General News
20 October, 2025
Putting the best feet forward
NICOLE Hosking has put the focus on foot health for Podiatry Week 2025.
The Dingee-based health care professional and owner of Loddon Podiatry hopes people will embrace this year’s theme From first steps to next steps.
“It’s not just lower limb, ankle and foot problems. It’s about movement, independence, and quality of life at every age and stage,” Nicole said.
“Whether it’s a child finding their stride, an athlete hitting their stride, or an older adult maintaining their stride, podiatrists are there for every step of the journey.
“Podiatrists play an essential role in our health from birth to the later stages of life and can treat everything from simple nail issues to more serious problems like preventing amputations and wound care on the lower limbs.”
Nicole said Podiatry Week was an important event in the calendar for podiatrists as it provides the opportunity to educate the community on their vital role.
“In my clinic I see an array of patients with varying needs, from tradies looking for solutions to make their shoes more comfortable, to elderly people needing more support, to parents wanting to check their child’s development.
“I love the diversity of clients I see and the ability to make a real impact to their lives by supporting their most important asset – their feet.
“Feet are essential to our daily life, something not always realised until something goes wrong. It’s important to not wait when it comes to caring for our feet, ankles and legs, as seeking professional advice early can significantly improve patient outcomes,” said Nicole.
Podiatrists are healthcare professionals who have met stringent education and regulatory standards.
Their training allows them to identify early signs of more serious health conditions such as circulatory issues which if left unattended, can lead to strokes or heart attacks.
They also play a significant role in supporting people with chronic conditions such as diabetes.
Given the large scope of the profession, many podiatrists focus on specific areas such as paediatrics, sports, aged care and complex conditions such as diabetes. Podiatrists can be found in private practice, community health services, hospitals, rural and remote outreach clinics, rehabilitation centres, residential aged care, across the disability sector and working in people’s homes.
During Podiatry Week 2025, podiatrists will be sharing their stories on what they do, why they love it and the immediate impact they have on patients’ lives.
Read More: Dingee