Everything You Need to Know
32 questions answered by Dr. Golan about podiatric care in Columbus, Ohio.
Can't find what you're looking for? Call us at (614) 328-5561.
About Dr. Golan & Vertex Podiatry
What is a podiatrist, and how is a DPM different from an MD?
A podiatrist (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, DPM) is a physician who has completed four years of undergraduate education, four years at an accredited podiatric medical school, and a 3-year hospital-based surgical residency - identical in intensity to surgical residencies in general medicine. DPMs are licensed to diagnose, treat, and surgically correct all conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. The key difference from orthopedic MDs is specialization: Dr. Golan focuses exclusively on foot and ankle medicine, meaning he performs more foot and ankle procedures in a month than most orthopedic surgeons perform in a year.
Do you treat children and teenagers?
Yes. Dr. Golan provides pediatric foot care for children and adolescents. Common pediatric conditions we treat include in-toeing/out-toeing gait abnormalities, Sever's disease (heel pain in growing children), flatfoot, plantar warts, ingrown toenails, and sports-related foot and ankle injuries. Early evaluation of pediatric foot problems often prevents more serious issues in adulthood.
Do you speak Spanish?
Yes. Dr. Golan speaks Spanish and is able to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients throughout their visit. All patient education materials, treatment discussions, and follow-up instructions are available in Spanish. We believe healthcare is most effective when there is no language barrier between patient and physician.
Where is Vertex Podiatry located?
Our office is located at 1500 W 3rd Ave, Suite 120, Grandview Heights, Ohio 43212 - in the Grandview area of Columbus, easily accessible from I-315, SR-315, and US-33. We serve patients from across the Columbus metro area including Upper Arlington, Dublin, Hilliard, Westerville, Worthington, Clintonville, Bexley, and beyond. Free parking is available.
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes, we are actively accepting new patients. We offer online scheduling through our patient portal and direct phone scheduling at (614) 328-5561. We frequently have same-day and next-day appointments available for acute or urgent concerns. We accept most major insurance plans and welcome patients without insurance as well.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can schedule online through our patient portal at any time - the button on our website takes you directly there. You can also call our office at (614) 328-5561 during business hours. For urgent concerns - sudden severe pain, swelling, an injury, or a wound that is not healing - we prioritize same-day evaluation whenever possible. Please don't wait with an urgent foot problem.
Do you offer same-day appointments?
Yes, we frequently have same-day appointments available, particularly for urgent issues such as sudden pain, suspected fractures, infected ingrown toenails, acute gout attacks, wounds, or ankle injuries. Call us at (614) 328-5561 first thing in the morning for the best chance of a same-day slot. If same-day isn't possible, we will work to fit you in within 24-48 hours.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring: your insurance card and a valid photo ID; a list of current medications (including supplements); any prior imaging (X-rays, MRI, ultrasound reports); a list of previous treatments you've tried for your foot problem; comfortable socks; and shoes that you wear regularly. Wearing or bringing multiple pairs of shoes - including work shoes and athletic shoes - can be very helpful for Dr. Golan's biomechanical evaluation.
How long is a typical first appointment?
A new patient appointment typically runs 45-60 minutes. This allows Dr. Golan to take a thorough medical history, perform a complete biomechanical and clinical examination, conduct in-office imaging (weight-bearing X-rays, diagnostic ultrasound) when indicated, and discuss a comprehensive treatment plan with you. We do not rush appointments - we want you to leave with a clear understanding of your condition and your options.
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
Yes, we offer telehealth consultations for appropriate cases - particularly for follow-up visits, medication questions, results reviews, and initial consultations for patients who are evaluating their options before committing to an in-person visit. Telehealth is especially convenient for patients in farther communities like Delaware, Pickerington, or Lewis Center. Hands-on examination and imaging are required for most new diagnoses and procedures.
What imaging is available in-office?
Vertex Podiatry has full diagnostic imaging capabilities on-site, including digital weight-bearing X-ray and high-resolution diagnostic ultrasound. Weight-bearing X-rays are essential for accurate evaluation of most foot and ankle deformities, fractures, and joint conditions. Ultrasound allows real-time visualization of soft tissues - tendons, ligaments, neuromas, bursae - and is also used to guide injections precisely. MRI and CT scans are ordered externally when needed.
What foot and ankle conditions do you treat?
Dr. Golan treats the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions, including: plantar fasciitis and heel pain, bunions (hallux valgus), hammertoes, ingrown toenails, fungal nail infections, plantar warts, Morton's neuroma, Achilles tendinitis and rupture, ankle sprains and chronic instability, stress fractures, flat feet and PTTD, gout, diabetic foot care and wound care, peripheral neuropathy, corns and calluses, arthritis of the foot and ankle, venous insufficiency ulcers, and pediatric foot conditions. If you have a foot or ankle problem not listed here, call us - we likely treat it.
What is the most common cause of heel pain?
