Podiatry FAQ

Podiatrists treat common conditions of the foot and ankle, including:

• Arthritis
• Diabetic Foot Care
• Wound Care
• Foot and Ankle Injuries
  • Sprains, Strains, and Fractures
• Muscle and Tendon Problems
  • Heel Pain
  • Tendinitis
• Skin Disorders
  • Athlete’s Foot
  • Corns and Calluses
  • Ganglion Cysts
  • Warts
• Toe Joint and Nerve Disorders
  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Neuromas
• Toenail Problems
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Toenail Fungus

If you are experiencing pain or any injury in any part of the foot or ankle and have had one or more of the following symptoms for 1 or 2 days, you should see a podiatrist:

• Severe pain
• Swelling
• Numbness or tingling
• Open sore or wound
• Infection (redness, warmth, tenderness, or a fever)

If you cannot walk or put any weight on your foot, call your podiatrist right away.

Here are a few things to keep in mind for your first podiatrist appointment:

• Make a list of all your symptoms.
• Make a list of all medications you are currently taking.
• Bring a record of your medical history, including any surgeries you’ve had.
• Bring your walking or exercise shoes if you have problems walking or exercising.
• Wear comfortable clothing that gives the doctor easy access to examine your feet and lower limbs.

Dr. Tea Nguyen is a board-certified podiatric surgeon specializing in minimally invasive surgery, diabetic foot care, and wound healing. She has practiced podiatry for over 6 years and opened her medical practice in Freedom, California, in 2018.
With multiple publications to her name in reputed medical journals like the Press Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), Dr. Tea is a well-known expert in her field. In addition to the APMA, Dr. Tea is also affiliated with the American Microsurgical Orthoplastic Society (AMOS) and the California Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA).

Pacific Point Podiatry offers patients a concierge model, and as such, Dr. Tea can preserve the patient-physician relationship without insurance regulation, allowing her to elevate personalized care. The other added benefits of the  concierge model include:

1. We see fewer patients, and that means Dr. Tea can spend more time with you.
2. Dr. Tea focuses on your overall well-being. Her therapies have been backed by science and experience. She is committed to ongoing education to bring the most modern and innovative techniques to her patients.
3. We do not contract with Medicare or Medicaid insurance. That means you will have direct access to Dr. Tea without delay. You and Dr. Tea will make decisions about your health without third-party payor influence.
4. We offer faster appointment times with in-person or virtual appointments. Urgent cases can often be seen within the next business day.
5. We value clear communication, the ability to choose, and price transparency. You will always know the cost of treatment upfront to make an informed decision that works within your budget. We offer CareCredit to help manage your medical expenses without interest.*

Dr. Tea gives expert care and is the only fellowship-trained wound specialist who also specializes in minimally invasive surgery in all of Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. No hospital, no hardware, and minimal downtime.

*Subject to CareCredit terms.