Foot & Ankle Health
Podiatry Care in Sydney
HealthiClinic Podiatry provides assessment, diagnosis and treatment for a broad range of foot, ankle and
lower-limb concerns. Patients may attend for routine skin and nail care, children’s foot concerns, sports-
related problems, biomechanical assessment, orthotics, diabetic foot care or age-related changes
affecting comfort and mobility.
What We Offer
Foot and Ankle Care for Every Stage of Life
HealthiClinic Podiatric Care also has a particular focus on persistent or complex problems, including chronic heel pain and ingrown toenails that have not improved with previous treatment. The aim is to understand why the problem is occurring, explain the available options clearly and develop a treatment plan suited to the individual patient.
Where appropriate, care may include conservative treatment, ultrasound-guided procedures, regenerative treatment options or podiatric surgery. Not every patient needs a procedure, and treatment
recommendations should reflect the diagnosis, the severity of the condition and the patient’s goals.
General Podiatry
Assessment and treatment for common foot, skin and nail concerns, including corns, calluses, cracked heels and difficult toenails.
Heel Pain
Assessment of plantar fasciosis, Baxter’s nerve irritation, heel bone stress and other causes of persistent heel pain.
Ingrown Toenails
Care for painful, infected, recurrent or previously treated ingrown toenails, with several anaesthetic and procedural options available.
Orthotics & Biomechanical Assessment
Assessment of foot function, gait and lower-limb mechanics, with orthotic therapy prescribed when clinically appropriate.
Children's Podiatry
Assessment of walking patterns, flat feet, heel pain, sports symptoms, ingrown toenails and other common paediatric foot concerns.
Sports Podiatry
Assessment and treatment of foot and ankle pain affecting sport, exercise, training and return to activity.
Diabetic Foot Care
Risk assessment, skin and nail care, circulation and sensation screening, and practical advice to reduce preventable foot complications.
Senior Foot Care
Foot care designed to support comfort, mobility, balance and independence as foot health needs change with age.
Routine Foot Care
Regular care for nails, hard skin, corns and other concerns that may become difficult to manage safely at home.
Finding the Right Service
If you are unsure which HealthiClinic service is appropriate, contact the practice to discuss your healthcare needs and appointment options.
Relevant Practitioners
Common Foot & Ankle Problems We Assess
Foot and ankle symptoms can have several possible causes book an assessment if you are uncertain about the diagnosis.
- Heel pain
- Ingrown toenails
- Plantar fasciosis
- Baxter’s nerve entrapment
- Flat feet
- Bunions
- Forefoot pain
- Morton’s neuroma
- Arthritis of the foot & ankle
- Corns & calluses
- Thick or fungal toenails
- Plantar warts
- Children’s heel pain
- Sports-related foot and ankle pain
Healthiclinic
A Clear Pathway from Assessment to Treatment
Some foot problems are straightforward and can be managed with routine care, footwear advice, activity modification or a focused treatment plan. Others persist because the original diagnosis was incomplete, several structures are involved, or the condition has become chronic.
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At HealthiClinic, the first step is a careful clinical assessment. Depending on the problem, this may include examination of the skin and nails, joint movement, muscle function, gait, footwear, circulation, sensation or diagnostic imaging. Ultrasound may be used when it helps clarify the structures involved or guide treatment accurately.
The treatment pathway may include education, load management, rehabilitation, orthotics, minor procedures, ultrasound-guided treatment or surgery when clinically indicated. Patients are given an explanation of the likely diagnosis and the available options so they can make an informed decision about their care.
Meet Dr. Damien Lafferty
Podiatric Surgeon & General Podiatrist
Dr Damien Lafferty has 38 years of podiatry experience, including 29 years of podiatric surgical experience. He has spent 19 years teaching within the University of Newcastle podiatry program and has extensive experience assessing persistent heel pain, complex ingrown toenails and patients seeking further options after previous treatment has not resolved the problem.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?
