Podiatry

What is a podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a highly trained specialist health professional who deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the foot, ankle and lower limbs.

What can podiatry treat?

• Bone and joint disorders such as arthritis and soft-tissue and muscular pathologies, acute and chronic conditions, foot injuries gained through sports and other activities.
• Neurological diseases such as tarsal tunnel syndrome, Morton’s neuroma, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic neuroarthopathy (Charcot’s joint), cerebral palsy, myasthenia gravis, Charcot Marie Tooth Disease etc
• Circulatory diseases such as Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Lymphoedema secondary to heart or kidney conditions, pressure ulcers etc.
• Skin and nail disorders such as corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, viral warts, fungal skin and nail infections, eczema, Athlete’s Foot etc.

A podiatrist’s recommendations might include physical therapy, specific exercises, the use of custom-made inserts for your shoes, medications or surgery to treat skin conditions. You do not usually need a referral from a GP to see a podiatrist. However, some funding schemes may require a referral, for example those under

• i) Chronic Disease Management (Enhanced Primary Care)
• ii) the Department of Veterans Affairs
• iii) Workers Compensation

The above-mentioned need you to have a referral. If you’re under ones of those schemes, check before making your appointment.

Some areas in which podiatrists may develop a special interest include:

• Sports medicine
• Biomechanics
• Paediatrics
• Surgery
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Gerontology

Health fund rebates available:

---

View a list of the Participaing Healthcare Providers HERE

 

Podiatry is available at: