Podiatrist

Podiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose, treat, and perform minor surgery on any issues that affect your feet, ankles, and lower legs.

Tips & Links

• Podiatrists are also called podiatric physicians, podiatric surgeons or podiatric foot and ankle surgeons and are regulated by the BC Podiatric Medical Association.
• They can diagnose health conditions that affect your feet and ankle, order lab or imaging tests, prescribe medications, perform minor surgeries (such as ingrown toenail, bunion, or plantar wart removal), prescribe orthotics, braces, or casts, and suggest mobility aids/devices.
• Learn how to find a podiatrist in your area.
• Check out suggestions for foot hygiene and health from Healthlink BC.
• Know that you do not need a referral to see a podiatrist. However, some health benefits require a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner for your visit to be covered. Surgical procedures are partially covered by your medical services plan (MSP). To understand what the visit may cost, it is best to ask when you make the appointment.
• Learn about foot and nail care for seniors and how regular home and nail salon treatments can be beneficial.
• Bring your health advocate with you to the appointment to take notes on treatments, remind you of your questions and concerns, and provide assistance if you receive treatments that impact your mobility.
• Prepare for your health care visit with some tips from Healthlink BC.
• If you are at risk for falls because of changes in your feet, learn about falls and fall prevention from Healthlink BC.
• Learn how to ask for a home safety assessment if falls or tripping are of concern to you or your care partners.
• Include your podiatrist in your My Health Care Professionals list in My People in your Mywell Health planner if you see them for a few visits or long-term.

Tools – Handouts & Videos