Our Services Are Provided By:

Our team includes Chiropodists, Nurses, Pedorthists and support staff. Each professional works within their regulated scope of practice to support you, the patient. Whatever the foot-related concerns, we will start by sitting down with a provider and creating a plan together.

Chiropodists:

Chiropodists are government-regulated (by the College of Chiropodists of Ontario) and are primary care foot health providers. We assess and treat foot-related problems using palliative, therapeutic, surgical (soft tissue procedures ) footwear (orthopedic), and orthotics as a part of a management plan. Our governing body upholds the Chiropody Act of 1991 and licenses Chiropodists to inject substances into the foot, cut into the subcutaneous tissues of the foot, and prescribe medications as permitted by regulations and the providers' scope limitations.

Our scope of practice focuses on the foot. This allows us to help with complex foot problems—like diabetic wounds or infected ingrown toenails—and more straightforward issues that benefit from regular foot care, footwear recommendations, and custom orthotics as part of a management plan.

Foot Care Nurses:

At our clinic, chiropodists and registered practical nurses (RPNs) work together to deliver comprehensive foot care. Our chiropodists are skilled in assessing patient needs and developing personalized management plans, particularly for conditions related to foot health. These management plans are carefully delegated to our trained RPNs, who perform a variety of foot care tasks such as nail trimming, callus reduction, and the application of dressings. RPNs at our clinic adhere to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Nurses of Ontario, ensuring all practices align with the defined scope of nursing practice. This scope includes the promotion of health and the assessment, provision, and treatment of health conditions through supportive, preventive, therapeutic, palliative, and rehabilitative means to attain or maintain optimal function. Our RPNs are rigorously trained and proficient in these practices, ensuring that care is delivered safely and effectively under the guidance and supervision of our chiropodists. This collaborative approach allows us to provide high-quality, efficient care, focusing on patient education and the ongoing assessment of treatment outcomes. We uphold the highest patient safety standards and regulatory compliance in every aspect of our care.

Pedorthist

Pedorthists: Canadian Certified Pedorthists (C.Ped (C))

In our clinic, chiropodists and pedorthists work together to provide comprehensive foot and lower limb care. Chiropodists are well-equipped to handle all aspects of foot health, including advanced biomechanics and gait analysis specifically related to the foot. However, their scope is primarily confined to the foot itself, as defined by the College of Chiropodists of Ontario.

When a patient requires care that extends beyond the foot to other parts of the lower limb, such as the knee or hip, our Canadian Certified Pedorthists (C.Ped (C)) are called upon to manage these needs. This includes services like custom knee bracing and interventions for conditions that affect the broader biomechanics of the lower limb, which are outside the chiropodist’s scope of practice.

Pedorthists’ Scope and Regulatory Compliance:

In Ontario, pedorthists are skilled professionals specializing in the assessment of lower limb anatomy and biomechanics. They are not governed by a regulatory college like physicians or chiropodists but are certified through the Pedorthic Association of Canada (PAC) and the College of Pedorthics of Canada. These bodies set the standards of practice and ethical guidelines for the profession. Pedorthists bring specialized expertise in lower limb anatomy beyond the foot, providing custom solutions like knee and ankle braces that support proper alignment and function. This specialized knowledge is crucial for patients requiring orthopedic support that extends above the foot.

Adhering to Core Values and Regulations:

Our core values emphasize patient-centered care, professionalism, and the seamless collaboration between chiropodists and pedorthists. Both professions adhere to these values under their respective regulatory frameworks, ensuring that all treatments are conducted with the highest ethical standards and professional integrity. Our approach maximizes patient outcomes by deploying the right expertise for specific conditions, ensuring comprehensive and effective treatment.

Our Commitment to Integrated Care:

This collaborative model ensures that patients receive holistic and targeted interventions for both foot-specific issues and broader lower limb conditions, supported by professionals who specialize in their respective areas. By leveraging the distinct skills of both chiropodists and pedorthists, we deliver a level of care that addresses the full spectrum of lower limb health needs.

Our Canadian Certified Pedorthists (C.Ped (C)) are highly skilled professionals specializing in the assessment and treatment of lower extremity conditions. They provide comprehensive care for musculoskeletal injuries, medical conditions, disabilities, and diseases affecting the lower extremity, which includes the hip, thigh, knee, leg, ankle, and foot.

C. Ped (C) - Canadian Certified Pedorthist
These health professionals can provide:

• A comprehensive assessment of the lower extremity that includes postural and gait analysis, range of motion testing, palpation, special testing, footwear analysis, a detailed history, and review of potentially complicating health factors.

• A treatment plan for musculoskeletal injuries, medical conditions, disabilities, and diseases affecting the lower extremity. This plan is developed following a comprehensive assessment and incorporates non-invasive treatment options to improve patient biomechanics, comfort, and mobility. The treatment plan is implemented with a patient-centered approach, including patient education and shared decision-making. It is evaluated over time in conjunction with other healthcare professionals when necessary.

• Design of lower extremity orthoses to support a treatment plan that is developed following a comprehensive assessment. This involves using a theoretical and applied understanding of appropriate casting methods, pedorthic lab materials, and manufacturing techniques.

• Manufacturing of foot orthoses, as well as modifications and adjustments of lower extremity orthoses and footwear based on assessment results and patient goals.

C. Ped (C)’s may extend their scope of practice via additional qualifications, experience, or training, provided the area of practice is within their professional competence.

Lower extremity: The lower extremity refers to the part of the body that includes the hip, thigh, knee, leg, ankle, and foot. It consists of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels that work together to provide support, stability, and mobility for daily activities.
Source: Yale Medicine.