We can prescribe orthotics and help identify biomechanical and training factors that may have lead to injury but also potential risk factors that may contribute to injury.
Podiatry & Sports Podiatry
Foot Related Pain Specialists
Podiatry specialises in the diagnosis, management and prevention of foot disorders and injuries associated with foot and lower limb function. The Podiatrists at Mater Clinic Physiotherapy have a particular interest in the assessment of walking and running gait utilising various techniques including video analysis to investigate posture and lower limb function.
Podiatrists are increasingly involved with sporting teams and clubs. At Mater Clinic Physiotherapy we can assist athletes at all levels including children to prevent and treat lower limb sporting injuries and maintain good foot health.
Podiatry services at Mater Clinic Physiotherapy include:
- Assessment and treatment of foot and lower limb disorders in both adults and children
- Assessment of mechanical causes of lower limb pain
- Prescription of foot orthoses to enhance foot and lower limb function
- Modification and repair of exisiting foot orthoses
- Advice and modification of running shoes, football boots, other sporting footwear and footwear worn day to day including school shoes
Common conditions treated by Mater Clinic Physiotherapy Podiatrists:
- Heel pain/Plantar Fasciitis
- Arch pain
- Forefoot pain
- Bunions
- Shin and calf pain
- Achilles tendon injury
- Knee pain
- Stress fractures
How We Can Help
Here at Mater Clinic Physiotherapy the Podiatry team strive to get our patients back to their chosen activity as soon as possible. We can help identify biomechanical and training factors that may have lead to injury but also potential risk factors that may contribute to injury. We can offer advice regarding orthotic therapy, footwear and training programs. The Podiatrists at Mater Clinic Physiotherapy pride themselves on providing the latest treatment options to suit the different needs of their patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I get a rebate?
Patients who have a chronic medical condition and complex care needs may be eligible for Chronic Disease Management (CDM) rebate through Medicare. (Formerly known as an EPC plan). CDM services and Team Care arrangements (TCA) are arranged by a patient’s G.P. Please discuss your suitability for this plan with your G.P. Present any CDM/TCA plan to your Podiatrist at the time of consultation. A gap fee will apply.
Q. Do I need a referral?
No, a referral is not required to see a Podiatrist.
Q. Does the style of running shoe matter if I wear foot orthoses?
Yes, the style of running shoe is always important. The right shoe can make a big difference to a person’s foot mechanics and overall comfort when participating in activity. Without the right shoe a pair of foot orthoses may be ineffective or not function in the correct way. Very often footwear needs to be addressed before a pair of foot orthoses can be prescribed.
Q. How long will the session take?
We allow 45 minutes for new patients and 30 minutes for a review under 2 years.
Q. My child has flat feet – should he/she see a Podiatrist?
It is very normal for young children to have “flat feet”. A child’s foot arch will develop with increasing age. If a child’s parents or older siblings have had foot related issues it would be recommended that the child is seen by a Podiatrist. Other criteria that would warrant a Podiatry assessment would be; a child complaining of foot or leg pain on a regular basis, reluctance to particpate in activity, tripping or falling over more than their peers and structural deformities eg. Bunion formation.
Q. What are foot orthoses and are there different types?
Foot orthoses are inshoe supports that can be used both short and long term. Foot orthoses can be made from a variety of materials and may be made from a cast or 3D scan of a person’s feet (custom-made) or may be prefrabricated (off the shelf). In the case of prefabricated devices the Podiatrists at Mater Clinic Physio will very often make their own modifcations to these in order to make them more specific to a patient’s needs. The cost involved will vary greatly depending on what needs to be done but may be covered in part by a patient’s Private Health Insurance.
Q. What do I need to bring?
- Both sporting and day to day footwear worn on a regular basis
- Previous or current foot orthoses
- Comfortable shorts or leggings for gait analysis
- Relevant scans and accompanying reports (eg. X-ray, Ultrasound, MRI)
Who we are
Mater Clinic Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic is a multidisciplinary practice including Physiotherapists, Podiatrists, Massage Therapists, and Dieticians. We work closely with other healthcare practitioners in the community such as General Practitioners, Sports Physicians, and Orthopaedic Consultants.
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