Frequently Asked Questions

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You do not need a referral to visit Extra Mile Podiatry. Call or book online today!

Almost always. There is a reason why exercises are so important in getting you better. Appropriate stretching can improve natural function of the joints. Strength training can make the anatomy more robust and capable to do what we ask of it. Strength training can also help stabilise structures and joints. Gemma will prescribe exercises for you at your appointment if she feels it is required.

Gemma is an accredited running coach and an avid runner herself with experience in treating patients from recreational to elite runners. Runners are one of her favourite demographics to treat.

Sustainability is very important at Extra Mile Podiatry. 

All gloves that are used at Extra Mile Podiatry are made of biodegradable materials.

The orthotics that we make are 3D printed which minimises off cuts of material. 

The plastic that the orthotics are made from is Enviro-polymer which is an environmentally responsible plastic produced by plant based materials.

Our orthotics are not made to break. Every orthotic script is written with durability in mind to reduce waste in our world.

When orthotics are aged we will try to modify and refurbish them rather than make a new set to again reduce our waste.

Yes! Extra Mile Podiatry excepts all major health care funds. The amount of rebate that you receive is individualised as it depends on your level cover and health fund.

Orthotics, also known as insoles or inserts, are slimline devices which sit in your shoe to reposition your feet to the correct position. Our feet are very particular in the way that they work. When held in the right position they will weight bear and function as designed. If not, you may subconsciously be putting more weight on anatomy that isn't designed to take weight. This can lead to discomfort or injury. Orthotics also realign the leg and lower back which can aid stability for patients. They can be made of different materials and are fully customised to your needs. 

Often people may have difficulty maintaining their own skin and nails so will visit the podiatrist regularly between 4-12 weeks, depending on their needs, so that the podiatrist can care for their feet for them. 

Absolutely. Forget about the nail salon. Come to Gemma and see how she can tidy and buff the nails, removing every bit of hard skin painlessly with her scalpel and polish everything smooth. 

Extra Mile Podiatry is not a bulkbilling clinic.We do except your care plan but there will be a gap payment to be made of $31.70. Commonly bulkbilling clinics will offer much shorter appointments to make up for the lesser fee. At Extra Mile Podiatry we take pride in our work and all care plan appointments will be 30 minutes.  You will receive the best standard of care there is to offer.

Extra Mile Podiatry does not offer home visits at this time.

At Extra Mile Podiatry, we believe in sustainability. Every orthotic that is made is made with the intention to last. Because of this your orthotic will generally last between 3-4 years. When an orthotic is aged, where possible, we will try to modify and refurbish the orthotic rather than make a new set thus reducing waste.

Feet are the foundation of our body and their position can dictate the position of ankles, knees, hips and lower back thus orthotics can help with pains/injury in the above. However, there are many contributing factors to back pain not just your feet. Gemma will be able to advise through assessment if she feels your feet may be impacting your back or not.

In the past 5 years there have been major advancements in the way orthotics are made. Now orthotics are 3D printed allowing thinner more slimline devices. It is quite rare that patients need to buy shoes to fit the orthotic.

Not at all. Now, due to the orthotics being more petite they tend to be universal and it is uncommon that more than one pair of orthotics are needed. Patients will generally swap the orthotics from shoe to shoe. In some cases, patients will request multiple pairs of orthotics for the convenience of not swapping.

Regarding this, for adults, there is no evidence that shows orthotics will correct your feet permanently over time. Rather, you can think of your orthotics like glasses. Orthotics work when they are worn. They do however help prevent any further foot change/deformity from happening.

Without a doubt. Firstly, for peace of mind. Secondly if it is found that your child's feet require correction; home exercises, footwear change and if needed orthotics can help change the way their feet develop. Meaning that as they grow their feet can change permanently reducing the likelihood of developing problems when they are older. 

Gemma has come across this a lot in practice. They way she answers is, 'If you had a bad haircut would you never get a haircut again?' Podiatrists are service providers and unfortunately like all service providers there are good and bad. Orthotics may be uncomfortable or not work if the script was written incorrectly or made with the wrong materials. When written correctly orthotics should work for everyone that requires them.