What is Podiatry?
Podiatry is the healthcare profession dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and management of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower limbs.
Podiatrists are trained healthcare professionals who help people of all ages maintain healthy feet and stay active, mobile, and comfortable. From routine foot care to the treatment of injuries, pain, and complex medical conditions, podiatrists play an important role in overall health and wellbeing.
Why Is Foot Health Important?
Your feet contain 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They support your body weight and help you move throughout the day. Foot pain or injury can affect your ability to walk, exercise, work, and enjoy everyday activities. Many foot problems can become worse if left untreated, making early assessment and treatment important.
Who Can Benefit from Seeing a Podiatrist?
Podiatry services can help:
- Children and teenagers
- Adults with foot or leg pain
- Athletes and active individuals
- People with diabetes
- Older adults
- Workers who spend long hours standing
- Anyone experiencing difficulty walking or staying active.
What Happens During a Podiatry Appointment?
During your appointment, your podiatrist will:
Treatment may include education, exercises, footwear advice, orthotics, nail and skin care, injury management, or referral for further investigation if required.
Preventing Foot Problems
Good foot health can often prevent pain and injury. Some simple ways to care for your feet include:
- Wearing well-fitting footwear
- Staying physically active
- Keeping feet clean and dry
- Checking your feet regularly for changes
- Seeking professional advice when pain develops
What does it cost to see a podiatrist?
There will usually be a charge to see a podiatrist and for any orthotics you need. You may qualify for publicly funded care in some circumstances. This means you do not have to pay. You will need to meet certain criteria. Circumstances include:
- you have diabetes — ask your healthcare provider or diabetes nurse if you qualify
- you receive a disability allowance — ask your Work and Income case manager if you qualify
In New Zealand, anyone practising podiatry must be registered with the New Zealand Podiatrists Board and have a current Annual Practising Certificate.
ACC
ACC might pay part of the cost of your podiatry care if they have accepted your claim following an injury. Make sure your podiatrist is registered with ACC. Not all podiatrists are.
Private health insurance
If you have health insurance, it may cover care from a podiatrist. Check with your insurer to find out whether you are covered and whether you need a referral from your healthcare provider.
Helping You Stay Active
At Step + Stride Podiatry, our goal is to help you move comfortably and confidently. Whether you are experiencing foot pain, recovering from an injury, managing a long-term condition, or simply looking after your foot health, our podiatrists are here to help.
Registered Remuera Podiatrist
In New Zealand, anyone practicing podiatry must be registered with the New Zealand Podiatrists Board and have a current Annual Practising Certificate.
Caron is a board member of Podiatry New Zealand, and continues to be involved in ongoing education, attending seminars, workshops and conferences to keep up to date with the latest information.
As registered podiatrists in Auckland, New Zealand we believe our patients deserve to have the information needed to make good choices about their foot and ankle care. Our goal is to educate each patient and begin a relevant treatment program with the highest quality of care available.
For more information, please contact Caron Orelowitz.