FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Foot Care
Looking for answers about foot pain or podiatry treatment? Here are the most common questions patients ask, with clear information to help you understand your options and know what to expect.
Call our friendly reception today to book your appointment.
Book an AppointmentCosts, Referrals & Appointments
Find answers to common questions about booking an appointment, consultation fees, referrals, and Medicare rebates.
No. You do not need a referral to book an appointment at Melton and Bacchus Marsh Foot Clinic. You can contact the clinic directly. A referral is only required if you are claiming under Medicare CCMP, DVA, TAC, WorkCover, or another funded program.
Standard consultation fees are:
Initial Consultation – $100
Standard Consultation – $85
Extended Consultation – $125
If your treatment requires a specialised procedure, the clinic will explain any additional costs before your appointment.
Yes, if you have a Medicare Chronic Condition Management Plan (CCMP) referral from your GP. Eligible patients can claim the current Medicare rebate for up to five allied health visits each calendar year. The clinic can process your Medicare claim on the day of your appointment.
Appointment availability varies, but Melton and Bacchus Marsh Foot Clinic aims to see patients as soon as possible. If you have an infected ingrown toenail, severe foot pain, or another urgent concern, let the reception team know when booking so they can prioritise your appointment where possible.
You can choose either the Melton or Bacchus Marsh clinic, whichever is more convenient for you. Both locations offer the same range of podiatry services and follow the same high standard of care, so you can expect a consistent experience at either clinic.
Ingrown Toenails & Common Foot Conditions
A mild ingrown toenail may improve with careful home care. However, ongoing pain, swelling, or signs of infection usually require professional treatment. A podiatrist can safely remove the section of nail causing the problem and relieve the pain. If the nail keeps growing in, a minor nail procedure may be the best long-term solution.
Book an appointment if your heel pain lasts longer than a week, keeps returning, or makes walking uncomfortable. Heel pain often results from conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon problems, or plantar fat pad atrophy. Early treatment can reduce pain sooner and help prevent the condition from becoming more difficult to manage.
Yes. Both conditions are treatable, but the right approach depends on the type and severity of the infection. Your podiatrist will assess the affected area and recommend the most suitable treatment. This may include nail care, topical treatments, footwear advice, or a referral to your GP if prescription medication is needed. Early treatment also helps prevent the infection from spreading.
Corns and calluses develop when the skin experiences repeated pressure or friction. Tight footwear, foot shape, and walking patterns are common causes. Removing the hard skin provides temporary relief, but treating the underlying cause helps stop the problem from returning.
Yes. Diabetes can reduce feeling in the feet, reduce the blood supply to your feet and slow wound healing. Even a small cut or blister can become a serious problem if left untreated. Regular podiatry visits help detect changes early, manage nails and skin safely, and reduce the risk of ulcers, infections, and other diabetic foot complications. Routine foot checks are an important part of long-term diabetes care.
NDIS & Aged Care
Yes. Melton and Bacchus Marsh Foot Clinic welcomes self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. Services may include routine foot care, nail treatment, wound care, footwear assessments and supply, custom orthoses, and other podiatry treatments based on your needs and NDIS plan.
Yes. Home visits are available for patients who cannot attend the clinic because of limited mobility, disability, or other health concerns. Home visit appointments are offered throughout Melton, Bacchus Marsh, and surrounding areas, subject to availability.
Yes, if podiatry is included in your approved Support at Home services. Regular podiatry can help manage foot pain, improve mobility, reduce the risk of falls, and keep your feet healthy. If you are unsure about your funding, your care provider or the clinic can help explain your options.
Please bring your NDIS details, any referral or service request, and your current footwear. If you have previous scans, reports, or a list of medications, bring those as well. This information helps your podiatrist understand your foot health and recommend the most suitable treatment.
Yes. You are welcome to bring a family member, carer, or support coordinator to your appointment. They can help communicate your concerns, discuss your treatment plan, and support you throughout your care if needed.
Children's Foot Care
Book an appointment if your child has foot or leg pain that lasts more than a few days, walks differently, trips often, walks on their toes, or avoids sport because of discomfort. Children should not have ongoing foot pain. An assessment can identify the cause and determine whether treatment is needed.
Not always. Orthotics are only recommended when they are likely to reduce pain, improve walking, or support a specific foot condition. Many children with flat feet never need orthotics. At Melton and Bacchus Marsh Foot Clinic, every recommendation is based on your child's symptoms, activity level, and foot development.
Children's shoes should be comfortable from the first wear. They should have enough room for the toes, a secure fit around the heel, and good support for everyday activities. Shoes that are too tight or worn out can contribute to discomfort and foot problems as your child grows.
Some conditions, such as flexible flat feet, often improve as children grow. Others do not. If your child has persistent pain, limps, avoids physical activity, or their walking pattern changes, do not wait for the problem to resolve on its own. An early assessment provides reassurance and helps identify whether treatment is needed.
Footwear, Orthotics & Foot Health Products
Custom orthotics may help if you have ongoing heel pain, arch pain, recurring injuries, or foot pain that does not improve with supportive footwear. They are also used to manage conditions such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, arthritis, and some tendon problems. Your podiatrist will assess your feet, walking pattern, and symptoms before recommending orthotics.
They serve different purposes. Store-bought insoles provide extra cushioning and can help with mild discomfort. Custom orthotics are made specifically for your feet and are designed to improve foot function, reduce pressure, and address the underlying cause of pain. Your podiatrist will recommend the option that best suits your needs.
Yes. Your podiatrist can recommend footwear based on your foot shape, activity level, and any existing foot conditions. The right shoes can improve comfort, reduce pressure, and support your treatment. If needed, Melton and Bacchus Marsh Foot Clinic also provides medical-grade footwear assessments and recommendations.
