What podiatrists actually do — the full picture
Many people associate podiatry with nail trimming and corns. That's part of it, but only one part. Modern podiatry covers a much wider scope — including biomechanical assessment, sports injury management, diabetic foot care and surgical scope in some jurisdictions. This page walks through the main services a local podiatrist typically provides.
General foot care
Routine maintenance of skin and nails. This is one of the most common reasons people see a podiatrist, particularly older adults whose mobility makes self-care difficult, or anyone with chronic nail or skin issues.
- Nail trimming, particularly for thickened or difficult-to-cut nails
- Treatment of ingrown toenails
- Callus and corn management
- Treatment of fungal nail and skin conditions
- Management of cracked heels and skin fissures
Diabetic foot assessment
For people living with diabetes, regular podiatry review is part of standard care. Reduced sensation and circulation can mean small problems develop into bigger ones. A diabetic foot assessment includes:
- Vascular check (pulses, sometimes Doppler)
- Neurological check (monofilament sensation testing, tuning fork)
- Skin and nail review
- Structural assessment and footwear review
- Risk stratification and ongoing care plan
Biomechanical assessment and orthotic prescription
For people with biomechanical foot problems contributing to pain — in the foot itself, or higher up the chain at the knee, hip or back — a podiatrist can:
- Assess gait and movement patterns
- Identify contributing factors (foot shape, joint stiffness, muscle weakness)
- Prescribe and fit custom or pre-fabricated orthotics where appropriate
- Review and adjust orthotics over time
Sports and overuse injury management
For active patients, podiatry plays a role in managing common foot and lower limb issues:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Stress reactions and stress fractures
- Forefoot pain (Morton's neuroma, metatarsalgia)
- Toe issues (hallux valgus, hallux rigidus)
Often coordinated with physiotherapy for the muscular and loading side of management.
Paediatric podiatry
Children's foot development concerns — flat feet, toe walking, in-toeing, frequent tripping, sports injuries in young athletes. Many variations resolve naturally with growth; some warrant input. A paediatric podiatry assessment can clarify which is which.
Footwear advice
Often one of the highest-leverage interventions in podiatry. Footwear that doesn't fit, isn't suited to the activity, or has worn past its useful life contributes to many foot problems. A podiatrist can:
- Review your current footwear
- Advise on appropriate footwear for your foot shape and activities
- Recommend specific brands or styles where relevant
- Discuss when to replace shoes
Wound care and infection management
Within their scope, podiatrists manage some foot wounds — particularly in higher-risk groups like people with diabetes. Severe wounds or infections may require GP, specialist or hospital input; podiatry usually works alongside the wider team in these cases.
Coordination with other practitioners
Many podiatry presentations benefit from coordinated care:
- Physiotherapy for muscle and joint contributions to foot pain
- GP for diabetes management and prescription needs
- Orthopaedic surgeons for surgical opinion where appropriate
- Dermatologists for some skin and nail conditions
Funding pathways
- Private health extras (depending on policy)
- Medicare Chronic Disease Management (GP referral required, for eligible conditions)
- NDIS (for participants where podiatry is in their plan)
- DVA (for eligible veterans)
- WorkCover and TAC (for accepted lower limb injury claims)
Realistic outcomes
Most common podiatry presentations respond well to appropriate care. Some chronic biomechanical issues require longer-term management. Outcomes vary between individuals.
Booking
Our podiatry team works across our Melton, Hoppers Crossing and Sunbury clinics, alongside physiotherapy and other allied health. The starting point is usually a phone call.
Reviewed by Laurie Bui, AHPRA-registered Podiatrist (Podiatrist) · Last reviewed 2026-05-27
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