A podiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of injuries and conditions affecting the foot and ankle. As such, some of the conditions, illnesses, and injuries that a podiatrist treats include the following:

– Achilles tendonitis
– Arthritis in the foot or ankle
– Athlete’s foot, known medically as tinea pedis
– Bunions
– Cracked heels
– Crossover toes, wherein one toe begins to cross over the big toe
– Diabetic wounds and other foot issues related to diabetic neuropathy
– Flat feet
– Foot corns, calluses, blisters, and plantar warts
– Foot issues related to peripheral neuropathy
– Fractures, growth plate injuries, sprains, and strains in the foot and ankle
– Fungal toe infections
– Gout
– Hammertoes
– Heel spurs and heel pain
– Ingrown toenails
– Intoed gait, also known as turned-in toes
– Plantar fasciitis
– Numbness and tingling
– Sports injuries involving the foot or ankle
– Unexplained foot or ankle pain

There are numerous times when it is a good idea to visit a podiatrist. If you think you may have any of the foot or ankle conditions and injuries listed above, podiatrists specialize in such medical concerns. As such, you should see a podiatrist in such situations. Other signs, conditions, or instances that call for a visit to a podiatrist include the following:

– Athlete’s foot or an ingrown toenail that refuses to go away
– Heel pain that limits your ability to perform tasks or participate in activities
– You have arthritis in the foot or ankle, diabetes, diabetic neuropathy, or peripheral neuropathy
– You have a bunion, corn, or callus that is bothering you
– You may need foot or ankle surgery
– You run or are starting to run regularly

Depending on your health insurance plan, you may require a referral to a podiatrist in order to receive coverage for podiatric care. With that being said, you do not need a referral to see a podiatrist for an appointment, as you can make an appointment directly with most podiatric clinics. At Finesse Footcare, we would be happy to see you for a podiatric appointment with or without a referral. We are also happy to accept most major medical insurance plans for our services.

A chiropodist is an outdated term for a podiatrist. As such, there is no qualitative difference between a podiatrist and a chiropodist, as both terms refer to the same medical profession. The main reason that chiropody is no longer used to refer to podiatrists is that chiropodists would often be confused for chiropractors, who are healthcare professionals that focus on the spine and musculoskeletal system, in contrast to the feet and ankles.

For an appointment with our podiatrist at Finesse Footcare or more information about podiatry, we welcome you to call us or schedule an appointment through our website! You can find Finesse Footcare at 5035 Mayfield Road in Lyndhurst, Ohio. We serve patients from Lyndhurst OH, Chagrin Falls OH, Beachwood OH, Collinwood OH, Pepper Pike OH, Woodmere OH, Hunting Valley OH and surrounding areas.