Chiropodist Treatment: HSA Eligibility

What is a chiropodist?

Chiropody, is a term that was more commonly used in the early 20th century but has since been replaced by "podiatry" as the primary expression used to describe the branch of medicine that centers around the diagnosis and medical/surgical treatment of disorders that affect, the foot, ankle and other portions of a patient's lower extremity. Foot issues are a natural part of the aging process, which rank among the most widespread and neglected health issues in the U.S. that affect millions each year, but they can arise at any age and may require specialized care. Chiropodists are professionally trained physicians who require the same medical training in physiology, general anatomy/medicine, biochemistry, pharmacology, genetics and embryology, neurobiology that other major medical professions require, but with a larger focus on foot, ankle and lower extremity issues (American Podiatric Medical Association).

What are the most common chiropodist treatments?

Chiropodists are uniquely qualified to treat the many diseases and chronic ailments that affect the foot and ankle, and this can fall into a variety of subcategories, including sports medicine, pediatrics, dermatology and diabetic care. Some of the most common forms of chiropody treatments that patients may pursue include:

• Perform physical therapy consultations/sessions
• X-rays, ultrasound, MRIs and other imaging studies
• Surgery, both reconstructive and microsurgeries
• Prescribe medications
• Prescribe and fit orthotics, insoles, casts and prosthetics
• Sedation/Anesthetics
• Set fractures and treat sports-related injuries in the foot/ankle
• Perform physical examinations and compile medical histories

The expertise of chiropodists is used to treat a huge range of common foot ailments that can occur at any stage of life, including athlete's foot, fungal toenails, plantar fasciitis/heel pain, bunions, corns and calluses, flat feet/fallen arches and other foot pronation issues, hammer toes, plantar warts, and Achilles tendonitis. Last but not least, chiropodists are trained in biomechanics, which is the study of posture and walking. This biomechanic assessment typically informs the patient's diagnosis and future treatment plans, especially for conditions like heel/foot pain, flat feet and other issues that are directly related to an individual's gait and walking frequency.