Most custom orthotics can last up to ten years if your requirements and foot shape do not change. Their longevity depends on how often you wear them, your activity level, and changes in your feet. Regular reviews help ensure they continue to fit well and provide the support you need.
Not always. Your podiatrist will explain when and how often to wear them based on your condition and daily activities. Most people benefit from wearing them every day, while others only need them during work, exercise, or specific activities. Following your treatment plan helps you get the best results.
Clinic Locations & Your Visit
No. You can book at either the Melton or Bacchus Marsh location. Choose the clinic that is most convenient for you. Both locations offer the same podiatry services and treatment approach.
Yes. If another clinic is more convenient for your next visit, you can book there instead. Your treatment records are available to your podiatrist, allowing your care to continue without interruption.
Please bring any referral documents, your Medicare or concession card if applicable, and a list of your current medications. It also helps to bring the shoes you wear most often, especially if your concern relates to walking, sport, or foot pain.
Most appointments take 20-30 minutes, depending on the reason for your visit and the treatment required. Some procedures or initial assessments may take a little longer. The reception team can advise you when you book.
Your podiatrist will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and daily activities. They will examine your feet, assess your gait if needed, explain the cause of your symptoms, and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan. If treatment can be provided on the day, it will usually begin during the same appointment.
General Foot Health
Yes. Pain that keeps returning often points to an underlying problem. Even if the pain settles, the cause may still be there. An assessment can identify the issue early and help prevent it from getting worse.
Simple measures such as rest, ice, supportive footwear, and avoiding activities that worsen the pain may help with mild symptoms. However, if the pain lasts more than a week, keeps returning, or affects the way you walk, it is best to have it assessed by a podiatrist.
No. Ageing can increase the risk of certain foot conditions, but ongoing foot pain is not considered normal. Many problems can be treated or managed, helping you stay comfortable and active.
Yes. Shoes that are too tight, lack support, or no longer fit properly can contribute to heel pain, bunions, corns, calluses, and other foot problems. Wearing the right footwear can improve comfort and reduce unnecessary strain on your feet.
It depends on your foot health and medical history. Most people only need to visit when they have a problem. However, people with diabetes, poor circulation, arthritis, or ongoing foot conditions often benefit from regular podiatry check-ups to help prevent complications and maintain healthy feet.
Treatments & Podiatry Services
A podiatrist can diagnose and treat many common foot and lower limb conditions. These include heel pain, plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails, fungal nails, corns, calluses, warts (verrucae), diabetic foot problems, sports injuries, arthritis, and children's foot concerns. Treatment is tailored to the cause of your symptoms.
In most cases, yes. After assessing your feet and discussing your symptoms, your podiatrist will begin treatment at your first visit when appropriate. If you need custom orthotics, imaging, or a minor procedure, your treatment plan and next steps will be explained before you leave.
Most podiatry treatments involve little or no discomfort. Some procedures, such as treating an infected ingrown toenail or removing corns, may cause temporary sensitivity. Your podiatrist will explain what to expect and work carefully to keep you as comfortable as possible.
Yes. Regular podiatry care can identify small problems before they become more serious. Your podiatrist may recommend changes to your footwear, prescribe exercises, provide orthotics, or suggest simple foot care routines to reduce the risk of future pain or injury.
See a podiatrist if your concern relates to your feet, ankles, or the way you walk. Podiatrists are trained to diagnose and treat foot and lower limb conditions. If your symptoms require additional medical care, they can work with your GP or refer you to the appropriate healthcare professional when needed.
Booking & Preparing for Your Appointment
You can book an appointment by calling Melton and Bacchus Marsh Foot Clinic or contacting the clinic through the website. The reception team will help you choose the right appointment type and location based on your needs.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your feet and lower legs. If your concern relates to walking, running, or footwear, bring the shoes you wear most often so your podiatrist can assess them.
If you cannot attend, contact the clinic as soon as possible. Providing advance notice allows your appointment to be offered to another patient and helps the clinic manage its schedule efficiently.
Yes. Melton and Bacchus Marsh Foot Clinic provides podiatry care for children, adults, and older people. Family members can book appointments at the same clinic, and, where available, appointments may be arranged close together for added convenience.
That depends on your condition and treatment plan. Some problems improve after a single visit, while others require ongoing care or regular reviews. Your podiatrist will explain whether follow-up appointments are recommended and how often you should return.
Foot Pain & When to Seek Treatment
No. Daily foot pain is not considered normal, even if it feels manageable. Ongoing discomfort often points to an underlying problem that should be assessed. Early treatment can relieve pain and help prevent further damage.
Book an appointment if your pain lasts longer than a week, keeps coming back, affects the way you walk, or limits your daily activities. You should also seek prompt care for signs of infection, wounds that are not healing, or sudden swelling after an injury.
Morning foot pain is commonly linked to plantar fasciitis, especially if the pain is under the heel or arch when you first get out of bed. Other conditions can cause similar symptoms, so a proper assessment is the best way to identify the cause and begin the right treatment.
Yes. Continuing to walk on an injured or painful foot can sometimes increase irritation and delay recovery. That does not always mean you need complete rest. Your podiatrist will explain which activities are safe and recommend ways to stay active while your foot heals.
Yes. The way your feet move affects the rest of your body. Poor foot mechanics can place extra strain on your ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. Treating the underlying foot problem may improve pain in other areas and help you move more comfortably.
Patient Reviews
A Simple Solution for an Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail had become so painful that even wearing shoes was uncomfortable. I was worried the treatment would be painful, but the podiatrist explained every step before starting. The procedure was quick, and I received clear aftercare instructions. My toe healed well, and I have been pain-free ever since.