FAQs

General Podiatry Questions

What does a podiatrist treat?

A podiatrist is a medical specialist focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower legs. At DFW Foot and Ankle, Dr. Suh treats a wide range of conditions including plantar fasciitis, heel pain, bunions, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, neuromas, flat feet, arthritis, Achilles tendinitis, diabetic foot complications, fractures and sprains, and pediatric foot conditions, among others. He also offers advanced treatments including MLS laser therapy, shock wave therapy, and custom orthotics.

When should I see a podiatrist?

You should schedule an appointment if you have persistent foot or ankle pain that doesn’t improve with rest, pain that limits your daily activities or exercise, a wound or sore on your foot that is slow to heal, nail changes such as thickening or discoloration, an ingrown toenail, numbness or tingling in your feet, or a foot or ankle injury. People with diabetes should see a podiatrist at least once a year even without symptoms. In general, the sooner a foot problem is evaluated, the easier it is to treat effectively.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Suh?

In most cases, no. You can contact DFW Foot and Ankle directly at (972) 899-2170 or book online to schedule your appointment. If your insurance plan requires a referral for specialist visits, check with your primary care provider beforehand. Our team is happy to assist you with any insurance-related questions.

Does DFW Foot and Ankle accept insurance?

Yes, we accept most major insurance plans. We also accept HSA and FSA cards for eligible services. Coverage varies by plan and condition, so we recommend contacting our office to verify your specific benefits before your appointment. Medicare covers therapeutic diabetic footwear and orthotics for qualifying diabetic patients.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring your insurance card, a photo ID, a list of any current medications and supplements, and any relevant medical records or imaging (X-rays, MRI reports) related to your foot or ankle condition. Wear or bring the shoes you wear most often — Dr. Suh may want to examine them as part of your evaluation. You can also complete your new patient forms in advance through our Patient Information page.

Heel and Arch Pain

What is the most common cause of heel pain?

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in adults, affecting at least a million people in the US every year. It involves inflammation of the plantar fascia — the fibrous band connecting the heel to the toes — and typically causes a sharp, stabbing pain at the bottom of the heel that is worst with the first steps of the morning. Other common causes of heel pain include Achilles tendinitis, heel spurs, bursitis, and Haglund’s deformity. Dr. Suh will identify the exact cause of your heel pain through a thorough examination.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

Plantar fasciitis responds well to conservative treatment in the vast majority of cases. Common approaches include custom orthotics for targeted arch support, a calf and plantar fascia stretching program, activity modification, ice therapy, and night splints to prevent overnight tightening of the fascia. For stubborn cases, Dr. Suh may recommend MLS laser therapy or shock wave therapy to break down scar tissue and accelerate tissue healing. Most patients see significant improvement within 6 to 12 weeks of starting a structured treatment plan.

Nails and Skin

How do I know if I have toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus typically causes one or more of the following: nail discoloration (white, yellow, or brown), thickening of the nail, crumbling or brittle edges, separation of the nail from the nail bed, and an unpleasant odor. It usually starts in one nail and can spread to others if untreated. Over-the-counter treatments are generally too weak to clear a true fungal infection — professional treatment from Dr. Suh is significantly more effective. Learn more on our toenail fungus page.

What should I do about an ingrown toenail?

If your ingrown toenail is causing significant pain, showing signs of infection (discharge, spreading redness, increasing warmth), or if you have diabetes, seek care at DFW Foot and Ankle promptly rather than attempting to treat it at home. Dr. Suh can administer a local anesthetic and remove the ingrown portion of the nail in a quick, comfortable in-office procedure — providing fast relief and treating the nail matrix to prevent recurrence. Never attempt to cut out the ingrown nail yourself, as this significantly increases the risk of infection. Learn more on our ingrown toenails page.

Advanced Treatments

What is MLS laser therapy and what does it treat?

