Experienced Podiatrist in Laguna Woods, CA
Personalized foot and ankle care for children and adults.
Led by David Petersen, DPM, Pacific Foot & Ankle Center provides evaluation and treatment for foot pain, ankle injuries, nail conditions, structural concerns, and mobility problems.
120+ Reviews
★★★★★ 4.9 / 5
EXPERIENCED CARE
Serving Patients Since 1998
ON-SITE IMAGING
In-Office Digital X-Ray
Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Care
Pacific Foot & Ankle Center helps patients manage conditions that can affect comfort, balance, mobility, exercise, and everyday activities.
Dr. Petersen takes time to understand your symptoms, medical history, activity level, and goals before recommending the next steps. Depending on your needs, care may include conservative treatment, custom orthotics, advanced in-office technology, or surgical treatment.
Our goal is to provide clear information so you can make informed decisions about your foot and ankle health.
Find Care for Your Foot or Ankle Concern
Foot and ankle problems can make it difficult to walk, exercise, work, or enjoy your usual activities. Explore some of the common conditions evaluated at Pacific Foot & Ankle Center.

Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis
Identify the cause of recurring heel or arch pain and explore treatment.

Bunions
Explore conservative and surgical options for painful or increasingly misaligned big-toe joints.

Ingrown Toenails
Receive care for painful, swollen, infected, or frequently recurring ingrown toenail problems.

Toenail Fungus
Discuss treatment options for toenails that have become thickened, brittle, discolored, or difficult to trim.

Plantar Warts
Have painful or persistent plantar warts evaluated and explore appropriate treatment options.

Achilles and Tendon Pain
Address Achilles and tendon pain caused by injury, overuse, inflammation, or degeneration.

Ankle Sprains and Instability
Determine ankle injury severity and receive guidance on appropriate care and recovery.

Diabetic Foot Concerns
Receive professional attention for foot problems that may require additional care because of diabetes.
Diagnostic and Treatment Options
Treatment recommendations depend on your diagnosis, symptoms, medical history, activity level, and goals. After an evaluation, Dr. Petersen can explain options, expected outcomes, limitations, and alternatives.
Digital X-Ray
Digital X-rays evaluate fractures, arthritis, and deformities.
SWIFT Wart Treatment
SWIFT uses microwave energy to treat plantar warts.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapies support heel and tendon conditions.
Laser Treatment
Laser treatments address fungal nail and muscle concerns.
PRP Injections
PRP injections support soft-tissue, joint, and tendon concerns.
Custom Orthotics
3D scanning creates measurements for individualized orthotics.
Foot and Ankle Surgery
Surgery addresses conditions when conservative treatments fail.
Meet David Petersen, DPM
Dr. David Petersen has provided podiatric care to patients in Orange County and Los Angeles since 1998.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from Brigham Young University and received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the California College of Podiatric Medicine.
Dr. Petersen completed his residency in podiatric medicine and foot surgery at USC/L.A. County Hospital. He then completed a two-year fellowship in advanced foot and ankle surgery in Irvine, California.
His experience includes conservative and surgical care for common foot problems, structural conditions, sports injuries, tendon concerns, and other issues affecting mobility.
Helping You Stay Active
Foot and ankle pain can affect everyday movement, exercise, sports, and work. Dr. Petersen evaluates injuries and ongoing conditions to identify the cause and recommend appropriate next steps.
What to Expect as a New Patient
Request an Appointment
Call Pacific Foot & Ankle Center or submit an online request with your preferred appointment information.
Prepare for Your Visit
Bring your photo ID, insurance information, medication list, relevant medical records, and completed forms if available.
Meet With Dr. Petersen
Discuss your symptoms and concerns while Dr. Petersen evaluates your condition and explains the recommended next steps.
What Patients Say
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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
Insurance and Payment Information
Insurance coverage varies depending on your plan, diagnosis, and recommended treatment. Some advanced treatments may be available as self-pay services.
Contact our office before your appointment to confirm insurance participation, payment options, referral requirements, and coverage for your recommended care.
Frequently Asked Questions
A podiatrist diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the feet and ankles. These may include heel pain, bunions, ingrown toenails, fungal nails, plantar warts, ankle injuries, tendon problems, diabetic foot concerns, and structural conditions.
Yes. Dr. Petersen evaluates foot and ankle concerns affecting runners, walkers, cyclists, and athletes participating in different sports.
Yes. Pacific Foot & Ankle Center provides in-office digital X-ray imaging to assist with the evaluation of eligible foot and ankle injuries and conditions.
Yes. The practice uses 3D iPad scanning technology to create detailed foot scans for individualized custom orthotics when appropriate.
Call (949) 855-1177 or submit an online appointment request. A member of the practice team will contact you regarding availability and confirmation.
Bring your photo ID, insurance information, medication list, relevant medical records, and completed patient forms when available.
Visit Our Laguna Woods Office
Pacific Foot & Ankle Center is conveniently located in Laguna Woods, California.
Pacific Foot & Ankle Center
24191 Paseo de Valencia, Suite E Laguna Woods, CA 92637
Phone
(949) 855-1177