Booked in to see a podiatrist but not sure how long you’ll need to block out in your calendar?
Generally, an initial consultation takes around 30 to 45 minutes, while follow-up appointments typically last 20 to 30 minutes.
However, the exact duration can vary depending on the reason for your podiatry visit, the type of treatment provided, and whether any diagnostic assessments are needed.
Knowing what to expect on your first visit can help you plan your day with confidence and ensure you get the most out of your time with your podiatrist.
Our friendly team at Capital Podiatry understand that your time is important. With convenient clinic locations across Canberra, we’re here to support your foot health. Contact our team today.
A Typical Appointment with a Podiatrist
Podiatry appointments can differ depending on the nature of your concern, whether it’s your first time seeing a podiatrist or you’re returning for ongoing care.
1. Initial Consultation (30–45 minutes)
Your first appointment is usually the most comprehensive. During this visit, your podiatrist will:
- Discuss your medical history and any relevant health conditions
- Examine your feet, ankles, and gait
- Identify underlying issues that may be contributing to pain, discomfort, or mobility changes
- Outline a tailored management or treatment plan
This time also allows for questions and discussion about suitable footwear, daily care routines, or preventative measures. If your podiatrist recommends imaging, orthotics, or further assessment, these may be arranged for a later date to keep the first visit manageable within your schedule.
2. Follow-Up Appointment (20–30 minutes)
Follow-up visits are typically shorter. These appointments may include:
- Monitoring your progress or symptom changes
- Adjusting orthotics or treatment plans
- Addressing ongoing care needs such as nail or skin maintenance
Follow-ups are often scheduled at regular intervals depending on your treatment goals. If you’re managing a chronic condition such as diabetes, these visits play a key role in long-term foot health and early detection of potential problems.
3. Specific Treatments and Procedures
Certain podiatry treatments have their own timeframes:
- Routine nail and skin care: 20–30 minutes
- Wart treatment: 15–25 minutes, depending on the method used
- Orthotic assessment and fitting: 30–45 minutes (may require a separate casting or fitting session)
- Biomechanical assessment: 40–60 minutes, as this involves gait analysis and detailed measurements
If you’re booking a specific service, it’s best to confirm estimated times when scheduling so you can plan your day accordingly.
Factors That Can Affect Appointment Length
Every patient’s needs are different, and several factors can influence how long your appointment takes:
- Complexity of your condition: Foot pain caused by multiple factors (for example, structural alignment issues and footwear habits) may take longer to assess.
- Treatment requirements: Appointments that include both assessment and treatment, such as debridement or orthotic modification, will naturally take more time.
- Questions and discussion: Many people use their podiatry visit to ask about prevention, footwear, or exercise routines. Your podiatrist will take the time to explain things clearly, which may slightly extend your session.
- First vs. return visit: The first consultation usually involves more discussion and examination, while follow-ups focus on progress and adjustments.
While every effort is made to stay on time, podiatry care is personal and thorough, so occasional variations in duration are normal.
What Happens During a Typical First Appointment
Here’s a quick breakdown of how a standard first visit usually flows:
| Stage | What Happens | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|
| Check-in and paperwork | You’ll complete basic forms about your medical history and current concerns. | 5–10 mins |
| Initial discussion | Your podiatrist will ask questions about symptoms, activity level, footwear, and relevant health conditions. | 10–15 mins |
| Foot assessment | A detailed examination of your feet, nails, skin, posture, and gait. | 10–15 mins |
| Diagnosis and recommendations | Your podiatrist will discuss findings and suggest management options or next steps. | 10 mins |
| Treatment or planning | If appropriate, basic treatments may be performed during this visit, or follow-up sessions will be arranged. | 5–10 mins |
This structure helps you understand what to expect and how long to allow when booking your appointment.
Practical Tips to Make the Most of Your Appointment
Because most podiatry sessions are concise and focused, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring you make the best use of your time:
- Bring a list of your symptoms – Note when they started, what makes them better or worse, and how they affect your daily activities.
- Wear or bring the shoes you wear most often – This helps your podiatrist assess your gait and any footwear-related issues.
- Bring any previous imaging or reports – X-rays, scans, or medical records related to your feet or legs can save time and provide valuable context.
- Arrive a few minutes early – This allows time to complete paperwork and ensures your full session can be devoted to assessment and discussion.
- Ask questions – Don’t hesitate to discuss your goals or concerns. The more open the conversation, the more tailored your care can be.
Common Time-Related Questions
Do I need to take time off work?
In most cases, you can schedule your appointment before or after work, or during a lunch break. Initial consultations typically take under an hour, so many people fit them into a standard day without needing leave. If you require specific treatments that take longer, the team will advise you when booking.
Can I get same-day treatment?
Often, yes. Many podiatry clinics offer same-day care for minor issues such as nail or skin treatments during your initial consultation. However, more complex procedures or orthotic fittings may need a follow-up visit to allow time for detailed assessment or fabrication.
Flexible Appointment Times in Canberra
At Capital Podiatry, we understand that your time is valuable. That’s why we offer flexible appointment options designed to fit around your schedule. Whether you need a quick follow-up, a thorough biomechanical assessment, or help managing an ongoing foot condition, our team aims to make your visit as efficient and comfortable as possible.
If you’re ready to take the next step in supporting your foot health, book your appointment today. Our caring podiatrists are here to help you get back on your feet with confidence.
