Normally I wouldn't waste my time with leaving a negative review but I feel obligated to inform others and maybe help prevent some other poor soul from experiencing what I went through. My first mistake was not looking at all of Dr Pearson's reviews on Yelp and Google. I saw four stars for his Santa Barbara practice and assumed that was good enough. He's a doctor, he knows what he's doing, right? Wrong. I came to Dr Pearson as most, through a referral from my PC Doc via my HMO. He diagnosed me with a Morton's neuroma and told me surgery was the only option. After a few months, I decided to go through with the procedure. He never ordered an MRI or any imaging. The surgery went fine, but my recovery never happened. After 11 months , he finally ordered an MRI. The MRI clearly showed and described a recurring neuroma. Dr Pearson, ignored that and basically told me the pain was in my head. "Pain is pain" were his exact words. No offer to do a follow up surgery or admit he didn't do the procedure correctly. He was very elusive and dismissive in his responses to questions. After a total of 14 appointments over a 2 year period, and a failed surgery, I gave up on this guy and found another doctor. I'm now 6 weeks post Op with Dr Haggerty at Alta Orthopedic. She found the neuroma, removed it and I'm now back to hiking and walking at about 80% and hopeful to make a full recovery. Sorry, Dr Pearson, pain is not always pain. Sometimes pain is caused by the actual problem you diagnosed but failed to resolve. Dr Pearson may be good enough for simple broken ankles and sprangs, but I'd stay far away If you need surgery or have a complicated issue. read more

Dr Pearson operated on my ankle over 20 years ago, my wife's foot nearly that long ago, and he's now treating my foot. I've no complaints. He's very competent and doesn't recommend unnecessary procedures. His office staff is professional, and wait times to make appointments or to be seen once there are reasonable. I highly recommend him. read more

I went in to Dr. Pearson via a referral from my primary care doc and I was very disappointed. Dr. Pearson is a foot specialist and I have bump on the top of my foot. I even brought in Xerox copies of my x-rays to show that it's not a bone bump so what is it? Dr. Pearson felt around and said that since it's not really painful that I should, get this, 1) loosen my shoelaces or 2) put a cushion on the top of my foot. He also offered the option of sending me in for an MRI but told me that in all likelihood he'd end up surgically shaving off some of the bone in the area. Seriously? Uh, NO. After Dr. Pearson's 5 minute spiel, I picked up my stuff and was poised to go home because no on foot surgery, I mean, I can walk, it's just that the top of my foot is sore/swollen. Then Dr. Pearson took it upon himself to lean back in his chair and REPEAT what he'd just told me ending with the surgical option. No. Thanks for, uh, not much help doc. I could have saved my $20 copay and used it on some cotton balls to cushion my foot -- would have been money better spent. :-( read more

I can't say enough good things about Dr. Pearson and his staff! I was visiting from Dallas, TX and, while hiking at Nojoqui Falls, slipped and fell and snapped my ankle. I knew I needed an orthopedic surgeon, so skipped the whole paramedic/ER scene and cold-called Dr. Pearson. They fit me into their busy schedule, met me at my car with a wheelchair, and had me all fixed up with a surgical boot in no time flat, even though everyone had to stay after closing to get me done. THANK YOU!!! read more

My family and I have been patients for several years. The staff got me in immediately during a very busy time avoiding an overcrowded ER at hospital. I have been treated twice for broken bones over the years where Dr. Pearson did the repair procedure and got me the needed physical therapy to return to work at 100%. His work and office equipment is state-of-the art and he is on top of all the latest advances in his field. read more

Dr. Pearson and his entire staff are top notch! I had a bunionectomy many years ago, and the outcome was amazing! I returned to his office today with a broken foot, and was just as impressed as I was years ago! If you're looking for an orthopedic foot surgeon, I highly recommend Dr. Pearson! read more

