As a board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon, I’ve watched technology reshape our field in ways I couldn’t have imagined starting out. From the scalpel to the screen, technology is rewriting how we diagnose, treat, and heal across North Carolina and South Carolina.
At Elevate Foot and Ankle, we’ve leaned into technology, and our tech-forward approach to patient care has changed how I diagnose and treat everything from bunions to diabetic foot conditions.
Here’s my take on the tech revolution in podiatry: What’s driving it, how it’s helping patients, and why it matters more than ever in North Carolina and South Carolina.
The Old Days vs. The New Frontier
Traditionally, podiatry has been hands-on—literally. Podiatrists have relied on in-person physical exams for decades, and while this approach has its benefits, it’s no longer the only game in town. These days, technology plays a huge role in my practice, and it’s also providing greater outcomes for my patients.
Imaging Technology Gives Deeper Insights
Today’s imaging technology offers incredible insights that healthcare providers of the past could only dream about. Take 3D imaging, for example—as a foot and ankle surgeon, CT scans now let me map a foot’s architecture in minutes, spotting hairline fractures or cartilage wear that X-rays miss. In fact, I’ve caught midfoot collapses in patients who’d been told “It’s just arthritis.”
At Elevate Foot and Ankle, I can confer with imaging professionals working on your case. This allows me to offer personalized care via telemedicine technology, all from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re in the Outer Banks in North Carolina, Spartanburg in South Carolina, or anywhere in between, we embrace technology to make it easier to get relief from foot pain and mobility concerns.
Telehealth: A Digital Leap in Podiatric Care
Telemedicine is one advancement I’ve embraced wholeheartedly. In fact, I started Elevate Foot and Ankle because I saw how telehealth technology changed lives during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.
We’ve come such a long way in the use of healthcare telecommunications technology, and it’s been a revolution for foot care. What gained popularity during the pandemic has now become commonplace, and Elevate Foot and Ankle is leading the charge in telehealth podiatry services in North and South Carolina.
How Virtual Visits Boost Patient Foot Care
As a board-certified podiatrist, I rely on seeing a patient’s foot move to gather evidence when making a diagnosis—how they step, where they wince, any wounds that are present. Foot care telemedicine lets me do the same thing for patients in cities across North and South Carolina without dragging someone into an office.
This is a huge benefit for patients who may not be safe to drive or who may experience mobility challenges due to a foot condition. Through the use of telehealth technology, I can watch a patient walk across their kitchen in Charlotte or observe a diabetic’s foot in Hilton Head Island. Plus, this is a huge advantage for patients who may not have access to a nearby podiatrist.
This technology allows me to spot overpronation in real time or even zoom in on a fungal nail, all from my screen.At Elevate Foot and Ankle, we offer foot care anywhere in North Carolina and South Carolina—no travel required, no long office wait times, and flexible appointments are available, even after hours.
Catching Problems Between Visits: The Telehealth Advantage
Telehealth technology has also made it easier to catch problems between traditional office visits. Too often, people with foot concerns end up waiting months or longer between in-office visits, but foot problems don’t take a break.
I’ve had patients show me heel sores that may have gone unchecked while waiting for a traditional podiatry visit. These were diabetic cases where a quick video check caught the infection before it spiraled.In short: Telehealth’s speed is clutch. I can prescribe antifungals or anti-inflammatories to a patient’s pharmacy that same day—no waiting a week or longer for an in-person visit.
While telemedicine can’t replace surgery or other treatments that require a hands-on approach, this technology is fantastic for diagnostics, follow-ups, consultations, and chronic care. Patients who’d skip visits due to distance or time now get help fast, improving outcomes in the process.
Beyond the Screen: Smart Tools in Action
Smart technology is also pushing podiatry forward. Smart technology is made up of digital devices that can interface via the Internet.
Personally, I love smart insoles. These are insoles with sensors that map pressure points, showing exactly where a bunion is throwing off weight. Smart data can also reveal a collapsing arch or other structural challenges.
Portable Podiatry Tech
Portable ultrasound units are another innovation that I’ve followed closely. These units can be used to get a view of soft tissue in real-time, potentially catching Achilles tears that X-rays might miss. Not only does this technology provide valuable insights, but it can also help prevent unnecessary invasive procedures.
Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative medicine is another area I’m watching closely. Treatments using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, where a patient’s blood is spun to concentrate healing factors, can be re-introduced into the body to promote recovery.
Right now, regenerative treatments are still a bit pricey, and insurance coverage may be lacking. Still, it’s something that I think all podiatric healthcare professionals and their patients should follow with interest.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Foot Care Technology
Podiatry’s tech isn’t slowing down—I’m eyeing AI diagnostics next, where algorithms might spot patterns and more. It won’t replace me, but it may enhance care for you.For now, I’m sticking to what works: telehealth’s reach is unmatched across North and South Carolina for people in need of fast, convenient foot care online.
Take Advantage of Telehealth Foot Care in North and South Carolina - Schedule a Visit Today!
Want to explore how advancements in telemedicine can help your feet? Schedule a virtual visit in North or South Carolina with Elevate Foot and Ankle—our team’s ready to bring next-level care to you on your schedule. Book your telehealth visit now!
Dr. Thurmond Lanier
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