Preparing for On-Site Podiatry in Charlotte

At SmartStep Foot and Ankle, we offer onsite mobile podiatry in Charlotte because we believe that the era of fighting I-77 traffic and sitting in a waiting room is over. We’ve brought high-level podiatric care directly to the doorsteps of Charlotte, from the high-rises of Uptown to the quiet neighborhoods of Ballantyne, and we want to help you make the most of your next onsite visit.

We believe that an on-site visit is a clinical encounter and not just a house call. To ensure we maximize our time together and dive straight into the diagnostic heavy lifting, here is our checklist for a successful on-site appointment.

Lighting and Position Matter

The best diagnostic environment is a space with high natural light and a chair that allows you to elevate your feet. We want our patients to remain comfortable before, during, and after each visit, but the ability to elevate your feet can help your doctor examine every surface of your foot for a comprehensive evaluation.

If you have a recliner or a chaise lounge, these are ideal. The last thing we want is for you to have to twist into an uncomfortable position during your exam. Your doctor will guide you into the right position for maximum efficiency.

Clear the Radius

While we can work with most indoor spaces, including living rooms and offices, we generally need about a five-foot radius around your seating area for our doctor and equipment. This clearance ensures that we're able to provide thorough care, but it also helps to protect the surrounding area from accidents caused by elbows and knees.

Don't Clean Up

We want to see your natural environment. Although it may sound counterintuitive, we encourage you to leave your living or working space as it is before your doctor arrives. Please clear any obstructions that could impede movement, but other than that, leave things as they are.

The advantage to this is that it will help your doctor to assess potential issues in your home or office that may contribute to foot and ankle problems. Also, if you have old shoes lying around, we want to see them. Examining the tread and wear on old shoes can help us narrow down on the cause of certain foot and ankle conditions.

Also, have your primary work shoes, your favorite around-the-house slippers, your workout trainers, or any other daily footwear ready. We often find that seemingly unexplained pain can be caused by bad shoes, and your doctor will want to have a chance to check them out.

Make a List

Because we aren't in a central records room, having a list of medications, current health concerns, and your medical history ready is vital. If possible, we need to see the actual bottles of any medications like blood thinners or diabetic medications. These directly impact how we handle care or recommendations on-site.

From the Field: Anonymized Patient Experience

We recently visited a high-level executive in Southpark who had been struggling with a recurring burning sensation in his forefoot (Metatarsalgia). He had seen two other specialists in traditional offices with no resolution, so during our on-site visit, We wanted to take things a step further (no pun intended.)

Instead of just looking at his feet, we also evaluated his standing desk during a visit to his office. We discovered that his ergonomic mat was actually bottomed out, forcing his foot into a constant state of over-extension. By diagnosing the environment alongside the anatomy, we solved a six-month problem in less than 30 minutes. That is the power of on-site foot care in Charlotte.

Preparation for "Minor Procedures"

Many patients are surprised to learn that we can perform significant clinical tasks on-site, including:

Ingrown Nail Procedures: We bring a full suite of sterilized tools to take care of ingrown nail procedures quickly and without pain.

Cortisone Injections: Cortisone injections can be given on-site during your visit to help alleviate pain and improve mobility.

Regenerative Medicine: SmartStep Foot and Ankle specializes in regenerative medicine treatments, many of which can be administered during an on-site visit in Charlotte.

Take Back Your Time and Get Relief From Foot Problems Without the Hassle of Travel

You shouldn't have to sacrifice half a work day to maintain your mobility. If you are in the Charlotte Metro and ready for a podiatry experience that values your time as much as your health, it’s time to book your on-site visit with SmartStep Foot and Ankle.