What does a podiatrist treat?
A podiatrist treats conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower legs. This includes heel pain, bunions, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot problems, sports injuries, nerve issues, skin and nail conditions, and structural concerns like flat feet or hammertoes. Dr. Brad Herbst of Podiatry Associates of Florida San Jose Division provide both non-surgical care and foot or ankle surgery when needed. Visit our Services and Specialties page to learn more.
What causes heel pain and how is it treated?
Heel pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. Other causes include heel spurs, Achilles tendonitis, and stress fractures. Treatment usually starts with rest, stretching, supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and anti-inflammatory measures. If pain continues, visit Dr. Brad Herbst of Podiatry Associates of Florida San Jose Division. We can recommend physical therapy, injections, or advanced treatments.
What is plantar fasciitis and how long does it take to heal?
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes. It typically causes sharp heel pain that is worst with your first steps in the morning. Most cases improve within a few weeks to several months with stretching, supportive shoes, orthotics, and rest. Visit Dr. Brad Herbst of Podiatry Associates of Florida San Jose Division early to speed up recovery and prevent the condition from becoming chronic. Learn more and make an appointment here.
What is a bunion and do I need surgery to fix it?
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of your big toe when the joint shifts out of alignment. Not every bunion requires surgery. Many people find relief with wider shoes, padding, orthotics, and anti-inflammatory care. Surgery is usually recommended only when pain limits your daily activities or the bunion continues to worsen. Click here to find out more and set an appointment with Dr. Brad Herbst of Podiatry Associates of Florida San Jose Division.
How do you treat an ingrown toenail?
Treatment for an ingrown toenail depends on its severity. Mild cases may improve with warm soaks and proper nail trimming. For painful, infected, or recurring ingrown toenails, Dr. Brad Herbst of Podiatry Associates of Florida San Jose Division can safely remove part of the nail in a quick in-office procedure. This relieves pain fast and helps prevent the problem from coming back.
Why is diabetic foot care so important?
Diabetes can reduce blood flow and cause nerve damage in your feet, making small injuries harder to feel and slower to heal. Without proper care, minor cuts or blisters can lead to serious infections or ulcers. Regular podiatry visits, daily foot checks, and proper footwear help protect your feet and lower your risk of complications, including amputation. Click here to read more and set an appointment with Dr. Brad Herbst of Podiatry Associates of Florida San Jose Division to discuss your concerns further.
How do I know if I need orthotics?
You may benefit from orthotics if you have ongoing foot, heel, knee, or lower back pain, or if you notice uneven shoe wear, flat feet, or high arches. Orthotics are custom shoe inserts that support your feet, improve alignment, and reduce strain. Dr. Brad Herbst of Podiatry Associates of Florida San Jose Division can evaluate how you walk and determine whether custom orthotics are right for you. Set an appointment with us to address your needs.
What are flat feet and do they cause problems?
Flat feet occur when the arches of your feet have little to no visible curve. Many people with flat feet have no symptoms, but some experience pain, fatigue, or overpronation that leads to knee, hip, or back discomfort. Supportive shoes, custom orthotics, and stretching often help. Dr. Brad Herbst of Podiatry Associates of Florida San Jose Division can assess your feet and recommend the best plan. Find out more here.
How do I know if my ankle is sprained or broken?
A sprained ankle involves stretched or torn ligaments, while a break involves the bone itself. Both can cause pain, swelling, and bruising, so it can be hard to tell them apart on your own. If you can’t bear weight, feel numbness, or notice a deformity, contact Dr. Brad Herbst and the Podiatry Associates of Florida in San Jose right away. An exam and X-ray can confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
How do you get rid of toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus causes thick, discolored, or brittle nails and can be stubborn to treat. Options include topical medications, oral antifungal drugs, and laser treatment. Dr. Brad Herbst of Podiatry Associates of Florida San Jose Division can confirm the diagnosis and recommend the most effective option for your case. Early treatment gives you the best chance of clearing the infection and preventing spread.
