Holistic Podiatry FAQs
What Is Holistic Podiatry?
Holistic podiatry is an advanced approach to foot and ankle care that focuses on the whole person, not just the site of pain. Instead of masking symptoms with cortisone shots, orthotics, or surgery, it looks deeper—addressing the root causes that prevent true healing. These can include chronic inflammation, poor circulation, nerve dysfunction, metabolic imbalances, or even hormonal and nutritional deficiencies.
A holistic podiatrist studies how the body’s systems work together and how factors like stress, digestion, toxins, and posture can affect your feet. This integrative perspective allows treatment plans that not only relieve pain but also restore mobility, balance, and long-term resilience.
At Kim Foot & Ankle Centers in Long Beach, Dr. Don Kim, DPM, has spent more than 30 years pioneering this whole-body, regenerative approach. He combines regenerative therapies—such as PRP, ozone, and prolotherapy injections—with lifestyle medicine, functional diagnostics, and nutrient support to help patients heal from the inside out.
Dr. Kim’s method is designed to reactivate your body’s natural healing capacity, reduce inflammation, and strengthen structural alignment—allowing patients to stay active and avoid unnecessary surgery or medications. In short, it’s about rebuilding the foundation, not just patching the cracks.
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What Is the Science Behind Holistic Podiatry?
Holistic podiatry is grounded in scientific, regenerative, and functional medicine principles. Instead of numbing pain with medication or surgery, it stimulates the body’s own healing mechanisms—especially in tendons, ligaments, joints, and nerves—through evidence-based regenerative therapies.
These include PRP (platelet-rich plasma), ozone, and prolotherapy injections, which activate local repair and improve circulation. In combination with hyperbaric oxygen and IV nutrient therapy, these treatments enhance oxygen delivery, reduce inflammation, and speed tissue recovery.
Unlike conventional podiatry, which focuses mainly on symptom relief, holistic podiatry aims to repair and rebuild the affected tissues. Clinical research supports its effectiveness for chronic tendon pain, arthritis, and joint degeneration—conditions that often persist despite standard care.
By pairing regenerative medicine with advanced diagnostics and personalized recovery plans, holistic podiatry helps patients achieve long-term mobility and pain-free function naturally.
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What Conditions Does Holistic Podiatry Treat?
Holistic podiatry addresses a wide range of foot and ankle conditions by identifying the underlying reasons healing has stalled—rather than simply treating where it hurts. This approach recognizes that chronic pain or slow recovery often stem from inflammation, circulation problems, scar tissue, nutrient imbalances, stress, or hormonal dysfunction that affect the body’s ability to repair itself.
At Kim Foot & Ankle Centers in Long Beach, Dr. Don Kim, DPM, has helped thousands of patients overcome conditions such as ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, tendon injuries, nerve pain, post-surgical complications, and chronic inflammation. His treatment plans integrate regenerative therapies like PRP, ozone, and prolotherapy with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and IV nutrient infusions to boost oxygenation, accelerate tissue healing, and restore mobility.
Dr. Kim also considers the entire kinetic chain—how posture, gait, metabolism, and immune health impact foot and ankle function. By improving alignment, circulation, and nutrient delivery, he helps patients heal from the inside out while preventing re-injury or degeneration.
Rather than offering temporary pain relief, this whole-body, regenerative approach promotes complete recovery, long-term resilience, and an active, pain-free lifestyle without dependence on surgery or medications.
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What Symptoms Does Holistic Podiatry Help With?
Holistic podiatry helps with a broad spectrum of symptoms—not just foot pain. It addresses chronic pain, stiffness, swelling, numbness, instability, slow healing, and recurring injuries by treating the root causes behind them, such as inflammation, scar tissue, poor circulation, or biomechanical imbalances.
Because the feet are the foundation of the body, problems here can also contribute to knee, hip, and lower back pain. Holistic care works to realign the body from the ground up, combining regenerative therapies, movement retraining, and oxygen or nutrient-based support to restore proper function.
Rather than offering temporary relief, this approach rebuilds balance, strength, and long-term mobility—helping patients move pain-free and prevent future injuries.
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How Does Holistic Podiatry Address Root Causes?
Holistic podiatry doesn’t stop at pain relief—it investigates why pain, stiffness, or instability began in the first place. Instead of focusing only on local symptoms, this approach evaluates the structural, biochemical, and lifestyle factors that contribute to chronic issues. Common underlying causes include scar tissue, hidden inflammation, poor circulation, repetitive stress, and nutrient depletion that prevent the body from fully repairing itself.
