Book Online

Frequently Asked Questions

We offer a free advice session with our Podiatrist — no pressure. Just honest answers to help you decide. Call now to set up your free advice phone call.

Book Free Podiatry Advice Call

Podiatrists are healthcare professionals who specialise in diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower legs. Their scope of care includes everything from routine foot care to managing complex conditions that impact mobility, comfort, and overall health.

Podiatrists can help with a wide range of concerns, including:

  • Heel pain and plantar fasciitis

  • Bunions, hammertoes, and other toe deformities

  • Ingrown toenails and fungal nail infections

  • Corns, calluses, and cracked heels

  • Sprains, strains, fractures, and foot injuries

  • Arthritis and joint pain in the feet or ankles

  • Foot and leg pain related to posture or walking patterns

  • Diabetic foot care, including monitoring circulation and preventing ulcers

  • Nerve pain, burning sensations, or pins and needles

  • Sports-related injuries in the foot, ankle, or lower leg

Whether you’re experiencing discomfort, recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition like diabetes, or simply looking for professional foot care, a podiatrist can assess your needs and recommend the right treatment.

Many podiatrists also provide custom orthotics, foot mobilisation therapy, shockwave therapy, and footwear advice to help support long-term foot and lower limb health.

See a podiatrist if you have persistent foot or ankle pain, swelling, an injury, or any changes in your skin or nails (such as ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, plantar warts, thickened or discoloured nails). Foot problems rarely fix themselves; getting them checked early can prevent them from becoming bigger, longer-term issues.

Common reasons to book an appointment

  • Pain when walking, standing, running, or wearing shoes

  • Ongoing heel pain (possible plantar fasciitis)

  • Bunion discomfort or progressive toe deformities

  • Ingrown toenails, infected or thickened nails, or fungal nail concerns

  • Corns, calluses, cracked heels, or skin that keeps breaking down

  • Numbness, tingling, burning, or sharp “electric” nerve pains in the feet

  • Recurrent blisters, sores, or wounds that don’t heal as expected

  • Sudden changes in foot shape, arch height, or how your shoes fit

  • Repeated ankle sprains, instability, or feeling unsteady on your feet

  • Sports injuries to the foot, ankle, or lower leg

  • Foot or leg pain linked to posture, gait, or uneven wear on shoes

If you have diabetes (or reduced circulation), don’t wait. Even small cuts, pressure spots, or nail problems can turn serious. Regular podiatry checks help prevent ulcers and long-term complications.

Early assessment matters. Many conditions are far easier—and cheaper—to treat when addressed early. Prompt care can reduce pain, improve mobility, and help you stay active.

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms warrant a visit, book an assessment anyway. A quick professional opinion can give you peace of mind and a plan to keep your feet healthy. Let me know if you’d like a shorter FAQ-style version or a call-to-action line added.

It’s helpful to bring a list of your symptoms, any relevant medical history, a list of medications, and the shoes you wear most often. If you’re experiencing pain, wear or bring the shoes that aggravate the issue. If you have a referral (e.g. from your GP for a Medicare plan or NDIS), bring that paperwork along as well.

It’s helpful to bring a list of your symptoms, any relevant medical history, a list of medications, and the shoes you wear most often. If you’re experiencing pain, wear or bring the shoes that aggravate the issue. If you have a referral (e.g. from your GP for a Medicare plan or NDIS), bring that paperwork along as well.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to your feet and lower legs. Shorts, trackpants, or pants that can be rolled up above the knee are ideal, especially if your appointment involves assessment of your walking pattern, muscle function, or joint movement.

If you’re seeing the podiatrist for pain, gait issues, or orthotic fitting, bring the shoes you wear most often—such as runners, work shoes, or any footwear that causes discomfort. If you use orthotics, bring them along as well. This helps your podiatrist assess your biomechanics more accurately and provide the most effective care.

Orthotics are prescription shoe inserts that are custom-made to match your unique foot shape and walking style. They can make a big difference if you’re experiencing pain, fatigue, or repeated injuries. Unlike off-the-shelf insoles, custom orthotics are designed to correct imbalances, reduce strain, and support proper alignment.

They are often helpful for:

  • Heel pain and plantar fasciitis

  • Flat feet or high arches

  • Bunions and hammertoes

  • Knee, hip, or lower back pain linked to poor foot mechanics

  • Sports injuries and overuse problems

If you’ve tried other treatments with limited success, orthotics might be the missing piece.

Not at all. While pain is a common reason people see a podiatrist, their scope of care goes far beyond that. Podiatrists also help with:

  • Preventative care and early intervention

  • Gait and posture analysis

  • Diabetic foot checks and ulcer prevention

  • Skin and nail concerns like fungal infections, corns, and warts

  • Wound care and infection control

  • Nail surgery for ingrown toenails

  • Advice on shoes, orthotics, and injury prevention

  • Medical pedicures to maintain foot hygiene (especially for those with mobility or circulation issues)

Podiatrists focus on improving overall foot health, not just treating symptoms.

Most podiatry treatments are gentle and non-invasive. Nail and skin care are usually painless, and even minor procedures like ingrown toenail removal are done with local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable. If your condition is causing pain, your podiatrist will work to relieve discomfort as part of your treatment. You’ll always be informed about what to expect before any procedure is performed.

If you have any of the following, you should seek prompt podiatry care:

  • Sudden or severe foot or ankle pain

  • A wound or ulcer that isn’t healing

  • Signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, fever)

  • Numbness or tingling, especially in people with diabetes

  • Loss of sensation in your feet

  • Discolouration (pale, blue, or dark red feet)

  • Rapid changes in nail or skin appearance

These may indicate circulation problems, nerve damage, or infection and should not be ignored.

