When to see a podiatrist
See a podiatrist when foot or lower leg pain, a nail or skin change, or a sports injury persists or keeps coming back. Fiona Shepes treats every patient herself at The Fresh Foot Centre in Narre Warren, and booking online takes $10 off the initial consultation.
What a podiatrist does
A podiatrist assesses, diagnoses and treats problems of the feet and lower legs. General care covers nail cutting, thick or damaged nails, corn and callus removal, cracked heels and skin care. Podiatrists manage ingrown toenails, fungal nails, and pain in the heel, arch or ball of the foot. A biomechanical assessment can lead to footwear advice, strapping and taping, or stretching and strengthening programs. Custom orthotics, scanned with a 3D foot scanner, and semi-custom orthotics are options when that assessment calls for them. Podiatrists complete diabetic foot assessments and wound care, see children from 4 years old, and use low level light therapy for tendinopathy, bursitis and inflammation in the feet. At The Fresh Foot Centre, established in 2014, Fiona Shepes provides every one of these services. She is a member of the Australian Podiatry Association and is registered with the Podiatry Board of Australia. Referrals for X-ray, ultrasound or MRI are available, and she refers you back to your GP when a problem needs medical care.
Signs you should see a podiatrist
Signs you should see a podiatrist include the following.
- Foot pain is ongoing or stops you walking or exercising.
- Nails are thick or discoloured, which can point to a fungal infection.
- Cracks or cuts appear in the skin, or the soles show peeling or scaling, which can indicate athlete's foot.
- Any growth on the foot is not normal and should be checked.
- The colour or temperature of your feet changes.
- A sports injury is not settling or keeps you out of your sport.
- Diabetes, poor circulation or heart problems mean your feet need regular professional care.
Sports injuries
Sports injuries that podiatrists treat include stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, pain at the base of the big toe, blisters, sprained ankles, torn ligaments and shin splints. Running style, poor footwear and minor limb length differences can contribute to these injuries. Prompt treatment matters, because a sports injury that is overlooked can worsen and lead to long-term weakness and pain. See a podiatrist before returning to your normal exercise routine. Daily care means washing and drying your feet, wearing the correct shoe for each sport and surface, and stretching for 15 to 20 minutes before and after activity as a warm-up and warm-down.
Your first appointment
Your first appointment needs no referral, because you can see a podiatrist privately without one. Bring any imaging or scans you already have, the shoes you normally wear, and any referral or claim paperwork, such as a DVA referral or a WorkCover or TAC claim number. Fiona Shepes assesses your feet and lower legs, explains the diagnosis and talks through the treatment options at Narre Warren or Cranbourne North. She holds a Bachelor of Podiatry from La Trobe University and has worked in Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs since 2011. The initial consultation costs from $100. DVA, NDIS, WorkCover and TAC patients are seen at both clinics.
Questions
Is foot pain a normal part of ageing?
No, foot pain is not a normal part of ageing, though many people accept it as one. Pain at any age is worth checking, because self-treatment can turn a minor problem into a major one.
Can a podiatrist treat an ingrown toenail?
Yes, Fiona treats ingrown toenails with nail care and spike removal, Brace N Fix nail bracing and, when required, surgery (partial nail avulsion with phenol). More detail is on the ingrown toenail treatment page.
How often should a person with diabetes see a podiatrist?
People with diabetes should have their feet checked at least once a year, and more often when feeling or circulation is reduced. A diabetic foot assessment checks circulation with a Doppler ultrasound and the feeling in your feet. Avoid treating your own nails and skin at home, because diabetes makes the feet more prone to infection.