My Podiatrist

Please browse through our Frequently Asked Questions to find answers to any of your questions relating to My Podiatrist, if you can't find the answer to your specific question, please feel free to Contact Us via phone or email for further information.

Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?

A GP referral to see a podiatrist is only necessary if:

• You are a returned service veteran seeking treatment under a GOLD or WHITE card.
• You are seeking treatment under a work cover or third party insurance claim.
• Your doctor has recommended treatment as part of a complex health care management program or an Enhanced Primary Care Program.

Is podiatry covered by Medicare?

Patients are able to claim back a rebate for their podiatry consultation ONLY if their GP has enrolled them in an Enhanced Primary Care Program & has registered their details with Medicare.

My child has flat feet, is this something to be concerned about?

If you have concerns about your childs feet you should have them assessed. All children have flat feet as they develop but if you notice that they complain of leg or foot pain, trip or fall often, wear out shoes quickly or are reluctant walkers, they should be assessed.

Should Diabetics be assessed by a podiatrist?

Yes, whether you are an insulin dependent Diabetic or non-insulin dependent, you should have your feet reviewed by a podiatrist who will decide on when you should be reviewed again.

Approximately 3,000 Australians will lose a limb each year as a result of Diabetes. Up to 85% of amputations may be preventable. If you are experiencing any of the following call us immediately for treatment:

• Pain in legs or feet, even when resting
• Skin colour & temperature changes
• Tingling, pins & needles or numbness
• Open sores

What are foot orthotics?

Orthoses are custom-made or semi custom-made devices to correct your foot posture. They alleviate aches and pains in feet, knees, hips and lower back. When prescribing orthotics, our podiatrists conduct a full biomechanical assessment to determine the alignment and the function of the foot.

What does PACT Therapy treatment involve?

Fungal infections begin from the tip of the nail and advance down the nail over time. PACT Treatment is simple and depending on the severity of the infection, may only involve a few visits.

• The nail is gently burred or scraped, allowing the gel and light to penetrate.
• Specially developed nail fungus gel is applied for several minutes to the infected finger or toe nails. Several nails can be treated at the same time.
• PACT treatment is carried out. This is a light treatment using a high power LED lamp. The fungus is attacked and destroyed.
• During treatment the patient will feel a slight warming sensation.
• Repeat treatment ensures fungus is destroyed, penetrating deeply within the nail.
• We recommend three, 10 - 20 minute treatments within a 7 day period.
• Then one, 10 minute treatment after one month if necessary. Treatment may continue if it is a severe infection.
• The nail grows out clear of infection.

What is PACT Therapy?

PACT stands for Photodynamic Therapy and uses a combination of gel and light, safely and gently to kill the fungus under fingernails and toe nails. Treatment lasts approximately 10 - 20 minutes.

What is Shockwave therapy?

Shockwave Therapy is latest in pain relief technology used for the treatment of conditions that are sometimes difficult to treat with conventional methods, such as tennis elbow, jumper's knee, calcification of the shoulder tendons and Achilles tendon pain.

It caters to patients who have:

• Pain even after continued treatment
• Heel, Achilles, leg, shoulder, elbow or back pain
• Tried orthotics & still sore
• Old injuries still causing trouble
• Complications after surgery that is affecting rehabilitation

To read more, please visit our Blog

Talk to the staff at any of our clinics for more information about Shockwave Therapy or contact us. We would be happy to discuss treatment options with you in regards to your specific condition & whether this treatment will be suitable for you.

What is the difference between a semi customised orthotic & a fully customised orthotic?

Semi customised devices are made to a standard arch height and to a standard degree of correction. The device is made according to the size of your feet, via a foot tracing taken by the podiatrist. These devices are suitable for those people who only require a minimal amount of correction or support.

Fully customised orthotics are devices which are made to a specified degree of correction and support, which is determined by the podiatrist to gain the most effective results. A plaster mould is taken of your feet and sent off to a laboratory which uses the cast to create the orthotic shell. These devices are suitable for those patients who require a prescribed amount of correction or support.

What problems can be treated with foot orthotics?

There are many conditions, which may be treated with foot orthoses:

• Lower back, hip, knee pain
• Intoed feet (pigeon toed)
• Ankle pain
• Heel pain
• Forefoot pain
• Bunions
• Flat feet
• Excessive shoe wear
• To redistribute pressure to decrease callous & corns.

If you are experiencing any of the above & want to know all your options regarding orthotics, Contact Us for a more detailed assessment.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Please remember to bring any recent xrays or scans you may have that relate to your complaint. If you have been recommended to us by another health professional, any paperwork or letters from the referring practitioner will help with your consultation.

Ideally you should wear clothing you are comfortable in & that will allow our practitioners to easily assess your legs & feet.

Will it hurt?

Many patients are surprised at the lack of discomfort or pain involved in general treatment. Our practitioners employ non invasive techniques to afford you the upmost comfort & minimise pain.

For more information about the best services for your needs or to organise an appointment - just give us a call!