podiatry frequently asked questions Hyattsville

Podiatry FAQs in Hyattsville

Have questions about foot and ankle care before your visit? Below, the team at Maryland Foot & Ankle Restoration answers the questions we hear most often about our podiatry services, insurance, first appointments, surgery and day-to-day foot health. If you don’t see your question here, call us at and we will be glad to help.

Request an Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Hyattsville Podiatry Practice

What is a podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM) who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the feet, ankles and lower legs. Podiatrists provide everything from routine nail and skin care to custom orthotics, wound care and foot and ankle surgery.

Who is the podiatrist at Maryland Foot & Ankle Restoration?

Our practice is led by Dr. Johny J. Motran, DPM, FASPS, a Diplomate of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and a Fellow of the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons. He completed his residency in foot and ankle surgery at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Baltimore and is on staff at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital.

What conditions do you treat?

We treat a wide range of foot and ankle problems, including heel pain and plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, warts, corns and calluses, flat feet, neuromas, Achilles tendonitis, ankle sprains and instability, peripheral neuropathy, arthritis, fractures and pediatric foot conditions. You can view the full list on our Conditions Treated page.

When should I see a podiatrist?

You should schedule a visit if you have foot or ankle pain that lasts more than a few days, swelling, numbness or tingling, changes in your skin or nails, a wound that is slow to heal, difficulty walking or an injury that isn’t improving. Early treatment often prevents a minor problem from becoming a more serious one.

Do I need a referral to make an appointment?

It depends on your insurance plan. Many plans do not require a referral, but managed care plans often require a referral from your primary care physician before you see a specialist. Please check with your insurance carrier and bring your referral to your visit if one is required.

What insurance plans do you accept?

We participate with most major insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, CareFirst, Cigna, Humana, Tricare, United Healthcare and many Medicare Advantage and Maryland Medicaid managed care plans. See our Insurance Accepted page for the complete list.

Does Medicare cover podiatry care?

Medicare covers most podiatric services, including office visits, x-rays, injections and surgery. Routine foot care such as trimming corns, calluses or toenails is generally not covered unless you have diabetes or peripheral vascular disease documented by your primary care physician.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring a photo ID, your insurance card, a referral if your plan requires one and your completed new patient forms, which you can download from our New Patients page. A list of your current medications and any recent imaging is also helpful.

What happens during my first visit?

Dr. Motran will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms and perform a thorough examination of your feet and ankles. If needed, digital x-rays can be taken right in our office. You will leave with a clear diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.

How early should I arrive for my appointment?

Please plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow time for parking and check-in. We have three reserved patient spaces on Liberty Lane, and additional parking is available in Parking Garage B, at metered spaces and across the street at PG Plaza.

Do you offer same-day or emergency appointments?

Yes. We offer efficient scheduling, including same-day and emergency appointments when available. Call our office at as soon as possible if you have an urgent foot or ankle problem.

Do you perform foot and ankle surgery?

Yes. Our focus is conservative, non-surgical care first, but when surgery is the best option, Dr. Motran performs a full range of foot and ankle procedures. Many surgeries are performed at our on-site Belcrest Surgery Center, LLC, a Medicare-certified ambulatory surgery center. Learn more about surgical corrections of foot disorders.

What are custom orthotics?

Custom orthotics are prescription shoe inserts made from a mold of your feet. Unlike store-bought insoles, they are designed to correct your specific foot imbalance, support proper alignment and reduce pain from conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet and overpronation. Read more about our custom orthotics.

What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy, including EPAT, uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate blood flow and tissue repair. It is a non-invasive, in-office treatment for chronic heel pain, plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Sessions are typically 15 to 20 minutes. Learn more about shockwave therapy.

How do you treat toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus can be treated with oral medication, topical medication or laser therapy. We offer the HyperBlue 1530 foot laser, which treats fungal nails in about 20 minutes with no drugs, no recovery time and usually only a feeling of warmth. Visit our Laser Nail Treatment page for details.

Do you provide diabetic foot care?

Yes. We provide comprehensive diabetic foot care, including routine exams, nail and skin care, ulcer and wound care, limb salvage and preventive education. People with diabetes should have their feet checked by a podiatrist regularly to prevent serious complications.

Do you treat children?

Yes. We evaluate and treat pediatric foot conditions such as flat feet, heel pain, in-toeing, ingrown toenails and sports injuries. Early evaluation helps children grow with healthy, well-functioning feet.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, cash and check. A 3% surcharge applies to credit card transactions, while debit cards, HSA/FSA cards, cash and checks have no fee. Co-pays, deductibles and non-covered charges are due at the time of service. See our Financial Policies for full details.

How can I prevent foot and ankle problems?

Wear properly fitting, supportive shoes for your foot type, keep your feet clean and dry, choose moisture-wicking non-cotton socks, stretch regularly, manage chronic conditions like diabetes and seek treatment early for pain or injuries. Our Recommended Footwear page lists podiatrist-approved shoes for every foot type.

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can call our Hyattsville office at Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm (closed for lunch from 12pm to 1pm) or request an appointment online through our appointments page.

Still Have Questions? Contact Our Hyattsville Podiatrist

Our friendly team is happy to answer any questions about your foot and ankle health, your insurance or your upcoming visit. Call Maryland Foot & Ankle Restoration at or request an appointment online today.

Request an Appointment