Do I need a doctor’s referral to visit Elite Podiatry?
No, you don’t need a doctor’s referral to see us at Elite Podiatry. While they aren’t required to make an appointment, we welcome all referrals.
A doctors referral is required only for the following cases:
- Medicare (TCA’s and EPC’s)
- DVA
- Workers Compensation, and
- MVA
Do I get a rebate from Medicare?
Yes but only if you have been referred by your doctor to us on an EPC (Enhanced Primary Care) or TCA (Team Care Arrangement) plans.
If eligible, you are able to claim up to FIVE Medicare rebates per calendar year. Once the care plan has been organised and billed by your doctor, you are immediately eligible. Please bring in all your paperwork on your first visit.
Do I get a rebate from my health fund?
Yes, if you are covered for Podiatry services in your private health membership. Please check with your health fund for your rebate information and details as they vary between health funds and levels of cover.
What should I bring with me on my first visit to Elite Podiatry?
Please bring the following with you to your first visit at Elite Podiatry:
- All relevant medical imaging of your condition
- All and any previous orthotics or insoles
- A selection of your footwear, including runners, work shoes and everyday shoes
- While not essential on your first visit, we also recommend you wear loose fitting clothing
What can I expect on my first visit to Elite Podiatry?
On your initial consultation with one of our specialised podiatrists at Elite Podiatry, a thorough and comprehensive assessment will be conducted of you. In most cases this will include the following:
- Obtaining a detailed medical history
- Assessment of your complaint
- If applicable, full gait analysis
- If applicable to your condition, a biomechanical and range of motion testing
- Arriving at a diagnosis
- Formulating a treatment plan specific to you
- Commencing appropriate treatment
We strive to provide a warm and friendly environment where you are made to feel at ease! We welcome all questions and aim to ensure you are kept well informed of all details of podiatric problems, condition, treatment plan and expected outcomes.
We look forward to seeing you, please don’t hesitate to contact us at one of our locations to make an appointment.
Who does Elite Podiatry look after?
We treat & support all of you!
- From a variety of professional athletes such as ultra marathon runners, ironman competitors, bodybuilders, dancers, gymnasts, football, soccer, netball, basketball & rugby players.
- We also treat local gym enthusiasts from UFC, F45, CrossFit & more.
- We look after families, from children to adults.
- Anyone who is suffering from pain or need podiatric treatments – we can help!
How Can A Podiatrist Help Someone With Autism?
Autism is a condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, interacts with others, and experiences their environment. It is estimated that one in 70 people are on the autism spectrum. (Autism Spectrum Australia). Autistic may communicate, interact, behave and experience the world differently to those who are neurotypical.
A Podiatrist may not be the first professional that comes to mind when considering supports for autistic individuals, however there are many issues and conditions associated with autism that may require treatment. These include:
Sensory sensitivities:
Some autistic individuals have sensory processing difficulties, which can often result in an intolerance to certain types of socks and footwear. A podiatrist can support this by offering a range of suitable options, including custom made orthotic that take into consideration an individual’s unique sensory profile.
Injuries due to overuse:
Many autistic individuals engage in repetitive movements or behaviours, and this can contribute to overuse or injuries such as stress fractures or plantar fasciitis. A podiatrist can treat these conditions to alleviate and pain and discomfort.
Toe walking:
Many autistic children toe walk and this is often due to an immature vestibular system. A podiatrist can assess this and implement a treatment plan to help encourage the child to place their heels on the floor when walking which may include custom orthotics and gait plates. Without intervention, pain and fatigue in the calf muscles can occur, due to leg and muscle imbalance and restrictions in knee and ankle joint flexibility.
Poor motor skills:
Autistic individuals may have challenges with motor skills, which can affect their ability to tie shoelaces or perform other tasks related to foot hygiene and self-care. A podiatrist can assist with this by treating common podiatry issues/conditions such as calluses, corns and ingrown toenails that affect the individual’s function and ability to undertake activities of daily living pain free.
Hypotonia (low muscle tone):
Around 30% of autistic individuals have low muscle tone, which can result in limited physical endurance and fatigue when walking or running for a prolonged period of time. A podiatrist can offer advice on suitable footwear and develop custom made orthotics, as well as develop an exercise program to help provide optimal support to the individual.
Flat feet:
Autistic children tend to have flatter feet than other children. Sometimes, this can cause pain and fatigue when walking. Podiatrists can provide advice on suitable footwear, shoe padding and in some cases can treat this with custom orthotics.
Poor coordination, balance & gait differences:
Commonly, their upper body also tends to tilt forward as they walk, and they have more of a bouncy gait. This can lead to the top half of the body becoming unstable, and to increase stability they may take shorter steps and increase step width. This results in a wider base of support and an unusual or awkward gait when walking and running. Gait analysis and a biomechanical assessment can be used to assess this and develop a suitable treatment plan.