Absolutely. Podiatrists care for people of all ages. They treat children for conditions like flat feet, walking abnormalities, growing pains, and ingrown toenails. For seniors, podiatrists help with foot pain, thickened nails, circulation issues, and balance problems to reduce the risk of falls.

Whether it’s a child struggling to keep up in sports or an older adult needing regular foot care, a podiatrist provides age-appropriate support every step of the way.

Yes. Pregnancy can put extra strain on your feet due to weight gain, swelling, and hormonal changes that affect ligaments. Podiatrists can help manage pain, recommend supportive footwear, and address issues like plantar fasciitis or flat feet that may arise during pregnancy.

No referral is required to see a podiatrist for general foot care or orthotics. Podiatrists are qualified to perform a range of minor surgical procedures in-clinic, including ingrown toenail removal, wart treatment, and debridement of infected or damaged tissue.

For more complex procedures—such as bunion surgery, tendon repair, or structural correction—your podiatrist may refer you to a podiatric surgeon (with advanced surgical training) or an orthopaedic surgeon, depending on the condition.

If surgery is recommended, your podiatrist will clearly explain your options and help coordinate care with the appropriate specialist.

It depends on the nature and severity of your condition. Some issues, like corns or calluses, may be resolved in one or two visits, while others, like biomechanical problems or chronic foot pain, may require a longer-term treatment plan and periodic reviews. Your podiatrist will explain the expected timeline after your initial assessment.

Costs can vary depending on the type of service, length of the appointment, and whether you’re eligible for rebates through Medicare, private health insurance, NDIS, DVA, or WorkCover. At your first visit, your podiatrist will explain any fees involved and let you know if you’re able to claim a rebate.

Yes, most private health insurance policies with extras cover will include podiatry. The rebate amount depends on your level of cover and the insurer’s policy. If you’re unsure, it’s worth checking with your provider before your appointment.

Yes, if your podiatry clinic uses HICAPS, you can usually claim your private health rebate on the spot. You’ll only need to pay the gap between the full fee and the amount covered by your health fund. Bring your health fund card with you to your appointment.

Yes, podiatrists in Australia are highly trained and must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). They typically complete a four-year university degree in podiatric medicine and must meet ongoing professional development requirements. You can check a podiatrist’s registration on the AHPRA website.

Yes, many podiatrists provide services under the NDIS and for eligible Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) cardholders. If you’re accessing podiatry through a funding program, it’s important to check in advance if it covers podiatry. For more information on eligibility and how to claim, please visit our Fees and Rebates page.

While both are allied health professionals, podiatrists and physiotherapists focus on different areas of care. Podiatrists specialise in the feet, ankles, and lower limbs, with additional training in nail and skin conditions, minor foot procedures, and the prescription of custom orthotics. Physiotherapists take a broader approach, treating the entire musculoskeletal system to improve movement, strength, and rehabilitation after injury.

At our clinic, we offer a collaborative approach where podiatrists and physiotherapists can co-manage cases when appropriate. This integrated model is particularly helpful for concerns involving posture, gait, or recurring lower limb injuries. While not all clinics provide this level of coordinated care, we believe it leads to better outcomes and a more seamless experience for our patients.

Absolutely. Poor foot alignment can affect your knees, hips, and lower back. A podiatrist can assess your biomechanics and recommend orthotics, exercises, or footwear changes to improve alignment and reduce pain. They also treat sports-related injuries such as stress fractures, tendonitis, shin splints, and ankle instability.

As we age, the natural padding in our feet thins, joints may become arthritic, and circulation can decline. Long-term wear and tear, combined with years of shoe choices or untreated problems, can also take a toll. Regular podiatry care can help manage age-related changes and maintain foot health well into later life.

Prevention is key when it comes to foot health. A few simple habits can help you avoid many common problems:

  • Wear properly fitted, supportive footwear for your activity

  • Keep feet clean and dry—wash daily, dry thoroughly (especially between the toes), and moisturise

  • Trim toenails straight across to reduce the risk of ingrown nails

  • Change socks daily and avoid walking barefoot in public places

  • Stretch and strengthen your feet and ankles to improve balance and reduce strain

  • Book regular podiatry check-ups, especially if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or a history of foot issues

Caring for your feet daily can help you stay active, comfortable, and independent longer.

Good footwear is the foundation of healthy feet. A quality shoe should offer support, cushioning, and a secure fit. Look for the following features:

  • A firm heel counter (the back part of the shoe that holds your heel in place)

  • A flexible but supportive midsole

  • Shock-absorbing cushioning

  • A roomy toe box to prevent crowding or rubbing

  • Removable insoles if you use orthotics

If you have flat feet, opt for stability or motion-control shoes. If you have high arches, cushioned shoes may offer better comfort. Your podiatrist can also assess your gait and recommend the best shoe type for your foot structure.

A good podiatrist near you should be registered with AHPRA, have strong local reviews, and experience treating your specific foot or lower-limb concern. It also helps to choose a clinic that clearly explains treatment options and is easy to access from your suburb.

★★★★★
380+ Reviews

Est. 1990 | 65,500 Patients Treated Successfully.

Due to AHPRA regulations, podiatry testimonials cannot be displayed on this site. Verified feedback is available on the Podiatrist Brunswick Google listing and on the separate Google listings of other health centres at this address.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Don’t put up with foot pain or wait for small issues to worsen. Early intervention leads to better results — and professional support is just a click away.

Book Online
Call Customer Support
First Visit? What to Expect
Sports podiatrist treating running-related foot pain

Foot pain slowing you down? Feeling overwhelmed, exhausted & unsure what to do next?
You don’t have to navigate it alone — a qualified podiatrist can help you get back on your feet, comfortably and confidently.

Book Online
Google 5-star reviews for podiatrist in Brunswick