Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Laguna Woods, CA

Take Your First Steps Without Plantar Fasciitis Pain

We identify what may be straining your plantar fascia and provide personalized treatment options to help you walk and stay active more comfortably.

COMMON PLANTAR FASCIITIS SYMPTOMS

Does This Sound Familiar?

  • Sharp pain under your heel in the morning
  • Pain during your first steps after sitting
  • Heel discomfort that improves as you begin moving
  • Pain that returns after prolonged standing or walking
  • Tenderness along the bottom of your heel
  • Heel pain that limits exercise or daily activities
POSSIBLE CAUSES

What May Be Straining Your Plantar Fascia?

The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that supports the arch and connects the heel to the toes. Repeated strain can irritate this tissue and cause heel pain.

Foot Structure

Flat feet, high arches, and other structural differences may place additional strain on the plantar fascia.

Unsupportive Footwear

Shoes without adequate cushioning or arch support can increase pressure on the heel and plantar fascia.

Prolonged Standing

Spending extended periods standing or walking, especially on hard surfaces, may contribute to ongoing tissue strain.

Increased Activity

A sudden increase in running, walking, exercise, or physical work can overload the plantar fascia.

Tight Calf Muscles

Limited flexibility in the calf and ankle may increase tension along the bottom of the foot.

Repeated Pressure

Continued stress on the foot without enough recovery time can make plantar fascia irritation more persistent.

PLANTAR FASCIITIS EVALUATION

How Is Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosed?

Because other conditions can produce similar heel pain, an accurate evaluation is important before treatment begins.

1. Discuss Your Symptoms

Dr. Petersen will ask when your heel pain occurs, how it affects your activities, and what care you’ve already tried.

2. Examine Your Foot and Ankle

He’ll examine the painful area and evaluate your foot structure, flexibility, movement, and response to pressure.

3. Imaging, if Needed

Digital X-rays or additional testing may be used to rule out other possible causes of your heel pain.

PERSONALIZED PLANTAR FASCIITIS CARE

A Different Approach to Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

We focus on identifying and treating the source of the strain rather than simply masking your heel pain. Dr. Petersen develops a personalized treatment plan designed to support tissue recovery, improve foot function, and help you return to regular activities.

Heal Without Surgery or Injections

Shockwave Therapy stimulates your body’s natural healing response in eligible plantar fascia tissue without surgery, injections, or extended downtime.

EXPERIENCED PODIATRIC CARE

Why Choose Dr. Petersen?

Dr. David Petersen has provided podiatric care to patients in Orange County and Los Angeles since 1998. He evaluates the underlying cause of each patient’s symptoms before recommending a treatment plan.

His education and advanced training include:

  • Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree
  • Residency training in podiatric medicine and foot surgery
  • Two-year fellowship in advanced foot and ankle surgery
  • Experience with conservative and surgical treatment options

Patients receive clear explanations about their diagnosis, available options, expected outcomes, and appropriate next steps.

