Holistic Podiatry in Phoenix,AZ
What is holistic podiatry?
Holistic podiatry is an integrative approach to chronic foot and ankle pain by getting the root cause of your problem and addressing it, instead of just treating or even masking the symptoms alone. This is done by taking the whole person into consideration, including their diet, lifestyle, stressors, genetics, and other factors to over time, address their foot and ankle pain, and get rid of it once and for all. Holistic podiatry combines traditional podiatric practices with complementary therapies or treatments to promote healing.
Holistic podiatry recognizes that issues in the body usually do not happen in a vacuum, and aims to find the root causes of foot problems, often linked to bigger health issues.
Holistic podiatry appointments and treatments are not covered by insurance. Because of this, appointment times are usually much longer than what is usually seen in an insurance-based practice (around an hour). Because holistic podiatry is not covered by insurance, this frees up your physician to use a world of treatment options that just aren't available to them in the insurance realm. The goal of these treatment methods is to help your body heal itself and to remove any roadblocks in the way of your body from doing this.
What Does Holistic Podiatry Include?
1. A Medical History and Exam:
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Holistic podiatrists perform a thorough medical exam and take a thorough record of your health history. This evaluation includes lifestyle and environmental influences and life stressors.
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Your medical exam usually will include a gait analysis, which looks at the specific biomechanics of how you walk, Gait analysis is used to find other contributing factors to foot problems like muscle imbalances for example.
2. Integrative Therapies:
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Treatments often combine traditional methods in podiatry (such as orthotics and stretching exercises) with holistic therapies like prolotherapy, homeopathy, PRP, herbal and nutritional medicines, and more.
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The goal is to get out of the body way, and allow these natural mechanisms to take place so that the body can heal itself, but also support the body's regenerative and immune processes during this time for the best outcome possible.
3. Nutritional Counseling:
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Diet plays a significant role in overall health, and the foot is no exception. For example, inflammatory conditions like arthritis can be made worse by poor nutrition.
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Holistic podiatrists may provide dietary recommendations to lower inflammation and support joint health.
4. Sustainable Lifestyle Changes:
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Lifestyle recommendations that can be made to help patients overcome their foot and ankle pain include starting a new exercise regimen and stopping smoking or drinking.
5. Mind-Body Connection:
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Addressing and supporting patients on the path to better mental health is critical to overcoming chronic foot and ankle pain. The mind and body are one.
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Recognizing the impact of mental and emotional well-being on physical health, holistic podiatrists may incorporate practices such as mindfulness, yoga, meditation, and even referrals to therapists to help patients manage stress and improve their overall quality of life
Who Is Holistic Podiatry Good For?
Holistic podiatry can benefit many people, from those with chronic foot conditions to others looking for preventive care. Here are some specific groups who might find holistic podiatry to be a right fit for them:
1.People with Chronic Foot Pain:
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Patients suffering from conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, heel spurs, and arthritis often find relief through holistic approaches.
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By addressing underlying causes such as chronic inflammation or biomechanical imbalances, holistic podiatry can provide long-term relief from pain and help these patients regain their lives.
2. Athletes and Active People:
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Athletes other people who live an active lifestyle will usually experience at least one foot and ankle injury in their life.
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Holistic podiatry can help with foot and ankle injury or recovery by focusing on proper biomechanics, strengthening exercises, correction of muscle imbalances, and nutritional support to enhance performance.
3. Diabetics:
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Diabetes impacts foot health in many ways, this can include Peripheral Arterial Disease, nerve damage or neuropathy, ulcers, Charcot arthropathy, amputation. Worse case scenario, diabetes can lead to life threatening foot infections, and even death.
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Holistic podiatry emphasizes regular foot checks proper nutrition, and lifestyle changes, which are crucial for preventing diabetic foot ulcers and other complications.
4. People with Autoimmune Disorders:
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Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis attack the feet. Holistic approaches can help manage symptoms through anti-inflammatory diets, stress reduction techniques, and supportive therapies.
Holistic Podiatry in Phoenix, AZ
Holistic podiatry offers a refreshing approach to treating foot pain, and other chronic foot conditions, blending traditional methods with therapies that have natural focus, all while recognizing the body's ability to heal itself.
If you are in the Phoenix area, and curious if holistic podiatry can be the answer to your foot and ankle problems, I do offer a 15 minute free consultation. Click the box below.