Plantar fasciitis is by far the most common cause of heel pain, accounting for approximately 80% of all heel pain cases. It involves inflammation of the plantar fascia - the thick band of connective tissue running along the bottom of the foot. The classic symptom is sharp pain with the first steps in the morning that eases after a few minutes. Heel spurs, Achilles tendinitis, stress fractures, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and fat pad atrophy are other common causes - which is why accurate diagnosis is essential before beginning treatment.
Do you treat sports injuries and running-related foot problems?
Yes - sports medicine is a core part of our practice. We treat runners, youth athletes, adult recreational athletes, and competitive athletes. Common sports-related conditions include: plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, stress fractures, ankle sprains and instability, peroneal tendon injuries, sesamoiditis, turf toe, and shin splints. We focus on getting athletes back to sport as quickly and safely as possible, using advanced diagnostics and targeted treatments like shockwave therapy, laser therapy, and custom orthotics.
I have diabetes. Do I really need to see a podiatrist?
Yes - and annual (or more frequent) podiatric care is strongly recommended by the American Diabetes Association for all diabetic patients. Diabetes causes peripheral neuropathy (loss of sensation) and peripheral arterial disease (reduced blood flow) - both of which make the feet exceptionally vulnerable to injuries, ulcers, and infections that can escalate to serious complications. Regular podiatric visits allow early detection of skin changes, calluses, and early ulcerations before they progress. The statistics are sobering: every 20 seconds, somewhere in the world, a lower limb is amputated as a result of diabetes - and most of those amputations are preventable.
Can a bunion be fixed without surgery?
No - once a bunion deformity has developed, only surgery can realign the bones and restore the joint's proper position. Conservative treatments (custom orthotics, wide footwear, toe spacers, stretching) can effectively manage pain and slow the progression of the deformity, but they cannot reverse the structural misalignment. The good news: modern minimally invasive bunion surgery is performed through tiny incisions with significantly faster recovery than traditional open procedures. Most patients walk immediately in a surgical boot and return to regular shoes in 6-8 weeks.
What causes a Morton's neuroma?
Morton's neuroma is a benign thickening of the nerve tissue that runs between the metatarsal bones - most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It develops from chronic compression and irritation of the nerve, most often from narrow or high-heeled footwear, forefoot deformities like bunions or hammertoes, or repetitive high-impact activity. Symptoms include a burning or electric pain in the ball of the foot and a sensation of standing on a pebble or marble. Treatment ranges from footwear modification and orthotics to nerve block injections, alcohol sclerosing injections, and minimally invasive surgery.
What is Achilles tendinitis and how is it treated?
Achilles tendinitis is inflammation and degeneration of the Achilles tendon - the large cord connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. It typically causes pain and stiffness along the back of the ankle, especially in the morning or after periods of rest. Left untreated, it can progress to tendinosis (chronic degeneration) or partial/complete tendon rupture. Treatment depends on severity: early cases respond well to eccentric stretching exercises, custom orthotics, and activity modification. More established tendinopathy benefits significantly from shockwave therapy and REMY Class IV laser therapy. Severe or ruptured tendons may require surgical repair.
What treatments does Vertex Podiatry offer?
We offer a comprehensive range of conservative and surgical treatments: custom orthotics, Class IV REMY laser therapy, radial shockwave therapy, cortisone injections, amniotic membrane and platelet-rich regenerative injections, fat pad augmentation injections, Onyfix nail correction, laser fungal nail treatment, laser wart removal, in-office digital X-ray and diagnostic ultrasound, minimally invasive foot surgery (bunion, hammertoe, neuroma, flatfoot reconstruction), nail procedures (matrixectomy for ingrown nails), and advanced wound care including biological dressings and off-loading systems.
What is shockwave therapy, and does it hurt?
Radial shockwave therapy (RSWT) uses high-energy acoustic pressure waves to stimulate the body's natural healing process in damaged soft tissue. It is particularly effective for chronic plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and other tendon conditions that have not responded to conservative care. The treatment takes about 5-10 minutes per session. During treatment, patients feel a rhythmic tapping or vibration - some describe a deep pressure sensation, and the level of discomfort varies. There is no injection and no downtime. Clinical studies show 70-85% success rates for chronic plantar fasciitis after 3-5 sessions.
What is Class IV laser therapy (REMY laser)?
REMY is a 30-watt Class IV therapeutic laser that delivers concentrated light energy deep into tissue to reduce inflammation, stimulate cellular repair, accelerate healing, and relieve pain. It is FDA-cleared and clinically proven for conditions including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, peripheral neuropathy, and soft tissue injuries. Unlike Class III (cold) lasers, Class IV lasers deliver sufficient power to penetrate deep tissues. Sessions typically last 5-10 minutes and are painless. Many patients notice reduced pain within 1-3 treatments; a full course typically involves 6-10 sessions.
What is minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for the foot?
Minimally invasive foot surgery uses specialized instruments and real-time fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance to perform bone cuts, joint corrections, and soft tissue procedures through incisions that are typically 2-4 mm - smaller than a pencil eraser. For bunions and hammertoes in particular, this approach dramatically reduces soft tissue disruption, post-operative pain, and recovery time compared to traditional open surgery. Most MIS patients are weight-bearing in a surgical boot immediately after the procedure and return to regular shoes in 6-8 weeks.
