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Expert Foot Care in Knoxville
Advanced Foot Care Center provides advanced foot and ankle care for active adults, athletes, workers, diabetic patients, and fitness-focused individuals. Our office combines modern podiatric medicine with technology-driven treatment options including custom orthotics, laser nail therapy, sports and biomechanical evaluations, diabetic foot care, and wound care management.
We focus on helping patients improve comfort, mobility, performance, recovery, and long-term foot health. Whether you are dealing with heel pain, workout-related discomfort, thick or discolored toenails, diabetic foot concerns, chronic wounds, or standing fatigue, our goal is to provide personalized solutions designed to keep you moving comfortably and confidently.
Located in Knoxville, Tennessee, Advanced Foot Care Center offers a modern approach to foot health with an emphasis on movement, prevention, support, and lower extremity performance for everyday life.
Complete Your New Patient Form
Save time at your first visit — choose the option that works best for you.
Fill Out Online
Complete your HIPAA-compliant registration form securely from any device before your appointment.
Download & Print
Prefer paper? Download the PDF, print it at home, and bring the completed form to your visit.
Conditions We Treat
From chronic diabetic foot conditions to everyday heel pain, Dr. Velarde and his team provide comprehensive podiatric care tailored to your unique needs. We treat a full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions — many without surgery or opioid medications.
Heel Pain
Plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and chronic heel discomfort treated with proven, non-surgical approaches tailored to your lifestyle and activity level. Learn More
Diabetic Foot Exams
Routine and comprehensive diabetic foot evaluations to monitor circulation, sensation, and skin integrity — helping prevent serious complications before they arise. Learn More
Wound Care
Specialized treatment for chronic and non-healing wounds of the foot and lower extremity, including advanced dressing protocols and innovative therapies. Learn More
Ingrown Nails
Safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for painful ingrown toenails — with options to prevent recurrence and restore your comfort quickly. Learn More
Custom Orthotics
Precision-fitted custom orthotic devices designed to correct alignment, relieve pain, and improve function for patients of all ages and activity levels. Learn More
Laser Therapy
Innovative laser treatment options for nail fungus, neuropathy, and pain — delivering effective results with minimal discomfort and no downtime. Learn More
Meet Dr. David Velarde
Board-Certified Podiatrist
25+ Years Experience
Dr. David Velarde is a highly respected podiatric physician with more than 25 years of dedicated experience serving patients throughout Knoxville and East Tennessee. His practice, Advanced Foot Care Center, has built a strong reputation for thoughtful, personalized care — particularly for patients managing diabetic foot conditions, chronic wounds, and complex lower extremity concerns.
What sets Dr. Velarde apart is his commitment to integrating traditional medical treatments with innovative, non-pharmaceutical therapies. He offers patients effective alternatives to cortisone injections and opioid pain medications — approaches that address the root cause of pain rather than masking symptoms. This philosophy has made him a trusted resource for patients who are seeking lasting relief without dependence on medications.
Whether you're dealing with a nagging heel problem, managing the foot complications of diabetes, or recovering from a wound that simply won't heal, Dr. Velarde brings the expertise, compassion, and clinical insight needed to guide your care every step of the way.
Our Approach to Care
At Advanced Foot Care Center, we believe that every patient deserves a thorough evaluation, an honest conversation, and a treatment plan designed around their life — not a one-size-fits-all protocol. Our approach blends clinical excellence with genuine human connection.
Non-Pharmaceutical First
We prioritize innovative, non-drug therapies whenever possible — offering real alternatives to cortisone shots and opioid pain medications. Our patients experience effective relief without the risks associated with long-term medication use.
Integrative Treatment Methods
Dr. Velarde combines proven traditional podiatric medicine with forward-thinking therapies including laser treatment, advanced wound care protocols, and custom biomechanical solutions — all under one roof.
Patient-Centered Appointments
We take the time to listen, explain, and involve you in every decision. You'll never feel rushed or dismissed. Our team is here to answer your questions and make sure you leave every visit with clarity and confidence in your care plan.