After years of painful and diminishing ankle cartilage, I could take it no more and the Veteran's Administration recommended Dr. Pearson to take a look and see if he could help. He completed a thorough examination including x-rays and an MRI. Together we agreed that an ankle replacement with the STAR SYSTEM was the best option. He went over in detail what to expect as far as pain and recovery. We agreed on a date to have the surgery and went ahead with preparations to get it done. The surgery we had agreed to do early October, which was 4 months away, was rescheduled without my knowledge for a month later. This lack of communication was the only bone of contention I had with Dr. Pearson's office as it truly wreaked havoc on my recovery calendar. The surgery was flawless and Dr. Pearson had me come in every 2 weeks post surgery to make sure that everything was healing properly. His recovery advice, which I followed precisely, allowed my new ankle to heal and support regular walking without ANY PAIN! Let me be clear about this, the recovery pain itself was horrendous for the first month. I expected it. I have never had to rely on someone else to address my personal needs as I lay bed ridden for an entire month and required assistance with mobility for the better part of a year. But now there is NO PAIN and I have complete flexibility in my walking gait and I've been able to regain my muscle strength and the 35 pounds I lost in recovery. I am grateful to the entire office, DeeDee, Lois, Brian, et al for laughing at my jokes. Thank you Dr. Pearson. P.S. To anyone looking to do this surgery, do your homework about about what's being cut out and what's being put in and make sure the office gives you solid answers about MERSA (look it up), pain, equipment needed for recovery, etc. Communication is key! Best of luck to you! read more

Amazing Dr, after he understood the type of activity allstar cheer is he was helpful in helping my 10 year old understand the need to heal before she is released back on the mat. read more

After a complete tear of the posterior tibial tendon, I needed complicated ankle and foot surgery to transplant another tendon in order to be able to continue to walk. Fortunately, Dr. Tacconelli, my favorite orthopedist, sent me to Dr. Pearson. This operation is a fairly big deal, with a long convalescence that requires a lot of patience, but I am pleased to report that the outcome is an ankle that is fully functional and pain-free, with very little scarring. I have great respect for Dr. Pearson's understanding of foot and ankle mechanics, and would recommend him to anyone needing this type of surgery. read more

Avoid this guy, I did not have good outcomes from him and I do not know anybody who has had a good experience after being treated by him....

What a terrible experience....I went to Dr. Pearson to have a bunion removed....I now have a completely deformed foot, a large lump on the top of my foot which prevents me from wearing almost any shoe, and I have had three serious infections at the incision site. DO NOT GO TO THIS DOCTOR......I am now scheduled with another foot surgeon to have more painful surgery. I have had three opinions from three Doctors....they are all shocked when they see my foot. Something is wrong with this man. Run, or hop away from this Doctor!!!! read more

A year ago Dr. Pearson performed bunion surgery on one of my feet. In retrospect I should have known not to proceed with him as a surgeon because in the initial consultation he never examined my foot and he said he couldn't tell me which procedure he would use. Nonetheless, I foolishly went ahead with the surgery. After suffering pain, spending weeks in bed, and shelling out thousands of dollars for the procedure, I am now looking at a mangled foot. Not only is the bunion still there, but my large toe is slanting so much in the direction of my other toes that it actually goes under the other toes making it very difficult for me to walk. Additionally, the screws he put in are sticking up out of the top of my foot making it painful to wear shoes. When I went back to discuss the problems with Dr. Pearson, he admitted the surgery was a failure, but he still charged me for the follow up office visits. He said he would remove the screws, but of course he'd have to charge for the additional surgery and I'll have to spend an additional week in bed. In sum, he really messed up my foot but is accepting no responsibility for his actions. read more

Run, walk or crawl away from this unfit surgeon......I got a horrible result, infection following surgery, lots of pain and a severe deformity. I would not allow this man to operate on my dog. read more

Dr. Pearson's staff are very efficient and questions promptly answered. Dr. Pearson came highly recommended by another orthopedist in the area and I am so glad he did. I now have an artificaial ankle and am able to walk without pain for the first time in almost a year. As I live in northern San Luis Obispo county his satalite office in Santa Maria was convenient. Thank you Dr. Pearson, Brian, and all his staff. read more

After seeing two other local podiatrists, they were not able to help me with the pain that I was having on my right foot. I then went to go see Dr. Pearson and he was able to solve my problem. He was thorough with his examination and was patient with answering every question that I had. I highly recommend that if you are having any problems with your feet and/or ankle(s), go see Dr. Pearson!! read more