FAQs

A Podiatrist is a University qualified, registered healthcare professional who can assess, diagnose, manage and treat foot and lower limb conditions. ​These conditions include musculoskeletal injuries, skin conditions, sporting injuries, foot arthritis, paediatric foot problems, the effects of chronic disease on lower limbs and feet along with many other injuries and ailments related to the feet and lower limbs.

Always ask your podiatrist questions. By asking questions you’ll get to know what your Podiatrist is all about. A Podiatrist who takes the time to answer questions and educate you on your condition and treatment, and who takes the time to put your mind at ease, should be the standard in care you deserve.

While experience is important, equally important is a dedication of continued improvement in “clinical practice”.

At Port Stephens Podiatry, we value quality treatment over quantity. While some podiatry clinics may schedule 20, or even 15-minute appointments, our appointment times are 30-minutes as a minimum.

There is no requirement to supply a referral from your Doctor to see a Podiatrist. With that said, if you have been referred, please bring a copy of the referral letter.

Yes, depending on your level of cover. We have HICAPS and EFTPOS facilities, so that you can swipe your private health fund card, make an on-the-spot claim and pay the difference.

During your first consultation the Podiatrist will thoroughly examine and investigate your concerns as well as providing the necessary time to assess your condition properly. We will also develop a comprehensive treatment plan that will enable you to achieve your goal as soon as possible.
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For patients booked in for a Biomechanical Assessment (foot, heel, leg or back pain), please wear or bring along the shoes you would do most of your activities in. Also bring any relevant imaging/reports regarding your feet, including X-rays, Ultrasounds, MRI of CT scans.

Our podiatrists treat DVA (Department of Veterans’ Affairs) Gold card holders. These patients will be required to bring a specific DVA D904 referral from their General Practitioner to be eligible for treatment.

Yes. We do accept WorkCover patients.

Yes. Our clinic also allows for disabled and wheelchair access from the car park and the street.

Yes. Our clinic has its own dedicated off street undercover parking located below the building with lift and stair access to the clinic.

Diabetes is a condition which can affect every part of your body. Its affects on the feet include reduced circulation, loss of sensation in the feet, thinning and drying of the skin and major changes to bone structure. Regular checks can help to reduce the risk of developing ulceration and infection. At Port Stephens Podiatry, we perform a thorough assessment and provide a written report to your GP as we understand that the best health outcomes occur with collaboration with your health care team.

Yes, we regularly treat children. Children are one of our larger patient demographics which is no surprise considering the rapid growth spurts they have and the levels of activity they participate in.

The frequency and number of visitations will depend on the nature of the condition you’re being treated for. The treatment and rehabilitation of conditions will vary widely; however, after an initial consultation, your podiatrist will be able to provide a recovery framework for you.

Yes, we completely sterilise all our equipment and adopt industry standard best practices to ensure the safety and care of our patients at ALL times.

Routine care of nails and callouses is not painful. Some conditions such as ingrown toenails may be sensitive to treatment. We do our best to minimise pain and can also offer local anaesthetic injections when indicated.

Your feet can definitely contribute to lower back pain. The pronation of your feet and ankles may cause your knees to turn inward. This in turn can impact your hips which will affect the way you walk. If not corrected, this may affect your spine leading to lower back pain.