A: No; however, our services are covered under most insurance plans.

A: Ontario Health Insurance Plan is a government programs and we are not on the list of eligible OHIP providers.

A: Yes, we do.

A: If you have had a proper assessment and recommendation, we can write the prescription and provide the supporting documents for shoes to be covered. All insurance companies are different when it comes to covering shoes, and as a result we usually recommend providing your insurance company with an estimate for the shoes that you want to purchase before actually purchasing them to see if they will cover the shoes.

A: We treat all kinds of skin and nail conditions such as plantar warts, ingrown nails, nail fungus, dry/cracked heels and so much more.

A: All our services are pay and submit; you pay us for the service and submit the receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement.

A: No, you do not need a referral to book an appointment.

A: At this time, we do everything by appointment only and are not accepting walk-ins.

A: We are a medical facility with registered foot specialists known as Chiropodists. We treat all manner of foot related issues from skin and nail conditions to foot pain. We will not soak and massage your feet and we will not paint your nails. Everything is strictly medical.

A: In short, the answer is YES. Due to Covid-19 it is necessary to minimize all visits to your Family Doctor’s office or the emergency department; therefore at Rainville Foot Health we are prepared to see emergency foot health clients in our office to keep you out of the emergency department. Rainville Foot Health follows all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of covid-19 recommended by Health Canada and The College of Chiropodists of Ontario. All clients will be screened 3 times before being allowed into the clinic. Screenings will occur by telephone prior to the appointment, at the front door before being allowed into the clinic and with signage outside of the clinic and at reception. Only 1 client will be allowed in the clinic at a time to maintain social distancing. The waiting room is closed and all clients will wait in their cars until they are called into the clinic by Rainville Foot Health staff. All staff and clients will be equipped with a mask and hand sanitizer and all staff will wear appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves, gown and N95 mask. All treatment areas, reception and equipment used are disinfected between each client visit.

A: To make an appointment: CONTACT RAINVILLE FOOT HEALTH BY EMAIL IMMEDIATELY info@rainvillehealth.com A MEMBER OF OUR FOOT HEALTH TEAM WILL PERSONALLY RESPOND TO YOUR EMAIL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. A TELEPHONE SCREENING WILL BE ARRANGED AND AN EMERGENCY VISIT WILL BE SCHEDULED IF REQUIRED.

A: During the COVID-19 crisis; our team is available for telephone and video consultation to help you regarding all of your foot health concerns. You can contact our team via email info@rainvillehealth.com and a member of our team will contact you to arrange a video or telephone consultation to discuss your foot health concern and give you advice and a management plan to help you stay mobile and feel better during the COVID-19 crisis.

• Custom foot orthotics are prescription medical devices designed to stabilize and control the function of the foot and its alignment with the lower leg. Custom foot orthotics do not correct or change your anatomy. When custom foot orthotics are combined with the proper footwear, they can improve inefficient functions of the feet and lower legs. The use of custom foot orthotics can reduce or eliminate discomfort and pain in your feet, lower legs, knees, hips and lower back.

• Custom foot orthotics are used to treat or prevent injury caused by excessive motion or a lack of motion in the foot and lower leg. Custom foot orthotics are also prescribed to accommodate a number of uncomfortable overuse foot conditions. These overuse conditions include callus, bone spurs, plantar fasciitis, and soft tissue strain. Muscles, tendons and ligaments are strained when the foot is out of alignment.

• Custom foot orthotics are part of an overall treatment plan. They do not replace the need for muscle stretching or strengthening. Successful custom foot orthotic therapy depends on the use of proper footwear. Your custom foot orthotic therapy may fail if you continue to wear your older shoes that have adjusted to your problematic alignment. Your prescription custom foot orthotic device it is tailored to your needs and activities. The goal of a custom foot orthotic is to allow you to stand, walk or run more efficiently.

A: A combination of poor circulation and lack of sensation (neuropathy) of the extremities, particularly the feet, can turn a scratch or splinter into a medical emergency for a person with diabetes. The lack of sensation prevents you from feeling if you have a wound, blister or the beginning of skin breakdown. This can be further complicated by poor blood flow to the area resulting in the lack of wound healing. Even the smallest wound or blister can become infected. Without aggressive treatment of the foot infection extensive tissue damage often occurs. This can result in either a toe, a partial foot or a lower leg amputation.

Diabetes footcare don’ts:

• Never go barefoot indoors or out. A splinter, piece of glass or even a small scrape can lead to a non-healing wound. Avoid regularly soaking your feet which can dry them out and lead to cracked skin. This could cause a skin infection. Try not to cross your legs when sitting as this can stop the blood flow into your feet.

