23 Feb What Does a Podiatry Consultation Look Like?
Perhaps you’ve got a persistent ache in your heel, a painful ingrown toenail or a sports injury that won’t settle. You finally decide to see a podiatrist. But you’ve never been to one before and have so many questions: What do I bring to the appointment? What questions will the podiatrist ask me? Is the appointment covered by my private healthcare? What is the recovery process like? How soon will I be back to pain-free movement?
At footinjuryclinic, our experienced Sydney podiatrists Russel Rubin and Trevor Proskewitz have been caring for their patients’ feet well over 25 years. Since opening the first clinic in Bondi Junction in 1998, they’ve helped thousands of patients return to comfortable walking, running and living. Today, footinjuryclinic has three convenient locations across Sydney – in Bondi Junction, Barangaroo and St Ives – making expert foot care easily accessible.
Here’s what actually happens during a podiatry consultation at footinjuryclinic.
Step 1: A Thorough Discussion
Your appointment begins with a detailed conversation about your symptoms, lifestyle and medical history. When did the pain start? Is it worse in the morning? Does it flare up during sport?
If you have any underlying medical conditions – such as diabetes or arthritis – this is particularly important, as these can affect foot health. If you’ve had scans or imaging, bring them along. The more information your podiatrist has, the more accurate your diagnosis will be.
Step 2: A Comprehensive Assessment
Next comes the physical examination. Your podiatrist will carefully assess your feet, ankles and often your lower limbs. This may include:
- Checking skin and nails for issues such as fungal infections or warts
- Assessing foot structure and alignment
- Testing joint mobility and muscle strength
- Watching how you walk (we can also do thorough a biomechanical gait analysis)
- Identifying areas of tenderness or inflammation
Because the feet are closely connected to the rest of the body, issues in your knees, hips or biomechanics can contribute to foot pain. That’s why podiatry is about more than just what’s happening on the surface.
Step 3: Diagnosis and Explanation
Once the assessment is complete, your podiatrist will explain what’s going on in clear, easy-to-understand terms. Common conditions treated at footinjuryclinic include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Morton’s neuroma
- Bunions, corns and calluses
- Ingrown toenails
- Children’s heel pain
- Sports injuries
- Diabetic foot complications
Foot pain is not something you should simply “put up with”. Identifying the root cause early can prevent small problems from becoming chronic ones.
Step 4: A Tailored Treatment Plan
No two feet are the same, so treatment is always individualised. Depending on your diagnosis, your plan may include:
- Professional nail or skin care
- Exercise and strengthening programs
- Strapping or taping techniques
- Footwear advice (for work, school or sport)
- Custom orthotics, designed and crafted in-house in our lab
- Management plans for chronic conditions
- Rehabilitation programs following (sports) injury
The goal is always the same: reduce pain, restore function and keep you moving.
What You Need to Know Before You Come
You don’t need a referral to see a podiatrist. Referrals are only required for WorkCover, Veterans’ Affairs or Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM) patients. If you’re eligible under the CDM scheme, you may receive Medicare rebates for up to five allied health visits per year.
Private health insurance rebates are available depending on your level of cover, and most claims can be processed on the spot through the Tyro payment system – you simply pay the “gap”.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that allow easy access to your legs and feet, and bring your health fund card and any relevant paperwork.
Preventative Care Matters
At footinjuryclinic, Russel Rubin and Trevor Proskewitz are serious about feet – if something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait for it to worsen. Book a consultation at one of our three clinics; it can help prevent serious problems – especially for those with diabetes or circulation issues. If you’re experiencing persistent pain, changes in nail appearance, numbness, recurring infections, difficulty walking or a wound that won’t heal, it’s time to book an appointment.