Chiropody and Pedorthics
On this page:
Overview
Chiropody and Pedorthics are health services that focus on keeping your feet healthy and helping you move more comfortably.
Chiropodists are foot care specialists who treat foot problems like wounds and ulcers. At The Ottawa Hospital, they work exclusively in the treatment and prevention of foot ulcers (wounds). The wound care chiropodists work closely with many specialists, including orthopedic surgeons, vascular surgeons, infectious disease specialists, dermatologists, endocrinologists, nursing and home-care services.
Pedorthists help people with foot pain or walking problems by providing custom shoe inserts, footwear advice and other support to improve comfort and mobility.
Who we help
Chiropody
Chiropody services are for patients with high-risk foot wounds, often related to:
- Diabetes.
- Peripheral vascular disease.
- Severe arthritis.
A referral is required to access chiropody services.
If you are not a patient with a high-risk foot but are seeking other chiropody services (e.g. nail care, callus and corn care, ingrown nail) please contact a community chiropody clinic through the College of Chiropodists of Ontario, or call 416-542-1333.
Pedorthics
Pedorthic services are available to anyone by appointment only. A prescription may be required for custom devices, but no referral is needed for assessments.
Services
Chiropody
Chiropody services include:
- Management of high-risk feet and wound care.
- Limb preservation and ulcer prevention.
- Treatments include sharp debridement, dressing changes, total contact casting and offloading devices.
Note: Chiropody services are not covered by OHIP. There is a $10 fee per visit. Some devices may be eligible for funding through the Ontario Ministry of Health or private insurance.
Pedorthics
Pedorthic services include:
- Biomechanical assessments and gait analysis.
- Custom foot orthotics: assessment, casting and manufacturing.
- Footwear evaluation, advice and sales.
- Custom footwear measuring and fitting.
- Management of conditions like plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, ankle sprains, knee pain and more.
Cost estimates are free. Some services may be covered by private insurance, Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program or the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Team
Chiropodists at The Ottawa Hospital are regulated health professionals who work closely with specialists in orthopedics, vascular surgery, infectious diseases, dermatology, endocrinology, nursing and home care.
Our chiropodists are highly engaged in complex clinical care, education and research. They have presented at the national level and educate other health-care practitioners about foot ulcer treatment and prevention.
The clinic is a training site for:
- Chiropody students attending The Michener Institute of Education at University Health Network.
- Medical students and residents from The Ottawa Hospital.
- Wound healing master’s program students from Western University in London.
Pedorthists are trained in biomechanics, footwear and orthotic design, helping patients manage a wide range of foot and lower limb conditions.
Referrals
For Atlas Alliance physicians (via Epic):
- Foot care: REF 300
- Pedorthics: REF 85
For external physicians and facilities:
Please include:
- Patient’s full name, date of birth, address and phone number.
- Reason for referral (e.g. ulcer, Charcot foot, offloading, foot infection for Chiropody; custom orthotics or footwear for Pedorthics).
Only complete referrals will be accepted.
613-739-6975
Contact us
Chiropody and Pedorthic Department
613 737-8899 ext. 75612
The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre
Room 1209
505 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M2