• Don’t break-in a new pair of shoes in one day. New shoes need to be gradually broken in over a few days. For example, 45 minutes the 1st day, 90 minutes, the 2nd day. You can add 45 minutes each day until you can wear them the whole day without skin irritation. Be sure to inspect feet during this process to make sure that the new shoes have not created blisters or cuts.

Diabetes footcare do’s:

• Check your feet daily for redness or any type of irritation. You can use a plastic mirror on the floor if you cannot see the bottom of your feet or ask someone to assist you. Keep feet clean by washing them daily, using warm water and mild soap. Dry thoroughly.

• In particular, keep area in between toes dry and free of moisture to avoid a fungal infection. If you have dry skin use a urea-based emollient on daily basis.

• When trimming toenails, cut across and be sure not to leave sharp edges that might cut other toes. Seek the assistance of a podiatrist/chiropodist (foot specialist) if toenails are too thick to cut with a toenail clipper. Protect feet by wearing shoes that fit properly. Poor fitting shoes are the source of most of the foot problems in diabetics.

• Buy shoes that are made of cotton or leather – their natural “fibers” allow feet to breathe. Alternate shoes daily to avoid constant pressure in the same spot of the foot.

• Choose the right socks. Wear soft, seamless, protective socks that don’t cut off your circulation. Ask you chiropodist/podiatrist for sock recommendations.

• Wear shoes and protective socks at ALL times.

• See your physician if a wound, blister or skin irritation is not healing in a timely manner.

• Measure your feet at the end of the day when your feet are largest.

• The size of your feet change as you grow older so before you buy shoes always have your feet measured while standing.

• Usually, one foot that is larger than the other, size your shoe to your larger foot.

• Select shoes by how the shoe fits your foot and not by the size marked inside of the shoe.

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot.

• If you have curly toes, you will need an extra depth shoe.

• Make sure there is enough space (3/8″ to 1/2″) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up. The width of your index finger usually measures from 3/8 to 1/2 inch in length.

• Make sure the ball of your foot fits comfortably into the widest part of the shoe.

• If the shoe you are trying on has a removable insole, take it out and put it on the floor and place your foot on top of the insole and observe if the width of your foot matches the widest part of the insole.

• Don’t buy shoes that feel too tight and expect them to stretch to fit.

• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right, ask if you can try out the shoes at home.

• Your heel should not ride up and down inside the heel seat while you walk.

• The upper part of the shoes should be made of a soft, flexible material to match the shape of your foot.

• Soles should provide solid footing and not be slippery.

• Thick soles cushion your feet when walking on hard surfaces.

• Low-heeled shoes are more comfortable, safer, and less damaging than high-heeled shoes.

A: There are number of factors to consider when trying to determine the right running shoe for you. When you look for advice in running magazines, they usually discuss foot type classification. Listed below are some more important questions you should answer.

Body Mass

What is your body mass? Body mass is probably more important than any foot type classification in terms of footwear requirements for exercise. For example, a 220-pound individual will require an extremely firm, stable shoe whether he or she has a stable foot or not. A 110-pound female elite runner may not require motion control features in a shoe even if she is a “pronator.”

Training regimen

What is your training regime? This will dictate whether multiple shoes are necessary for long road runs and speed work on a track.

Running surface

What running surface do you typically use to run? Many people prefer running on trails or grass, which would alter the normal cushioning requirements that would be needed on asphalt.

Age, Fitness level and competitive level

What is your age, fitness and competitive level? These factors can significantly alter your shoe recommendation. An older runner who “plods” at a 12- minute per mile pace will have different requirements than a 20-year-old elite “toe runner” who blazes along at a six minute per mile pace.

What is your injury history?

Do you have an injury history due to excessive joint motion or due impact shock? Your injury history should be considered. You may require footwear characteristics that help you prevent injury. For example, the following types of injuries will dictate certain shoe characteristics:

• Stress fractures in your forefoot will require cushioning characteristics.

• Achilles tendinopathy will require footwear with firm midsoles and ample heel elevation.

• Hallux rigidus (arthritis in the big toe joint) will require a shoe with a stiff sole.

• Plantar heel pain syndrome will require a shoe with torsion stability.

• Patellofemoral pain syndrome (pain underneath the kneecap) is usually associated with excessive pronation although multiple other factors are also involved. Pronation control features in a running shoe include firm heel counters and medial posting of the midsole.

In many cases, you can correlate a flaw in your current running shoe that may have contributed to your current injury or condition.

The 3 essential criteria for evaluating stability in a running shoe are: heel counter rigidity, forefoot flexion stability and torsional rigidity.

The fit of your running shoe is important!

• You should be aware that both of your feet are not perfect matches.

• One foot is always a little bigger than the other.

• This can be due the presence of bunions or hammertoe deformities which require a wider shoe fit.

• The shoe should be fit to the larger foot.

• You can usually find a running shoe brand that will accommodate the width or volume of your foot.

