Patient Testimonials
The check-in staff was extremely helpful and went above and beyond to get me set up for my appointment. Dr. Palanca was very professional, thorough, and while she couldn't make the final diagnosis during the first visit, I trusted her instincts after asking her many questions about potential diagnosis and treatment plans. The staff was very quick to set me up with a temporary booth and clearly outlined the next steps.
Mariola Hausmann – Oct 08, 2020
After consulting with a Podiatrist, then a Foot and Ankle Specialist at Sharp (disaster!) I am so very grateful to have found Dr. Palanca. She is very personable and takes time to really listen and I never feel rushed by her. I had a very complex and persistent wound infection requiring surgery on my toe with subsequent IV antibiotics via a PICC line. The wound, which wouldn't heal even with going to a wound clinic, healed right up after surgery, as did the other incision and 6 months later remains fine! I highly recommend this doctor!
Lynne Bechard – Jan 14, 2021
Dr. Palanca performed surgery on my foot to remove an annoying large bunion on my big left toe and corrected two painful hammer toes on the same foot. She was outstanding. The surgery was a wonderful success. Now I am back to walking 18 holes of golf four times a week with NO PAIN. She has excellent, sincere thoughtfulness for her patients. All of her estimates for recovery time were on the mark. She explained all the benefits and potential downside problems of this surgery before I decided to go forward. I am so thankful to her. Anyone considering foot surgery would be very lucky to find her.
Stephen Scherer – Jan 05, 2022
Dr. Ariel Palanca performed surgery on my right ankle on January 5, 2021 for chronic ankle instability, including dealing with ligament issues on both sides of my ankle and bone spurs. My problem had been going on for several years and was affecting my regular mobility, especially walking and hiking. The surgery went well and my after surgery consults were easy to plan and valuable. She always addressed my issues in a friendly and timely manner. Her team were also available to help me with questions. Dr. Palanca explained that my complete recovery could take a year, maybe something that people don't want to hear, but honest. I followed her recommendations, completed my physical therapy and worked hard. I am now (one year later) working with a trainer and back in my hiking boots! I am grateful for Dr. Palanca's skills, professionalism, willingness to answer my questions, and moral support. I definitely recommend Dr. Palanca.
Grace Lieberman – Jan 13, 2022
Positive, Straight to the Point, and Knowledgeable
Dr Palanca addressed what I was told as a fracture of an old fracture. Instead, it turned out to be two bone spurs at the base of my big toe. Dr. P. listened attentively, explained three possible procedures/directions I could take. I appreciated her frankness in that I had choices to treat the pain in my big toe. She gave me cortisone shots and shared the next steps we would take.
M. Look – Oct 22, 2023
Excellent Doctor
Dr. Palanca treated my son's elbow fracture in the hospital. I was so impressed by her bedside manner and expertise my whole family now goes to see her. She has treated me for my chronic plantar fasciitis and now I no longer have daily pain, and she helps my mother with her knee pain with cortisone injections as she is too old for knee replacements. She is always patient and explains things thoroughly. She also speaks Spanish which is a great bonus! 10 out of 10 recommend!
Marie – Jan 08, 2025
Empathetic and excellent surgeon
Dr. Palanca operated on my dad, who is in his 80’s. She was very caring and took her time to diagnose the issue so that she could do the least amount of surgery needed, because of his age and concern about healing. He had a great outcome and we are so grateful for her caring and thoughtful approach to his care.
Jan 08, 2025
Dr. P was my surgeon while at Stanford, and she was fantastic. She removed a bone spur on my left foot and replaced my right ankle. While the surgery itself went great, quite honestly, the recovery was not for the faint of heart -- it was slow and pretty darn miserable. But 13 months and lots of hard work later, I am walking without pain or a limp for the first time in at least 10 years. I'm hiking, biking, gardening ballisticly, and even dancing again. Wow. No meds, not even ibuprofen. I feel GREAT. Dr. Palanca is smart, kind, encouraging, realistic, and an excellent surgeon. San Diego is lucky to have her.
The Rev. Dr. Susan Leo – Feb 08, 2020