No. Most patients can book directly with HealthiClinic Podiatry. A referral may be required for certain Medicare-funded care plans, Department of Veterans’ Affairs arrangements or other specific funding pathways.
What problems can a podiatrist treat?
Podiatrists assess and treat conditions affecting the feet, ankles and lower limbs. This may include skin and nail problems, heel pain, sports injuries, biomechanical concerns, children’s foot problems, diabetic foot risk and age-related foot care.
Do you provide both routine and complex podiatry care?
Are orthotics always necessary?
Is surgery offered for foot problems?
Can anxious patients receive additional support?
Do you see children?
How do I book?
Is surgery offered for foot problems?
Can anxious patients receive additional support?
Do you see children?
How do I book?
What does a podiatrist do and what foot problems can they treat?
A podiatrist is a healthcare professional who assesses and manages conditions affecting the feet, ankles and lower limbs. Podiatry can address concerns such as heel pain, plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails, corns and calluses, nail problems, sports-related foot issues and some biomechanical concerns. At HealthiClinic, podiatry assessment is focused on understanding the patient’s symptoms, activity level and individual circumstances before discussing appropriate management options.
When should I see a podiatrist for foot or ankle pain?
Consider seeing a podiatrist when foot or ankle pain is persistent, recurring, affecting your walking or exercise, or not improving with simple self-care. Assessment may also be appropriate when pain is associated with swelling, changes in movement, skin or nail problems, or an injury. HealthiClinic can assess common foot and lower-limb concerns and help determine whether podiatry management or further medical assessment is appropriate.
What conditions can a podiatrist diagnose and treat?
Podiatrists assess a wide range of foot and lower-limb concerns, including heel pain, plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, some nail conditions, sports-related problems and biomechanical issues. The appropriate approach depends on the individual’s symptoms and clinical assessment. HealthiClinic provides podiatry care tailored to the patient’s presentation rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
What happens during a first podiatry appointment?
A first podiatry appointment generally involves discussing your symptoms, medical and activity history, footwear and any factors that may be affecting your feet. The podiatrist may assess your feet, ankles, movement and walking pattern where relevant. At HealthiClinic, the assessment is used to understand the problem and discuss suitable management options with the patient.
How do I know whether my foot pain needs professional assessment?
Foot pain may warrant professional assessment when it persists, repeatedly returns, limits normal activities, affects walking or exercise, or is accompanied by significant swelling, redness, wounds or other changes. People with conditions that increase foot-related risk should also discuss appropriate foot care with their healthcare team. HealthiClinic can assess foot pain and advise whether podiatry management or another form of medical care may be appropriate.
Can a podiatrist help with long-term or recurring foot problems?
Yes. Podiatry can form part of the ongoing management of recurring foot problems. Assessment can help identify factors that may be contributing to symptoms, such as footwear, activity, load, movement patterns or foot structure. HealthiClinic can provide an individual assessment and discuss management strategies appropriate to the patient’s circumstances, with review where clinically indicated.
What are the most common causes of persistent foot pain?
Persistent foot pain can have many causes, including overuse, injury, footwear, changes in activity, plantar fasciitis, joint or soft-tissue problems and biomechanical factors. The cause cannot always be identified from symptoms alone. A podiatry assessment can help determine what factors may be contributing to the problem. HealthiClinic assesses foot pain in the context of each patient’s symptoms, activities and health history.
What causes heel pain and when should I see a podiatrist?
Heel pain can be associated with conditions such as plantar fasciitis, soft-tissue irritation, tendon problems, changes in activity, footwear or other mechanical factors. Persistent heel pain, pain that affects walking or exercise, or recurring symptoms may benefit from professional assessment. HealthiClinic can assess heel pain and discuss management options based on the individual’s presentation.
What is plantar fasciitis and how is it treated?
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of pain around the heel and underside of the foot. Management depends on the individual and may include activity modification, footwear advice, exercises, load management and other conservative strategies where appropriate. A podiatrist can assess contributing factors and help develop a suitable management plan. HealthiClinic can provide assessment for people experiencing symptoms consistent with plantar fasciitis.
