Skilled, Quality & Trusted Team Of Podiatrists
WELCOME TO DIANELLA PODIATRY
A longstanding established practice with over 30 years of experience in caring for the community of Dianella and the surrounding suburbs. Our team consists of 4 podiatrists who are enthusiastic, considerate, passionate, and always ready to help in your lower limb health journey.
ABOUT US
A Close Knit Family Run Practice And Community
The team is led by Rachel Rodrigues, Principal Podiatrist and Director.
We pride ourselves on offering treatment plans tailored to YOUR condition and YOUR GOALS. From musculoskeletal conditions, heel pain, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care, paediatric podiatric conditions and chronic pain conditions, we have the tools and expertise to guide and help you meet your goals.
We service the suburbs of Dianella, Noranda, Mirrabooka, Morley, Inglewood, Yokine, Nollamara, Westminster, Menora, Coolbinia, Bayswater, Bedford.
We are a private billing practice and charge a small gap fee for patients on chronic disease management plans. This allows us to spend more quality time with each patient and provide a higher level of care. Patients will require a current valid referral to receive the medicare rebate.
DVA Gold Card holders will have their accounts sent directly to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and will require a current valid 12 monthly referral. Please speak to our friendly staff if in doubt.
No referral? No worries, You do not need a referral to see a podiatrist. You can use your private health insurance to cover the cost of your podiatry appointment. We are supported by HICAPS which makes it easier for claims on the day of the appointment, all you need to do is pay the gap on the day.
It is always a good idea to find out how much your health insurance will cover for your appointment with the podiatrist, just ask our friendly staff!
OUR STAFF
Rachel Rodrigues
Director And Senior Podiatrist
Meet Rachel, our friendly, senior podiatrist who graduated from the University of Western Australia in 2014 with a degree in Podiatric Medicine. She has a range of experience working in a multitude of settings from public health to private setting.
In November 2021, she decided to open her own practice Dianella Podiatry. Rachel is very passionate about her work and looking after her clients. She has a special interest in musculoskeletal conditions, use of dry needling and acupuncture, paediatric conditions, diabetic feet, and ingrown toenails.
She continues to further her skills and knowledge by attending various courses to provide evidence-based and holistic care to her clients. Rachel has up-skilled in dry needling and acupuncture to use as an alternative treatment modality for patients with chronic musculoskeletal foot and leg pain. When she’s not working, Rachel spends time with her family and sings in a choir. She loves hitting the gym for a quick workout and is also a keen baker who loves experimenting different recipes.
Rachel is always ready to help others in their goals to becoming pain-free.
Rachel is currently on maternity leave and will return in 2025.
Joanne Pinto
Hi I’m Jo!
I studied my Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Degree at the University of Western Australia. Before that, I pursued a Bachelor of Science degree with a focus on microbiology and immunology. I have previously worked as a High Risk Podiatrist at both Royal Perth Hospital and Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital.
I’m particularly passionate about diabetes foot health and treating podiatric skin and nail conditions.
Outside of work, I love traveling and spending quality time with friends.
Joanne is available for appointments every Monday.
Paul Doan
Meet Paul, a highly passionate and enthusiastic podiatrist with strong experience in treating patients with a wide array of issues including: acute injuries such as ankle sprains or muscle strains; chronic pain such as arthritis; ingrown toenails and metabolic disorders such as diabetes. He completed the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from The University of Western Australia with Distinction.
Throughout his career, Paul has worked with elite gymnasts, ballet dancers and those engaged in a range of recreational or contact sports to provide diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries and post-operative care. He enjoys getting patients happily back onto their feet through a holistic, patient-centred and evidence-based approach. Through his thorough assessment, Paul is able to provide patients with bespoke treatment plans tailored for their lifestyles with achievable long-term goals.
Paul is fluent in Vietnamese. You can catch Paul in his spare time cooking (or eating out), taking his golden retriever out on adventures, going on hikes or taking a quiet day with a good thriller/fantasy book.
Paul is available for appointments every Wednesday and Thursday.
