Orthopedic · Oahu
Physical therapy for foot and ankle pain in Oahu
Heel pain in the morning, an Achilles that complains at the start of every run, and an ankle that keeps rolling are all loading problems, and loading is what physical therapy changes.
- TRICARE, HMSA, and HMSA QUEST in-network
- No state referral requirement; some plans need one
- Video visits anywhere in Oahu
About the condition
Foot and ankle pain: what is going on.
Plantar fasciitis, the sharp heel pain with the first steps of the day, and Achilles tendinopathy, the stiff and sore tendon above the heel, are the two most common foot and ankle complaints in adults and both respond to progressive loading rather than rest. Ankle sprains are the most common sports injury, and without rehab about a third turn into chronic instability, an ankle that rolls again and again. After ankle fracture or surgery, stiffness and weakness need a structured program.
Physical therapy for the foot and ankle restores calf and foot strength, ankle mobility, and balance, and builds the tissue's tolerance back up in stages.
Common experiences
What people with foot and ankle pain often describe
These are the patterns Dr. Shalem hears most often. Any of them is a reason to book a discovery call.
Sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning
Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon
An ankle that gives way or has rolled repeatedly
Swelling and stiffness after a sprain or fracture
Pain with walking distance, running, or standing at work
Difficulty with stairs or uneven ground
Treatment
How physical therapy addresses it.
The program includes progressive calf and foot strengthening, ankle mobility work, balance and proprioception training, footwear and activity guidance, and a staged return to walking, running, and sport. Post-surgical rehab follows the surgeon's protocol.
What a video visit looks like
Dr. Shalem watches heel raises, balance, and gait on camera, guides self-tests for the specific tissue, and progresses loading with a step and a resistance band.
Coverage in Hawaii
Insurance and pricing
Bring your plan name to the discovery call and we confirm your physical therapy benefit before the first visit.
TRICARE
In-network (TRICARE West). TRICARE Select members can book directly with no referral. TRICARE Prime members need a referral from their primary care manager, and we tell you exactly what to ask for.
HMSA
In-network with HMSA PPO and HMO plans. Some HMSA plans require a referral from your primary care provider; we check yours before the first visit.
HMSA QUEST
In-network with HMSA QUEST (Hawaii Medicaid). We confirm coverage before your first visit.
Private pay
Available for any other plan. HSA and FSA cards accepted.
Referrals
Hawaii allows you to start physical therapy without a physician referral. Your insurance plan may still ask for one (TRICARE Prime and some HMSA plans do), and we check that for you before the first visit.
Military families at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Schofield Barracks, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, and Tripler are seen by video from home. TRICARE Select members need no referral.
How it works
How a virtual visit works
Dr. Shalem watches heel raises, balance, and gait on camera, guides self-tests for the specific tissue, and progresses loading with a step and a resistance band.
Discovery call
15 minutes, free, by phoneA short call to hear what is going on, explain how visits work, and check insurance or pricing. No pressure to book.
Evaluation
60 minutes, by videoDr. Shalem takes a full history, watches how you move and breathe, and guides the self-assessments she needs to build a plan.
Your plan
Same visitYou leave the evaluation with a plain-language explanation and a short home program, usually a few minutes a day.
Follow-ups
45 minutes, every 1 to 2 weeksProgress checks, program updates, and techniques you can do yourself, for as long as they are useful.
For a video visit you will need
- A phone, tablet, or laptop with a camera
- A private room
- A mat or towel
- About an hour
Questions
Foot and ankle pain questions in Oahu
Should I rest plantar fasciitis?
Complete rest usually makes it stiffer. The evidence supports progressive loading of the calf and foot, along with footwear changes and activity adjustments.
My ankle keeps rolling. Can that be fixed without surgery?
Usually. Chronic ankle instability responds well to balance and strengthening programs. Surgery is considered when a structured program has not helped.
Do I need orthotics?
Sometimes, as part of the plan rather than instead of it. The evaluation shows whether they would help.
Do I need a referral for physical therapy in Hawaii?
Hawaii allows you to start physical therapy without a physician referral. Your insurance plan may still ask for one (TRICARE Prime and some HMSA plans do), and we check that for you before the first visit.
What insurance do you take in Hawaii?
TRICARE: In-network (TRICARE West). TRICARE Select members can book directly with no referral. TRICARE Prime members need a referral from their primary care manager, and we tell you exactly what to ask for. HMSA: In-network with HMSA PPO and HMO plans. Some HMSA plans require a referral from your primary care provider; we check yours before the first visit. HMSA QUEST: In-network with HMSA QUEST (Hawaii Medicaid). We confirm coverage before your first visit. Private pay: Available for any other plan. HSA and FSA cards accepted.
Your physical therapist
Dr. Elana Shalem, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, Miami. Licensed in Hawaii.
Dr. Shalem treats pelvic health for women and men, from pregnancy and postpartum recovery to bladder, bowel, and pelvic pain conditions and recovery after prostate or pelvic surgery, and general orthopedic conditions of the back, neck, hips, knees, shoulders, and feet. Visits are one-on-one and unhurried, and she explains what she is seeing in plain language.
More about Dr. ShalemPrefer to write? Send a message.
Questions about insurance, pricing, or whether physical therapy is the right next step? We reply within one business day.
Start with a free 15-minute call.
Tell us what is going on, hear how Dr. Shalem would approach it, and decide from there.