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Overview
Chiropodists are foot health specialists who assess, treat and help prevent conditions affecting the feet.
Chiropody involves diagnosing and managing foot disorders through therapeutic, orthotic or palliative treatments. In Ontario, chiropodists and podiatrists are the only professionals specifically trained and licensed by the province to provide foot care and prescribe orthotics.
Chiropodists are regulated primary care providers and are authorized to perform certain medical procedures under the Chiropody Act, 1991, including:
- Performing surgery on foot tissues.
- Injecting approved substances into the foot.
- Prescribing specific medications.
- Administering certain substances by inhalation.
How we help
Chiropodists treat a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, including:
- Achilles tendon injuries.
- Ankle sprains and instability.
- Arthritis-related foot issues.
- Athlete’s foot.
- Bunions, calluses and corns.
- Diabetic foot and wound care.
- Flat feet or high arches.
- Fungal toenails.
- Gait problems.
- Geriatric foot care.
- Hammertoes and heel spurs.
- Ingrown toenails.
- Neuromas and plantar fasciitis.
- Sharp debridement.
- Warts and other skin conditions.
Education and training
Chiropodists in Ontario complete extensive education and clinical training before becoming licensed. It typically takes 7 to 8 years of education and training to become licensed. Members of the College of Chiropodists of Ontario include both chiropodists and podiatrists.
The main difference between the two is based on when and where they were trained:
In Ontario were trained outside Canada and began practicing before the Chiropody Act came into effect in 1991. Podiatrists can provide a diagnosis, and some are qualified to perform bony surgery.
Are trained in Ontario or arrived after 1991 and practice under the current scope of authorized acts.
Resources
For more information about chiropody and podiatry, visit:
College of Chiropodists of Ontario