Latifa Jafari
I’m Latifa Jafari, I graduated with a Bachelor of Biomedical Science in 2018 and completed my Doctor of Podiatric Medicine in 2021. I am a passionate and patient-centred podiatrist dedicated to improving the lives of my patients through tailored care and education. I have experience working in the private healthcare sector, where I’ve treated a wide range of foot and lower limb issues, such as nail and skin conditions, musculoskeletal problems, diabetic foot care, and general foot discomfort.
I’m committed to supporting patients in improving their mobility, reducing pain and enhancing their quality of life. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, exploring nature, and spending time with family and friends.
Latifa is available for appointments every Wednesday.
CONDITIONS
MUSCULOSKELETAL CONDITIONS
Some of the most common musculoskeletal injuries of the foot and ankle relating to plantar heel pain (fasciopathy), Achilles Tendinopathy, Bunions, Arthritis, Ankle Sprains/Strains, Forefoot pain, Morton’s neuroma, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome.
Heel Pain
One of the most common causes of heel pain includes plantar fasciopathy (bottom of the heel) and Achilles tendinopathy (back of the heel).
Early intervention including education and treatment is important to manage and prevent symptoms from worsening.
Forefoot Pain Including Morton’s Neuroma)
Forefoot pain is a broad term to include conditions such as metatarsalgia, morton’s neuroma, hammertoes, bunions, stiff big joint (hallux rigidus).
Forefoot pain can affect activities like walking, running and sporting activities.
The symptoms can often cause sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot. There is often callous formation to the skin overlying the affected area and the skin becomes thick and hard. Aging is also associated with loss of fat pad under the ball of the foot.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Commonly occurs when there is squeezing and compression to the nerve within the tarsal tunnel complex and can result in pain along the path of the nerve running from the inside of the ankle into the foot.
Bunions (Hallux Valgus)
A complex deformity of the big toe joint with associated pain and difficulty with shoe wear. The painful bump can often disrupt daily activities.
Fun fact: bunions are more commonly seen in women than men and are also seen in those who wear tight shoes or heels. There are multiple contributing factors including joint hypermobility, arthritic conditions, connective tissue disorders, muscular imbalances, genetics.
Treatment for patients should include a comprehensive consultation, follow up medical imaging and non-surgical as well as surgical advice. Always see your podiatrist for the right advice pertaining to management.
High Arch Feet (Pes Cavus)
People with high arches often put excessive weight on the ball and heel of the foot due to poor shock absorption. Patients usually complain of pain, instability, difficulty walking and fitting into footwear.
Secondary concerns such as plantar fasciopathy, painful callosities, ankle arthritis, achilles tendinopathy and various other issues can arise.
It is important for patients with pes cavus to reduce and redistribute pressure loading by use of foot orthoses and specialised footwear.
Ankle Pain
Injury to the ankle bones, ligaments, tendons within and around the ankles can result from several reasons.
Injuries including fractures, sprains, strains can lead to instability and acceleration of osteoarthritis.
Many different forms of arthritis can also affect the ankle including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout.
Very often people with flat feet can experience ankle pain due to increased wear and tear.
Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
Can result in discomfort, pain, swelling and stiffness affecting the heel, arch, calf, knees, hips, lower back and the lower limb. They cause uneven distribution of body weight and can result in difficulty walking or running.
Treatment options can include use of custom-made orthoses under supervision to improve symptoms and relieve loading on tendons.
It is important to get advice when the patient experiences pain in the feet, ankles or lower limb, there is difficulty walking or postural concerns, symptoms do not improve with supportive footwear and symptoms are impacting a person’s lifestyle.
SKIN AND NAIL CONDITIONS
Ingrown Toenails (Onychocryptosis)
Very commonly caused by toenails that dig into the skin around the nail. This can cause pain, pus, inflammation, redness, swelling and warmth to the area affected.
Ingrown toenails can be caused from various factors such as incorrect nail cutting, tight fitting footwear, trauma and picking of toenails, age related thickening of toenails, chronic underlying or circulation related conditions leading to damage of toenails.