What causes pain in the ball of the foot?
Pain in the ball of the foot can have several possible causes, including increased pressure on the forefoot, footwear, activity changes, soft-tissue irritation or problems affecting the toes and forefoot. Persistent symptoms should be assessed rather than assumed to have a single cause. HealthiClinic podiatry can assess forefoot pain and consider factors such as footwear, activity and movement.
What causes arch pain and what treatments are available?
Arch pain can be associated with changes in activity, footwear, strain on the structures supporting the foot, or other foot and lower-limb factors. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include activity modification, footwear advice, exercises or other conservative approaches. HealthiClinic can assess arch pain and discuss management options appropriate to the patient’s individual presentation.
Why does my foot hurt when I walk or exercise?
Foot pain during walking or exercise can result from increased load, footwear, changes in activity, injury, biomechanical factors or an underlying foot condition. The pattern of pain, when it occurs and what makes it better or worse can help guide assessment. HealthiClinic podiatry can assess activity-related foot pain and help identify factors that may be contributing to symptoms.
What can cause pain in the toes and forefoot?
Toe and forefoot pain may be associated with footwear pressure, increased activity, corns or calluses, nail problems, joint irritation or other conditions affecting the front of the foot. Persistent or worsening pain should be professionally assessed. HealthiClinic can evaluate toe and forefoot symptoms and recommend appropriate management based on clinical findings.
When should I see a podiatrist for an ingrown toenail?
A podiatrist may be appropriate when an ingrown toenail is painful, recurring, difficult to manage, or associated with redness, swelling or discharge. People with diabetes or other factors that increase foot-related risk should seek professional advice rather than attempting to manage significant problems themselves. HealthiClinic can assess ingrown toenails and discuss suitable treatment and prevention options.
What is the best treatment for an ingrown toenail?
There is no single treatment that is best for every ingrown toenail. Management depends on factors such as severity, recurrence, infection risk and the condition of the nail and surrounding skin. A podiatrist can assess the problem and discuss appropriate options. HealthiClinic focuses on individual assessment and conservative or procedural management where clinically appropriate.
Can an ingrown toenail become infected?
Yes. An ingrown toenail can irritate or break the surrounding skin and may become infected. Increasing redness, swelling, warmth, discharge, worsening pain or feeling unwell should prompt medical assessment. People with diabetes or other higher-risk conditions should seek professional advice promptly. HealthiClinic can assess ingrown toenail concerns and determine whether podiatry or medical care is appropriate.
How can I prevent ingrown toenails from coming back?
Prevention can include trimming toenails appropriately, avoiding footwear that puts excessive pressure on the toes, and addressing factors that contribute to repeated nail problems. The right approach depends on why the ingrown toenail is occurring. HealthiClinic can assess recurrent ingrown toenails and provide individualised foot-care and prevention advice.
What causes thick, damaged or discoloured toenails?
Thick or discoloured toenails can have several possible causes, including fungal infection, repeated trauma, footwear pressure and other nail or skin conditions. A change in nail appearance does not always indicate a fungal infection, so assessment may be useful before treatment is started. HealthiClinic can assess nail concerns and advise on appropriate next steps.
What is the difference between a corn and a callus?
Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that commonly develop in response to repeated pressure or friction. A corn is generally more localised, while a callus is usually a broader area of thickened skin. They can be associated with footwear, pressure points or the way the foot loads during activity. HealthiClinic can assess corns and calluses and discuss ways to reduce contributing pressure.
Can a podiatrist help with sports-related foot and ankle injuries?
Yes. Podiatrists can assess a range of foot and lower-limb problems associated with sport and physical activity. Assessment may consider training load, footwear, movement patterns, previous injuries and the location and behaviour of symptoms. HealthiClinic can assess sports-related foot concerns and work with patients on an appropriate management approach.
How can I prevent foot injuries when running or exercising?
