Telehealth (online consultations)

A telehealth appointment is a consultation by video call or phone, so you can get advice without coming into the clinic. It can save you a trip if you live far away, are busy, are recovering from surgery, or simply find it easier to talk from home. Foot Ankle Lower Limb first offered telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contact us to check what's currently available.

How does it work?

You'll need a phone, tablet or computer with a camera, and a reliable internet connection. Before your appointment, find a private, quiet space where you won't be interrupted, and make sure your device is fully charged or plugged in.¹ Sit close to your modem or where your mobile signal is good, with light in front of you rather than behind you.¹

When you book, we'll ask you to fill in secure online forms about your health, your medical history and the reason for your visit. You can also send us any scans, x-ray reports or letters before the appointment. We'll then send you the details of how to join the call.

For problems with your feet or legs, have them easy to show on camera. Wear shorts or loose pants, and keep the shoes you usually wear nearby.

What can it help with?

Telehealth works well for:

• advice about foot and leg pain, and whether you need to be seen in person
• talking through bunions, hammer toes and other foot shape problems, and your options
• injury management and training advice
• footwear advice
• setting up and progressing an exercise program
• reviews after surgery or treatment
• second opinions.

We use Physitrack, an app that can show you exercises during the call and then send your program, with videos, to your phone.

Does it work?

For many muscle and joint problems, exercise-based care delivered by live video works about as well as face-to-face care for improving pain and function.²

Telehealth has limits, though. We can't feel your foot, test your circulation and sensation properly, trim nails or fit orthoses over video. If your podiatrist thinks you need a hands-on assessment or treatment, we'll arrange an in-person appointment.

When to see someone in person

Telehealth isn't suitable for urgent problems. Seek in-person care promptly if you have a wound or ulcer, signs of infection (redness, heat, swelling or pus), a new injury where you can't put weight on your foot, or sudden changes in colour or temperature of your foot. This is especially important if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

To book a telehealth or in-person appointment, contact us.

References

1. Healthdirect Australia (n.d.). Video Call tips for patients. https://help.vcc.healthdirect.org.au/en_US/video-call-tips-for-patients-qrg
2. Cottrell MA, Galea OA, O'Leary SP, et al. (2017). Real-time telerehabilitation for the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions is effective and comparable to standard practice: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Rehabilitation, 31(5), 625–638. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269215516645148

Reviewed by Andrew Schox, Podiatrist, BSc(Hons) PGradDipPod MPod. Last reviewed October 2026.