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Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to common questions about our podiatry care, treatments and appointments.
General Appointments
How long does an appointment take?
Initial general appointments usually take between 20 and 30 minutes. Biomechanical or injury-related appointments generally take a little longer, as they involve a more detailed assessment and treatment. The exact time can vary depending on your condition and individual needs.
Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?
In most cases, no referral is required. However, some patients may be eligible under Medicare, DVA, or Workers Compensation, where a referral may be needed.
Do you offer Medicare or bulk billing?
We provide services for patients with Medicare Chronic Disease Management plans. While we don’t bulk bill standard consultations, a rebate can be claimed back from Medicare for eligible patients.
Can I use my private health insurance?
Yes — we have HICAPS available on-site, allowing you to claim your private health insurance rebate immediately. Please bring your physical or digital membership card to your appointment.
Appointments & Policies
What can I expect at my first appointment?
At your first appointment, we take the time to understand your concern and assess the issue properly. We’ll go through your medical history and perform a thorough assessment. To help with this, we recommend arriving 5–10 minutes early to complete your new patient form. If needed, this can also be completed online beforehand. In most cases, we’ll begin treatment on the day and provide you with a clear plan moving forward.
What should I bring to my appointment?
We recommend bringing the footwear you wear most often, especially if your concern is related to pain or activity. If you have any relevant test results, such as blood tests or swabs, you’re welcome to bring those along.
Can I still attend if I’m unsure what the problem is?
Yes, absolutely. This is exactly what the appointment is for. We’ll assess the issue and in most cases provide a clear diagnosis on the day. If needed, we may arrange further testing to guide your treatment.
What happens if I miss my appointment?
We understand that things can happen from time to time. However, repeated missed appointments or late cancellations may require a booking deposit for future visits. This helps ensure appointment availability for all patients.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require at least 24 hours’ notice for any appointment changes or cancellations. This allows us to offer the appointment to other patients who may be waiting.
What happens if I arrive late to my appointment?
If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, your appointment may need to be shortened or rescheduled. We always try to be flexible where possible. However, this depends on the type of appointment and available time, as we aim to provide the best care for you while also respecting other patients’ appointments.
Treatments & Therapies
Can you help with sports or activity-related injuries?
Yes — we regularly treat a wide range of injuries affecting the foot, ankle, and lower limb. This includes both recent and long-standing issues. We also incorporate strength and conditioning, load management, and rehabilitation to help you return to activity, whether that’s sport, work, or everyday tasks.
Do you treat heel pain?
Yes — heel pain is one of the most common conditions we treat. This includes plantar fasciitis, Achilles-related conditions, bursitis, and growth-related heel pain in children. We focus on identifying the cause and providing targeted treatment.
Do you treat ingrown toenails? Will I need surgery?
Yes — we treat ingrown toenails with a range of options. Not everyone requires surgery. In many cases, conservative treatment is effective. Surgery is usually only considered for ongoing or more severe cases, and we’ll always discuss your options with you first.
Do you treat warts?
Yes — we treat warts and tailor the approach to each patient. We usually begin with conservative treatments and progress to more advanced options if required, including Falkner’s needling for more persistent cases.
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy is used for more persistent conditions. It works by delivering controlled pulses to the affected area to help stimulate healing, improve blood flow, and reduce pain. It’s commonly used for tendon injuries and heel pain.
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is used to release tight muscles and reduce pain. It involves using very fine needles to target specific areas within the muscle. This can help improve movement and reduce tension. Most patients tolerate it well, and any discomfort is usually brief.
What is Falkner’s needling?
Falkner’s needling is a treatment used for stubborn or persistent warts. It works by stimulating the body’s immune response to recognise and fight the virus more effectively. It is typically considered when other treatments have not been successful.
Can you help with thick or fungal nails?
Yes. We assess whether the nail changes are due to fungal infection, trauma, or pressure. Treatment may include reducing nail thickness, improving footwear, and using topical or other treatment options where appropriate.