Injury prevention can involve gradually increasing activity, allowing appropriate recovery, using suitable footwear and responding early to persistent pain. Training technique, load and individual biomechanics may also be relevant. HealthiClinic podiatry can assess recurring exercise-related foot problems and provide advice based on the patient’s activities and individual presentation.
What should I do if foot pain is stopping me from exercising?
If foot pain is preventing normal exercise, reducing or modifying activities that aggravate the symptoms may be appropriate while the cause is assessed. Continuing to push through significant or persistent pain may not be helpful. HealthiClinic can assess exercise-related foot pain and discuss strategies for managing symptoms and returning to activity where clinically appropriate
Can podiatry help improve walking, running or lower-limb biomechanics?
Podiatrists assess a wide range of foot and lower-limb concerns, including heel pain, plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, some nail conditions, sports-related problems and biomechanical issues. The appropriate approach depends on the individual’s symptoms and clinical assessment. HealthiClinic provides podiatry care tailored to the patient’s presentation rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
When should a child see a podiatrist?
A child may benefit from podiatry assessment when parents notice persistent foot or leg pain, repeated injuries, difficulty walking or running, unusual movement patterns, or concerns about foot development. Not every variation in children’s feet requires treatment, so assessment is important before assuming a problem exists. HealthiClinic can assess children’s foot and lower-limb concerns and advise whether further management is appropriate.
Is it normal for children to have flat feet?
Flat feet can be a normal part of childhood development, and the appearance of a child’s feet alone does not necessarily indicate a problem. Assessment may be appropriate if flat feet are associated with persistent pain, functional difficulties, repeated injuries or other concerns. HealthiClinic can assess a child’s feet and movement and advise whether monitoring or management is appropriate
Why is regular foot care important for people with diabetes?
Diabetes can increase the risk of foot complications, particularly when there are changes in sensation, circulation or skin integrity. Regular foot checks and appropriate foot care can help identify problems early. People with diabetes should follow the foot-care advice provided by their healthcare team. HealthiClinic can provide podiatry assessment and foot-care support as part of appropriate diabetes management
When should someone with diabetes see a podiatrist?
People with diabetes may benefit from regular foot assessment, particularly when they have reduced sensation, circulation concerns, previous foot complications, skin or nail problems, or other risk factors. Any new wound, infection, colour change or unexplained foot problem should be assessed promptly. HealthiClinic can provide podiatry assessment and coordinate care with other healthcare professionals where appropriate
What signs of a foot problem should a person with diabetes look out for?
People with diabetes should pay attention to wounds, blisters, redness, swelling, changes in skin colour or temperature, discharge, new pain or changes in sensation. Some people may have reduced sensation and not feel an injury clearly. New or concerning foot changes should be assessed promptly. HealthiClinic can provide professional foot assessment and guidance as part of appropriate diabetes foot care
Do I need orthotics for foot pain?
Not everyone with foot pain needs orthotics. Whether orthotic therapy is appropriate depends on the individual’s symptoms, foot function, activity, footwear and clinical assessment. A podiatrist can determine whether orthotics may form part of a broader management plan or whether other approaches are more suitable. HealthiClinic can assess foot pain and discuss options based on the patient’s needs.
How do I find a podiatrist on Sydney
When choosing a podiatrist on Sydney’s North Shore, consider the practitioner’s experience with your particular concern, the range of podiatry services available, appointment accessibility and whether the practice can coordinate care when needed. HealthiClinic provides podiatry services for patients across the North Shore, with assessment and management tailored to individual foot and lower-limb concerns
How can I find a podiatrist for heel pain, ingrown toenails or foot pain near me?
If you are looking for a podiatrist near you for heel pain, ingrown toenails or other foot concerns, look for a practice that assesses the underlying problem rather than focusing only on symptoms. HealthiClinic provides podiatry assessment for common foot and lower-limb concerns on Sydney. They can discuss appropriate management based on the patient’s presentation
Start with the right healthcare service.
Whether you need routine foot care, help with a new problem or a further assessment of symptoms that have persisted, the first step is to book a podiatry consultation.