Foot and Ankle Diagnostic Services in Laguna Woods, CA

Find the Cause Before Choosing a Treatment

Pacific Foot & Ankle Center uses clinical evaluation and diagnostic technology to identify the source of foot or ankle symptoms and guide appropriate care.

WHEN AN EVALUATION MAY HELP

Are You Dealing With Any of These?

  • Pain without an obvious cause
  • Swelling that does not improve
  • Difficulty standing, walking, or exercising
  • A recent foot or ankle injury
  • Recurring symptoms despite previous treatment
  • Changes in your foot structure or movement
DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES

How We Evaluate Foot and Ankle Problems

The diagnostic services used during your visit will depend on your symptoms, medical history, examination, and suspected condition.

Clinical Foot and Ankle Examination

Dr. Petersen evaluates the painful area, joint movement, strength, flexibility, circulation, sensation, foot structure, and walking pattern.

In-Office Digital X-Ray

Digital X-rays provide detailed images of bones and joints to help evaluate fractures, arthritis, alignment, deformities, and other structural concerns.

Diagnostic Ultrasound

Ultrasound may be used to examine soft tissues, including the plantar fascia and tendons, for thickening, scar tissue, or possible tears.

3D Foot Scanning

Digital 3D scanning captures the shape and contours of both feet when custom orthotics are being considered.

Advanced Imaging Referrals

An MRI or another imaging study may be ordered when additional detail is needed for chronic, complex, or unresolved symptoms.

DIAGNOSIS BEFORE TREATMENT

Understand What Is Causing Your Symptoms

Different conditions can produce similar pain, swelling, weakness, or mobility problems. Treating symptoms without identifying the underlying problem may delay appropriate care. Dr. Petersen combines your medical history, physical examination, and relevant imaging findings to develop an individualized diagnosis and treatment plan.

WHY DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION MATTERS

Benefits of a Thorough Evaluation

More Accurate Treatment Planning

Diagnostic findings help determine which treatment options may be appropriate for your condition.

Convenient In-Office Imaging

Digital X-rays and selected ultrasound examinations may be completed without visiting another imaging center.

Bone and Soft-Tissue Assessment

Different diagnostic tools provide information about bones, joints, tendons, fascia, and foot structure.

Reduced Guesswork

Objective findings can help distinguish between conditions that cause similar symptoms.

The goal is to understand the source of your problem before recommending the next step.

HOW IT WORKS

How Is a Diagnosis Reached?

Dr. Petersen begins by discussing your symptoms, health history, activities, injuries, and previous treatment. He then examines your foot and ankle and selects any imaging or testing needed to evaluate the suspected condition. Not every patient needs every diagnostic service.

WHAT TO EXPECT

What Happens During Your Evaluation?

1. Discuss Your Symptoms

Explain where the problem occurs, when it began, what makes it worse, and what care you have already tried.

2. Complete an Examination

Dr. Petersen checks the affected area, movement, structure, strength, flexibility, and other relevant findings.

3. Review Imaging if Needed

Digital X-rays, ultrasound, 3D scanning, or an outside imaging referral may be recommended based on the examination.

EXPERIENCED PODIATRIC CARE

Diagnostic Evaluation With David Petersen, DPM

Dr. David Petersen has provided podiatric care in Orange County and Los Angeles since 1998. His experience includes evaluating common foot problems, sports injuries, fractures, tendon concerns, structural conditions, and mobility issues.

After your evaluation, he will explain the findings in clear language and discuss appropriate treatment options.

Trusted by Local Patients

★★★★★ 4.9 / 5 · 120+ reviews

PATIENT EXPERIENCES

What Patients Are Saying

Google
Manna Singh profile picture
Manna Singh
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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.
Google
Dave Hopkins profile picture
Dave Hopkins
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Timely, professional, quality care and entire staff are very friendly.
Google
Ali Danesh profile picture
Ali Danesh
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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
Google
David Levy profile picture
David Levy
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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.
Google
Qiana Tabor profile picture
Qiana Tabor
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Dr. Peterson is very kind, explains everything well, gives good advice and takes his time. Everyone is kind and helpful.
Google
Alan T profile picture
Alan T
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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.
Google
Melissa Kassouf profile picture
Melissa Kassouf
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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.
Google
Karen Tallichet profile picture
Karen Tallichet
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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
Verified by Trustindex
Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Bring your identification, insurance information, medication list, relevant medical records, and previous imaging when available. You may also bring the shoes, braces, inserts, or orthotics you regularly use.

Pacific Foot & Ankle Center provides in-office digital X-rays when clinically appropriate. Whether you need an X-ray will depend on your symptoms, examination, and suspected diagnosis.

Digital X-rays can help identify fractures, arthritis, bone alignment, deformities, heel spurs, and other structural changes. They provide less detail about many tendons, ligaments, nerves, and other soft tissues.

Ultrasound may help evaluate selected soft-tissue concerns involving tendons, the plantar fascia, or other structures. Dr. Petersen will determine whether it is appropriate for your symptoms.

Not every patient needs an MRI. One may be ordered when more detailed imaging is required for a chronic, complex, or unresolved bone, joint, or soft-tissue concern.

The scanner captures detailed three-dimensional images of both feet. These images may be used with examination findings to create an individualized prescription for custom orthotics.

Digital X-rays use ionizing radiation, so they are ordered only when clinically appropriate. Tell the office before imaging if you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

Coverage depends on your plan, diagnosis, medical necessity, and the test performed. Contact Pacific Foot & Ankle Center or your insurer to confirm current benefits and potential costs.

REQUEST AN EVALUATION

Take the First Step Toward the Right Treatment

If pain, injury, or changes in your foot or ankle are affecting your daily life, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Petersen. An accurate diagnosis can help determine the most appropriate next step.