The best podiatrists in Canberra

Join the conversation
29
man massaging feet

The Walking Clinic owner Richard Lee. The Walking Clinic is one of Canberra’s most recommended podiatrists. Photo: Ben Calvert.

Do you been suffer from big toe joint pain, arch pain, heel pain, shin splints, or another problem with your feet and legs? It might be time to see a podiatrist.

A podiatrist’s job is to take care of your feet and lower limbs. They get you moving without pain. In the world of podiatry, prevention is better than cure. Left untreated, simple problems can lead to greater pain and even loss of mobility. This can, in turn, cause you to gain weight gain, loss muscle tone and damage nerves. It can also lead to an inactive lifestyle.

In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a podiatrist, and share where to find the best in Canberra.

What makes a great podiatrist?

A podiatrist can help you sort out your feet, ankle and lower limb problems, leading to better health and reduced stress.

It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a podiatrist.

  • Qualifications and registration. Podiatrists in Australia must hold a Bachelor of Podiatry as a minimum. As a medical specialist, they must also be registered to practice and properly insured.
  • Services and specialisation. Many podiatrists offer a wide range of services. Others specialise in a particular area like podiatric surgery or sports medicine. Hop online to check that the services your podiatrist offers suits your needs.
  • Experience. You’ll want to check how experienced your podiatrist is, so you have confidence. Check online to see how many years they’ve been in business. You can also check online for reviews. Finally check if they’re members of a professional association. This could include the Australian Podiatry Association.
  • Connections. Great podiatrists have a network of health professionals. This could include doctors, physiotherapists, and remedial massage therapists. Having a network allows your podiatrist to treat your foot or ankle condition holistically for the best outcome.
  • Relaxed environment. Seeking treatment for a painful medical condition is never fun. Look for a podiatrist that has a relaxing and pleasant environment. This will help you feel more comfortable during your visits.

The best podiatrists in Canberra

Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.

To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.

The Walking Clinic

The Walking Clinic’s expert, experienced podiatrists help clients live without foot pain. As the original podiatrists in Canberra, The Walking Clinic has been serving the local community for over 40 years, every step of the way.

The Walking Clinic’s professional podiatrists diagnose and treat a wide range of foot, heel, ankle knee, and hip concerns, to free clients from discomfort. This includes through general podiatry treatments, biomechanical assessments and footwear advice. The Walking Clinic work with diabetic patients and is one of the few clinics in Canberra to use a neurothesiometer, a state-of-the-art machine that diagnoses whether clients suffer from peripheral neuropathy. The clinic assesses and treats children’s feet, to prevent long-term issues. Clients of all ages are helped to live pain-free with a range of treatment interventions, including custom-made orthoses, constructed and fitted for optimal results.

Services also include management of aching tired legs and feet, Achilles tendon pain, cracked skin, spurs, bunions, chilblains, corns and calluses, fungal nails (with laser treatment), ingrown and infected nails, gout, Athlete’s foot, warts and foot odour. The team is also seasoned at diagnosing and treating issues related to flat feet, intoeing and knock knees.

Accessing The Walking Clinic is easy and convenient with clinics in Belconnen, Garran, Lyneham, Kippax, Woden, and coming soon to Manuka. No referrals are required. Treatments are claimable through all private health funds.

On Google, Kathryn Howell wrote, “I had plantar fasciitis. Very satisfied with both the explanation of what was happening and why—and what to do. Now free of it.”

Peak Performance Podiatry

Peak Performance Podiatry is the sports and exercise podiatry clinic in Canberra with Sports Scientists, Professional Level Strength and Conditioning Coaches and Exercise Scientists delivering optimised injury rehabilitation programs. Experts focuses on complete musculoskelatal care rather than just orthotics and provides high-quality service.

Sue Langwill wrote on Google, “100% recommended! These guys are fabulous- they are knowledgeable, they care about their patient ... They provide a mixture of short term pain relief plus provide long term solutions that focus on the cause of the problem ...”

Proactive Performance

Proactive Performance is a state-of-the-art sports and exercise podiatry clinic in Canberra. The clinic uses the latest lower limb objective testing technology. This, combined with the highest qualified practitioners, achieves the best outcomes. Treatment maximises potential for active lifestyle and enables patients to return to performance after injury. Innovative and creative approaches are used for lower limb, foot and ankle strength and rehabilitation. Clinics are in Deakin, Dickson and in Garran by the end of 2020.

