Patients from Spanish Fort and the Eastern Shore see Dr. Carl Speer, DPM at Emerald Coast Foot and Ankle Center in Pensacola, a drive of under an hour east on I-10. We do not have an Alabama office. Eastern Shore families choose us for a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, prompt appointments, X-rays on site and in-office minimally invasive surgery, all in one small private practice.
A Podiatrist for Spanish Fort and Baldwin County
Life in Spanish Fort means a lot of time on your feet: shopping and working at the Eastern Shore Centre, golf, youth sports, walking the trails at Meaher State Park and long days on the water. Over time, that activity can bring on heel pain, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown nails and tendon problems. Many of our Alabama patients tell us they waited too long because the nearest option felt out of the way. Crossing the state line is simpler than it sounds, and early treatment is usually easier treatment.
Why Eastern Shore Patients Make the Drive
- One doctor, start to finish. Ours is a solo practice. Dr. Speer examines you, reads your X-rays, performs your procedure and sees you at follow-up.
- Board certification and fellowship training. Dr. Speer is certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and completed a foot and ankle trauma and reconstructive surgical fellowship recognized by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
- Less invasive surgery. Our practice is the home of the InvisiFoot™ minimally invasive surgery method, which uses small incisions for many bunion, hammertoe and toe corrections.
- Short waits. We prioritize quick appointments and minimal time in the waiting room.
Treatments Available to Spanish Fort Patients
Bunions, bunionettes and hammertoes
If a bump at the big toe or little toe joint makes shoes painful, or a toe has started to curl, conservative care can slow things down. When it no longer helps, bunion and bunionette surgery and hammertoe surgery with a minimally invasive approach can correct the deformity with less scarring and a quicker return to shoes than traditional open surgery.
Heel, arch and tendon pain
Plantar fasciitis, Achilles pain and posterior tibial tendon problems often respond to stretching, footwear changes, custom orthotics and targeted treatment. Read about our tendon pain treatment and regenerative podiatric medicine options.
Nails and skin
Ingrown toenails, thick fungal nails, corns and calluses are common and very treatable. See non-surgical ingrown toenail care, toenail fungus treatment and corn and callus removal. Patients with diabetes should read about our diabetic foot care, since small skin problems carry more risk.
Insurance for Alabama Residents
We are in-network with all major insurance providers, excluding Medicaid, and we accept out-of-network plans. Living in Alabama does not change how we check your coverage. Our team verifies benefits before your visit and gives you an estimate before any procedure. Read more about insurance and surgical costs.
What Happens at Your First Visit
Your first appointment is built around getting answers. Dr. Speer starts by listening: where it hurts, when it started, what you have already tried and what you want to get back to, whether that is a round of golf or a full shift without pain. He then examines your feet and ankles, checks how you stand and walk and takes X-rays in the office if they are needed.
Before you leave, you will know what is causing the problem and what your options are. For many conditions, that means a conservative plan you can start right away. If surgery could help, Dr. Speer explains the procedure, whether it can be done in the office, what recovery involves and what your insurance is likely to cover. There is no pressure to decide on the spot.
Before You Come In
To keep your visit efficient, complete the new patient forms ahead of time, bring the shoes you wear most and bring any imaging you already have. We take X-rays in the office, so a separate imaging visit is not normally needed.
Our office is at 4313 Spanish Trail, Pensacola, FL 32504, open Monday through Thursday 8:00am to 4:30pm and Friday 8:00am to 12:00pm. Call or text (850) 660-7778.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see a Florida podiatrist if I live in Alabama?
Yes. Many of our patients live in Baldwin County. Your insurance works the same way it would for any in-network or out-of-network provider, and we check it for you before your appointment.
How long is the drive from Spanish Fort?
Most patients reach our Pensacola office in under an hour using I-10, depending on traffic and the time of day.
What if I have already been told I need foot surgery?
You are welcome to come in for a second opinion. Dr. Speer will review your X-rays and history, explain whether a minimally invasive option fits your case and tell you what recovery will look like.
What should I do about follow-up visits after a procedure?
We plan your post-procedure checks when we schedule the procedure itself, so you can arrange time off and the drive in advance. Most visits are short, and we keep the number to what your recovery actually needs.
Do you treat sports injuries?
Yes. Dr. Speer has advanced training in sports medicine and treats tendon injuries, ankle sprains and overuse pain in athletes of all ages.
Request an Appointment
You do not have to put up with foot pain or keep putting off a visit. Request an appointment with Emerald Coast Foot and Ankle Center. We also welcome patients from Robertsdale and across the Eastern Shore.