Podiatry is the assessment and management of foot and lower-limb conditions. Our podiatrists work at our Melton clinic on Barries Road — currently the only 101 Physio location offering podiatry. Patients from our Hoppers Crossing or Sunbury catchments are welcome to attend Melton for podiatry, or we can refer you to a podiatrist closer to home. To book a podiatry appointment, call (03) 9746 6852 or book online.
On this page: What podiatry is · Who may benefit · First appointment · Common conditions · Where · Funding · How we support podiatry patients · FAQ
What is podiatry?
Podiatry is the AHPRA-registered allied-health profession that assesses and manages conditions of the foot, ankle and lower limb. It covers everything from skin and nail care through to musculoskeletal foot problems, diabetic foot management, paediatric foot development, sports-related foot and ankle issues, and footwear or orthotic prescription where clinically indicated. Podiatrists work with adults, adolescents and children, and frequently coordinate with GPs, physiotherapists and specialists where helpful. For general public information, see healthdirect Australia\'s podiatrist guidance.
Who may benefit from podiatry?
- You have heel pain or pain along the sole of your foot (plantar fasciitis is a common cause)
- You have ingrown toenails, painful corns or callouses, or recurring nail problems
- You have diabetes and need regular foot checks to monitor circulation and sensation
- You have foot-shape concerns — bunions, hammer toes, flat feet, high arches
- You're a runner with foot, ankle or shin problems
- You have a child with foot-development concerns (in-toeing, out-toeing, flat feet, walking pattern questions)
- You've been recommended orthotics by a GP, physiotherapist or specialist
- You have lower-limb pain that may relate to how you load your feet
What your first podiatry appointment may involve
- History. The reason you're attending, when symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, your activity and footwear, relevant medical history (especially diabetes).
- Foot and lower-limb examination. Skin and nail assessment, range of movement, strength, foot posture, walking pattern where relevant, and circulation/sensation checks if appropriate.
- Discussion. What your podiatrist thinks is going on, options, and what we'd recommend trying first.
- Treatment where appropriate. Some first appointments include in-room treatment (nail care, callous management, taping); others are assessment-focused with a plan for follow-up.
- Footwear and home advice. Often a few practical changes to footwear, activity or home care.
- Orthotic discussion if relevant. Whether off-the-shelf or custom orthotics may help, and what the process and cost look like.
- Communication or referral. With your consent, we communicate with your GP or specialist if useful.
Conditions and goals commonly related to podiatry
- Heel pain and plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendon problems
- Ingrown toenails, fungal nails, corns and callouses
- Diabetic foot assessment and management
- Bunions and forefoot pain
- Flat feet, high arches and foot-posture concerns
- Children's foot development and gait concerns
- Sports-related foot and ankle injuries (running, jumping sports)
- Footwear advice — for work boots, school shoes, running shoes, daily wear
- Orthotic prescription — off-the-shelf and custom where clinically indicated
- Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) where foot biomechanics are part of the picture
Locations offering podiatry
Podiatry Melton appointments are currently available at our Melton clinic only:
- 101 Physio Melton — 7/211–223 Barries Road, Melton West. Mon–Thu 9–7, Fri 9–6, Sat 9–1.
Patients from our Hoppers Crossing or Sunbury catchments are welcome to attend our Melton clinic for podiatry, or reception can help you find a podiatrist closer to home. See also our podiatry in Melton page for the Melton-specific detail.
Funding and payment options
- Private health insurance — most extras policies cover podiatry. HICAPS on-site for on-the-spot claiming.
- Medicare EPC / Chronic Disease Management — eligible patients with a GP plan may access Medicare-rebated podiatry sessions.
- NDIS — for participants whose plan includes podiatry or related supports.
- DVA — Gold and White cardholders may be eligible.
- Private payment — accepted. Contact reception for the current fee schedule.
Funding eligibility depends on your circumstances, referral and appointment type. Please contact reception if unsure.
How 101 Physio supports podiatry patients
- AHPRA-registered podiatrist working alongside physiotherapy and psychology at the same clinic — useful when foot problems intersect with wider rehabilitation
- Practical, evidence-based approach to common foot problems
- Diabetic foot care delivered to the standards expected for chronic-condition monitoring
- Paediatric podiatry available — children's foot questions answered without unnecessary intervention
- Footwear advice grounded in what's actually available, not idealised recommendations
- Online booking and phone reception
- On-site parking at our Melton clinic; accessible bays near the entrance
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?
No — podiatry is a primary contact profession in Australia, so you can book directly. A referral is required for some funded pathways: Medicare EPC, DVA, and certain NDIS arrangements.
Is podiatry available at your Hoppers Crossing or Sunbury clinics?
Not currently — podiatry is offered at our Melton clinic only. Patients from Hoppers Crossing or Sunbury are welcome to attend Melton, or reception can refer you to a podiatrist closer to home.
Can my child see a podiatrist?
Yes — children's podiatry is part of what we do. Common reasons parents bring children include in-toeing, out-toeing, flat feet, walking pattern questions and shoe-fit. A parent or guardian is welcome in the appointment.
Do you make custom orthotics?
Custom orthotics are sometimes appropriate after assessment. Off-the-shelf orthotics work for many people; custom orthotics are more involved and more expensive. We'll discuss what's likely to help in your specific situation and what the costs look like before any orthotic order.
I have diabetes — what does a foot check involve?
A diabetic foot check assesses circulation, sensation, skin and nail health, and footwear suitability. Frequency depends on your overall foot risk — your podiatrist will advise after the first assessment. We coordinate findings with your GP or endocrinologist where helpful.
Can I claim podiatry on the spot with my health fund?
Yes — HICAPS is on-site at our Melton clinic. Most major Australian health funds are supported.
Ready to book?
Call (03) 9746 6852 or book online.
Podiatry is at our Melton clinic only — patients from Hoppers Crossing and Sunbury are welcome to attend Melton.
Related: podiatry in Melton · our Melton clinic · all services
Reviewed by Laurie Bui, AHPRA-registered Podiatrist · Last reviewed 2026-05-29.