Through a detailed assessment of joint mechanics, movement patterns, tissue health, and metabolic function, a holistic podiatrist designs a personalized plan that supports regeneration from the inside out. Treatments often combine regenerative injections (such as PRP, ozone, or prolotherapy) with oxygen therapy and IV nutrients, stimulating natural repair and strengthening weakened tissues.Rather than masking pain with cortisone, orthotics, or medication, holistic care focuses on restoring proper alignment, improving circulation, and addressing the habits that led to injury. By rebuilding function at the root level, this method promotes lasting recovery and prevents relapse—helping patients return to movement stronger than before.
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How Does Holistic Podiatry Differ From Conventional Podiatry?
Conventional podiatry focuses primarily on symptom relief—using orthotics, cortisone shots, pain medications, or surgery to manage discomfort. While these tools can be helpful for acute pain, they rarely address why the problem developed in the first place. Holistic podiatry takes a wider view, exploring how inflammation, circulation, posture, nutrition, hormones, and stress all influence foot and ankle health.
Instead of focusing solely on the site of pain, a holistic podiatrist evaluates the entire body’s mechanics and biochemistry, using advanced diagnostics, lab testing, and regenerative treatments to stimulate long-term healing. Common therapies include PRP, ozone, and prolotherapy injections, IV nutrient therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen, all designed to repair tissue rather than just manage symptoms.The key difference lies in philosophy: conventional care treats what hurts, while holistic care looks for why it hurts—and corrects it at the source. By combining regenerative medicine with lifestyle support, patients often recover faster, avoid surgery, and maintain lasting mobility.
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Does Holistic Podiatry Actually Work?
Yes — when practiced by a qualified provider, holistic podiatry can be highly effective for resolving stubborn pain, chronic injuries, and mobility issues that don’t respond to conventional care. It works by identifying and treating the root causes—such as inflammation, scar tissue, circulation problems, or nutritional deficiencies—while reactivating the body’s natural ability to heal.
Through a combination of regenerative therapies (like PRP, ozone, and prolotherapy), hyperbaric oxygen therapy, IV nutrient infusions, and movement retraining, this approach accelerates recovery and strengthens the tissues that support long-term function. Patients often report faster healing, reduced pain, and better overall balance—not just in their feet and ankles, but throughout the body.
Holistic podiatry is especially beneficial for people who’ve already tried surgery, cortisone shots, or physical therapy without lasting relief. By rebuilding from the inside out, it restores mobility naturally and helps prevent future injury.
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How Can I Find a Holistic Podiatrist Near Me?
Finding a holistic podiatrist means looking for a doctor who blends traditional podiatry with regenerative and whole-body medicine. Since “holistic podiatry” isn’t a formal title, you may not see it listed in insurance directories—but many skilled practitioners practice this way under terms like regenerative podiatry or non-surgical foot and ankle specialist.
Start by searching for providers who offer PRP, ozone, or prolotherapy injections, IV nutrient therapy, or hyperbaric oxygen treatments for chronic foot and ankle pain. These are strong indicators of a holistic, root-cause approach. Avoid clinics that immediately suggest surgery or pain medication; instead, look for those emphasizing healing, restoration, and education.If you’re in Southern California, Dr. Don Kim, DPM, at Kim Foot & Ankle Centers in Long Beach is a trusted leader in regenerative and holistic podiatry—helping patients recover naturally and avoid unnecessary procedures.
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Who Is a Holistic Podiatrist Near Me?
A holistic podiatrist is a foot and ankle specialist who treats the whole person, not just the area of pain. Instead of relying on cortisone shots, painkillers, or surgery, they use regenerative therapies, advanced diagnostics, and lifestyle-based care to address the underlying reasons why healing hasn’t occurred.
These practitioners look beyond the foot itself—evaluating posture, gait, circulation, inflammation, nutrition, and stress levels to uncover the root causes of chronic pain or recurring injuries. Treatments often include PRP, ozone, or prolotherapy injections, combined with oxygen or nutrient therapies that support the body’s natural repair systems.While most holistic podiatrists operate outside of insurance-based models, patients choose them for their personalized attention, longer visits, and lasting results. In Southern California, Dr. Don Kim at Kim Foot & Ankle Centers is a leader in this approach, helping patients heal naturally and stay active without surgery.
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Does Insurance Cover a Holistic Podiatrist?
Most insurance plans cover standard podiatry services, such as exams, imaging, and basic treatments like orthotics or cortisone shots. However, the regenerative and functional therapies that define holistic podiatry—like PRP, ozone, prolotherapy, IV nutrition, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy—are usually not covered. These treatments go beyond symptom management and focus on rebuilding tissue and restoring long-term health, which falls outside traditional insurance models.