Long-Term Foot Health Focus
Our goal isn't just to treat today's pain — it's to help you build lasting comfort, mobility, and independence. We partner with you to prevent future problems and protect the long-term health of your feet and lower extremities.
Serving All of Knoxville & East Tennessee
Advanced Foot Care Center is proud to serve patients from Knoxville and communities throughout the greater East Tennessee region. Whether you're a local resident or driving in from a surrounding area, we welcome you and are committed to providing the highest standard of podiatric care close to home.
Comprehensive Services Offered
  • Diabetic foot care & monitoring
  • Chronic wound care & management
  • Heel pain & plantar fasciitis treatment
  • Ingrown toenail correction
  • Nail fungus laser therapy
  • Custom orthotic fabrication
  • Sports & fitness foot care
  • Peripheral neuropathy support
Who We See
Our practice welcomes a wide range of patients — from active athletes and workers on their feet all day, to seniors managing chronic conditions and patients recovering from surgery or injury. We are especially experienced in caring for individuals with diabetes who require attentive, specialized foot monitoring to avoid serious complications.
No concern is too small, and no condition is too complex. If your feet are holding you back from living your life fully, we want to hear from you. Call us today and let's take the first step together.
Easy Access & Stress-Free Parking
We know that getting to a medical appointment can feel like a challenge — especially when you're managing foot pain, limited mobility, or a chronic condition. That's why Advanced Foot Care Center was designed with your convenience and comfort in mind, from the moment you pull into the parking lot to the moment you walk through our door.
Our office offers convenient ground-level access with parking directly in front of the entrance. There are no hospital parking garages to navigate, no long hallways to walk, no multiple building entrances to figure out, and no stairs to climb. You simply park close, walk or roll to the front door, and you're here.
Seniors
Ground-level entry with close parking makes every visit easy and low-stress for older patients.
Mobility Aid Users
Fully accessible for wheelchair users, walker-assisted patients, and those with limited mobility.
Wound Care Patients
Minimizing walking distance is especially important for diabetic wound care patients — we've made it as simple as possible.
Post-Surgery Recovery
Patients recovering from foot or ankle surgery can arrive and enter comfortably without the strain of complex navigation.
Find Us in Knoxville
Advanced Foot Care Center is conveniently located at 2824 Merchant Drive, Knoxville, TN 37912 — directly across from Northwest Middle School at the corner of Merchants and Pleasant Ridge Road. We are easy to find, easy to access, and ready to welcome you.
Office Hours
Monday – Friday
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
We recommend calling ahead to schedule your appointment and ensure we can accommodate your needs, especially if you require extended visit time or have specific accessibility requirements.
Contact Information
Main Line: 865-523-1141
Main Fax: 865-521-6635
Address: 2824 Merchant Dr, Knoxville, TN 37912
Our friendly front desk team is happy to answer questions, verify insurance, and help you prepare for your first visit. Don't hesitate to call — we're here to help.
New Patient Forms & Check-In
We want your first visit to Advanced Foot Care Center to be as smooth and stress-free as possible. To help us serve you better from the moment you arrive, we offer the option to complete your new patient intake forms before your appointment. This simple step saves time in the office and allows our clinical team to review your health history in advance — so we can focus on you during your visit.
01
Download the Intake Form
Access your new patient intake form online using the link below. The form is available as a PDF that you can complete digitally or print at home.
02
Complete Before Your Appointment
Fill out all sections thoroughly, including your health history, current medications, and insurance information. The more complete your form, the more efficiently we can serve you.
03
Submit or Bring to Your Visit
Fax your completed form to (865) 521-6635 prior to your appointment, or simply print it and bring it with you on the day of your visit.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
To help our team provide the most accurate assessment and best care possible, please plan to bring the following items to your appointment. Having these materials ready ensures we can review your full medical picture and begin your care without unnecessary delays.
Photo ID
Driver's license, passport, or state-issued identification card.