MLS laser therapy (Multiwave Locked System) is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment that uses two synchronized wavelengths of light energy to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and accelerate tissue healing at the cellular level. It is completely painless — most patients feel only a gentle warming sensation — and there is no downtime. At DFW Foot and Ankle, Dr. Suh uses MLS laser therapy to treat plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, arthritis, neuromas, peripheral neuropathy, sports injuries, diabetic wounds, and many other foot and ankle conditions. Most patients benefit from a series of 6 to 10 sessions.

What is shock wave therapy and who is it for?

Shock wave therapy (ESWT) uses powerful acoustic sound waves to break down scar tissue and calcifications, stimulate blood flow, and trigger the body’s natural healing response in chronic soft tissue conditions. It is particularly effective for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and heel spurs that have not responded adequately to other conservative treatments. It is an excellent option for patients who want to avoid surgery. Most patients complete 3 to 5 sessions spaced one week apart.

Are custom orthotics worth it?

For most patients with biomechanical foot problems, custom orthotics are absolutely worth the investment. Unlike store-bought insoles, they are fabricated specifically for your feet using a 3D scan and a clinical assessment of your gait and diagnosis — providing a level of precision and correction that generic products cannot match. They are effective for plantar fasciitis, flat feet, heel pain, bunions, neuromas, arthritis, diabetic foot complications, and athletic injuries. They typically last 2 to 6 years. Many patients also find that correcting foot mechanics with orthotics relieves knee, hip, and lower back pain as well.

Diabetic Foot Health

Why is diabetic foot care so important?

Diabetes can cause peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage that reduces sensation in the feet) and peripheral arterial disease (reduced blood flow that impairs healing). Together, these complications mean that minor foot injuries — a small blister, a callus, a cut — can go unnoticed and quickly escalate into serious wounds, infections, and in severe cases, amputation. Regular podiatric care, daily foot inspections, and prompt treatment of any foot issue are essential for anyone with diabetes. Dr. Suh provides comprehensive diabetic foot care at DFW Foot and Ankle to help patients protect their feet and prevent complications.

How often should a diabetic patient see a podiatrist?

Most people with diabetes should have a comprehensive foot examination by a podiatrist at least once a year. Patients with neuropathy, poor circulation, a history of foot ulcers, or other risk factors may need appointments every 1 to 3 months. Don’t wait for symptoms to develop — preventive care is far more effective and less costly than treating complications after the fact. Call (972) 899-2170 to schedule your diabetic foot care appointment at DFW Foot and Ankle.

Children’s Foot Health

When should my child see a podiatrist?

You should bring your child to see Dr. Suh if they complain regularly of foot or heel pain, seem to tire more easily than their peers during physical activity, walk with an unusual gait (toes pointing in or out, limping), have flat feet with symptoms such as arch pain or leg fatigue, sustain a foot or ankle sports injury, or develop a plantar wart or nail problem. Early evaluation and treatment lead to better outcomes. As part of our children’s foot care services, Dr. Suh works with children of all ages in a gentle, comfortable environment.

Foot Health and Lifestyle

How can I prevent common foot problems?

Several simple habits can go a long way toward keeping your feet healthy. Wear properly fitting shoes with good arch support and adequate toe room. Replace athletic shoes regularly — worn-out soles offer little protection. Stretch your calves and Achilles tendons regularly, especially before and after exercise. Keep your feet clean and dry, and inspect them daily if you have diabetes. Trim toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails. Maintain a healthy weight to reduce load on your feet and ankles. And don’t ignore persistent foot pain — minor issues are almost always easier to treat when caught early. For personalized foot health advice, schedule an appointment with Dr. Suh at DFW Foot and Ankle by calling (972) 899-2170.

Can foot problems cause knee, hip, or back pain?

Yes — this is more common than many people realize. Your foot is the foundation of your entire musculoskeletal system, and problems with foot mechanics — such as flat feet, overpronation, or leg length discrepancy — can create a chain reaction of compensatory stress in the ankles, knees, hips, and spine. Many patients who come to DFW Foot and Ankle for foot pain discover that custom orthotics not only relieve their foot symptoms but also improve knee, hip, and lower back pain they had assumed were unrelated.