Active-Foot Podiatry

Active-Foot Podiatry is a sports and family podiatry clinic with locations in Deakin and Hawker. Its podiatrists have a special focus on podiatric sports medicine. They also have an interest in paediatrics, general and diabetes podiatry. Other services include ingrown toenail procedures, diabetes assessments, vascular ultrasound studies, callus and corn removals, laser treatment for fungal nails, wart removals and general foot care. All podiatrists are members of professional associations.

Footcare Associates

Footcare Associates in Woden is run by Andrea Cleland, who opened her first podiatry practice in 1981. Footcare Associates is one of the two original private practicing podiatrists in Canberra. With a reputation for providing efficient and effective podiatry services, Footcare Associates’ team has unique specialties and professional interests, making for a broad range of experience.

Peter Murray wrote on Google, “Footcare have looked after my feet for five years and do it well.”

ACT Podiatry

With clinics in Tuggeranong and Weston, ACT Podiatry makes accurate diagnoses and then prescribes comprehensive treatments for foot, ankle and lower limb problems. All podiatrists have extensive training and expertise. ACT Podiatry treats general skin and nail problems. They also treat foot injuries, mechanical problems, and complex foot and ankle problems. No referral is necessary.

On Google, Raymond Thrift wrote, “I have been going to podiatry for 12 years now and have found ACT Podiatry to be the very best.”

If you’re looking for more information on health services in Canberra, you might like our articles on the best sports massage therapists, the best physiotherapists and the best remedial massage clinics Canberra has to offer.

Your experience with podiatrists in Canberra

Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.

Have you had experience with any of the podiatrists listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I need to see a podiatrist for?

This depends on the recommendation of your podiatrist and the healing or recovery plan you're on. Make sure you stick closely to your podiatrist's advice . Keep on top of the at-home advice they've given you you don't slow down progress or do further damage.

Are there different types of podiatry?

Yes. Podiatrists treat a wide variety of foot and lower extremity conditions through nonsurgical and surgical approaches. Aside from general podiatry, there is also sports podiatry, high-risk wound care and podiatric vascular medicine, to name a few.

Can a podiatrist fix ingrown toenails?

Yes. Podiatrists can trim hard-to-manage toenails and help prevent ingrown nails. The best advice is to keep your toenails trimmed in a straight line, keep them at a moderate length, and wear shoes that fit properly.

Are podiatrists doctors?

Yes. A podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), known also as a podiatric physician or surgeon, qualified by their education and training to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and related structures of the leg.

How is a podiatrist different from a physiotherapist?

A podiatrist is great for issues directly related to your feet, such as heel pain, ingrown toenails or injury. A physiotherapist is useful if your pain or injury is affecting more than one area of your body.

Join the conversation

29
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest
Juanita Caddy10:43 am 20 Sep 20

Had a great experience recently with Kyle Dedini. I had a few problems with my left foot, and after months of pain and confusing diagnoses I stumbled upon Kyle. With weeks the pain had reduced and I am now pleased to say I am pain free, my mobility has significantly improved and my quality of life is back. Highly recommend Kyle for his expertise, professionalism and holistic focus to client care.

Justin Bathurst6:35 pm 19 Sep 20

Have been seeing Kyle now for over a year. He’s the only podiatrist I’ve seen who’s taken time to work on the problem in an ongoing way. I’ve found him thorough, knowledgeable and professional and would highly recommend. I’ve recently started seeing Pat as well for some strength work. Looking forward to seeing some results with this approach also.

Daniel Stern2:17 pm 30 Jun 20

I recently went and saw Dr Kyle Dedini at Canberra Foot and Ankle Clinic and got myself some new orthotics, as I had worn a hole in my old ones that were 8 years old. Being a football player, It was incredibly beneficial that Kyle’s partnership with capital football offers all football players in Canberra 15% discount. My new orthotics are incredibly comfortable and fit perfectly in all of my shoes, from football boots to my asics runners, and surprisingly even my vans and other casual shoes. Kyle’s extensive knowledge and expertise made the whole experience a breeze. While most notably, his customer-centric attitude goes beyond expectations, which is why I believe Kyle is a great podiatrist.

stewartmacarthur11:30 am 04 Jun 20

Have received excellent treatment from Kyle Dedini at Canberra Foot and Ankle Clinic after severely rupturing an Achilles Tendon in October 2019 while playing “walking football” which the clinic sponsors.
As a senior I was initially very worried that the injury would prevent me from ever again walking comfortably and performing normal activities. Kyle tailored a course of treatment and exercise programme that has me well on the way to a full recovery. I have found that Kyle patiently listens to my concerns regarding the injury and clearly explains all aspects of the exercise programme and the biomechanics of an Achilles Tendon injury.
I highly recommend Kyle to anyone who needs a podiatrist. He is very knowledgeable and patient- focussed along with a very friendly and approachable manner. Things have turned out so much better than I ever expected thanks to Kyle.

