Podiatry
Healthy Feet, Better Life
About Podiatry
Podiatry is a specialized branch of healthcare focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs. From common concerns like heel pain and ingrown toenails to more complex issues such as sports injuries, diabetic foot care, and biomechanical disorders, podiatry plays a vital role in maintaining overall mobility and quality of life. Because our feet support the entire body every day, even minor problems can impact posture, balance, and long-term health.
Modern podiatry combines advanced medical knowledge with innovative technology to deliver precise, personalized care. Through thorough assessments, tailored treatment plans, and preventive strategies, podiatrists help patients move comfortably and confidently. Whether the goal is pain relief, performance enhancement, or preventive care, professional podiatry ensures that every step is supported by expertise and attention to detail.
Our Brands
My FootDr
Founded in 2004 by Brisbane podiatrists Greg Dower and Darren Stewart, My FootDr merged with Queensland based podiatry group, Balance Podiatry in 2016, and is today proudly Australia’s leading and largest podiatry services group, operating 90+ podiatry clinics and employing more than 150 podiatrists and 200 support staff. Our team of highly-qualified podiatrists are in the best position to improve how you live by providing world-class foot care treatment. Our podiatry centres are equipped with innovative podiatry equipment, making them the most modern podiatry centres in Australia. At My FootDr we strive for excellence in the field of podiatry and custom foot orthotic manufacturing along with great customer service and patient outcomes.
Foundation Podiatry
At Foundation Podiatry we utilise a wide range of hands-on treatment options such as Shockwave therapy, Prolotherapy Injections, Medical Acupuncture, gait re-education, load management principles and mobility, balance & strength exercises. We find these techniques highly effective in reducing foot ache and foot pain, while assisting with tissue healing and restoring optimal function.
So, whether you’re an elite athlete, weekend warrior or just want to be able to play with the grandkids, our foot specialists have the skills and experience to help you!
Services Provided
Biomechanical Assessment
At Foundation Podiatry Townsville, we undertake a detailed Biomechanical assessment involving history taking, medical imaging, footwear check, posture, movement and gait assessment. Only then are we able to give you an accurate diagnosis, prognosis and appropriate treatment plan for your sore feet.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy is a relatively new treatment modality used to treat chronic musculoskeletal pain, particularly those injuries that have not responded to typical conservative treatment. Persistent Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain) and achilles tendon pain are the most well-researched and the most commonly treated conditions with Shockwave therapy.
Prolotherapy Injections
Prolotherapy is a method of regenerative injection therapy designed to stimulate healing in injured parts of your body that may be slow to heal or may not have healed completely. Prolotherapy is used to treat injured ligaments, tendons, cartilage, joints and neuropathic pain.
Medical Acupuncture
Medical Acupuncture provides an effective and often less painful form of treating musculoskeletal pain. Medical acupuncture stimulates nerve fibres in skin and muscle which increases blood flow and promotes local tissue healing. It has a calming effect on the Central Nervous system and releases tender trigger points which are often associated with chronic pain.
How Can Our Podiatrists Help You?
Our Townsville Podiatrist Hayley Paterson works solely within the Biomechanical / Musculoskeletal space. This means we diagnose and effectively treat foot, ankle and lower limb pain, address gait and posture concerns and performance enhancement. At Foundation Podiatry we DO NOT PROVIDE GENERAL PODIATRY TREATMENT (which includes nail, corn, ingrown toenail, plantar wart, diabetic foot care).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does a podiatrist do?
A podiatrist specialises in treating problems with and injuries to the feet, ankles, legs and knees, as well as optimising their function.
A podiatrist is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) after studying for a minimum of four years.
Do I need a referral?
In most cases, a referral is not needed to see a podiatrist. However, certain patients such as those with the Department of Veterans Affairs cards, Medicare Care Plans and EPC’s will need referrals from their GP.
We also have HICAPS onsite so you can claim directly from your Private Health funds.
