JHG Previously podiatrists were known as chiropodists but now podiatrists qualify through a three year degree course. We treat anything from the ankle down. To see a podiatrist at a private practice you don't need a doctor's referral but some hospitals and day centres do, just as a way to screen patients. Unfortunately at the day centre I work, Mt Eliza, there is a three months' waiting list so therefore we do try and screen patients. If you qualify through the Department of Veteran Affairs you are entitled to receive podiatry through them - I think it is six free visits per year.
Corns can be very painful and generally occur at prominences such as the little toe.
You get pressure marks from the shoe rubbing on the prominence that results in a corn. There is another sort, often misdiagnosed, which develops between the toes. If you have this problem it is likely to develop in hot weather when your feet sweat. You can get corn pads and corn cures from the chemist but keep in mind if you have any circulation problems or suffer from diabetes please refrain from using them. They contain quite strong chemicals and, rather than removing the corn, can cause irritation around the corn.