Get the right support for your feet at Gold Coast student-led Pedorthics clinic

Study  Careers 

Southern Cross University is offering student-led pedorthics appointments to the public, for an affordable fee.

The Gold Coast Southern Cross University Health Clinic is offering pedorthics appointments on Thursdays until September, where pedorthics students will conduct comprehensive assessments with professional supervision and address conditions through manufacturing footwear, orthosis and supportive devices.

Final year pedorthics and podiatry student Christie Owen, 22, said the clinic would enable students to work directly with clients, implementing their learning from practical placements and the classroom then building multiple appliances in the state-of-the-art labs.

“Pedorthists are health professionals who assess for, prescribe and manufacture medical grade footwear which includes customising pre-made footwear and designing and manufacturing custom made footwear, orthoses, and bracing for the foot, ankle and lower leg for clients,” Christie said.

“We are calling for anyone with foot conditions which require specialised footwear or appliances to book an appointment to see us. Anyone with diabetes which affects their feet, bunions, rheumatoid arthritis in the foot, amputations, misshapen or deformed feet or feet which are very difficult to fit would be ‘the right fit’ for this clinic.”

Christie, a former athlete, moved to the Gold Coast from Sydney to study the unique double-degree, with Southern Cross University Gold Coast, the only campus in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere, offering both undergraduate degrees.

The swimming and netball champion decided to pave a career helping other athletes recover from foot and lower leg conditions, and anyone who requires specialised footwear or other devices.

Christie said referrals from doctors are welcomed though not required for clinic appointments, and clients were encouraged to bring a copy of their medical history where possible.

Southern Cross University Podiatry and Pedorthics Professional Experience Lecturer Alex Terrill said a trial run for the pedorthics clinic last year was very successful with many positive results for a range of clients, paving the way for a bigger clinic this year.

“Footwear has been identified as a major way to prevent diabetic foot ulceration, and Southern Cross University is training students on best practice,” Mr Terrill said.

“Our podiatry students treat everyone from Rugby League players to residents in aged care homes and continue to assist in ongoing research”

Southern Cross University’s Bachelor of Pedorthics and Podiatry degrees are approved through the Pedorthic Association of Australia, and Australian and New Zealand Podiatry Accreditation Council.

Southern Cross University Health Clinic offers student-led osteopathy, exercise physiology, speech pathology, as well as podiatry and pedorthics.

Pedorthics appointments cost $20 and can be made by calling 07 5589 3252.