? A: An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle are stretched or torn, usually from rolling or twisting the ankle. Mild sprains heal in 1–3 weeks; moderate to severe sprains can take 6–12 weeks. RICE therapy (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is the first-line treatment, followed by rehabilitation exercises.

Q: What is Achilles tendinitis? A: Achilles tendinitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the large tendon connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. It causes pain and stiffness along the back of the leg near the heel, especially in the morning. It’s common in runners and people who suddenly increase their activity level. Treatment includes rest, stretching, orthotics, and physical therapy.

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Diabetic Foot Care

Q: Why is foot care so important for diabetic patients? A: Diabetes can cause peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) and poor circulation, which means foot wounds may go unnoticed and heal slowly. Even minor cuts or blisters can develop into serious infections or ulcers if left untreated. Regular podiatric check-ups are essential to prevent complications, including hospitalization or amputation.

Q: What should diabetic patients look for when checking their feet? A: Daily self-checks should look for: cuts, blisters, or sores; redness, swelling, or warmth; changes in skin color; dry or cracked skin; changes in nail condition; and any areas of numbness or unusual sensation. Any wounds that don’t start healing within a day or two should be seen by a podiatrist immediately.

Q: What kind of shoes should diabetic patients wear? A: Diabetic patients should wear well-fitting, supportive shoes with a wide toe box, no exposed seams inside, and good cushioning. Avoid going barefoot — even indoors. A podiatrist can prescribe therapeutic footwear (diabetic shoes) covered by Medicare for qualifying patients.

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Elderly & Senior Foot Care

Q: What foot problems are most common in older adults? A: Common issues include thickened or fungal toenails (which can be difficult to trim safely), calluses and corns, bunions, hammertoes, poor circulation, and diabetic complications. Falls related to foot pain or instability are also a major concern for seniors.

Q: Why is professional nail care important for seniors? A: Aging causes nails to thicken and become harder to trim. Improper self-trimming can lead to ingrown nails, cuts, and infection — especially dangerous for those with diabetes or poor circulation. Regular professional nail care reduces these risks significantly.

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Home Visit Services

Q: Who is a good candidate for home visit podiatry? A: Home visits are ideal for seniors who have difficulty traveling, patients with limited mobility or disability, individuals recovering from surgery, and anyone who finds clinic visits physically challenging. Dr. Tong brings the same level of professional care directly to your home.

Q: What services can be provided during a home visit? A: Home visits can include nail care and debridement, wound assessment and treatment, callus and corn removal, orthotics consultation, diabetic foot evaluations, and general foot exams. Some treatments requiring specialized equipment may still require an in-clinic visit.

Q: How do I prepare for a home visit? A: Have a comfortable chair or bed where you can rest with your feet accessible. Wash your feet beforehand if possible, and have a list of your current medications ready, as these can affect foot health and treatment options.

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Insurance & Rates

Q: Does Medicare cover podiatry services? A: Medicare Part B covers medically necessary podiatry services, including treatment of diabetic foot conditions, infections, and wounds. Routine nail trimming is generally not covered unless it is considered medically necessary due to a systemic condition like diabetes.

Q: How do I know if my visit will be covered by insurance? A: It’s best to contact your insurance provider directly to confirm coverage. Dr. Tong’s office can also help clarify what documentation may be needed to support a medical necessity claim.