Common Patient Questions for a Chiropodist:
What's the difference between a Podiatrist and Chiropodist?
Chiropodists and Podiatrists are the only recognized and regulated foot specialists in Ontario. The main different between the two is where they were trained and educated. Practitioners in the US, or those who came to Ontario before 1993, are referred to as Podiatrists while those who came after 1993 or are educated in Ontario are called Chiropodists. For insurance purposes, they are often the same thing and fall under the same category.
How do you treat Ingrown Toenails?
We would need to see you for an initial assessment and at that time the Chiropodist will go over treatment options. If needed, we do perform ingrown toenail surgery in the clinic, or we can treat conservatively. This will be discussed at the initial assessment with the Chiropodist.
How do I get rid of toenail fungus?
Each patient needs to be treated differently based on their condition. Toenails usually clear up with the proper application of a topical antifungals, laser treatments, and reduction of the nail that are available to patients in our clinic. I also educate on prevention and decreasing the chance of reoccurring infections.
Do you have a fungal laser and how long is a treatment?
We do have laser therapy for fungal nails. The Chiropodist would start with an initial assessment and discuss with you treatment lengths and protocols. Depending of severity of infection, you will require 4 to 8 treatments. One week between each treatment.
Do you direct bill insurance?
Not all companies and plans allow foot clinics to direct bill. Bring in your insurance information and if we can direct bill, we will happily do it for you!
Can you help me get rid of a wart I have had for a long time?
Warts, which are viruses, can be very difficult to rid of if they are not treated properly. We offer many different treatments that are effective against warts, which are not available at the drug store or from your family doctor. The effective treatments are based on how aggressive you would like to treat the wart.
Do you perform wound care?
Yes. Treating patient’s foot wounds is an important part of my health care role. Diabetic foot ulcers are the leading cause to foot amputations in Canada. It is my role to educate and assist my patients in healing their wound. This involves cleaning, removing all callus and debris from the wound, then applying dressings and offloading.
I have had many types of Orthotics, some work, some don’t. What kind do you make?
Custom foot orthotics is a custom medical device. Since they are custom I will educate you on my recommendation of materials. However, I encourage patients to bring in all of their previous orthotics and shoes so I have an idea what has worked well for them in the past, and what has not. We will have a discussion together so there will be no surprise on material, shape, or size.
Are high heels bad for feet?
No they are not, if they fit properly and fit your foot profile. The main cause of most foot pain is poor fitting footwear. I recommend every patient bring in a few of their favourite shoes to the initial appointment. We will discuss the wear patterns and fit to your foot. This will help assess if high heels are good for your foot.
Is it bad to get a pedicure done?
Ask the salon if they autoclave their instruments and replace files between their clients. If they do, and you see them open the autoclaved bags in front of you, then you are usually at a clean salon. Cleanliness is the most important part of foot health. If that is not in place at your salon then the chance of fungal infections and bacterial infections greatly increase.
If you have any more questions, please call to book an appointment at 613-440-3839.
Chiropodists and Podiatrists are the only recognized and regulated foot specialists in Ontario. The main different between the two is where they were trained and educated. Practitioners in the US, or those who came to Ontario before 1993, are referred to as Podiatrists while those who came after 1993 or are educated in Ontario are called Chiropodists. For insurance purposes, they are often the same thing and fall under the same category.
How do you treat Ingrown Toenails?
We would need to see you for an initial assessment and at that time the Chiropodist will go over treatment options. If needed, we do perform ingrown toenail surgery in the clinic, or we can treat conservatively. This will be discussed at the initial assessment with the Chiropodist.
How do I get rid of toenail fungus?
Each patient needs to be treated differently based on their condition. Toenails usually clear up with the proper application of a topical antifungals, laser treatments, and reduction of the nail that are available to patients in our clinic. I also educate on prevention and decreasing the chance of reoccurring infections.
Do you have a fungal laser and how long is a treatment?
We do have laser therapy for fungal nails. The Chiropodist would start with an initial assessment and discuss with you treatment lengths and protocols. Depending of severity of infection, you will require 4 to 8 treatments. One week between each treatment.
Do you direct bill insurance?
Not all companies and plans allow foot clinics to direct bill. Bring in your insurance information and if we can direct bill, we will happily do it for you!
Can you help me get rid of a wart I have had for a long time?
Warts, which are viruses, can be very difficult to rid of if they are not treated properly. We offer many different treatments that are effective against warts, which are not available at the drug store or from your family doctor. The effective treatments are based on how aggressive you would like to treat the wart.
Do you perform wound care?
Yes. Treating patient’s foot wounds is an important part of my health care role. Diabetic foot ulcers are the leading cause to foot amputations in Canada. It is my role to educate and assist my patients in healing their wound. This involves cleaning, removing all callus and debris from the wound, then applying dressings and offloading.
I have had many types of Orthotics, some work, some don’t. What kind do you make?
Custom foot orthotics is a custom medical device. Since they are custom I will educate you on my recommendation of materials. However, I encourage patients to bring in all of their previous orthotics and shoes so I have an idea what has worked well for them in the past, and what has not. We will have a discussion together so there will be no surprise on material, shape, or size.
Are high heels bad for feet?
No they are not, if they fit properly and fit your foot profile. The main cause of most foot pain is poor fitting footwear. I recommend every patient bring in a few of their favourite shoes to the initial appointment. We will discuss the wear patterns and fit to your foot. This will help assess if high heels are good for your foot.
Is it bad to get a pedicure done?
Ask the salon if they autoclave their instruments and replace files between their clients. If they do, and you see them open the autoclaved bags in front of you, then you are usually at a clean salon. Cleanliness is the most important part of foot health. If that is not in place at your salon then the chance of fungal infections and bacterial infections greatly increase.
If you have any more questions, please call to book an appointment at 613-440-3839.