Foot Pain, Custom Orthotics and Diabetic Checks: When to See a Podiatrist

Most people ignore their feet until something goes wrong. And by the time something goes wrong, whether that’s heel pain that stops you walking properly, an infected nail, or numbness you’ve been hoping would go away, the problem has usually been building for a while.

Your feet carry your entire body weight, every single day. They absorb impact, adapt to uneven surfaces, and keep you upright and moving. When they’re not functioning well, it affects everything above them, including your ankles, knees, hips, and back.

Here’s what our podiatrists can do for you.

Footwear Reviews: The Foundation of Foot Health

Most people are wearing the wrong shoes. Not because they’re careless, but because shoe marketing is not the same as clinical advice. Our podiatrists are regularly upskilled in the world of therapeutic footwear and can review your current shoes and advise on what your feet actually need for your specific activities, foot type, and any existing conditions.

The right shoe can resolve a surprising number of foot problems. The wrong one, worn every day, can create them.

Book a footwear review if you’re experiencing foot fatigue, heel or arch pain, knee or hip discomfort, or if you’re a runner, a nurse, a tradie, or anyone on their feet all day.

Custom Orthotics: Precision Support for Your Feet

Off-the-shelf insoles are fine for general comfort. But if you have a specific structural issue such as flat feet, high arches, overpronation, or a leg length difference, a custom orthotic is in a different category entirely.

Our podiatrists use state-of-the-art materials and fast turnaround times to produce orthotics that are made for your foot, your gait, and your life. Whether you need them for sport, work boots, or everyday shoes, we’ll get you back on your feet, properly supported.

Custom orthotics can help with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, shin splints, flat feet, knee pain, and lower back pain with a postural or gait component.

Lower Leg and Foot Strength Assessments

Foot and lower leg pain is often a strength problem, not just a structural one. Our podiatrists offer clinical strength assessments to identify weaknesses in the foot, ankle, calf, and lower leg that may be contributing to pain, instability, or injury risk.

For those with access to VALD assessment technology, this can include objective force and strength data to track changes over time and guide your rehabilitation. Strong feet and lower legs are the foundation of everything, from running to getting out of a chair safely.

For ongoing foot, ankle, and lower limb conditions, our Stride Right program integrates podiatry with exercise physiology and physiotherapy, addressing plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, stress fractures, bunions, and flat feet through a coordinated multidisciplinary approach.

Diabetic Foot Checks: Don’t Skip This One

If you have diabetes, you need a podiatry review every 3 to 6 months. Full stop.

Diabetes affects circulation and nerve function, often in the feet first. By the time you feel a problem, the damage can already be significant. A clinical diabetic foot check assesses:

• Blood flow and vascular health in your feet
• Nerve function and sensation testing
• Skin and nail integrity
• Pressure points and ulceration risk

Catching issues early protects your feet, your mobility, and your long-term health. DVA Gold Card holders can access podiatry services with no out-of-pocket cost. NDIS and Medicare referrals are also accepted.

Seasonal Note for Athletes and Active Australians

If you’re increasing your training load, whether for a fun run, a footy season, or just getting back into exercise, get your feet checked before problems develop. Prevention is always cheaper and less painful than treatment.

Your Feet Deserve Expert Care

At Proactive Health, our podiatrists provide services across Australia, in clinic and via telehealth for advice and program delivery.

We accept: DVA Gold and White Card | NDIS | Medicare | Private health | Self-referral