People with diabetes, persistent foot problems, recurrent ingrown toenails and circulatory issues should see a podiatrist regularly for routine foot and nail care. Occasionally, the podiatrist may recommend a permanent chemical ablation to address removal of an ingrown toenail.
It is best to ask your podiatrist about long term treatment options.
Fungal Infections
Occurs when a fungal spreads under the nail and nail bed resulting in a discoloured, brittle and brittle textured nail. This can also affect the surrounding skin and underside of feet. The fungal species thrives in moist, humid environments.
It is best to discuss your treatment options with the podiatrist to offer the safest, most effective approach to treating the fungal infection. We have specialised tools to reduce and manage the thickness of nails for topical anti-fungal treatments to be absorbed and penetrate the nail plate more effectively.
Often there are other causes of nail discolouration and should be discussed in depth with the podiatrist who will often take a detailed history and offer the best treatment plan.
PAEDIATRIC CONDITIONS
Some of the common conditions seen in children include hypermobility, flat feet, ankle instability, metatarsus adductus, in-toeing, toe walking, knock-knees, heel pain (severe condition), bow leg, verrucae and knee pain.
Growing Pain (Severs Disease, Osgood-Schlatter disease)
Sudden foot, ankle and leg pain often experienced by children in the muscles and bones of their lower extremities. The reason for this pain is unknown but some children experience these pains on and off for years.
Heel pain is often seen in children aged between eight and thirteen referred to as Sever’s disease. Some of the common reasons for these pains are flat feet, children who have knock-knees, tight muscles especially in the calves, hamstrings and hips, muscle fatigue and poor postural mechanics.
If your child has been limping, feeling unwell, experiences pain in the muscles and is limiting activity, you need to get your child assessed by a podiatrist.
It is best to speak to intervene early and manage symptoms as soon as possible.
CHRONIC MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Diabetes
A serious chronic health condition associated with increased glucose in the blood. Diabetes can damage the nerves and blood flow to your feet and legs. Some of the risk factors include being diabetic for a long period of time, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, inactivity.
A regular neurovascular examination with your podiatrist will assess your foot health risk status.
As a diabetic, you require a foot assessment at least once a year depending on your risk factors.
We will also assess your footwear, range of motion, foot deformity and general care needs.
Arthritis
Degeneration of joints associated with increased mechanical stress, often causing pain, swelling, stiffness.
The most common form of arthritis is Osteoarthritis and can cause change in the appearance of feet, formation of bunions, lesser digital toe deformities.
Another form of chronic arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis where the immune system attacks the joint tissue and can affect a variety of body systems. Accompanied by pain, swelling and stiffness, this form of arthritis can cause painful corns, bunions, hammertoes, flat feet and cause pain and difficulty in walking.
It is best to discuss this with your podiatrist who will request X-ray to assess the damage to the joints.
GENERAL CARE
Corns/Callous
Commonly referred to hard skin build up when the bottom of the foot tries to protect itself from friction and additional pressure.
Corns are smaller and deeper areas of pressure; calluses are larger in size. Both are an indication of pressure and can be from conditions relating to flat feet, high arches, genetics, diabetes or poor blood flow or a minor injury to your foot.
It is best to see your podiatrist for removal of corns and calluses and advice on prevention.
Verruca (Warts)
Small hard lumps on the skin caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). They can cause sharp pain when walking or standing on and can often spread to other areas of the foot.
A podiatrist can help to reduce the build-up of hard skin and use appropriate treatment to treat the warts.
MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT
General Foot care
Providing general foot care including management of thickened, fungal toenails, blister management, corns and callus removal, cracked heel treatment, ingrown toenail prevention and treatment and treatment and management of Plantar Warts (Verrucae).
Biomechanical / Gait Analysis / Footwear Discussion
Our podiatrists will offer a comprehensive consultation including a thorough case history that is taken. A full range of motion assessment of the joints in your feet, knees and hips, muscle testing to assess for strength, symmetry, gait analysis testing to study the walk you way and consideration of footwear.
