Lake Mary Medplex Podiatry — What to Expect at Your First Visit

By Dr. Christopher Mason, DPM, FACFAS

Lake Mary Medplex Podiatry — What to Expect at Your First Visit

If you're new to podiatry or new to our practice at the Lake Mary Medplex, a first visit can feel uncertain. What should I bring? How long will it take? What will the doctor do? These are great questions, and they deserve clear answers.

Dr. Christopher Mason here. I've welcomed thousands of patients through the doors of our Lake Mary Medplex office (4106 W Lake Mary Blvd, Suite 125) over the years, and I want you to feel confident and comfortable from the moment you walk in. Let me walk you through what your first visit will look like.

Before You Arrive: What to Bring

Insurance Card and Photo ID: We need to verify your coverage and check you in accurately. If you're paying out-of-pocket, we'll discuss costs upfront.

Current Medication List: Bring a list of all medications you take—including over-the-counter medications and supplements. Some medications affect foot health or healing.

Medical History: If you have diabetes, circulatory problems, rheumatoid arthritis, or other systemic conditions, mention them. These affect how we approach your care. The APMA today's-podiatrist page says the same thing in plainer words: pain or a change in your feet is a reason to see a specialist, and diabetes is one of the conditions where that visit matters most.

Comfortable Clothes: You'll remove your shoes and socks, so wear something easy to take off. And definitely wear clean socks—we're podiatrists, we see feet all day, and we appreciate a clean foot!

Any Imaging or Previous Records: If you've had foot X-rays, MRIs, or treatment from another podiatrist, bring those with you. Context helps us provide better care.

Arrival and Check-In

Our office is designed to be welcoming and efficient. You'll arrive 10–15 minutes early for paperwork. Our staff will have you fill out a patient intake form—your health history, current medications, insurance information, and a description of why you're here today.

We'll ask specific questions: How long have you had this problem? Does it hurt all the time or at certain times? What makes it better or worse? Have you tried any treatments? How is it affecting your daily life?

These details matter. They help me understand your problem and what outcomes matter most to you.

The Consultation with Dr. Christopher Mason

Once you're roomed, I'll come in and we'll talk. This is a conversation, not an interrogation. I want to understand your goals and your concerns. Have you been putting up with foot pain for years? Are you worried about having surgery? Do you want to get back to a specific activity?

I'll ask you to walk so I can observe your gait. How you walk tells me a lot—about your pain, your balance, your movement patterns. I'll ask you to stand on one foot, to flex your toes, to move your ankle in different directions. I'm assessing mobility, strength, balance, and how pain affects movement.

Then we'll do a thorough foot examination. I'll inspect your skin, toenails, and overall foot structure. I'll palpate (feel) the bones and joints to identify areas of tenderness or deformity. I'll check your pulses and assess circulation. I'll test sensation, especially if you have diabetes or neuropathy. I'll evaluate your arches and how they function when you stand and walk.

This hands-on examination typically takes 10–15 minutes. It's thorough, but not uncomfortable.

Imaging (If Needed)

Many conditions require X-rays to fully understand what's happening. We have digital X-ray equipment right here at the Lake Mary Medplex, so imaging is quick and convenient. X-rays help me see bone structure, joint alignment, arthritis, and other structural issues that affect treatment decisions.

Some conditions might warrant an ultrasound to visualize soft tissues like tendons and ligaments. We can often do this in-office as well.

Diagnosis and Your Treatment Plan

Once I have the full picture—your history, my examination, and any imaging—we'll discuss what's happening and what options we have to fix it. This is collaborative. I'll explain:

What the problem is (diagnosis)
Why it's happening (cause)
How it will likely progress if untreated (natural history)
What conservative treatments can help (usually our first choice)
What surgical options exist, if conservative care isn't enough
What recovery would look like
What the realistic timeline is

I'll make a recommendation based on your specific situation, but ultimately, you decide. My goal is to give you enough information to make a decision that aligns with your values and your life.

Common Conservative Treatments We Discuss

Custom Orthotics: Prescription shoe inserts designed specifically for your feet, biomechanics, and problem. These are far superior to over-the-counter insoles.

Proper Footwear Guidance: Specific shoe recommendations based on your condition and foot type.

Stretching and Physical Therapy: Exercises you can do at home to improve flexibility and strength.

Anti-Inflammatory Medication: Over-the-counter or prescription medication to reduce inflammation and pain.

Strapping or Bracing: Techniques or devices to reduce stress on affected areas.

Lifestyle Modifications: Activity changes that prevent aggravation.

Injections: Corticosteroid or other therapeutic injections to reduce inflammation in joints or soft tissues.

Most foot problems improve significantly with conservative care, and we pursue this approach first.

If Surgery Is Recommended

If I recommend surgery, it means conservative care alone likely won't address your problem adequately, and surgery offers a realistic path to significantly better function and pain relief. We'll discuss:

What the surgery does
Why it's right for your specific condition
Realistic recovery timeline
Potential risks and complications (and how we minimize them)
What to expect before, during, and after
Any restrictions during recovery

You'll leave with detailed written information and time to think. Surgery should never feel rushed. And we're happy to discuss options by phone if you have questions.

After Your First Visit

If we're starting conservative treatment, you'll leave with:

A prescription for custom orthotics (if recommended)
Written instructions for stretching, icing, activity modification
Medication recommendations or prescriptions
A follow-up appointment (usually in 2–4 weeks)

We'll monitor your progress. If you're improving, we'll continue the plan. If you're not improving, we'll reassess and consider other options, including surgery.

If you need advanced imaging (MRI, ultrasound) or other specialist consultation, we'll coordinate that for you. We think in terms of continuity of care—managing your problem from start to finish.

The Lake Mary Medplex Advantage

Our office at 4106 W Lake Mary Blvd, Suite 125 is right here in your community. We're part of an integrated medical complex, so if you need coordination with your primary care physician or other specialists, that's easy. We have state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment—digital X-rays, ultrasound. And we have years of experience caring for Lake Mary, Heathrow, Longwood, and Seminole County families. Dr. Christopher Mason has been here for years, and we prioritize continuity of care—knowing your history, building a long-term relationship, and staying involved in your outcomes.

Ready to Get Started?

Your first visit to our Lake Mary Medplex office is a conversation between you and a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon with 30+ years of experience. We're here to understand your problem, explain your options, and partner with you to achieve the best possible outcomes for your feet.

Call (407) 307-0006 to schedule your first visit, or book online at https://floridafai.intakeq.com/booking. We look forward to meeting you and helping you take your foot health seriously.

Lake Mary Medplex Podiatry — What to Expect at Your First Visit