What are custom orthotics, and how are they different from store-bought insoles?
Custom orthotics are prescription medical devices made from a precise 3D mold or digital scan of your specific foot. They are designed to correct your unique biomechanical imbalances - whether that's overpronation, a high arch, uneven weight distribution, or leg length discrepancy. Over-the-counter insoles provide general cushioning or arch support but are not designed to your foot's specific mechanics. Custom orthotics directly address the mechanical root cause of many foot conditions - reducing strain on the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and joint surfaces. They are covered by most insurance plans when medically indicated.
How long is recovery from foot surgery?
Recovery varies significantly by procedure. For minimally invasive bunion and hammertoe surgery: patients walk in a surgical boot immediately, transition to wide shoes at 6-8 weeks, and return to athletic shoes at 10-14 weeks. For ingrown nail procedures: 1-3 days of minor soreness, return to normal shoes within 1-2 days. For tendon repair: 6-12 weeks non-weight-bearing, physical therapy, full return to activity at 6-9 months. For reconstructive flatfoot surgery: 8-12 weeks non-weight-bearing, full recovery 9-12 months. Dr. Golan will give you specific expectations for your procedure during your consultation.
Do you perform surgery in-office or at a hospital/surgery center?
Both - depending on the procedure. Minor procedures (ingrown nail removal, cortisone injections, wart removal, laser treatments, nail biopsies, and many minimally invasive bone procedures) are performed right in our office under local anesthesia with no need for a hospital or ambulatory surgery center. More complex reconstructive surgeries, procedures requiring general anesthesia, or cases requiring overnight observation are performed at a nearby accredited surgery center or hospital. Dr. Golan will recommend the safest and most appropriate setting for your specific procedure.
What insurance plans do you accept?
Vertex Podiatry accepts most major insurance plans, including: Aetna, Anthem/BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, Humana, Medical Mutual of Ohio, UnitedHealthcare, OhioHealth Select, and other commercial PPO and HMO plans. We also accept Medicare Part B. Because insurance networks change, we recommend calling our office or your insurer to verify current participation before your appointment. Our staff is happy to verify benefits on your behalf.
Do you accept Medicare?
Yes, we accept Medicare Part B for covered podiatric services. Medicare covers many foot and ankle services when medically necessary, including: treatment of plantar fasciitis, ingrown nails, fungal infections, diabetic foot care, custom orthotics (when medically indicated), and surgical procedures when conservative care has failed. Some cosmetic or elective procedures may not be covered. Our team will verify your specific Medicare coverage and explain any expected patient responsibility before treatment.
Do you accept Medicaid or CareSource?
Please call our office at (614) 328-5561 to verify current Medicaid and CareSource plan participation, as coverage agreements change. Our staff will help determine whether your specific plan is accepted or whether we can work with you on other payment arrangements.
What if I don't have insurance?
We welcome self-pay patients and work to make care as accessible as possible. We offer transparent self-pay pricing and can discuss payment plans for larger procedures. We will provide a clear estimate of costs before proceeding with any treatment. For many straightforward conditions, the out-of-pocket cost of one visit is far less than patients expect - please call us to discuss your situation.
Does insurance cover custom orthotics?
Many insurance plans - including Medicare - cover custom functional orthotics when they are medically necessary for a documented foot condition (plantar fasciitis, flat feet, diabetic foot, etc.). Coverage typically requires that conservative treatments have been attempted, that a diagnosis justifying orthotics is documented, and that the orthotics meet the insurer's clinical criteria. Our team handles prior authorizations and documentation to maximize your coverage. We will explain your expected out-of-pocket cost before ordering.
Does insurance cover bunion surgery?
Yes - bunion surgery (bunionectomy) is typically covered by insurance when it is performed for pain relief and functional improvement, not solely for cosmetic reasons. Coverage generally requires documentation of conservative treatment failure (custom orthotics, appropriate footwear, etc.) and clinical evidence of pain affecting activities of daily living. Most major commercial insurance plans and Medicare cover bunionectomy when medically indicated. Our staff will obtain pre-authorization from your insurer and provide a detailed explanation of benefits before scheduling any procedure.
What is the cost of a first visit?
The cost of a new patient visit depends on your insurance and the complexity of your evaluation. With insurance, you typically pay your applicable copay or coinsurance - usually $20-$60 for specialist visits, depending on your plan. For self-pay patients, we offer transparent pricing - please call (614) 328-5561 for current rates. Any in-office imaging, procedures, or lab work may be billed separately. We will always discuss expected costs with you before proceeding.
Ready for a Real Evaluation?
Online answers are a starting point. An evaluation with Dr. Golan gives you an accurate diagnosis and a clear treatment plan - often with same-day appointments.
1500 W 3rd Ave Suite 120, Grandview Heights, OH · Bilingual EN/ES