Podiatrist San Luis Obispo | Foot Pain & Wound Care | Dr. Grimes

Dr. Nickolas Grimes

Central Coast
Foot & Ankle Specialist

  • Foot & Ankle Trauma
  • Reconstructive Surgery
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery
  • Sports Medicine
  • Limb Salvage
  • Neuropathy Treatment
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Strong Steps Start Here.

Known for his approachable demeanor and strong bedside manner, Dr. Grimes is committed to helping patients get back on their feet with confidence and comfort.

Originally from Newport Beach, California, Dr. Grimes earned his degree in Neurobiology from UC Irvine, where he developed a deep interest in nerve-related conditions such as diabetic neuropathy and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. He went on to earn his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine from the California School of Podiatric Medicine, followed by an intensive surgical residency at the Kaiser San Francisco Bay Area Residency Program.

In addition to his surgical training, Dr. Grimes has contributed to medical research, held leadership roles, and volunteered across California to serve underserved communities. When he’s not in the clinic, you’ll find him kayaking, hiking, painting, or spending time with his family and dog.

Central Coast Foot & Ankle Specialist

Affiliated with respected healthcare networks

Including Adventist Health, Dignity Health, Kaiser Permanente, and Stryker, with a commitment to high standards in patient care and surgical education.

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“Walking pain free for the first time in years!!”

I have seen numerous Podiatrists in the area. None have helped with my midfoot arthritis. Dr Grimes offered innovative solutions others never mentioned. He performed a deep peroneal nerve neurectomy on my right foot. Surgery was easy and Dr Grimes was wonderful, he called me numerous times to check on me. Ever since surgery I have been walking pain free for the first time in over 5 years! I am so thankful for Dr Grimes and his all his staff at Central Coast Foot Clinics. Highly recommend!!!

Posted Aug 07, 2025 on Healthgrades

Word on the Street

We’re new to the Central Coast — loving it here and proud to care for this community. Trusted, kind, and here to care.

Dr Nickolas Grimes is the best podiatrist I have ever seen. I have already referred several people to your office. We seem to be living in an area where good doctors are moving away. I feel very blessed to have found Central Coast Foot Clinic.
I was referred to the Central Coast Foot Clinics by my previous podiatrist, Dr. Steven J. Clark, and was seen today by Dr. Nickolas Grimes at the Arroyo Grande Clinic. The patient parking situation at the medical complex proved precarious, but thankfully the visit itself turned out positive. The staff was efficient and responsive, and the doctor was friendly, attentive and explained things well. There was no pressure on me for medications or surgery. I received the information and the advice that I sought. Thank you, Dr. Grimes!
I'm so lucky to live on an area that has a nice office and a wonderful Doctor, Dr Grimes. i should know as my parents took me to a podiatrist when I was 3 months old. Dr Grimes is patient. listens to your concerns. ask the right questions and gives his input and advice. I feel this is a win win situation. It's greatly appreciated! One of the best doctors in the area. Thank you!
Dr Grimes and the entire Santa Maria office staff were extremely helpful and professional throughout the many months of treatment, surgery, and recovery. Dr Grimes, in particular, was attentive and caring his
Dr. Grimes has an exceptional bedside manner-always kind, patient and supportive. His follow up is unparalleled, too. The highly professional staff treats patients with respect and gentle care.
Dr Grimes was exceptional! Surgery went well and I m back to running every day. Would highly recommend Dr Grimes.
Dr. Nickolas Grimes is a terrífic doctor. He explains things well and is easy to talk to.
Dr. Grimes and his team are amazing! My husband has had excellent care.

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Publications

Research spanning midfoot surgical outcomes, nerve procedures, and post-operative alignment, alongside earlier work in neurobehavioral science.

Manuscripts in Progress

Targeted Nerve Resection in Midfoot Arthritis: Short-Term Efficacy of Deep Peroneal Neurectomy.
Manuscript in process.

Manuscripts in Progress

Loss of Correction Following Midfoot ORIF Hardware Removal
IRB approved; manuscript in process.

Peer-Reviewed Publications

Lallai V, Grimes NP, Fowler JP, Sequeira PA, Cartagena P, Limon A, Coutts M, Monuki E, Bunney W, Demuro A, Fowler CD.
Nicotine acts on cholinergic signaling mechanisms to directly modulate choroid plexus function.
eNeuro, 2019; 6(2).
PubMed Link

Peer-Reviewed Publications

Chen E, Lallai V, Sherafat Y, Grimes NP, Pushkin AN, Fowler JP, Fowler CD.
Altered baseline and nicotine-mediated behavioral and cholinergic profiles in ChAT-Cre mouse lines.
Journal of Neuroscience, 2018; 38(9):2177–2188.
PubMed Link

Manuscripts Under Revision

Lallai V, Grimes NP, Fowler JP, Sequeira PA, Cartagena P, Limon A, Coutts M, Monuki E, Demuro A, Bunney W, Fowler CD.
Brain-derived extracellular vesicles and microRNA cargo are modulated by cholinergic signaling.
Under revision.

Manuscripts Under Revision

Ochoa V, Grimes NP, Fowler CD.
Modulation of Choroid Plexus mRNA Expression During Intravenous Self-Administration.
Under revision.

Abstracts & Posters

Loeffler A, Chen E, Fowler JP, Nosrati F, Grimes NP, Fowler CD.
ChAT-BAC-Cre and ChAT-IRES-Cre mouse lines exhibit differential patterns of intravenous nicotine self-administration.
Presented at Society for Neuroscience, 2016. San Diego, CA.

Abstracts & Posters

Grimes NP, Fowler JP, Fowler CD.
Interpeduncular alpha5 nicotinic receptor neurons mediate nicotine reinforcement and aversion.
Presented at ACNP 2016. Hollywood, FL: American College of Neuropsychopharmacology.