The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in Victoria, have made it very clear that, during stage 4 lockdown restrictions, you should still seek the healthcare you need.
CAN YOU SEE A PODIATRIST DURING STAGE 4 LOCKDOWN IN MELBOURNE? YES!
If you are in pain, and you need help, then YES, you can & should see a PODIATRIST during lock down.
You are still allowed to get the foot care you need during stage 4 lockdown.
DHHS have created specific guidelines and advice regarding care during this time, as some rules have altered.
Trusted by 12,000+ Customers:
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kara removed a small callus between my toes it was painless and quick. Kara is lovely and was was easy to talk to and made me feel comfortable. The receptionist Antonellawas most helpful Thanks ladies 🤓sorry I didn’t take photos to share didn’t think I’d want to show off my feet 😎I live locally and found it convenient to walk to my apartment.
Eva R
October 18, 2023 -
For any sport or running related injuries Kim and the Footcare Clinic are as good as you will get. The treatment i receive is always very thorough and not rushed. An achievable action plan for recovery is clearly defined with your goal objectives in mind. When first starting running I had early running foot problems which Kim helped resolve and then more recently a bad ankle sprain a month out from a marathon which Kim was able to help me get to the start line and complete. Couldn't recommend enough and sometimes for running injuries you need to see a runner!
Andrew Sexton
October 17, 2023 -
In the middle of training for a half ironman, and started experiencing severe pain in my foot that was stopping me from running more than 2kms at a time. Went to see Kim at the footcare clinic, and after one shockwave therapy session, and a detailed requirements list for a new pair of running shoes, my pain has completely subsided having now run over 30kms in the new shoes. Was extremely worried about not being able to complete the event due to the pain, and I'm incredibly thankful that Kim was able to solve my issue in the span of two weeks. Great service and incredible value.
Hari Senthuran
September 19, 2023 -
Kim has been amazing throughout all my visits. I had lot of trouble with my big toe nails growing into my skin which was causing me great discomfort. Kim suggested mail bracing which I was unfamiliar with but with once I was educated on what it does I gave it a go and it has been amazing!! It took few weeks for the nail brace to gently overtime pull the nail up so it’s not digging into my skin. Will recommend this for anyone struggling with the same thing.
Savneet Kaur
September 14, 2023 -
I was suffering from posterior tibialis tendonitis and had lingering pain that felt like it would never leave my body. I am quite an active person due to my work and family life so the pulsing pain was affecting my day to day. I went to see Kim Harwood who my family have been seeing for decades. Kim was much more insightful and experienced than predicted informing me that she has treated this injury before resulting in a full recovery and told me what physical activities of mine have been attributing to my injury. I was very relieved to know I was in experienced hands and to know what do and avoid during my busy weeks to improve recovery.
Richard Summons
July 27, 2023 -
I have been having light laser therapy and shock wave therapy over the last couple of months for the treatment of two very large Morton Neuromas on my left foot. As a result of this treatment both neuromas have shrunk by half and now is just ongoing home management with a toe insert made on the spot at the clinic and extremely comfy Oomf slides Kim had recommended along with excellent quality toe socks. I am finally feeling like my old self again. I can highly recommend The Footcare Clinic and will not even consider going to another clinic again after the excellent service by the team and especially Kim for her help and guidance. I am very happy with the results considering I was told by another clinic in Edithvale I would need surgery and messed me around with incorrectly fitting orthotics for many weeks which was very stressful and costly for me. As it turns out, I don’t even need orthotics!
Jenny O'Toole
July 26, 2023
Is My Pain Considered Urgent Right Now?
DHHS guidelines state, if you are someone who is in pain, and if you feel that your pain may deteriorate if left untreated, creating the possibility that in the future, you may need to present to a hospital, or medical specialist, then you are able to see a podiatrist during stage 4 lock down.
The following conditions will give you a general idea of what would be considered acceptable to come to the Clinic during Stage 4 Restrictions:
- Bacterial Infection – in your nail or skin
- Ingrown Toenails
- Ulcers or Skin breakdown
- Diabetes – changes to your feet that you’d like checked
- Possible Fractures – from falls, trips and injuries
- Ankle Sprains – including the possibility of fracture, especially when you can’t weight bear well
- Heel Pain and Arch Pain – where you are finding it hard to weight bear and move
- Achilles Tendon Pain – where you can’t weight bear well
- Dislocations – toes and ankles
- Any injury post fall or accident – where you feel there may be damage caused, and you’re worried your condition may deteriorate
- Any joint issue that has persistent swelling following a fall or post accident.
What happens if I get assessed and my injury isn’t deemed ‘essential’?
We’ve already had some people downplay their condition, only to find out their issue was more serious than they had thought (for example, when we diagnosed a fracture for what someone thought was just a sprained ankle).
When you attend the clinic, you’ll get assessed, then be given a diagnosis and treatment plan.
If your podiatrist deems your injury ‘essential’, you’ll be able to attend for further face to face sessions.
You won’t get in trouble if it turns out your injury isn’t as serious as you first thought. If you are in pain, and worried your condition may deteriorate, please seek the health care you deserve, just like normal.
Source: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/health-care-and-social-assistance-restrictions-covid-19
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What to expect in your consult?
We know your time is valuable and true to our values of respecting everybody we strive to always run on time.
Prior to your appointment you will receive an email with a link to complete your client forms online. If you prefer to do it in person we would appreciate that you arrive 10 mins earlier to allow time for registration and to make things run smoothly.
On arrival, you’ll be welcomed with a smile! You’ll meet your podiatrist, who will listen to your history, work with you to perform a thorough assessment and begin treatment to get to the bottom of your concerns.
We’ll stay in touch by sending personal emails or SMS (not bulk spam), and also ask for feedback after your appointments so we can continue to improve our service to you.
FAQ's
- Nail problems (yes we even cut your toenails!)
- Skin problems – corns and calluses
- Sport and overuse injuries – shin splints, calf pain, ankle sprains
- Diabetes foot assessments
- Heel pain, arch pain, leg pain, ankle pain, knee pain
- Ingrown toenails
- Warts
- Running injuries
- Child and adolescent injuries
- Gait and posture problems
No, you do not need a referral to see a Podiatrist. The only time you’ll need a referral is if you qualify for the Medicare funded Chronic Management Care Plan or if you’re a War Veteran with a Gold Card.
Our Podiatrists are very popular so we can’t guarantee an appointment on the same day but we’ll do our best to make it happen if you contact us by phone.
We allow 40 mins for all initial consultations. This extended time will allow our Podiatrists to meet you, assess you and give you a management plan and treatment. Our subsequent appointments are generally 20 mins in duration.
Yes, Podiatrists can refer for x-rays, ultrasounds and MRIs.
We accept all private health funds. With our HICAPS terminal, you’ll be able to claim on the spot!
No, however we are registered with Medicare who will contribute $52.95 towards your appointment fee if you have a GP referral under the Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan. You just pay the difference, that’s all. Your doctor (GP) can refer you for up to 5 sessions in a year for chronic conditions such as Diabetes.
What can we help you with? Give us a call or chat with us here online and we’ll be happy to talk about the fees with you.
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