What is a general consultation and treatment?
General consultations and treatments cover a wide scope of foot problems, including:
- Foot care (thickened nails, calluses, corns, warts, ingrown nails etc)
- Diabetic foot screening and assessments (including digital circulation tests and neurological checks)
- Wax baths for extremely dry skin
- Athlete’s foot, cracked heels and other skin pathologies
Are the Podiatrists experienced?
Aside from their four-year degree, our team of podiatrists regularly attend ongoing training courses and seminars in order to stay at the top of their profession and provide you with the very best podiatric care that you deserve. This, along with our innovative clinical systems, ensure all treatments meet the highest standards. Our friendly and competent administrative staff are also well trained to ensure that every aspect of your foot care is to your satisfaction.
What’s included in an initial biomechanical consultation?
Initial biomechanical consultations take about an hour to complete and involve a thorough taking of history, extensive physical and stance assessment (standing, walking and lying down), as well as comprehensive video gait analysis and reporting.
In some cases, this may include revision of previous diagnostic tests (x-ray, CT scan or MRI), and digital 3D scanning of the contours of the feet for custom foot orthotic fabrication. Patients leave the centre with a compiled biomechanical report folder that contains their video gait analysis reports, exercise instruction sheets, brochures and recommendations which may include footwear referrals.
If you have been referred to the centre, this information is forwarded to the referrer along with a comprehensive letter of treatment. Most patients are amazed at the level of clinical detail that we strive for in order to provide the best service and treatment available.
Biomechanical Assessment
An Initial Biomechanical Assessment will involve the following steps:
History Taking
We will ask you lots of questions. Getting to know aspects about you such as exercise history, work history, previous injuries and illnesses is important. We take the time to listen to you and find out what your treatment goals are.
Medical Imaging
We can access online any relevant medical imaging that you have had. Our Podiatrists can also refer for bulk billing x-ray, ultrasounds and EOS scan to measure leg length discrepancy if necessary – so there is no need to visit your GP first to have this done.
Footwear Check
We will ask you to bring in relevant footwear (work/school, home and exercise). Often footwear may play a role in causing an injury or resolving an injury.
Functional Assessment
Our Townsville Podiatrists will check the flexibility and stability of your lower limb. We will check that you have adequate joint range of motion and muscle strength to do your required activity. We will assess whether you have a structural leg length difference.
Pain Assessment
If you are having pain, we will gently palpate to find where your pain is, what muscle/tendons/joints etc are involved. We will work out what movements and activities exacerbate your pain.
Gait Analysis
Our experienced Podiatrists will closely watch how you walk. We don’t just focus in on the feet, instead we pay careful attention to how your body moves as a whole. The gait cycle involves 4 main phases – heel strike, midstance, propulsion and swing phase. Using gait analysis technology, we can explain your gait to you in slow motion.
Shockwave Therapy
Extracorpeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a treatment modality used to treat chronic musculoskeletal pain. Foundation Podiatry in Townsville employ the Swiss Dolorclast ESWT, the industry leader for Shockwave Therapy.
Shockwave therapy is recommended for chronic soft tissue injuries (> 6 weeks duration). Often when a soft tissue injury becomes chronic, the body no longer knows exactly how to fix the injury. Shockwave therapy creates an irritation at the site of the injury, bringing it from a chronic, stubborn injury into an acute injury so the body can once again fix it. Shockwave therapy is often combined with other treatments such as offloading, progressive strengthening etc.
Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendon Pain
Persistent Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain) and chronic achilles tendon pain are the most well-researched and the most commonly treated conditions with shockwave therapy.
Until now, treatment for these recalcitrant injuries would normally involve extended periods of complete rest or immobilisation, cortisone injections and possible surgery. Shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis, foot spurs and Achilles tendon pain is now recommended before considering these treatments.
Are you considering shockwave therapy for Plantar Fasciitis or Achilles tendon pain? Contact us today to make an appointment.
