You’ve dealt with foot and ankle pain long enough. Maybe it’s that nagging heel ache that won’t quit, toenails that make you self-conscious, or numbness that’s starting to worry you. You’ve decided to see a podiatrist but are wondering what actually happens during that first appointment. Will there be X-rays? Do you need to bring anything? How long will it take?
Taking that first step toward better foot health doesn’t have to be stressful. At Alpine Foot and Ankle Clinic, we know that when patients understand what to expect, they arrive relaxed, ask better questions, and leave with a clear path forward. Our experienced Missoula podiatrist, Dr. Gregg Neibauer, provides a straightforward guide to your first podiatry visit, including tops on how to make it as productive as possible.
Why Does Your Podiatrist Need to Know Your Complete Health History?
Your feet don’t exist in isolation—they're connected to every other system in your body. That’s why the appointment begins with a detailed conversation about your medical background.
What Your Podiatrist Will Ask You
Expect questions about conditions that may seem unrelated to your feet at first glance. Diabetes affects circulation and sensation in your lower extremities. Arthritis can change the way you walk, creating pressure points that lead to foot pain. Even medications for heart conditions or depression can impact foot health through side effects like swelling or reduced sensation.
Dr. Neibauer will also want to know about past injuries, surgeries, and family history. If your mother struggled with bunions or your father developed foot ulcers, that information helps create a more complete picture of your risk factors.
Why Shoe Choices and Activity Levels Matter
Bring your most-worn shoes to the appointment, even if they’re beat-up sneakers or work boots. The wear patterns reveal how you walk and where pressure concentrates. Someone whose shoes wear down on the outer heel walks differently than someone with inner sole breakdown, and those patterns help identify biomechanical issues contributing to pain.
Your daily routine also matters. A nurse on her feet for 12-hour shifts needs different solutions than an office worker who sits most of the day. Weekend warriors who go from sedentary weekdays to intense hiking on Saturday face unique challenges. Share what your typical and atypical days look like so treatment recommendations fit your real life.
What Happens During the Physical Examination?
After discussing your health history and lifestyle, Dr. Neibauer will physically assess your feet. Don’t worry—podiatry exams aren’t painful, though some testing might feel a bit unusual if you’ve never experienced it before.
How Podiatrists Assess Your Feet
The examination starts with observation. Dr. Neibauer might ask you to walk barefoot so that he can watch your gait. Do your feet roll inward? Does one leg appear longer? Small details in how you move reveal biomechanical issues that contribute to pain.
Next comes the physical exam of your feet. Dr. Neibauer checks skin condition, looking for calluses, corns, wounds, or signs of infection. He examines your nails for fungal growth, ingrown edges, or other problems. Range of motion testing involves gentle manipulation of your ankles, toes, and foot joints to identify stiffness or instability.
Neurological testing checks sensation using a small filament pressed against different areas of your feet. Vascular assessment evaluates circulation by checking pulses and examining skin color and temperature. These tests help identify conditions like peripheral neuropathy or poor blood flow that increase risk for serious complications.
When Additional Testing Becomes Necessary
Sometimes diagnosis requires more than a physical exam. X-rays reveal bone structure, showing stress fractures, arthritis, or alignment problems invisible to the naked eye. Onsite digital X-rays means that imaging can happen during your first visit rather than requiring a separate trip to a radiology center.
For soft tissue problems like torn ligaments, plantar fasciitis, or tendon injuries, ultrasound provides real-time visualization. Gait analysis using pressure mapping technology shows exactly where force concentrates when you walk or run. Not every patient needs these advanced diagnostics, but they’re available when your situation calls for deeper investigation.
What Should You Bring to Your First Appointment?
Preparation makes any medical appointment more productive. Having the right information and items on hand speeds diagnosis and helps Dr. Neibauer develop the most effective treatment plan.
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Insurance and identification. Bring your insurance card and photo ID. If this is a referral from another physical, have that paperwork ready. Some insurance plans require authorization for podiatry visits, so verify coverage before you arrive to avoid surprises.