Insurance Card(s)
Bring your primary insurance card and secondary insurance if applicable. We'll verify your coverage before your visit.
Medication List
A complete list of all prescriptions, dosages, vitamins, and supplements you currently take.
Relevant Medical Records
X-rays, MRI reports, vascular studies, surgical history, or wound care records if available and relevant to your condition.
Completed Intake Forms
Your new patient intake form, either submitted by fax in advance or as a printed copy to hand in at check-in.
Diabetic Shoe or Orthotic Info
If you have been previously prescribed diabetic footwear or custom orthotics, please bring that information or the devices themselves.

If you have questions about what to bring or need help preparing for your first visit, call our office at 865-523-1141 — our team is happy to guide you.
Our Store — Coming Soon
Coming Soon
We're putting together a curated selection of foot health products recommended by Dr. Velarde — available soon for easy online ordering and in-office pickup.
Prefabricated Orthotics
Quality insoles including PowerStep and other trusted brands for everyday comfort and support.
Antifungal Medications
Clinically recommended antifungal solutions including Formula 7 and Podo Expert — effective treatments for nail fungus and foot infections.
Foot Care Products
Premium skin care solutions for your feet including Podo Expert and Kamea 20 — specially formulated moisturizers and treatments for dry, cracked, and diabetic skin.

Want to be notified when our store launches? Call us at 865-523-1141 or ask at your next visit.
Schedule Your Visit Today
Your feet carry you through every moment of your life — don't let pain, discomfort, or a chronic condition slow you down. Whether you're dealing with heel pain that's been bothering you for months, a wound that isn't healing, or a diabetic foot concern that needs expert attention, Advanced Foot Care Center is here for you.
Dr. Velarde and his caring team are ready to listen, evaluate, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your health goals and your life. Patients throughout Knoxville and East Tennessee have trusted us for decades, and we look forward to welcoming you into our practice.
Contact Us
Advanced Foot Care Center
2824 Merchant Dr
Knoxville, TN 37912
Phone: 865-523-1141
Fax: 865-521-6635
Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ready to Get Started?
We look forward to helping you improve your comfort, mobility, and long-term foot health. New patients are always welcome, and our team makes the onboarding process simple and stress-free.
Remy Class IV Laser Therapy
Advanced laser technology for lasting relief — without surgery, without downtime, and without compromise.
Advanced Foot Care Center offers Remy Class IV laser therapy as a non-invasive treatment option for foot and ankle conditions. Focused light energy supports circulation, accelerates tissue recovery, reduces inflammation, and promotes natural healing.
Nail Fungus
Thickened, discolored, or painful fungal toenails that haven't responded to topical treatments.
Heel & Foot Pain
Plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and chronic foot strain that interfere with walking or activity.
Ankle Inflammation
Tendonitis, Achilles pain, arthritis-related discomfort, and overuse injuries.
Plantar Warts
Painful, recurrent, or resistant plantar warts that haven't resolved with standard treatments.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Burning, tingling, numbness, or sharp pains related to nerve dysfunction or diabetes.
Chronic Foot Discomfort
Ongoing foot discomfort where conservative care is the preferred first step.
What to Expect During Laser Therapy
01
Arrive & Prepare
Your provider will review your condition and treatment area. No special preparation needed. You'll be comfortably positioned for easy access to the treatment site.
02
The Treatment Session
The laser handpiece is applied to the affected area. Most patients describe the sensation as mild, pleasant warmth. Treatments are brief with minimal to no discomfort.
03
Immediate Aftercare
Essentially no downtime following a session. Most patients return to normal daily activities immediately.
04
Ongoing Treatment Plan
Total sessions vary based on condition severity and health. Your provider will outline a treatment schedule tailored to your needs.
Schedule a Laser Therapy Consultation
You don't have to keep living with foot pain, nail fungus, plantar warts, or neuropathy discomfort. Contact us today to find out if Remy Class IV laser therapy is right for you.