Who Do I See For Foot Pain?

A foot specialist, right? Yes! But, be wary, because not all “specialists” are created equal…

For most of the clients I work with, I am NOT their first practitioner they have sought help from for their painful feet. Most tend to access a primary care physician first or a general practitioner because that is traditionally how we have gained access to “speciality” practitioners. General practitioners have historically been gatekeepers for specialists. But what most of us don’t think about or realize is that this pathway or access to care was created out of insurance limitations/requirements. Insurance plans have dictated a system that allows them to control who gets paid and how much.  They determine “who” is a specialist and what the “gold-standard-of-treatment” is. They determine who you see for painful feet. 

Ok, so “who do I see for painful feet”?

From here, most practitioners prescribe x-rays, pain medication, activity restriction and usually referral to a physical therapist, orthopedic surgeon or a podiatrist. Depending on insurance plans and access to care, it may be days or weeks, or even months until seen by this “specialist,” so in the meantime you avoid activity, take pain meds and get weaker. 

Once you have gained access to a specialist, you then are still subject to playing the insurance game. Many have a limited number of sessions and with most you may only be treated if you have been diagnosed with specific diagnoses. Additionally, you may only be able to be treated using specific types of interventions, and you typically have an expiration date for using these sessions. 

So, to answer your question, “who do I see for painful feet,” I say, me!

Popular forms of current treatment for foot pain include various forms of immobilization. This looks like suggesting more “stability-controlled” shoes, or over-the-counter insoles, custom orthotics, or even a walking boot. And there is a better way. There is a MUCH better way to treat foot pain and includes mobility and activity. 

For those of us that have health insurance, we tend to want to utilize those benefits we already pay for. I get this. However, accessing a specialist through health insurance does not create a system that allows for the most efficient and effective access to care.  When it comes to accessing a physical therapist, there is a better way. And it’s DIRECTLY, skipping the insurance provider.

Working with a specialist, without using insurance as a payor may sound impossible and expensive, but I’m here to tell you it isn’t…or it doesn’t have to be. On average, seeing a physical therapist WHILE USING INSURANCE, can still cost upwards of $200 for an initial intake and $100 for every follow-up session 😵.  And this cost does not include any specific programming, or access to the physical therapist in between sessions. In fact, you are lucky if you get to follow-up with the SAME therapist. 

So “Who do I see for painful feet?” You see me. You see a movement professional you trust. There are many different types of specialists for “foot pain” out there, but it’s what each of those specialists do that matters. And most, unfortunately, emphasize immobility. They encourage you to purchase expensive, stiff shoes and orthotics, never actually addressing any underlying mobility or strength deficits in your foot. 

Working with me is accessible to everyone and can be done from home. Working with me does not require insurance and gives you access to me outside of our sessions. Since I work for myself, I don’t overburden myself with large caseloads or  accept insurance as a payor so that I can give you unrestricted access and care. 

Who do you see for painful feet? You see me. You see a provider who isn’t boxed into insurance limitations or tied down to clinic productivity. 

Click HERE to learn more about working together. I’m taking new 1:1 clients starting in a few weeks, and those on this list get first dibs to purchase AND access to early action bonuses/

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The Benefits and Drawbacks of Training Muscles in Isolation

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Ending the narrative: I’m not good enough