General podiatry
General podiatry covers the assessment, treatment and management of foot and lower leg problems, including nail cutting, corn and callus removal and skin care. Fiona Shepes treats every patient herself. Standard consultations start from $90, and you can book online.
What general podiatry covers
General podiatry at The Fresh Foot Centre covers the assessment and diagnosis of foot and lower leg problems, nail cutting and care, thick or damaged nails, corns and callus removal, cracked heels and general skin care. Fiona can refer you for X-ray, ultrasound or MRI when a problem needs imaging, and can refer you back to your GP when a foot problem needs medical review. She also treats ingrown toenails, fungal nails, sports and activity-related foot injuries and foot arthritis, and she cares for feet affected by diabetes and poor circulation.
Nails
Nail care in general podiatry includes cutting, thinning and shaping nails that are hard to manage at home. Fiona treats thick or damaged nails, nails that have grown into the skin and nails changed by fungus or injury. She can remove nail spikes and, for recurring ingrown toenails, she offers ingrown toenail treatment including bracing and surgery. For nails damaged by fungus, treatment is done in house, and Keryflex nail restoration can improve the look of the nail.
Skin: corns, callus and cracked heels
Skin care in general podiatry covers corns, callus and cracked heels. Corns form where pressure and friction build up, often over a bony spot, and they can feel like a small stone in your shoe. Callus is a broader area of thickened skin from the same cause. Fiona removes corns and callus safely with sterile instruments and treats cracked heels, which can split and become painful when the skin gets dry. She can then check your shoes, as choosing shoes that fit well reduces the pressure that causes these problems.
How often to come in
How often you need general podiatry depends on your feet and what you can manage yourself. Many people with ongoing foot problems who cannot safely cut their own nails or care for their own skin come every 8 to 10 weeks. Fiona can suggest a spacing that suits you after your first visit.
Cost
A standard consultation costs from $90, and an initial consultation costs from $100. HICAPS is on site for private health fund claims on the day, with the rebate depending on your fund and extras cover. A GP chronic condition management plan can reduce the cost for eligible people, and booking online takes $10 off the initial consultation.
Questions
Can a podiatrist cut my toenails?
Yes. Nail cutting and care is a standard part of general podiatry. Fiona trims and thins nails that are hard to manage yourself, including thick, damaged or curved nails.
Do podiatrists remove corns?
Yes. Fiona removes corns and callus with sterile instruments during a standard consultation. She can help you work out why the corn formed, such as footwear or the way your foot loads, to reduce the chance of it coming back.
Does Medicare cover podiatry?
Medicare only covers podiatry under a GP chronic condition management plan, which needs a GP referral. The Medicare benefit is $63.40 per eligible visit, up to 5 rebated allied health visits in total each calendar year, with you paying the clinic fee and a gap.