Practice on the go: A successful start to self-employment with mobile podiatry

Mobile podiatry and podiatry are increasingly becoming a sought-after business model – thanks to demographic change and the growing demand for flexible, local care. For many professionals, they provide an attractive opportunity to take the step towards self-employment and to provide individual, personal care to patients.

Anyone who would like to set up their own mobile podiatry business should not only be well-qualified professionally. Issues such as equipment, organisation and positioning also play a crucial role in ensuring a successful start.

Proceed small – grow – make a large impact: that is the formula for success in mobile podiatry. A key driver is demographic change: the population in Germany is getting older and older. The number of people aged over 65 alone has risen by around 7 million since 1991 to approximately 19 million in 2024 (source: Federal Statistical Office, as of August 2025).

As people age, there are more foot-related health problems, yet patients’ expectations change. Besides professional expertise, versatility and convenience are becoming increasingly important. Especially for those with limited mobility, long journeys to the practice often pose a challenge. Mobile podiatry addresses this precisely: it brings treatment directly to people’s homes or care homes, so that added value is created in everyday care.

For many professionals, it also offers a suitable route into self-employment. A client base can be built up gradually, and the investment in necessary equipment such as mobile systems and devices is manageable – especially if flexible leasing and financing options are utilised. This makes the mobile option especially attractive for those starting out in their careers: it provides a solid foundation on which to build a private practice in the long term.

Yet, mobile work requires well-organised operations. Route planning, time management and versatility are crucial for working with good economic performance and efficiency.

Getting started in mobile podiatry does not proceed with the equipment, but with a clear focus. The crucial question is which area you would like to work in: podiatry with a medical focus, or beauty foot care. This results not only in different requirements, but also in different target groups and areas of application.

Whilst the beauty sector often appeals to a broad spectrum of private clients, podiatry offers particularly good opportunities thanks to consultation with care homes, doctors’ surgeries or other healthcare providers. A clear positioning helps you to build up your own service offering in a targeted manner and achieve good economic performance in the long term.

Specific first steps to get started

So that the start is successful, it is worth clarifying the following points at an early stage:

• Business registration and qualifications: For cosmetic podiatry, short-term training and business registration are usually sufficient in most cases. Anyone who would like to practise podiatry and bill health insurance funds requires state-recognised training as a podiatrist along with health insurance fund accreditation. Requirements vary by federal state – it is advisable to seek advice from the relevant Chamber of Trade or the Public Health Authority at an early stage.
• Pricing: Besides material and equipment costs, take into account labour, travel time and associated costs. For home visits, a surcharge compared to in-clinic treatments is standard practice and well justifiable.
• Initial client acquisition: Care homes, retirement homes and doctors’ surgeries (especially diabetologists and GPs) are important partners. A personal interview with references and a professional demeanour opens many doors here.
• Vehicle and travel expense claims: Your vehicle is your mobile office. You have taken a logbook and use the flat-rate mileage allowance – this saves you money on your tax return.

Ingenious equipment is the foundation for efficient and professional work in mobile podiatry.

The basic equipment for mobile podiatry includes:

Podiatry Drill

The key tool of the trade. Requirements vary depending on the specialism – in podiatry, the focus is on power and precision, whereas in beauty foot care it is more on versatility and ease of use.

Nova Pro for podiatry

Nova SE for beauty podiatry

Technical unit (case or backpack)

During mobile practice, a well-designed transport solution is crucial. A robust case reliably protects sensitive equipment from knocks and moisture – even during frequent transport. An ingenious drawer configuration delivers a designated place for everything and ensures that it is always within easy reach.

Convenient: The case can be used directly as a surface, eliminating the need to repack on site. Integrated work trays or box systems particularly support a structured workflow.

RUCK mobilsystem case

Mobile magnifying lamp

For optimum, distortion-free illumination and precise work – regardless of the lighting conditions on site.

Circle S mobile magnifying lamp

Stool and footrest

For ergonomic working and convenient, safe positioning of patients.

RUCK mobilsystem set: footrest and chair

Accessories and storage systems

For hygienic and structured organisation of instruments and consumables.

RUCK mobilsystem solid boxes

With a growing customer base and increasing usage, it is worth expanding your equipment in a targeted manner. The modular components of the RUCK mobilsystem integrate seamlessly into your existing setup. Extended storage systems  provide a clearer overview of instruments and consumables – suitable if the number of home visits increases. The  Tablet and office folder  keeps appointments, patient data and documentation compact and to hand. The solid Trolley  provides additional storage space for more extensive uses – especially convenient in care facilities and during home visits requiring a large amount of supplies.

Mobile podiatry provides real opportunities – for a flexible start to self-employment, for a growing target group, and for work that is truly meaningful. Setting the right equipment from the outset allows you to work more efficiently and professionally, leaving a lasting positive impression on patients.

RUCK supports you on this journey – with ingenious products specifically for mobile podiatry and foot health, flexible financing options and decades of experience in the industry.

Discover the full range of RUCK equipment for mobile podiatry and foot health now – and start your self-employment journey perfectly prepared.

Everything about the new RUCK mobilsystem