What is prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy is a treatment used to help stimulate healing in injured or weakened tissues. It involves injecting a solution into the affected area to encourage the body’s natural healing response.
We offer both traditional prolotherapy and lifting-based prolotherapy techniques. Traditional prolotherapy focuses on strengthening and supporting damaged tissues, while lifting-based techniques are used to assist with tissue positioning and offloading where required.
This treatment is typically used for tendon, ligament, and chronic injury management.
Foot Health
Is podiatry suitable for all ages?
Yes — podiatry is suitable for all ages.
When should I see a podiatrist?
If you’re experiencing pain, discomfort, or changes in how you walk or move, it’s a good time to have it assessed. Even if you’re unsure, we can help identify the issue and guide you in the right direction.
Can you help with running or walking issues?
Yes — we regularly assess and treat both running and walking-related concerns. This includes reviewing movement, improving technique, adjusting training load, and incorporating strength and conditioning to support long-term outcomes. We also provide footwear advice suited to your activity.
Do you assess footwear? Should I bring my shoes?
Yes — footwear plays an important role in both assessment and treatment. We recommend bringing the shoes you wear most often. Our practitioners have strong experience in footwear and can guide you towards suitable options.
How often should I have routine foot care?
This depends on your needs. For general nail and skin care, most patients attend every 8–10 weeks. If you have ongoing concerns such as callus or ingrown nails, this may be closer to every 6–8 weeks. For higher-risk patients, including those with a history of ulcers or complications, care may be required more frequently.
What are the risks if foot problems are left untreated?
Risks vary depending on the condition. Lower-risk issues may remain stable or slowly worsen. Moderate conditions may lead to increased pain or reduced function. Higher-risk cases, particularly in patients with diabetes, may lead to infection or more serious complications. Early treatment helps prevent these outcomes.
Diabetes Foot Health
Do you provide diabetic foot assessments?
Yes. We perform detailed assessments including checking blood flow and protective sensation to help identify any risk factors and prevent complications.
How often should I have my feet checked if I have diabetes?
This depends on your level of risk. Most patients benefit from checks every 6–12 months. Higher-risk patients may require more regular monitoring. For ongoing treatment such as nail and skin care, this may be more frequent depending on your needs.
Children's Foot Health
Do you treat children?
Yes — we regularly assess and treat children. Our practitioners have undertaken additional professional development in paediatric care through conferences and ongoing education. We see a range of concerns including walking patterns, growing pains, and activity-related issues.
When should I bring my child in for assessment?
If your child is experiencing pain, walking differently, or tripping more than expected for their age, it’s worth having them assessed.
Are flat feet in children a concern?
In most cases, flat feet in children are a normal part of development and not a cause for concern. If there is pain, instability, or difficulty with activity, we may assess further and consider treatment if needed.
Orthotics
Do I need orthotics?
Not everyone requires orthotics, and their use varies from person to person. They can be helpful for reducing strain, improving movement, and redistributing pressure. In some cases they’re used short-term, and in others as part of a longer-term plan. We’ll assess whether they’re appropriate for you during your appointment.
What are orthotics and how do they work?
Orthotics are devices worn inside your shoes to support and guide the way your foot moves. They help reduce strain on tissues, improve alignment, and redistribute pressure, which can assist with pain relief and function.
What is the difference between custom and prefabricated orthotics?
Prefabricated orthotics are pre-made and provide general support. Custom orthotics are designed specifically for your foot and your condition. They allow for more targeted support and pressure relief, including specific offloading of areas such as the forefoot.
How long do orthotics last?
Orthotics typically last between 3 and 5 years. In many cases they can last longer, depending on use, activity level, and materials. Some components such as top covers may wear sooner and can be replaced.
How long does it take to get custom orthotics?
The process usually takes around 2–4 weeks. This includes your assessment and the time required for manufacturing by the orthotic laboratory.
Will orthotics fit in my shoes?
In most cases, yes — particularly if your shoes have a removable insole. Some tighter or dress-style shoes may not accommodate standard orthotics, and alternative options can be discussed if needed.