podiatrist: as needed or regular appointments?

granddi · ‎03-16-2010

The older I get the more I think I need a regular appointments schedule -maybe every 6 months. I used to take care of my own corns and calluses(even ingrown nails-yikes) but my old feet are just not happy.

How do you take care of your feet? Some say the pedicure person does the routine corns and callus removal?

Krimpette · ‎03-09-2010

I believe that Medicare (not sure if you're on Medicare or not) covers cutting toe nails about every 3-4 month (I think that's the interval). I'm sure the podiatrist would handle corns and calluses at the same time. That's asssuming that you'd want the podiatrist to cut your toe nails. That would put you on a regular appointment.

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@granddi wrote:
The older I get the more I think I need a regular appointments schedule -maybe every 6 months. I used to take care of my own corns and calluses(even ingrown nails-yikes) but my old feet are just not happy.

How do you take care of your feet? Some say the pedicure person does the routine corns and callus removal?

@granddi

I've seen a podiatrist at 6 month intervals but needed to see him sooner. Keep in mind that our feet, like our joints, just don't have the lubricants and cushioning our younger feet and joints had.

IMO, if your insurance allows for regular appointments, for goodness sakes, DO IT.

What, exactly, would you get from not caring for your feet?

RedTop · ‎09-01-2010

I don't have corns, callouses or ingrown toenails, but a basic pedicure makes my feet feel better. My friend from work had her ingrown toenails worked on and her corn filed down at her pedi appointments. My friend also liked dipping her feet in wax until she learned about the spreading of fungus in the wax; the shop I go to does not offer wax dip treatments.

wagirl · ‎03-09-2010

I saw a podiatrist a few times for specific issues---like limping when I walked, where he took some xrays--found I had a hairline fracture between 2 toes on my foot ---had to get a decent pair of shoes and thats about it. My feet are in pretty good condition--I do get pedis every month as I have ingrown nails on my big toes--- not horrible ones--but are painful if I let them go. Never had corns or callouses that required that kind of attention. But am sure the foot dr will tell you how often he wants to see you. Would never let a regular nail salon do anything with corns/callouses tho.

RetRN · ‎10-01-2013

Unless your insurance covers regular appointments I would schedule as needed. Wishing you well with whatever you decide to do.

chrystaltree · ‎05-10-2010

I'm in my 60s and I never had a corn or callus or ingrown toenail in my life. I always wore shoes that fit and socks with my boots and always took care of my feet. Now I get pedicures every three weeks. If I did have corns and calluses, I would see a podiatrist. Probably 3 times a year. I would want to stay ahead of any foot issues. The things you talk about are all preventable.

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CelticCrafter · ‎03-09-2010

@Krimpette wrote:
I believe that Medicare (not sure if you're on Medicare or not) covers cutting toe nails about every 3-4 month (I think that's the interval). I'm sure the podiatrist would handle corns and calluses at the same time. That's asssuming that you'd want the podiatrist to cut your toe nails. That would put you on a regular appointment.

Medicare only covers it if you are a diabetic or if it's medically necessary.

They don't cover routine visits.

chrystaltree · ‎05-10-2010

@CelticCrafter wrote:
@Krimpette wrote:
I believe that Medicare (not sure if you're on Medicare or not) covers cutting toe nails about every 3-4 month (I think that's the interval). I'm sure the podiatrist would handle corns and calluses at the same time. That's asssuming that you'd want the podiatrist to cut your toe nails. That would put you on a regular appointment.
Medicare only covers it if you are a diabetic or if it's medically necessary.
They don't cover routine visits.

Non diabetics with certain medical or physical limitations are also covered. My sister is paralyzed on one side and Medicare covers her podiatrist. My friend's aunt is 300 pounds, mostly belly fat. She's not diabetic but Medicare covers the podiatrist because she can't bend to cut her toenails.

AZfem · ‎04-13-2016

I see a podiatrist every 3 or 4 months as I get cortisone shots in one foot & a homeopathic one in the other. He also removes a particular callus I get with acid. Medicare will not pay for cutting toenails according to him. If you have feet problems, why not see a podiatrist? Couldn't function well without mine.