Diabetic Foot Care in Laguna Woods, CA
Protect Your Feet Before Small Problems Become Serious
We evaluate your skin, nails, circulation, sensation, and pressure areas to help identify foot problems early and reduce the risk of complications.
Does This Sound Familiar?
- Numbness or reduced feeling in your feet
- Burning, tingling, or unusual sensitivity
- Cuts, blisters, or sores that heal slowly
- Dry, cracked, or changing skin
- Swelling, redness, or unusual warmth
- Corns, calluses, or nail problems that keep returning
Why Does Diabetes Affect the Feet?
Diabetes can affect the nerves, circulation, skin, and structure of the feet. These changes may allow a small problem to worsen before you realize it is there.
Reduced Sensation
Diabetic neuropathy can make it difficult to feel pain, pressure, heat, cold, or a developing injury.
Poor Circulation
Reduced blood flow can make it harder for wounds to heal and for the body to fight infection.
Unnoticed Injuries
A blister, cut, or object inside a shoe may cause damage without creating noticeable pain.
Pressure Areas
Changes in foot shape or walking patterns can create concentrated pressure that may lead to calluses or skin breakdown.
Dry or Cracked Skin
Diabetes-related nerve changes can reduce natural moisture and make the skin more likely to crack.
Nail and Skin Conditions
Ingrown toenails, fungal infections, corns, and calluses may create openings where infection can develop.
What Happens During a Diabetic Foot Evaluation?
Regular evaluations can help identify changes in sensation, circulation, skin, and foot structure before complications become more serious.
1. Review Your Foot Health
Dr. Petersen will ask about diabetes management, previous wounds, numbness, pain, footwear, and changes you’ve noticed.
2. Examine Your Feet
He’ll examine your skin, nails, pressure areas, foot shape, swelling, temperature, and any cuts, sores, or calluses.
3. Check Sensation and Circulation
Simple in-office testing may be used to evaluate feeling and blood flow in your feet.
A Different Approach to Diabetic Foot Care
We do not wait for a foot problem to become painful because diabetes may reduce your ability to feel an injury. Dr. Petersen focuses on early detection, pressure management, skin and nail health, and personalized guidance based on your individual risks.
Find Problems Before They Become Serious
Regular foot evaluations can identify wounds, pressure areas, circulation changes, reduced sensation, and infections that may otherwise go unnoticed. Early care can help protect the skin and reduce the risk of more serious complications.
Why Choose Dr. Petersen?
Dr. David Petersen has provided podiatric care to patients in Orange County and Los Angeles since 1998. He evaluates each patient’s foot health and individual risk factors before recommending care.
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 managing common and complex foot conditions
Patients receive clear explanations about examination findings, risk factors, available options, and appropriate next steps.
Trusted by Local Patients
★★★★★ 4.9 / 5 · 120+ reviews
What Patients Are Saying
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Manna SinghTrustindex 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.![]()
Dave HopkinsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Timely, professional, quality care and entire staff are very friendly.![]()
Ali DaneshTrustindex 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![]()
David LevyTrustindex 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.![]()
Qiana TaborTrustindex 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.![]()
Alan TTrustindex 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.![]()
Melissa KassoufTrustindex 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.![]()
Karen TallichetTrustindex 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 mannerVerified by TrustindexTrustindex 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
When Should You See a Podiatrist for Diabetic Foot Care?
People with diabetes should arrange regular foot evaluations and seek prompt care whenever a new injury, skin change, or infection concern appears.
Contact the office promptly if:
- You discover a cut, blister, sore, or open wound
- A wound is not healing as expected
- Redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, or odor develops
- A toenail becomes ingrown, thickened, or infected
- A corn or callus becomes painful or changes
- You notice new numbness, burning, tingling, or discoloration
Seek immediate medical attention for blackened tissue, rapidly spreading redness, fever with a foot wound, or a severely swollen, hot, or deformed foot.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetic Foot Care
Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, cracks, drainage, and nail changes. Use a mirror or ask someone for help if you cannot see the bottoms of your feet.
Yes. Diabetic neuropathy can reduce your ability to feel pain, heat, cold, or pressure. A wound or infection may worsen without causing the discomfort you would normally expect.
The appropriate schedule depends on your circulation, sensation, previous wounds, foot structure, and other risk factors. Dr. Petersen can recommend an examination schedule based on your needs.
Some people can safely trim their nails straight across, but professional care may be safer if the nails are thick, difficult to reach, or if sensation or circulation is reduced. Do not cut into the corners.
No. Cutting a corn or callus or using medicated removal products can damage the skin and cause a wound or infection. Have the area evaluated and treated professionally.
Walking barefoot increases the risk of cuts, burns, punctures, and other injuries that may go unnoticed. Wear properly fitting shoes or protective footwear indoors and outdoors.
Seek prompt care for an open sore, drainage, spreading redness, warmth, swelling, discoloration, or a wound that is not healing. Severe infection signs, black tissue, or sudden deformity require immediate medical attention.
Take the Next Step in Protecting Your Feet
If you have diabetes or have noticed a new foot concern, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Petersen. He’ll assess your foot health, identify potential risks, and recommend appropriate preventive or follow-up care.