What is Chiropody?

What is the difference between a podiatrist and a chiropodist?

There is no significant difference between chiropodists and podiatrists in Ontario.

Both professions are regulated by the College of Chiropodists of Ontario and both must pass comprehensive board exams and provincial licensing exams to be licensed to practice.

The difference in the title is determined by which country the degree was obtained and what year. Since 1993, all podiatry graduates have been registered as chiropodists in Ontario, irregardless of their degree designation. There have been no new podiatrists registered in Ontario for the past 25 years.

Why did my doctor recommend I see a podiatrist?

This is a common mistake. But no new foot specialists have been regulated as a podiatrist since 1993. They should be recommending a chiropodist.

Chiropodists (regulated designated term in Ontario since 1993 – present) and podiatrists (the term used for qualifying podiatry practitioners before 1993) are the only specialized and regulated foot health professionals in Ontario.

There are 600 Chiropodists and 60 Podiatrists in Ontario.

Chiropodists are often referred to as “foot doctors” but we are not medical doctors. We are foot specialists and foot care practitioners.

The majority of Chiropodists currently practicing have studied for 7 years or more – we hold post-secondary training and certification in chiropody and most also have a bachelor’s degree or university level education in the sciences. Current applicants for the Ontario Chiropody program must have a 4-year undergraduate university degree. I enroll in additional training and courses regularly.

Chiropodists are regulated health professionals that play a key role in the health of individuals across Ontario.

Chiropodists provide assessment, treatment and management of acute and chronic conditions. They aid in the prevention of injury and disability and promote proper foot health and overall well-being.

We are dedicated to enhancing the profession and increasing awareness among Ontarians about the importance of good foot health care. Put your feet in good hands.

Treatment of foot conditions

If you suffer from a common foot condition such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, ingrown toenails, flat feet, calluses, corns or warts, I can help.

Podiatrists and chiropodists help individuals of all ages and with a wide range of health conditions.

We have trained extensively in the assessment, management and prevention of many types of foot conditions. We are also specialists in the prevention and treatment of foot injuries, foot trauma and wound care.

Prescriptions of drugs

Both chiropodists and podiatrists are allowed to prescribe drugs used to treat various foot conditions and disorders under the Regulated Health Professions Act. These include topical (creams, lotions, ointments), oral (pills, tablets) and injectable medications.

Some of the most common drugs that I prescribe for foot-related conditions are anti-fungals, cortisone and antibiotics. My patient’s health and safety is my highest priority, and to ensure that all drugs prescribed are appropriate for your health, I will always review your medical intake form and will discuss any concerns with you.

Orthotics

Custom orthotics can help to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with a variety of foot conditions such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, over-pronation, diabetic feet, bunions and neuromas. Although some chiropractors and physiotherapists also dispense orthotics, chiropodists and podiatrists are the only regulated health professionals in Ontario, aside from medical doctors, who can prescribe custom orthotics. Seeing a registered chiropodist and podiatrist for your feet is the best choice.

Surgery

Both podiatrists and chiropodists can perform soft tissue surgeries, skin surgery and nail surgery. However, podiatrists trained in the US before 1993 have a slightly expanded scope of practice that includes bone surgery in the foot. It’s important to note that in Ontario, most patients choose to see Orthopaedic Surgeons for foot-related bone surgery since the associated costs are covered by OHIP. 

Healthcare professionals and Foot Specialists

Remember, no matter what title, both chiropodists and podiatrists are primary healthcare professionals specializing in the assessment and treatment of lower limb disorders.

I am trained extensively and am highly knowledgeable in the anatomy, physiology, pathology and biomechanics of the foot. While your family doctor or another healthcare provider may be able to address some of your foot concerns, it makes sense to see a chiropodist and podiatrist for your foot health since we are specialists in that field.

It is also important to remember, I have also studied the rest of the human body. Since we’re qualified to perform potentially invasive nail, skin and soft tissue surgical procedures and prescribe drugs, we need to have a thorough understanding of your personal medical history before we can assess and treat you.

Your patient intake form is the best way for us to get a comprehensive picture of your health and for this reason, we ask that you complete your intake form prior to your appointment. This ensures that we have enough time to familiarize ourselves with your health conditions and medications or discuss your health with your family doctor if necessary.