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Current medication list. Write down every medication you take, including dosages. Don’t forget over-the-counter supplements, vitamins, and pain relievers. Some medications interact with treatments podiatrists prescribe, and others provide clues about underlying health conditions affecting your feet.
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Your actual shoes. Bring the shoes you wear most often—athletic shoes, work boots, dress shoes, whatever you wear daily. The wear patterns speak volumes, and sometimes the problem isn’t your feet but the footwear that doesn’t support them properly.
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Your questions. Write them down before your appointment. It’s easy to forget what you meant to ask once you’re in the exam room. Whether you’re curious about treatment timelines, alternative therapies, or activity restrictions, having your questions ready ensures you leave with the information you need.
How Long Will the Appointment Take and What Comes Next?
Initial podiatry consultations typically take 30 to 45 minutes, though complex cases may take longer. That’s significantly more time than many medical appointments because thorough assessment matters—rushing through an exam could mean missing details that affect treatment success.
What Treatment Options Might Be Discussed
Every foot problem has multiple potential solutions. Conservative treatments include custom orthotics to correct biomechanical issues, physical therapy to strengthen weak muscles, or padding to reduce pressure on painful areas.
Our practice offers wide-ranging non-invasive and minimally invasive approaches. Laser therapy reduces inflammation and promotes healing for conditions like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis. Shockwave therapy breaks up scar tissue and stimulates the body’s natural healing response. These cutting-edge treatments help patients avoid surgery while still achieving lasting relief.
For problems like stubborn ingrown toenails, minor in-office procedures provide permanent solutions. Fungal nail infections respond to prescription medications or laser treatments. The key is matching the treatment to both the condition and your lifestyle—a marathon runner training for a race needs different care than someone whose main goal is walking comfortably through the grocery store.
Understanding Your Timeline for Recovery
Most patients want to know two things: “How long until I feel better?” and “When can I get back to normal activities?” Honest answers depend on your specific diagnosis, overall health, and commitment to treatment recommendations.
Some conditions improve within days. For example, properly treating an ingrown toenail brings almost immediate relief. Others, like plantar fasciitis or stress fractures, require weeks or months of consistent care. Chronic problems that developed over years won’t disappear overnight, but incremental progress adds up to significant improvement.
Dr. Neibauer will outline realistic expectations, explain the phases of healing, and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. Recovery isn’t always linear—sometimes setbacks happen—but having a clear roadmap helps you stay committed to the treatment plan even when improvement feels slow.
Questions Patients Often Forget to Ask
Don’t leave your first appointment with lingering uncertainties. These are topics worth addressing before you head out the door.
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Activity modifications. Should you stop running? Is it OK to stand all day for work? Understanding which activities to avoid and which are safe prevents setbacks during treatment.
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Home care instructions. Are there stretches you should do daily? Should you ice or heat the affected area? How often should you change the bandages if you have a wound? Clear home care guidance accelerates healing.
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Warning signs. What symptoms mean you need to call before your next scheduled appointment? Increased pain, swelling, redness, or drainage might indicate complications requiring prompt attention. Knowing when to reach out prevents small problems from becoming big ones.
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Insurance and costs. What will your insurance cover? Are there out-of-pocket expenses for custom orthotics or advanced therapies?
Making Your First Visit as Smooth as Possible
A few simple steps set you up for success before you even walk through the door.
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Arrive early. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete paperwork without rushing. Forms ask about your medical history, current symptoms, and insurance information—details you might need to look up on your phone if you didn’t bring documentation.
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Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Wear clothing that allows easy access to your feet and lower legs. Tight jeans can make examinations difficult, while shorts or loose pans let Dr. Neibauer assess your legs and ankles thoroughly.
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Bring support. If you’re nervous about the appointment, bring a trusted friend or family member along for support. Sometimes a second set of ears catches important details that slip past you when you’re focused on something else.
Taking care of your feet isn’t something to put off until the pain becomes unbearable or the problem drastically limits your life. The sooner you address foot and ankle issues, the faster and easier treatment becomes. Your first podiatry appointment is the beginning of getting back to the activities you love without pain holding you back. Ready to take that first step?