A podiatrist is a healthcare professional who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the feet, ankles and lower limbs. They help manage problems such as heel pain, sports injuries, bunions, ingrown toenails and foot alignment issues.
At Innovation Podiatry, podiatrists assess how your feet and legs function, identify the cause of pain or discomfort, and provide treatments designed to restore movement and reduce pain.
You should consider seeing a podiatrist if you experience:
- Ongoing foot or heel pain
- Difficulty walking or running
- Foot swelling or stiffness
- Ingrown toenails or nail problems
- Changes in the shape of your foot
- Sports injuries affecting the feet or ankles
Early assessment can help prevent minor issues from developing into more serious conditions.
In most cases, you do not need a referral to see a podiatrist. You can book an appointment directly with the clinic.
However, referrals from a GP may be required if you are accessing certain Medicare plans or chronic disease management programs.
Innovation Podiatry accepts GP referrals, but patients are also welcome to contact the clinic directly to book an appointment.
During your first appointment, the podiatrist will usually:
- Discuss your symptoms and medical history
- Examine your feet, posture and gait
- Identify the cause of the problem
- Recommend treatment options
Treatment may include advice on footwear, exercises, orthotics, or specialised therapies depending on the condition.
Foot Pain & Symptoms
Heel pain while walking is often caused by conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, or heel spurs. These conditions usually develop due to overuse, poor footwear, or abnormal foot mechanics.
A podiatrist can assess your foot function and recommend treatments such as orthotics, stretching programs, or specialised therapies.
Sharp heel pain when taking your first steps in the morning is a common symptom of plantar fasciitis. This condition occurs when the plantar fascia ligament becomes inflamed.
The pain tends to improve slightly with movement but may return after long periods of standing or walking.
Pain in the ball of the foot can be caused by conditions such as:
- Morton’s neuroma
- Bursitis
- Plantar plate injuries
- Overloading of the forefoot
These conditions can develop from repetitive stress, poor footwear, or biomechanical imbalances.
Numbness or tingling in the feet may occur due to nerve irritation, pressure on nerves in the foot, or circulation problems.
Conditions such as nerve compression, diabetic neuropathy or biomechanical issues may contribute to these symptoms. A podiatrist can assess nerve and foot function to determine the cause.
Common Foot Conditions
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia ligament becomes irritated or inflamed. Common contributing factors include:
- Overuse or increased activity
- Poor footwear support
- Tight calf muscles
- Flat feet or high arches
It is one of the most common causes of heel pain.
Bunions are generally arthritic changes that happen at the base of the big toe due to joint misalignment, genetic predisposition or traumatic injury.
Treatment may include:
- Footwear modifications
- Padding or orthotics
- Activity modifications
- Strengthening exercises
Early treatment can help reduce discomfort and slow progression.
Yes. Podiatrists commonly treat ingrown toenails by safely removing the part of the nail causing the problem.
For recurring ingrown toenails, a minor surgical procedure may be recommended to prevent the nail from growing into the skin again.
Flat feet occur when the arch of the foot collapses or fails to develop fully. This can be due to genetics, ligament laxity, injury, or muscle imbalance.
Flat feet can sometimes lead to pain in the feet, knees or lower back due to changes in walking mechanics.
Orthotics & Foot Support
Custom orthotics may be recommended if you experience foot pain, poor foot alignment, or repeated injuries.
They are commonly used to treat conditions such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or knee pain related to foot mechanics.
Orthotics are specially designed shoe inserts that support the foot and improve alignment.
They help redistribute pressure across the foot, support the arches, and improve the way the foot moves during walking or running.
At Innovation Podiatry, custom orthotics are created using 3D scans of your feet to ensure precise support and comfort.
Custom orthotics can provide significant benefits for people with foot pain or biomechanical issues.
They are individually designed for your feet and can help improve comfort, reduce strain on joints, and support long-term foot health.
They are also typically more durable and effective than generic shoe inserts.
Appointment & Cost Questions
The cost of podiatry appointments can vary depending on the type of consultation or treatment required.
Many clinics provide different appointment types including initial assessments, treatment sessions, and orthotic consultations.
Medicare may provide rebates for podiatry visits if you are eligible for a Chronic Disease Management Plan arranged through your GP.
This typically covers a limited number of allied health visits per year.
Yes. Many private health insurance policies include rebates for podiatry services under extras cover.
The amount you can claim will depend on your specific health fund and level of cover.
Lifestyle & Prevention
The best shoes for foot pain are those that provide:
- Proper arch support
- Good cushioning
- A stable heel counter
- Enough room in the toe box
A podiatrist can assess your foot type and recommend footwear suited to your individual needs and activities.
Running can sometimes lead to foot injuries if there is excessive training load, poor footwear, or underlying biomechanical issues.
Common running injuries include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis and stress fractures.
A podiatrist can assess your running mechanics and help reduce the risk of injury through footwear advice, orthotics, and training recommendations.