What to Expect at Your First Podiatry Assessment
Booking your first podiatry appointment can feel uncertain — especially if you’re not sure what will happen, what to bring, or how billing works.
At Podiatry Hub in Graceville (servicing patients from Indooroopilly and surrounding suburbs), we understand that many people feel unsure before their first visit. This guide walks you step-by-step through what to expect, so you can attend your appointment feeling confident and informed.
Why Book a Podiatry Assessment?
Many patients come to us with:
- Heel pain or suspected plantar fasciitis
- Ongoing achilles tendinitis
- Knee, hip or joint pain linked to biomechanics
- Diabetic foot concerns
- Thickened nails or skin conditions
- Sports Injuries
- Uncertainty about whether they need custom orthotics
A comprehensive assessment helps us identify not just where the pain is — but why it developed.
Step 1: Your Initial Conversation
Your appointment begins with a detailed discussion.
We’ll ask about:
- Your symptoms and how long they’ve been present
- What makes them better or worse
- Work and activity levels
- Footwear habits
- Medical history
- Previous injuries or treatment
This stage is critical. It helps us understand patterns and contributing factors before we examine your feet.
Step 2: Clinical Examination
Next, we perform a hands-on assessment which may include:
- Joint mobility testing
- Muscle strength assessment
- Palpation of painful areas
- Assessment of skin and nails
- Circulation and neurological screening (when relevant)
If you are attending for diabetic foot care additional vascular and sensory checks will be completed as part of your assessment.
Step 3: Gait & Biomechanical Analysis
One of the most important parts of your first appointment is gait analysis.
We assess:
- How your feet move when walking
- Load distribution
- Alignment of the ankle, knee and hip
- Movement efficiency
- Compensatory patterns
This helps determine whether abnormal biomechanics are contributing to issues such as:
- Heel pain
- Shin splints
- Knee pain
- Recurrent sports injuries
- Achilles problems
Understanding movement patterns allows us to treat the root cause — not just symptoms.
Step 4: Footwear Assessment
We recommend bringing:
- Your most frequently worn shoes
- Any work footwear
- Running or sports shoes
- Existing orthotics or insoles
Footwear is often a major contributor to foot pain. A brief assessment can identify whether your shoes are supporting or aggravating your condition.
Step 5: Your Personalised Treatment Plan
After assessment, we explain:
- Your diagnosis
- Why the issue developed
- Treatment options
- Expected recovery timeframe
Treatment may include:
- Footwear advice
- Exercise programs
- Load management strategies
- Manual therapy
- Taping
- Custom Orthotics (only if clinically indicated)
- Referral to imaging or another health professional if required
At Podiatry Hub, we take an education-first, conservative approach. Orthotics and advanced treatments are recommended only when they clearly support recovery.
What Should You Wear?
For your appointment:
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Avoid tight jeans if possible
- Be prepared to walk a short distance
- Bring relevant footwear
You do not need to prepare anything special — just arrive as you are.
Infection Control & Hygiene Standards
We understand some patients have concerns about hygiene.
At Podiatry Hub, we maintain strict infection-control standards including:
- Instrument sterilisation in accordance with Australian guidelines
- Disposable consumables where appropriate
- Clean treatment rooms between patients
- Adherence to clinical hygiene protocols
Your safety is always prioritised.
Medicare & Private Health — How It Works
Billing confusion is common, so we aim to keep it simple.
Medicare EPC / CDM Plans
If your GP has referred you under a Medicare EPC (Enhanced Primary Care) plan:
- You are eligible for a Medicare rebate
- We operate on a part-pay model
- The Medicare rebate is processed on the day
Private Health Insurance
If you have extras cover:
- You can claim on the spot via HICAPS
- The rebate depends on your level of cover
If you’re unsure about eligibility, our reception team can help clarify before your appointment.
Common First-Visit Questions
Will it hurt?
Most assessments are non-invasive and comfortable.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required unless you are claiming Medicare EPC.
Will I receive treatment on the first visit?
In most cases, yes — assessment and initial management occur during the same appointment.
Why Patients Choose Podiatry Hub
Podiatry Hub is a proudly independent clinic based in Graceville, servicing Indooroopilly and surrounding suburbs.
Our podiatrists, Josh Condon and Dylan McDonald, are known for:
- Clear explanations
- Evidence-based care
- Conservative treatment planning
- Heel pain and sports injury expertise
- Treating the cause, not just the symptom
We understand that booking your first appointment can feel uncertain — which is why we prioritise transparency, education, and reassurance from the moment you arrive.
Ready to Book?
If you’ve been putting off an appointment because you weren’t sure what to expect, we hope this guide has helped.
📅 Book your first podiatry assessment at Podiatry Hub:
Book Now!
Taking the first step toward pain-free movement starts with a clear, comprehensive assessment.
Josh Condon (Podiatrist)