What is a podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a university-trained and registered health professional who assesses, diagnoses and treats problems with feet and legs.

Podiatrists:

• assess and advise people on foot and leg pain
• help people improve their walking, running and jumping
• assess, advise and treat people before and after foot surgery
• assess, diagnose and treat foot wounds, sporting injuries and toenail problems.

Paediatric podiatrists have an interest in working with children and teenagers.

Podiatrists work in many settings including private clinics, community health centres, and public and private hospitals.

If your child has health or development concerns, health professionals like podiatrists are there to care for your child and help you understand your child’s condition and treatment. With the support and expertise of these professionals, you can help your child thrive.

Why your child might see a podiatrist

A podiatrist can help your child with:

• foot and leg pain, including pain caused by sporting injuries and conditions like calcaneal apophysitis, childhood arthritis and hypermobility
• skin concerns like warts, calluses and corns
• nail conditions like ingrown toenails, toenail infections and odd-shaped toenails
• symptoms of balance or motor skills problems, like tripping, stumbling or not keeping up with others the same age
• feet that aren’t symmetrical – for example, one foot is flat and the other is high arched
• gait disorders, like in-toeing and out-toeing
• limping
• advice about shoes.

A podiatrist will work with you and your child to develop a treatment plan for your child’s foot or movement problems and help your child to stay active.

You don’t need a GP referral to see a podiatrist, but your GP or child and family health nurse is always a good place to start if you’re worried about your child’s health or development. Your GP or child and family health nurse can help you decide about seeing a podiatrist and help you find someone who’s right for your child. You can also go to Australian Podiatry Association – Find a podiatrist.

Before going to a podiatrist

Before seeing the podiatrist, it’s a good idea to find out about things like the following:

• Why you’re going – ask your GP about why your child needs to see a podiatrist.
• Appointments – does your child need an in-person or telehealth appointment?
• Waiting lists – how long before you can get an appointment to see the podiatrist?
• Costs – how much will the appointment with the podiatrist cost? Check whether you’re eligible for Medicare or private health insurance rebates or NDIS support.
• Locations – find out where you have to go to see the podiatrist – for example, a public or private hospital, community health centre or private clinic.
• Qualifications – podiatrists in Australia must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). This means they’ve met all requirements to work as a podiatrist in Australia.

You can ask your GP these and any other questions before you go to the podiatrist. You could also ask the podiatrist’s clinic, community health centre or hospital when you make your child’s appointment. Writing down your questions can help you remember them.