Can a podiatrist remove foot warts?
Yes. Plantar warts grow on the soles of your feet and can be painful when you walk. Dr. Brad Herbst of Podiatry Associates of Florida San Jose Division can treat them with prescription medications, freezing, laser therapy, or minor in-office removal. Professional treatment is often more effective than over-the-counter products, especially for warts that are painful, spreading, or slow to clear. Learn more on our Plantar Warts info page and set an appointment.
What are hammertoes and how are they treated?
A hammertoe is a toe that bends abnormally at the middle joint, causing it to curl instead of lying flat. It can lead to pain, corns, and difficulty wearing shoes. Early treatment includes roomier footwear, padding, orthotics, and stretching exercises. Dr. Brad Herbst of Podiatry Associates of Florida San Jose Division can determine if the severity of your hammertoe requires a surgical correction. See more on our Hammertoes info page to set an appointment.
How can I relieve foot pain at home?
Simple steps can ease many kinds of foot pain. Rest your feet, apply ice, wear supportive shoes, and try gentle stretching. Over-the-counter inserts and anti-inflammatory medication may also help. If your foot pain lasts more than a week, keeps returning, or comes with swelling or numbness, make an appointment with Dr. Brad Herbst of Podiatry Associates of Florida San Jose Division to receive a proper diagnosis of your concern.
When should I see a podiatrist?
You should see a podiatrist if you have persistent foot or ankle pain, swelling, numbness, or an injury that isn’t healing. Other reasons include ingrown toenails, bunions, heel pain, nail or skin problems, and diabetic foot concerns. Early care often prevents small problems from becoming serious. Make an appointment with Dr. Brad Herbst of Podiatry Associates of Florida San Jose Division to receive a proper diagnosis of your concern.
When should my child see a podiatrist?
Consider a podiatry visit if your child has frequent foot pain, walks on their toes, has flat feet with discomfort, or shows an unusual walking pattern. In-toeing, heel pain, and ingrown toenails are also common reasons. A podiatrist can catch and treat foot issues early, supporting healthy growth and development. Make an appointment with Dr. Brad Herbst of Podiatry Associates of Florida San Jose Division to receive a proper diagnosis of your concern.
Can a podiatrist help with sports injuries?
Yes. Podiatrists treat a wide range of sports-related foot and ankle injuries, including sprains, stress fractures, Achilles tendonitis, and heel pain. They can also help with recovery, injury prevention, and custom orthotics to improve performance. Getting the right care early helps you return to activity safely. Click here to learn more and set an appointment with Dr. Brad Herbst of Podiatry Associates of Florida San Jose Division.
How does arthritis affect the feet?
Arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced movement in the many joints of your feet and ankles. Common types include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment focuses on relieving pain and protecting joint function through supportive footwear, orthotics, medication, and sometimes injections. Dr. Brad Herbst of Podiatry Associates of Florida San Jose Division can create a plan tailored to your needs.
What foot and ankle surgeries do podiatrists perform?
Dr. Brad Herbst of Podiatry Associates of Florida San Jose Division perform a variety of foot and ankle surgeries, including bunion correction, hammertoe repair, ingrown toenail procedures, and treatment of fractures and tendon injuries. Many procedures are minimally invasive and done in-office or on an outpatient basis. We will only recommend surgery after exploring non-surgical options. Make an appointment to learn more.
Does insurance cover podiatry visits?
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover medically necessary podiatry care such as injuries, infections, diabetic foot care, and chronic foot conditions. Coverage for routine care and custom orthotics can vary. Check with your provider and our office before your visit so you understand your benefits and any out-of-pocket costs.
What should I expect at my first podiatry appointment?
At your first visit, Dr. Brad Herbst of Podiatry Associates of Florida San Jose Division will review your medical history and ask about your symptoms. We will examine your feet and ankles, and may order X-rays or other tests if needed. Once we understand the issue, we will explain your diagnosis and treatment options. Come prepared with your usual footwear and a list of any medications you take.