Podiatry in Berlin: Medical foot care for health and well-being

Podiatry is the non-medical treatment of the foot and deals with preventive and therapeutic measures relating to the skin, nails, and tissue. The name comes from Greek. The word “pous” means foot, while “logos” stands for teaching. Podiatrists in Germany are state-recognized healthcare professionals who have completed special training and a state examination. The professional title is protected and may only be used by appropriately qualified individuals.

The focus is on medical foot treatments. The primary concern is not cosmetic enhancement, but the treatment and prevention of foot problems. Podological measures serve to maintain or restore foot health, often in close consultation with doctors.

When is podiatric treatment necessary?

Podiatric treatment is particularly necessary when there are pathological changes in the feet. These include diabetic foot syndrome, circulatory disorders, nerve damage, and injuries that would be difficult to heal without treatment. People with diabetes are at particular risk of unnoticed injuries, as their sensitivity to pain may be reduced.

Corns, warts, ingrown toenails, or severely thickened nails are also typical reasons for visiting a podiatrist. The same applies to fungal infections, nail deformities, toe misalignments, or severe calluses.

High-risk patients such as diabetics, rheumatics, haemophiliacs or people with polyneuropathy benefit particularly from regular appointments, because complications can be detected and treated at an early stage in the podiatry practice. Many statutory health insurance companies cover the costs of podiatric treatments if they are prescribed by a doctor and medically necessary.

What happens during a podiatric treatment?

Each treatment begins with a detailed medical history, during which the patient's health history is taken and their feet are carefully examined. The skin, nails, blood circulation, and sensitivity are checked. In some cases, an analysis of the patient's footwear is also carried out to identify any pressure points or incorrect weight distribution.

The actual treatment then begins, which can vary greatly depending on the findings. A central component is nail treatment: thickened, brittle, or fungal nails are trimmed, smoothed, or filed.

Ingrown nails can be relieved and corrected using special brace techniques. If the nail plate is missing, a nail prosthesis can be used, which not only improves the appearance but also protects the sensitive nail bed.

Calluses and corns are carefully removed with special instruments to eliminate pressure points. For people with misalignments such as hammer toes or hallux valgus, custom-made orthotics can be used to relieve pressure on the foot and alleviate discomfort.

In addition to purely technical measures, counseling also plays an important role. Podiatrists provide tips on proper foot care, recommend suitable footwear, and demonstrate exercises to maintain mobility. On request, complementary measures such as foot massages or foot exercises can be performed to promote blood circulation and relieve tension.

Costs, prescription, and legal basis

In Germany, the titles “podologist” and “podiatrist” are protected by the Podiatry Act. Training usually takes two years full-time and concludes with a state examination. Only those who have this qualification are legally permitted to offer medical foot care.

Podiatric treatments are considered therapeutic and can be prescribed by doctors. For certain conditions such as diabetes with nerve damage or circulatory disorders, statutory health insurance companies cover all or part of the costs. Patients usually pay a co-payment of $10 per prescription plus 10 percent of the treatment costs.

Services that are purely cosmetic in nature and have no medical basis must usually be paid for privately. Many podiatry practices therefore offer both treatments prescribed by health insurance companies and additional private services.

Job description and significance

Podiatrists work in their own practices, in group practices, in foot clinics, or in hospitals. They often work closely with family doctors, diabetologists, orthopedists, and physical therapists. The work involves a high level of responsibility, as it can help prevent serious complications—in extreme cases, even amputations.

Podiatry is therefore an important part of healthcare, especially for people suffering from chronic diseases. Regular treatments can not only alleviate symptoms, but also maintain mobility and quality of life.

In large cities such as Berlin, the demand for medical foot care is particularly high. The diverse population, the high proportion of older people, and the wide range of lifestyles mean that podiatry in Berlin appeals to a broad spectrum of patients. The services offered range from the treatment of diabetic feet to professional care for athletes who put a lot of strain on their feet.