Postural assessment is also carried out to note any abnormalities within the shoulder, hip and pelvis, limb length discrepancy and foot and ankle stance position. If required, your podiatrist may refer you for further imaging.
Learn about the appropriate fitting footwear, shoe buying tips, work appropriate footwear (safety boots).
We are partnered with Paul Carrolls, Archies, Global Footcare, Athletes Foot to support you on your comfortable journey.
Stretching / Strengthening / Rehabilitation Exercise Program
At Dianella Podiatry, we use specialised tools to manage clinical home exercises and education prescription for rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions.
Fungal Infections
At Dianella Podiatry, we can give you appropriate advice pertaining to management of your fungal infection. We often use topical treatments for quicker results, combined with general care to give you the best results.
Please ask our friendly podiatrists for more information.
Minor Surgical Procedures
More invasive treatment may be required for patients suffering when recurrent infected ingrown toenails and persistent plantar warts. Removal of the offending nail edge via resection under local anaesthetic to ensure complete removal and infection resolution occurs.
Talk to your podiatrist about more options and whether this is an option for you.
3D Custom-Made Orthoses And Over The Counter Options
We used 3D scanners for making custom made orthoses to accommodate deformities related to the foot.
3D foot scanners can improve quality of care and precision when prescribing custom made orthoses.
Find out more about our foot scanning and biomechanical assessments at Dianella Podiatry.
We also offer prefabricated over the counter orthoses tailored to your foot condition.
Dry Needling / Acupuncture
An effective treatment modality to manage musculoskeletal pain (heel pain, mortons neuroma/forefoot pain, achilles tendon pain, shin splints), reducing tightness within muscle groups.
Acupuncture may be used for management of foot pain, inflammation, chronic symptoms relating to peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage).
A thin needle is used to penetrate the muscle and release the knot which reduces symptoms and improves muscle function.
Our podiatrists have had further training in this area to perform dry needling.
Strapping
Strapping can help immensely to temporarily reduce and relieve pain to particular areas of the feet. Podiatrists recommend strapping at the early stages of an injury to assist muscles and tendons to heal and prevent injury from re-occurring. They are useful in many cases such as plantar fasciopathy, heel spurs, Adult acquired flat foot, knee pain, etc.
Our podiatrist will often use rigid strapping tape or kinesiology tape to receive optimal results. It is important to discuss any allergies you may have as this may affect the tape and techniques we utilise.
Strapping is also a useful tool for blister prevention pre hikes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a referral to book in?
You do not need a referral to see one of our podiatrists. You can use your private health insurance to cover the cost of your podiatry appointment.
Do you offer home visits?
Unfortunately, currently we do not offer home visits.
What is the cost of a consultation?
The cost of the consultation will vary depending on the type and how long the appointment is. We recommend if it is your first time at the practice, booking in for an initial consultation.
It is best to speak with us so we can advise you on the cost of the consultation.
What should I bring to my initial consultation appointment?
The initial consultation duration is 40 minutes and we recommend you give us as much information about you condition so the podiatrist may be best able to assist you. We will then present you with treatment options to suit you.
For musculoskeletal consultations, please bring in any footwear, previous orthotics and a pair of shorts for assessment purposes.
Do you accept care plans and do you BULK bill?
We accept care plans; however, we do not bulk bill. There will be a small out of pocket feet for any consultations under the government issued plan.
Do you offer HICAPS?
We are supported by HICAPS which makes it easier for claims on the day of the appointment, all you need to do is pay the gap on the day after your appointment if you have podiatry cover.
We do not have a preferred provider so any health fund can be used.
Where are you located?
Our address is 284A Alexander Drive, Dianella WA 6059.
We are just before the intersection of Alexander Drive and Light Street.
Do you look after NDIS patients?
We can assist NDIS patients in various ways such as custom orthotics, general foot care, care for ingrown toenails, helping with access for suitable orthopaedic footwear.
Partners