Kyle in Casey was very good. Really great experience. As an aging ‘athlete’ it was refreshing to be able to outline a few issues I had been having since returning back to running …thanks COVID 19…No judgement…just good, honest and friendly advice to help identify some issues and get me back out on the track.

As a result of our first session and the amazing taping job he did to relieve some pressure off my joints and calf muscles, I have just been fitted for some orthotics through Kyle.

He was friendly and offered a no nonsense approach which was refreshing in comparison to others that I have seen in Canberra. I appreciated his knowledge of running and the injuries associated with sport in general and would certainly recommend him to others!

Talia Joanne Laizans4:42 pm 19 May 20

Kyle at The Canberra Foot and Ankle Clinic is great at what he does, super friendly and offers awesome service! 10/10 would recommend.

the best podiatry clinic in Canberra is Podiatry Professionals in Braddon. Have been going there for over 7 years and take the whole family there. They have truly the best podiatrists in Canberra with state of the art facilities. They leave no stone unturned and have the most amazing practioners in Canberra. Convenient location in the city. Call (02) 6162 1130 and book an appointment. There is nothing they cannot fix with feet!

Highly recommend Kyle at Canberra foot and ankle clinic. He was able to fit me in while in Canberra and then able to post my orthotics to remote WA. Fit perfectly and have made a world of difference.

patrickhalliday5:52 pm 09 Nov 19

I went to see Kyle at Canberra Foot and Ankle Clinic after reading this article, and I was very impressed. He took his time to explain to me what was causing my pain, and then explain how the treatment he recommended was going to help fix it. Needless to say I am now pain free. If any body is looking for a podiatrist with affordable rates and honest approach, I speak highly of Kyle

Dr. Matthew Hotchkis is one of the best in Canberra +1

Found this article when looking for a podiatrist and decided to go to Canberra Foot and Ankle Clinic. Walked in with pain, 30 minutes later, walked out pain free. The clinic was very professional, well located and the podiatrist was knowledgeable and listened to my problem attentively.

+ 1 Would highly recommend.

I’m having foot issues tied (I think) to a recent diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Have you come across a podiatrist that has treated this condition? Might be nothing I can do that is feet specific that doesn’t simply involve reducing overall inflammation.

Tyson Powell11:51 am 22 Oct 18

Does any one know of the best sports podiatrists in Canberra for foot related injuries and rehab? Would be keen see how many clinics offer specialist podiatrists?

I’m wading in a bit late to this thread, not sure if your family member is still looking for someone…

I have just had an ingrown toenail taken care of by Dr Said El Sherif at Tuggeranong Square Medical Centre. Can’t speak highly enough of the doctor and the procedure itself was painless. I got the impression he performs this procedure a few times a day. The recovery has been pretty good too, nothing that a couple of Panadol and some leg elevation can’t fix!

The cost was $70 for an initial consultation as I wasn’t an existing patient (half back from Medicare) and $210 for the procedure ($140 back from Medicare). Bargain.

markjohnconley12:14 am 04 Feb 12

I am biased but here goes. Podiatrists are the same as what used to be called chiropodists. The name was changed in Australia as ‘chiro’ means hand and podiatrists can only treat ‘skin deep’ up to the knee, that’s right no finger nails, and because some patients were getting chirpodists and chiropractors confused.
There are many fine clinicians, private and public, in Canberra, about 40 at last count.\
The nail avulsion procedure podiatrists use does not involve incision of the proximal nailfold. Local anaesthesia is used, two injections per toe. In SOME cases surgical intervention is not necessary. Middle aged to elderly females provide most patients, with active adolescent males (usually) a ‘distant’ second. The elderly females because they have very curved nails, the young lads because they’re growing quickly, the nail (plate) has to grow quickly in surface area but lacks in thickness, the stresses, from being very active, can cause ‘tears’ in the sides of the nail (plates),
I strongly recommend phoning a podiatrist for advice/appointment, Yellow Pages, book or internet, under ‘Podiatrists’. mark

sarahsarah said :

When I had issues with what I thought was my achilles tendon I went to The Walking Clinic in Lynham (02 6249 1758) and they were very helpful. I was also able to get into to see them very quickly (the next day) and they didn’t cost me a bundle.

Turns out I just have short calf muscles. It’s a wonder natural selection hasn’t taken me yet.

Good luck!

+1 walking clinic. Very professional

dungfungus said :

johnboy said :

Pretty sure the sub outsourcing didn’t include the CT.

