Podiatry is a profession that not only treats feet but covers a surprisingly large number of different problems and concerns that affect the lower limbs.
Podiatry
Helping you stay ahead of the pack.
Services and treatments
Our podiatrists use their technical expertise to provide a range of services in relation to foot and lower limb problems. They conduct special tests and assessments (e.g. biomechanical) to identify the most likely cause of your foot or leg problem. In addition to that, they provide a professional diagnosis and develop a personalised treatment plan that considers your unique requirements and podiatry needs. They are able to prescribe and fit a range of custom foot orthotics to improve foot function and provide ongoing podiatry management, support and advice.
Craig and Matthew are trained to assist with a broad range of conditions such as…
- Heel pain due to conditions such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs and Sever’s Disease
- Pain and difficulty finding comfortable footwear due to bunions and claw toes
- Foot pain due to conditions such as bursitis and neuromas
- Sports related conditions such as shin splints and chronic knee and ankle pain
- Growing pains, toe walking and flat feet in children and adolescents.
When to see a podiatrist
The Australian Podiatry Association recommends booking an appointment with a Podiatrist if you notice or experience:
- Recurring or ongoing foot or leg pain
- Uneven shoe wear or need footwear advice
- Changes in the way you walk e.g. limping, tripping
- A chronic condition such as diabetes or arthritis that affects your feet
- Difficulties reaching and caring for your feet
There are of course many other reasons to see a Podiatrist so the list above should only be used a guide. As a rule of thumb, if you have any foot or leg related questions or concerns, an appointment with a Podiatrist is a logical first step.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear to my appointment?
As a general guide, it is a good idea to wear comfortable clothing that isn’t too restrictive and allows the clinician to easily see your feet, ankles, and knees. Try to pick tights, socks or hosiery that you can remove easily without having to get changed. Sports shorts or pants that can be easily rolled up are good options, especially if your podiatrist needs to carry out tests and examinations involving your feet, legs and hips.
What should I bring to my appointment?
For your first visit, it is a good idea to bring up to two pairs of your most commonly worn shoes and your orthotics (if currently owned). If you have problems/pain in your feet or legs at work, or while walking, running, or exercising, then bringing in the corresponding footwear is strongly recommended.
Other things to bring include:
- A list of any medications and allergies along with your medical & surgical history,
- Any relevant scans or reports;
- Your Private Health Insurance card (if you have extras cover)
- A referral, if you have one
- A list of questions for your Podiatrist
What will happen during my first appointment?
During an initial appointment, your Podiatrist will ask you to describe any current problems or complaints regarding your feet and lower limbs. They may follow up with a number of different questions that aim to help get a better picture of your symptoms and concerns. Based on the information you provide, your podiatrist will usually undertake a focused assessment of the problem area, which may be supplemented with a more detailed examination either at that appointment or during a follow up appointment, depending on the complexity of the problem. An explanation of findings will usually follow along with any initial treatment, advice, and follow-up recommendations as required.
Questions are always welcome and the best time to ask is during your appointment. For example, if there is something you want to know about your condition or your treatment options, please feel free to ask the Podiatrist.
At the conclusion of your appointment, the Podiatrist will discuss the need for any review or follow-up appointments. This may be to receive further treatment, get the results of any scans or to follow-up on what was done in your consultation. Depending on your diagnosis and treatment plan, you may also be prescribed some tasks to perform at home.
Meet our podiatrists
Podiatry team
Craig Hodson-Cornford
Craig has been a podiatrist for over 30 years. He has been proactive in keeping his knowledge up to date by undertaking regular professional development.
Craig has a special interest in foot related sports injuries, musculoskeletal pain and assessing posture and gait. He graduated from the Queensland Institute of Technology in 1982 and has worked on a wide variety of podiatry-related conditions, which has given him a great deal of experience in diagnosing and treating all types of foot problems. He has treated elite athletes with sports injuries from the Northern Territory Institute of Sport as well as elite athletes in various sports including hockey, AFL, and athletics. He has also treated a number of Defence, Army, Navy, and Airforce personnel in the Northern Territory.
With an active Golden Retriever at home and regular walks and trips to the park, Craig understands the value of being able to move with minimal pain and maximum comfort. He is committed to doing his very best to help his patients stay as active as possible, pain free!
Matthew McKean
Matthew has been a podiatrist since 2012, having graduated from QUT Kelvin Grove in 2011. In addition to private practice work in Australia, Matthew spent two years working for the NHS in London where he was based in various community clinics. This blend of private and public practice experience means that Matthew is experienced in all aspects of podiatry.
As a Podiatrist, Matthew endeavours to be respectful and understanding to all of his patients and aims to stay up to date with the latest research and treatment techniques to provide individualised treatment plans.
In his spare time, Matthew tries to keep very active through strength training, going on bushwalks, playing soccer, as well as playing drums. His personal and professional passion for healthy, active living inspires him to do his very best to help his patients stay active too. As a result, Matthew is particularly interested in biomechanics and lower limb musculoskeletal presentations such as sports injuries, foot and leg pain.