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Is a referral needed to see a podiatrist?


Most people do not need a referral to see a podiatrist, however some funding schemes require a referral from your doctor. These include department of Veterans affairs or those people who have health conditions being managed under a Chronic Disease Management Plan.

Many private health insurance funds have a plan that will provide rebates for podiatry services.

DIABETES

Diabetes can affect your feet. A yearly check up by your podiatrist will help to detect any changes early, before they become a serious problem. Your podiatrist will examine your circulation by measuring foot pulses. They will also examine your nerve sensation by testing pressure sensitivity, vibration and or reflexes and other tests may be considered necessary.

HEEL PAIN

Early treatment may involve exercise and shoe recommendations, taping or strapping and anti inflammatory medication. Taping or strapping supports the foot, placing stressed muscles in a restful state and preventing straining of the plantar fascia. Other therapies may also be used such as orthotics or shoe padding.

FOOT ORTHOTICS

Foot orthotics are shoe inserts designed to support, align or improve the function of the foot. There are many different types of orthotics, those recommended by podiatrists are prescription devices, custom made to suit your individual needs and biomechanics (the way your body moves).

CALLUSES & CORNS

Sometimes pressure placed on the foot becomes out of balance and extra friction falls on a particular area of the foot. When this happens, the body may respond to the pressure by producing thickened areas of skin. These hard patches of skin are called calluses and are part of the body's defence system to protect the underlying tissue. If the cause of the pressure is not relieved calluses can become painful.

PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Both heel pain and heel spurs are often associated with inflammation of the long band of tissue that connects the heel and the ball of the foot. The inflammation of this arch is called plantar facilitis.

The inflammation may be aggravated by shoes that lack appropriate support, especially in the arch area, and by irritation that can accompany athletic lifestyles.

NAIL PROBLEMS

Toenails of all people and ages can undergo a range of changes, some of which are relatively common. They can become thick, brittle,curved,discoloured, infected,bumpy and grooved. In some cases, the nail falls off and a new one grows. As we grow older, we are more likely to develop nail problems.

FOOTWEAR

There is no such thing as the one perfect shoe. Feet come in many shapes and sizes, and undertake a range of different activities depending on your particular lifestyle. Generally though, when you buy new shoes, its important to make sure; ● They fit properly; ● They are supportive for the kind of activity you will be wearing them for; ● They do not cause damage to your feet or hurt you in anyway

FOOT HEALTH & AGEING

As our feet grow older, they naturally become at risk for problems. But painful and uncomfortable feet are not a natural part of growing older, nor are they something you just have to 'put up with'.

Taking good care of your feet has many benefits including increasing your comfort, reducing your chance of hospitalizations due to infections and keeping you active and mobile.

NAIL CARE

Keeping nails cut and under control will help keep you mobile. Yet some people find cutting toenails a problem, due to poor eyesight or difficulties in bending down.

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