CHIROPODY

What is Chiropody?

“Practice of Chiropody is the assessment of the foot and the treatment and prevention of disease or disorders of the foot by therapeutic, surgical, orthotic and palliative means”

– The Chiropody Act, 1991

Chiropodists are primary health care providers who treat people of all ages and activity levels. A referral or previous diagnosis is not required to visit a Chiropodist. However, it is important to Foot Specialist to know your medication and your general health information.

Chiropodist offers general and preventative foot care for a wide range of foot conditions and treat all the levels of the foot, from surface skin infections to bone and joint pain.

Your first visit will include a full medical history, lower legs and feet exam, which will allow Chiropodist to develop a comprehensive management plan to meet your foot care needs.

Chiropody services are not covered by OHIP, but may be covered by your third party insurance. Please check with your plan administrator for more details.

Who needs foot care?

Chiropodists provide foot care to meet the needs of many patient groups. Some of the groups are following:

Pediatrics

• In-toeing, out-toeing gait
• Tired legs
• Changes in lower leg and feet development

Geriatrics

• Corns and calluses
• Nail care
• Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis

Athletes

• Prevention and treatment of repetitive strain injuries

Diabetes

• Risk assessments
• Foot care
• Wound prevention and treatment

Post-Trauma

• Rehabilitation from injuries
• Support of damaged joints

People with Painful Feet

• Heel pain
• Arch pain
• Pain in the ball of the feet

Services offered

Chiropodists are trained to treat a variety of foot problems. These problems may include:

• Thickened toenails
• Ingrown toenails
• Fungal nail or foot skin conditions
• Foot, ankle, knee, hip or back pain
• Corns and calluses
• Plantar warts
• Diabetic foot and wound care
• Arthritic foot care
• Bunions and other toe deformities
• Dry and cracked skin
• Congenital foot deformities
• Neuromas and peripheral neuropathies
• Sports and repetitive strain injuries

What might my treatment involve?

• Footwear advice
• Custom made or customized footwear
• Custom orthotics and ankle braces
• Therapeutic modalities, ultrasound, tens, stretching, strengthening, heat/cold
• Steroid injection or oral medications
• Minor surgical procedures
• Hands-on care; nail and skin management
• Offloading measures to prevent calluses/wounds and promote healing.