Good questions deserve clear answers.

Podiatrists assess and treat problems affecting the feet, ankles and lower legs. Common reasons people see us include:

• Heel and arch pain, including plantar fasciitis
• Ingrown, thickened or fungal toenails
• Corns, calluses and cracked heels
• Bunions, hammertoes and big toe joint pain
• Sports and running injuries
• Foot and ankle arthritis
• Diabetes foot checks and care
• Children’s foot and walking concerns

If something about your feet or legs is causing pain or worry, our podiatrists at Shellharbour Podiatry can assess it and explain your options.

It depends on why you’re coming in. As a general guide:

• Routine nail and skin care: often every 6 to 8 weeks, depending on how quickly your nails and calluses grow.
• Diabetes: a foot check at least once a year, and more often if you’re found to be at higher risk.
• Pain or an injury: as set out in your treatment plan, usually closer together at first and then spaced out as you improve.
• Children: whenever you notice pain, an unusual walking pattern or uneven shoe wear.

We’ll suggest a review schedule that suits you, and you’re always welcome to book sooner if something changes.

No. Podiatrists are primary health care practitioners, so you can book with us directly. You only need a referral if you’re using one of these funding schemes:

• Medicare: a referral from your GP under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan.
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA): a referral from your GP or treating specialist, and an eligible DVA card.
• Workers compensation or CTP: usually a referral from your treating doctor and approval from the insurer before treatment starts.

Not sure which applies to you? Give us a call and we’ll help you work it out.

Medicare can cover part of the cost of podiatry if you have an ongoing (chronic) medical condition and your GP refers you under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan.

• You can claim a Medicare rebate for up to 5 eligible allied health appointments each calendar year, shared across services such as podiatry, physiotherapy and dietetics.
• Your GP decides whether you’re eligible and how many of those appointments are for podiatry.
• The rebate covers part of the fee, so there is usually a gap to pay.

Without a GP referral, podiatry isn’t covered by Medicare, but many private health extras policies include it. We’ll confirm your fees before any treatment begins, and you can claim your health fund rebate on the spot in the clinic.

“Chiropodist” is an older name for a foot-care practitioner that is no longer used in Australia. Today, “podiatrist” is a protected title: only practitioners registered with the Podiatry Board of Australia through Ahpra can use it.

Registered podiatrists complete a university degree covering anatomy, biomechanics, pharmacology, wound care and minor procedures, and must keep their skills up to date through ongoing professional development. Every podiatrist at Shellharbour Podiatry is registered with Ahpra.

Yes. Diabetes can reduce feeling and blood flow in the feet, so small problems can become serious without you noticing. Podiatrists help by:

• Checking sensation, circulation and skin to work out your level of foot risk
• Treating corns, calluses and nails safely
• Advising on footwear and how to check your feet each day
• Managing wounds and pressure areas, working with your GP and diabetes team

Everyone with diabetes should have their feet checked at least once a year. If you notice a new wound, swelling, redness or a change in colour, contact us or your GP the same day.

• Cut your nails straight across and not too short, so the corners stay visible
• Avoid picking or tearing your nails
• Wear shoes and socks with enough room for your toes
• Protect your toes during sport and at work

If a toenail is red, swollen or weeping, or the problem keeps coming back, see a podiatrist rather than cutting into the corner yourself. Recurring ingrown toenails can often be treated with a minor procedure under local anaesthetic that stops the problem edge of the nail growing back.

The most common cause is plantar fasciitis (also called plantar heel pain), an irritation of the thick band of tissue under your foot. Other causes include Achilles tendon problems, fat pad irritation, stress fractures, nerve irritation and, in children, Sever’s disease.

A podiatrist will work out what’s causing your pain, then build a plan that may include changes to activity, stretching and strengthening, footwear advice, taping or orthotics. Most heel pain improves with the right care, so it’s worth having it checked early.

For the right person, yes. Custom orthotics are made for your feet and the shoes you wear, and can help when the way your feet take load is contributing to pain, such as some types of heel, arch or forefoot pain.

They aren’t the answer for everyone. Sometimes footwear changes, exercises or a well-chosen off-the-shelf insole is enough. We’ll assess you first and only recommend custom orthotics when they offer a clear advantage for you.

Orthotics may help if you have:

• Heel or arch pain, including plantar fasciitis
• Pain in the ball of your foot
• Foot, ankle or leg pain linked to walking, running or standing for long periods
• Pressure areas that need offloading, for example with diabetes
• Tired, aching feet at the end of the day

The best way to know is a biomechanical assessment. We look at your foot posture, how you walk or run and the shoes you wear, then explain whether orthotics or another option will suit you best.

Yes. Podiatrists can perform minor procedures in the clinic under local anaesthetic. The most common is nail surgery for ingrown toenails, where the problem edge of the nail is removed and treated so it doesn’t grow back.

More complex foot surgery, such as bunion correction, is performed in hospital by a podiatric surgeon or orthopaedic surgeon. If you need it, we’ll refer you and explain what’s involved.

Your first visit at Shellharbour Podiatry usually includes:

• A chat about your concerns, health history and medications
• An examination of your feet and legs, including how you walk if relevant
• A clear explanation of what we find
• Treatment on the day where appropriate
• A plan for your next steps

Please bring the shoes you wear most often, a list of your medications and any recent scans or reports. If you need imaging such as an X-ray or ultrasound, we can arrange a referral.

Podiatrists treat many foot and lower-leg sports injuries, including heel pain, Achilles problems, shin pain, stress fractures and ankle sprains. Your care may include:

• A diagnosis and a plan for returning to sport
• Load management and strengthening exercises
• Running and biomechanical assessment
• Footwear advice for your sport
• Taping, bracing or orthotics where they help

Whether you play weekend sport or train seriously, we’ll help you get back to it safely.

Yes. Podiatrists regularly assess and treat children’s feet and legs, including:

• Heel pain in active kids, often Sever’s disease
• Flat feet that are painful or affecting activity
• In-toeing, out-toeing and toe walking
• Ingrown toenails and plantar warts
• Footwear for growing feet

Many differences in children’s feet are a normal part of growing up. We’ll explain what’s typical for your child’s age and what needs treatment, and we work with parents to keep visits relaxed and friendly.

• Build up your distance and intensity gradually, avoiding big jumps from week to week
• Choose running shoes that feel comfortable for your feet, and replace them when they’re worn out
• Strengthen your calves, feet and hips
• Include rest days, and don’t run through pain that’s getting worse
• Wear moisture-wicking socks to help prevent blisters

If pain keeps coming back or you’re training for an event, a running assessment can help find what’s contributing and how to manage it.