While this can mean an out-of-pocket investment, many patients choose holistic care after trying conventional treatments without lasting results. They value the personalized care, deeper healing, and non-surgical alternatives that regenerative medicine provides.
At Kim Foot & Ankle Centers in Long Beach, Dr. Don Kim offers both insurance-based diagnostics and self-pay regenerative programs, ensuring patients understand their options before beginning care.
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Office FAQs
Do you take my insurance?
At Kim Holistic Foot and Ankle Center we accept a variety of insurance carriers to care and treat many patients. We accept PPO, HMO (IPA), Medicare, Workers Comp. and Cash.
What if I don’t have insurance?
If you do not have insurance, cash payments are accepted. Full cash payment is due at the time of service. We accept cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, and Care Credit. Care credit is a healthcare credit card designed for your health, and wellness needs. It’s a way to pay for the costs of many treatments and procedures and allows you to make convenient monthly payments. If you want more information on Care Credit ask our front office staff.
Click for the full list of insurance carriers we accept
Contracted WC Insurance
1. Applied Risk Services
2. Applied Risk Underwriters MPN
3. Berkshire Hathaway
4. Broadspire
5. Cambridge
6. CCN (California Contractors Network)
7. Chartis (Formerly AIG)
8. Chubb Group Insurance Company
9. City of Long Beach
10. City of Los Angeles
11. City of Torrance
12. Corvel
13. Crum & Forster
14. First Comp Insurance
15. Gallagher Bassett
16. Matrix Absence Management
17. Medex
18. Sedgwick Claims Management
19. Southern California Risk Management
20. The Hartford
21. Travelers
22. Tristar Risk Management
23. Zurich
PPO
1. AARP
2. Aetna
3. APWU
4. Blue Cross
5. Blue Shield- PPO
6. Blue Shield- Covered CA
7. BRMS
8. Champva
9. Cigna
10. EBA
11. First Health
12. GEHA
13. HealthNet PPO
14. Humana
15. Mail Handlers
16. Medicare
17. Medi-Medi
18. Medicare Railroad
19. Operating Engineers
20. PHCS
21. Pinnacle Claims Management
22. Tricare/ Triwest/ Standard
23. Tricare- Prime
24. United Healthcare- UHP
25. UMR
IPA / HMO
1. Citrus Valley IPA
2. Pacific Healthcare IPA
3. Brand New Day IPA
4. Regal IPA/ ADOC
5. St. Mary IPA
6. Nexus IPA
7. Sejong IPA
What can I expect as a new patient?
As a new patient, our front office staff will ask you to fill out registration and health history forms. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to complete your paperwork. These forms may be accessed on our website at KimFoot.com under the patient center. If you do decide to fill these forms online prior to your appointment please print and bring them with you.
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
Please bring a list of any medications you are currently taking and your insurance card or copy of your card. If your insurance requires a co-pay/deductible, please be prepared to pay that at the time of your visit. In addition, it is helpful to write down a list of questions for your provider so that we can ensure that we answer all of your questions in the exam room.
What are your medical centers office hours?
Our medical centers’ hours are Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Our office is closed from 12:30 PM to 2:00 for lunch. On Thursday our office is closed from 12:30-3:00 PM.
What if I can’t make my appointment and I need to reschedule?
If you are a new patient, please contact our office at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment at (562) 426-2551. We understand that things change and letting us know that you can’t make your appointment will help our staff prepare for the day.
Can I be seen without an appointment?
Unfortunately, we do not see patients without a scheduled appointment. We recommend all new patients to call and schedule an appointment to be seen. If you do require emergency care, please call our office at (562) 426-2551 to alert our office of your emergency infection or injury.
Do I need a referral from my primary care physician to see a specialist?
If you have insurance under Workers Comp and HMO (IPA) you will be required to see your primary doctor to obtain a referral prior to making an appointment. If you have insurance under PPO, Medicare, or will be a Cash patient you can visit us directly without a referral.
Where do I park when I get there?
If you have an appointment, there are two parking areas where you can park. For more convenient parking, we do offer parking lot spaces that will require a fee. The parking fees are set as follows; the first 15 minutes are free and over 1-hour time will be charged at a flat price of $5. Kim Holistic Foot & Ankle has no control over parking fees as they are placed for all medical offices in the designated building. For free parking, patients can park in the sidestreets of the building.
What do I do if I run out of my medications?
Please note that any new medications may require a patient visit and all controlled substances require a visit every three months. Questions on refill medications can be answered by calling our office at (562) 426- 2551.