THE ARIZONA MEXICO CONNECTION

 

   It’s no surprise that our feet show signs of wear and tear. They’ve seen a lot of miles. Fortunately, we have a podiatrist in Nogales, Sonora. His clinic, Clinica Casa Pedica, is cheerful, well-decorated and the waiting room is usually full. Luckily, our wait has never been very long. The receptionist welcomes us and takes us into a pleasant, clean, well-equipped treatment room.

 

   The doctor's schedule varies since he serves both the Nogales, Sonora-Santa Cruz Valley, Arizona and Tijuana, Baja California-San Diego, California communities. Arranging an appointment in advance is advised. See our Links Mexico page for information.

 

   Whether the visit is for a medical pedicure or a specific foot problem, Dr. de la Paz always greets us with a welcoming smile and an optimistic attitude. For my painful plantar fasciitis, he prescribed medication to treat the inflammation and he suggested an

exercise regimen. With all pleasantness and courtesy, he also advised me, “Your feet need you to lose weight.” His lab made orthotic shoe inserts for me. He gave me his personal phone number with an invitation to call him at home. The treatment worked like a champ. The problem has not come back.

 

   Like so many of the Americans who come to his Casa Pedica for foot care, we usually park on the U.S. side of the border and walk the few blocks. It gives us a chance to visit our favorite shops, have breakfast or lunch at one of the cafes and buy vegetables (the ones we can legally return to the U.S.) from the produce vendor at the park. 

 

Treatment room at Clinica Casa Pedica

  Sometimes a visit to the foot clinic offers an extra special opportunity. One of the office staff is a renowned cook. She makes tamales in the style of her home town in the state of Veracruz. We buy a few of the delicacies—some stuffed with green corn or shredded beef, some with pineapple for dessert—from her to take home and treat ourselves. I simply have to limit myself. My feet need me to lose weight.