Trusted by Local Patients

★★★★★ 4.9 / 5 · 120+ reviews

Testimonials

What Patients Are Saying

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Manna Singh profile picture
Manna Singh
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I had a really good experience with Dr. Peterson. He is patient, caring, and has a great sense of humor, which makes the whole interaction feel very easy and personable. I never felt rushed, and he took the time to listen to my concerns and explain things clearly. The staff was professional but also warm and welcoming, and there was hardly any wait. Overall, I was very happy with my visit and would definitely recommend Dr. Peterson.
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Dave Hopkins profile picture
Dave Hopkins
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Timely, professional, quality care and entire staff are very friendly.
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Ali Danesh profile picture
Ali Danesh
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Dr Peterson is a one of a kind physician. He listens, finds a solution and offers you options to get the relief you need without complicating your prognosis. He's compassionate, caring and has the best bedside manner of a great doctor. I highly recommend and trust him with my foot related issues
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David Levy profile picture
David Levy
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We've had a truly phenomenal experience with Dr Peterson. I brought my 9 year old to him for Severs disease. One of the nicest and most caring doctors I've ever met. Truly cares about his patients. Highly recommended. Staff is great too.
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Qiana Tabor
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Dr. Peterson is very kind, explains everything well, gives good advice and takes his time. Everyone is kind and helpful.
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Alan T
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Review of Dr. David Peterson, Podiatrist Before I begin, I want to make it clear that I receive no compensation, discount, or special treatment from Dr. Peterson or his office because of this review. He did not ask or suggest that I write it. I am sharing my experience because I genuinely believe it may be helpful to others. I have been a patient of Dr. David Peterson for more than four years. I wear orthotics, and he has also treated me for a painful nail spike on my big toe. As a podiatrist, I have always found him to be knowledgeable, professional, and outstanding. However, this review is primarily about my experience with EMTT (Extracorporeal Magneto Transduction Technology). I had been curious about EMTT and wondered whether it was simply another promising treatment that would eventually fade away after a short period of time. I had originally considered trying it for my knees. Then, in August 2026, I severely injured my lower back for no obvious reason. I began experiencing intense spasms in my lower back, around belt level and just to the right of my spine. I wasn't sure whether the problem was muscular or nerve-related. What I did know was that the pain was severe—about a 9 out of 10. I had difficulty walking and was experiencing four or five severe spasms every hour. The spasms would suddenly grab me and send sharp pain down the back of my right leg, making even simple activities extremely difficult, including getting in and out of bed, walking, or standing up from a chair. Dr. Peterson suggested that I try three EMTT treatments, one week apart. After my first treatment, I felt a significant improvement. I was able to walk without triggering spasms, and the frequency of the spasms dropped dramatically—from four or five an hour to only three during the following 24 hours. Wearing a back brace also helped improve my comfort level. Interestingly, during the EMTT treatment itself, I felt very little. I didn't feel an electrical sensation, vibration, heat, or much of anything else. In fact, I remember thinking that perhaps it wasn't going to help me at all. I completed all three treatments, one week apart. EMTT is not covered by my insurance, and I was very skeptical about whether it would be worth the expense. However, after completing the three treatments, I became convinced that EMTT had been extremely helpful and had provided me with significant and lasting relief. I was eventually able to see a spine specialist and have an MRI performed to further evaluate my back. I understand that EMTT is not necessarily the answer for every condition, and I can only speak from my own experience. But based on what I personally went through, I am convinced that Dr. Peterson did everything he could to help me, and that EMTT played an important role in getting me through an extremely painful period. I am very grateful for Dr. Peterson's care, professionalism, and willingness to try something that I initially viewed with a great deal of skepticism. For me, the results were very real, and I would strongly recommend Dr. Peterson to anyone considering his care.
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Melissa Kassouf
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After my existing Dr. was in an accident, I had to find new care. I saw two other podiatrists before deciding to transfer my care to Dr. Petersen & his outstanding team at Pacific Foot & Ankle. I have not looked back since and know I found the right Dr. and office to manage my ongoing foot issues that have been plaguing me for years! I cannot say enough good things about every single interaction I have with this office. Dr. Petersen is exceptional; he is knowledgeable, patient, gentle, empathetic and kind. I truly believe he has the patients best interest at heart, as recently evidenced by encouraging me to hold off on a procedure I was questioning doing that would be invasive as he felt it was too soon to consider it. So many other Doctors would just want to complete something and send you on your way to move on to the next patient, but he did not. He took a "wait and see" approach and was patient and understanding; he discussed the issue which I really appreciated. Every single interaction I have had with every single member of his team is always so on point! The office is well ran and everyone is kind, professional and helpful. I am dealing with a chronic issue I have had for years and both Dr. Petersen and all of his team members go out of their way to always provide a superior experience each and every time I am seen. The office always has an upbeat and fun vibe to it which helps when you are dealing with not so fun foot issues. Kudos to both Dr. Petersen and all of his team- I appreciate you! I encourage anyone seeking excellence in podiatric care to try this office.
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Karen Tallichet
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I met with Dr. Peterson on Friday for my very first time. He was more than Pleasant. He was actually very kind, funny and very welcoming and of course well educated on the structure of the feet, mine are an unusual pair? He was able to treat my foot immediately. I have a follow up in three months. I am very happy with how everything turned out. Glad to find a new podiatrist. With such a great bedside manner
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KNOW WHEN TO GET HELP

When Should You See a Podiatrist for Plantar Fasciitis?

Schedule an evaluation when heel pain does not improve, keeps returning, worsens, or begins limiting your normal activities.

Seek professional care if:

  • Morning heel pain continues for several weeks
  • Pain returns whenever you increase your activity
  • You begin changing how you walk
  • Pain becomes more severe or more frequent
  • You notice swelling, numbness, or tingling
  • You have diabetes and develop new heel pain
PLANTAR FASCIITIS FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia can tighten while your foot rests overnight. Your first steps stretch the irritated tissue again, which may cause sharp pain under the heel.

The plantar fascia may tighten during periods of rest. Pain can return when you stand and place weight on the foot again.

Plantar fasciitis can persist when the underlying source of repeated tissue strain is not addressed. Foot structure, activity, flexibility, and footwear may continue placing pressure on the plantar fascia.

It depends on the severity of your symptoms and the activity involved. Continuing activities that increase your pain may further irritate the tissue, so personalized activity guidance is important.

Walking barefoot can increase strain on the plantar fascia because the foot receives less cushioning and support. Hard surfaces may make the discomfort more noticeable.

Yes, symptoms can return if the factors contributing to the condition remain. Supportive footwear, appropriate stretching, activity management, and other recommendations may help reduce recurring strain.

Consider seeing a podiatrist when heel pain persists, repeatedly returns, worsens, or affects your walking and daily activities. An evaluation can confirm whether plantar fasciitis or another condition is causing your pain.

REQUEST AN EVALUATION

Take the Next Step Toward Plantar Fasciitis Relief

If plantar fasciitis is making your first steps, daily walks, or favorite activities uncomfortable, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Petersen. He’ll identify what may be straining your plantar fascia and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.