The information I received was that Faifax were outsourcing subbies and I assumed that as the CT is a Fairfax publication the CT would be included. Accordingly, if I am wrong, I apologize to the still resident CT sub editors but I would suggest they be more alert and less prostrate during working hours.

Or pull their fingers out…

johnboy said :

Pretty sure the sub outsourcing didn’t include the CT.

The information I received was that Faifax were outsourcing subbies and I assumed that as the CT is a Fairfax publication the CT would be included. Accordingly, if I am wrong, I apologize to the still resident CT sub editors but I would suggest they be more alert and less prostrate during working hours.

EvanJames said :

… two post nutbag. Reading the site I previously linked to, there’s a very good FAQ
http://www.footcareact.com.au/faq.php
Which says that Podiastrists used to be called Chiropodists but they changed it to avoid confusion with Chiropractors.
And, there’s some useful advice about how to deal with ingrown nails.

Amazing; only a cretin would confuse Chiropodist with Chiropractor. Then again, this is Australia. There was a big article in the Canberra Times a couple of weeks ago about “Prostrate Cancer” which was fascinating because the details were also very similar to the experience one would get with Prostate Cancer. The CT outsources its sub-editing these days – proof readers have died off (just like Chiropodists)

Pretty sure the sub outsourcing didn’t include the CT.

EvanJames said :

Interestingly, there is a branch of podiatry called Podiatric Surgery, and I suspect they are what replaced Chiropodists. They can actually perform standard surgery on feet, bunions and whatnot.

Podiatrists are very clever people and if I have foot issues, that is where I go, feet is their sphere of knowledge and so predictably, their knowledge is vast.

I recommend wholeheartedly Ben Balthazar at Footcare in the Churches Centre, Woden. Like Sarahsarah my issues were more to do with movement, but I’ve sent others to him with various foot ailments, and his treatment has been fully effective.
http://www.footcareact.com.au/index.php

Can plus one on Footcare in Woden. Good service and got results.

… two post nutbag. Reading the site I previously linked to, there’s a very good FAQ
http://www.footcareact.com.au/faq.php
Which says that Podiastrists used to be called Chiropodists but they changed it to avoid confusion with Chiropractors.
And, there’s some useful advice about how to deal with ingrown nails.

Interestingly, there is a branch of podiatry called Podiatric Surgery, and I suspect they are what replaced Chiropodists. They can actually perform standard surgery on feet, bunions and whatnot.

Podiatrists are very clever people and if I have foot issues, that is where I go, feet is their sphere of knowledge and so predictably, their knowledge is vast.

I recommend wholeheartedly Ben Balthazar at Footcare in the Churches Centre, Woden. Like Sarahsarah my issues were more to do with movement, but I’ve sent others to him with various foot ailments, and his treatment has been fully effective.
http://www.footcareact.com.au/index.php

+1 for Canberra Podiatry, but I suggest you try your GP first – My GP have done mine on both feet about 12 years ago and still no problems.

I had an ingrown toenail treated by a guy called a “chiropodist” about 40 years ago. It felt like I was walking on air after he did the job and there were no pain killers used. The guy was so skillful.
Sadly, all these practitioners have died off and they have been replaced by people called podiatrists who are great for getting superficial corns etc. removed and a foot massage and perhaps an expensive pair of walking shoes on the way out but they don’t seem to have the skills to “shed blood” as will happen with an ingrown toenail so best bet is to do what “arb” suggested and get your GP to do the job. Possibly the “Walk In Clinic” (ha ha) at Canberra Hospital could do the job as well.

They should just go to their GP – many GP’s can operate on an ingrown toenail in their surgery under a local anaesthetic. If they can’t, or if the operation fails to fix the issue (as happened to me), they can then refer you to a specialist to have the operation done in a hospital. The difference between the two operations (for me at least) was the GP could only poison the toenail root (which didn’t work) whereas in the hospital, they burnt the root out to prevent further toenail growth on that side of the toe.

Canberra Podiatry in Deakin is the shiz. But for ingown toenails, your GP should suffice.

When I had issues with what I thought was my achilles tendon I went to The Walking Clinic in Lynham (02 6249 1758) and they were very helpful. I was also able to get into to see them very quickly (the next day) and they didn’t cost me a bundle.

Turns out I just have short calf muscles. It’s a wonder natural selection hasn’t taken me yet.

Good luck!

Didn’t someone who was angry about not being allowed to wear thongs (formal or casual) into clubs refer to canberra locals as ‘foot watchers’? Shouldn’t have a problem finding someone to help your issue in canberra.

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.