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General podiatry and foot care
Corns. Calluses. Cracked heels. An ingrown, thickened or fungal toenail — or nails that have become difficult to cut safely at home. Routine foot care like this is sometimes called a medical pedicure.
What to expect
Depending on what we find, you may receive suitable nail or skin care during the visit, home-care advice, a pressure or footwear plan, or a recommendation for testing, review or another service. Some concerns are settled in one visit; others need a review or a different approach, and we tell you which before we start. Small concerns are welcome.
How we assess and manage everyday foot-care concerns
- We ask what is uncomfortable or difficult to manage and whether health, eyesight, reach or hand strength affects your foot care.
- We examine the skin and nails and explain the likely cause, including the role of pressure, friction, dryness, footwear or infection.
- With your consent, suitable care may be possible during the visit. Some concerns need testing, medical review or a separately planned procedure.
- We discuss practical home care, pressure or footwear changes and when the area should be reviewed.
When does a foot wound need urgent care?
A foot wound with spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus or other discharge, fever or rapidly worsening pain needs same-day medical care. With diabetes, any new wound or sudden colour change needs urgent same-day medical assessment, even if it does not hurt. Call 000 for a life-threatening emergency.
Do not wait for a routine booking in these situations. Poor circulation or reduced feeling can make a wound more serious than it looks, so seek advice early rather than watching it. For other foot wounds—such as a blister, graze or small split that is slow to settle—we assess and coordinate care with your GP or other services when needed; contact the clinic to discuss an appropriate appointment. If you are unsure where to go, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222.