Podiatry

A podiatrist is a foot and ankle provider who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the feet, ankles, toes, toenails, and lower legs. Podiatrists can help with foot pain, heel pain, bunions, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot concerns, wounds, nail care, skin concerns, injuries, and more.

You should consider seeing a podiatrist if you have foot or ankle pain that does not improve, pain that makes walking difficult, numbness or tingling in your toes, a wound that is not healing, an ingrown toenail, thickened or painful toenails, bunion pain, heel pain, or diabetic foot concerns.

Referral requirements can vary depending on your insurance plan. Some patients may be able to schedule directly with a podiatry provider, while others may need a referral from a primary care provider. If you are unsure, contact your insurance company or call Adena Health for help understanding your next step.

Medicare may cover certain podiatry services when they are medically necessary, such as care related to diabetes, foot wounds, nerve damage, or specific foot conditions. Routine foot care may not always be covered. Coverage depends on your condition, treatment plan, and insurance benefits, so it is best to confirm with Medicare or your insurance plan before your visit.

Yes, podiatrists can provide toenail care when it is medically needed. This may include care for thickened nails, painful nails, fungal nails, ingrown toenails, or nail concerns related to diabetes, circulation issues, or other health conditions.

Yes. Podiatrists play an important role in diabetic foot care. They can check for wounds, skin changes, nail problems, nerve-related symptoms, circulation concerns, and other issues that may increase the risk of infection or delayed healing.

Yes. A podiatrist can evaluate heel pain and help determine whether it may be related to plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, tendon irritation, foot structure, footwear, or another condition. Treatment may include stretching guidance, shoe recommendations, orthotics, injection therapy, or additional care depending on the cause of your pain.

A podiatrist is often a good first step for foot pain, nail concerns, diabetic foot care, heel pain, bunions, wounds, and many common foot and ankle conditions. An orthopedic foot and ankle specialist may be recommended for more complex injuries, advanced arthritis, fractures, ankle instability, or surgical needs.

Some podiatrists perform foot and ankle procedures or surgery, depending on their training, specialty, and the condition being treated. If your condition requires more advanced surgical care, your podiatry provider can help connect you with the appropriate specialist.

Yes. A podiatrist can treat ingrown toenails, including painful, infected, or recurring ingrown toenails. Treatment depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail and may include trimming the nail, removing part of the nail, or recommending steps to help prevent it from coming back.