Podiatrists
Podiatrists diagnose and treat conditions of the feet, ankles and legs. They also help rehabilitate people after injuries or surgery that affect these areas.
What podiatrists do
Podiatrists work with people to help improve or maintain their foot health. They diagnose, treat and manage conditions of the feet, ankle and lower limb. They can:
- treat sports injuries and prescribe exercises to promote healthy lower limb function
- provide biomechanical assessments, which look at how your feet, legs and body move together
- provide advice on footwear and orthotics to support or improve walking and running
- help manage long-term conditions, such as diabetes-related complications and arthritic problems
- provide advice on and treat general foot and nail conditions.
When to see a podiatrist
You can see a podiatrist with any foot, ankle or lower leg problems, such as:
- achilles tendon problems
- bunions
- corns and calluses
- flat feet
- foot problems in diabetes
- fungal nail infections
- hammertoe
- heel and foot pain (plantar fasciitis)
- ingrown toenail
- Morton's neuroma
- pain in the ball of your foot (metatarsalgia).
Where podiatrists work
Podiatrists mostly work out of private podiatry clinics or within larger health clinics. Your podiatrist may be located within a physiotherapy clinic or your general medical practice.
If you qualify for publicly funded care, you may see a podiatrist in a community or outpatient clinic.
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
- you are a war veteran with an accepted condition — ask your Veterans' Affairs case manager if you qualify.
Disability allowance — Work and Incomeexternal link
Veterans' Affairsexternal link
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.
Find a podiatrist
You can visit a podiatrist without a referral.
Search for a podiatrist online.
Find a podiatrist near you — Podiatry New Zealandexternal link