A: Nursing foot care treatments or laser treatments may be eligible for reimbursement from your insurance provider. We recommend contacting your insurance provider and reviewing your plan prior to your appointment to verify. A prescription from your doctor may be required by your insurance company. Amount for reimbursement varies.

A: Most definitely! We have our own sterilizer and all our instruments are sterilized in-house. We adhere to industry-standard best practices to ensure the safety and care of our patients at all times.

A: Please note that missed appointments without proper 24-hour notice will be charged a fee prior to booking a new appointment.

• Please no food or drink in the treatment rooms.

• There is no use of cell phones in our clinic. Why? In consideration of others, to minimize distractions and to ensure your safety during treatment.

• During winter months, please remove all outside footwear. Thank you in advance.

A: Women have about four times as many foot ailments as men; and high heels are frequently to blame. Women should limit the time they wear pumps with heels higher than 2” and alternate with good-quality sneakers or flats for part of the day.

A: It is estimated that only a small percentage of foot problems are genetic. Foot problems often develop because of neglect and poor understanding of proper foot care. Common causes include ill-fitting shoes and constantly wearing high heels.

A: Your feet mirror your general health. Conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and circulatory disorders can show initial symptoms in the feet, so foot ailments can be your first sign of more serious medical problems.

A: A biomechanical foot orthotic is a highly specialized piece of medical equipment that enables the joints and bones of the foot to be in a more stable position for standing and while in motion. Orthotics control each phase of the walking cycle; from the moment your heel contacts the ground to the point at which your toes push off the surface.

A: We are keen to get your feedback so we can continue to improve our services. Please email feedback to info@rainvillehealth.com.

A: Generally, all treatments are painless. If your condition is of a painful and sensitive nature, a local anesthetic can be administered and if necessary, a prescription can be provided.

A: Orthotics realign the foot in its optimal position and help hold it there by preventing excess motion. All joints go through a natural range of motion when walking. It is when this range of motion is exceeded that pathologies develop. Muscles and ligaments begin to pull at the wrong angle and have a far greater strain put on them. The bones of joints are not in their natural groove and wear and tear develops. Orthotics help the foot work as it was meant to. There are many different types of orthotics, depending on the condition. Most orthotics will last for several years.

A: Proper foot care starts with good foot hygiene. Wash feet daily, making sure to also clean in between toes. Nails should be trimmed straight across or slightly rounded like the end of the toe. Cream may be applied to the heels and dry areas but never in between the toes. Over moisturizing can cause skin rashes and athlete’s foot. Any painful areas should be assessed and treated by a chiropodist. In many cases the cause is not what it may seem to you.

A: This could be due to a wide range of factors affecting the outer aspect of the foot, such as callouses, corns and improper footwear, to more internal factors affecting the muscles and foot function. It is best to have a proper assessment by a chiropodist to see what is causing your specific pain.

A: Surgery should always be the last resort when all conservative treatment options have been exhausted. Not only are many pains easily relieved without surgery, but surgery is not always successful. Surgery can occasionally cause an increase in pain or create new pathologies.

• To cancel an appointment, please call our clinic at 705 268 (FEET) 3338. We require at least 2 business days notice before your visit time to cancel scheduled appointments.

o New Patient: No Show appointments without notice are taken seriously. Your credit card will be charged the full fee of the missed appointment.

o Return Clients: For no show appointment, clients will require prepayment in order to rebook their next appointment. No show or short cancelled appointments by all clients will be subject to a fee of $50.00 to be paid by the patient.

A: Rainville Health clinics are open by appointment only and remain closed on weekends. We are unable to accept any walk-ins under Covid-19 guidelines nonetheless, you can contact us through our various online platforms. We encourage you to check our hours of operations to ensure the location of your choice is open and offers the service you need.

A: We accept Debit Card, Cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Dinners Club, JCB and ApplePay.

A: All new patients requiring medical foot care at Rainville Health must first register as a patient. In addition, new patients now require a VIDEO assessment before attending the clinic for in-office treatment. Our team will contact you to set up the appointment and provide a video link for the video consultation portion of the assessment a few days before the appointment. Consequently, your initial foot care visit will be scheduled with a Rainville Health nurse or chiropodist for 45 minutes. They will ask questions related to your health and perform a complete lower extremity assessment to determine your needs. Based on your assessment they will discuss the treatment plan with you. This may include either foot care treatment or schedule an orthotic consultation with a pedorthist.

A: Our virtual platform allows for thorough foot care assessment, education and surveillance, from the comfort of your home. Once an appointment is booked, a link for your secure video teleconference visit will be sent via email.

A: We have a set rate for our foot care, and do not offer discounts, as our rates are already fairly priced.

A: Orthotics should be replaced a minimum of every 2 years.