Podiatrists are university trained health professionals who specialise in the examination, treatment, and management of the foot and ankle.

No, generally not. You will only require a GP referral in the following instances: Enhanced Primary Care or Department of Veteran Affairs.

Remember to bring anything that will help the podiatrist such as x-rays or any other scan you may have had taken. If you are visiting our practice on a referral, please ensure to bring any paperwork that has been filled out by the referring practitioner. We also ask for patients to bring in 2 pairs of shoes they normally wear so we can check wear patterns and the type of shoes often worn. Wearing shorts to your appointment is also useful as it allows the podiatrist to check the foot, ankle, knee, and leg when completing the examination.

All of our patients who are enrolled in the Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) program are eligible through Medicare for up to 5 visits per calendar year. You must have a valid referral from your GP to be eligible for Medicare. Please make sure you organise a referral first if you plan on visiting our clinic through Medicare. Consultations will be charged at the full cost and the Medicare rebate will be deposited into your nominated bank account. Any ancillary services including orthotics are financially not covered by Medicare and will be discussed with the patient before progressing with any further.

You can use your private health care insurance when claiming services from podiatry. Please note that every fund is different and you will need to check with your private health fund if you are covered with podiatry prior to your appointment.

Yes, we have HICAPS. HICAPS is an electronic health claims and payments system which offers members of participating health funds the convenience of automatic claims processing on the spot in the practice. For more information on the HICAPS system, see www.hicaps.com.au.

No, we do not bulk bill.

Sprenger Podiatry is an accredited NDIS provider. For more information on how we can help your care needs, please contact the rooms on (07) 3353 6558 to discuss.

Foot orthoses are inserts for the shoes that are designed to support, align, or improve the function of the foot. They are also commonly referred to as orthotics. Orthoses should fit comfortably inside your shoes. There are many different kinds of orthotic devices. The orthoses we recommend are prescription devices, both non-custom and custom-made to suit your individual needs and the way your body moves. These may be made from a variety of materials but are always prescribed for your individual needs. Orthotic devices are used as one part of your overall treatment plan for the management of your foot problem.

Our podiatrists may prescribe orthoses for your particular foot problem after a comprehensive assessment. They will consider the way your body moves (your biomechanics), your footwear, and your occupational and lifestyle environment. Orthoses provide long-term solutions in the treatment and prevention of corns, calluses, and ulceration by redistributing the pressure of the body’s weight on the feet. Orthoses also help with the rehabilitation of acute and chronic foot conditions such as tendinosis, recurrent ankle sprains, and stress fractures by providing consistent postural control. Children may benefit from orthotic devices to help maintain their foot alignment during growth and development.

People of all ages with a variety of problems of the feet or lower leg wear orthoses. Sports people are often prescribed orthotic devices by their podiatrist to help maximise their performance and to help their recovery from injury. Anyone suffering from a chronic foot condition such as plantar fasciitis, heel pain, or lower limb conditions which limit their mobility or independence may benefit from wearing orthotic devices.

Yes, especially if your child falls over a lot, complains of sore feet, knee pain or leg pain after sport, or complains that their shoes hurt. These are all signs that something is not right and the child should be professionally assessed by a podiatrist before the problem becomes worse.

Radial pressure wave therapy (radial shockwave) uses compressed air to generate a radial pressure wave. This is mechanical energy that is converted into chemical energy for bio-stimulation/regeneration of healthy tissue.

For podiatry, the main conditions shockwave can be used for is chronic plantar fasciitis and chronic Achilles tendinopathy.

Shockwave therapy will be done exclusively at the McDowall clinic.

The number of sessions varies dependent on the condition and its severity. A treatment plan will typically see a patient receiving shockwave therapy each week for 3-5 weeks followed by a one month gap after which the podiatrist will re-assess the condition and advise as to whether more sessions are needed. Each session is usually takes 20-30 minutes.

No, however you will need to be assessed by one of our podiatrists before making a treatment plan.

Shockwave therapy is not suitable in the following circumstances:

– If you are pregnant.
– People with pacemakers.
– History of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis).
– Epileptics.
– If you are under 18 years of age.
– People on anti-coagulant, anti-thrombotic, or anti-platelet medication.The danger is that high pressure or high frequency shockwaves can cause bleeding.
– People receiving cortisone therapy – wait a minimum of 6 weeks after latest injection. The injection can weaken the area and using this therapy can cause serious damage.
– If there is an infection or skin abrasion at the treatment site.
– If tumours are present at the treatment site.

– Redness of the skin, possible bruising, and/or some discomfort to the local treatment area.
– Numbness, tingling and swelling may also occur.

Shockwave is generally painless, however there may be some discomfort as the waves are targeting the affected area.

Shockwave treatment feels like fast and small pulses against the skin.

– Avoid high impact exercise (e.g. running and tennis) for 48 hours after treatment.
– Avoid anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen (Nurofen) and icing the affected area.
– Taking paracetamol (Panadol) and applying heat can be done to relieve any discomfort.