Foot pain, knee pain, and foot care – all reasons to visit a BioPed clinic! At BioPed clinics, you could have an assessment with a Chiropodist, Pedorthist or Footcare Nurse. Each role is vital to our foot care team, and we hope to clarify the differences.
Chiropodists
Chiropodists are practitioners who specialize in the care of the foot and ankle, which can range in treatments from surgical nail interventions, orthotic therapy, and amongst many others. The majority of Chiropodists in Ontario obtain their education and credential of Diploma of Chiropody (D.Ch.) from the Michener Institute of Applied Sciences in Toronto.
The more familiar term may be a “Podiatrist” or Podiatry” – popularized through the American usage, their practitioners often hold a Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) acquired from schools internationally. However, as of 1993, from the Chiropody Act of 1991 Ontario Legislation, all incoming members are to be formally known as Chiropodists. As of 2024, the College of Chiropodists of Ontario has 806 active Chiropodists registered.
At BioPed, your Chiropodist can attend to needs such as prescribing custom foot orthoses, wart removal, or even simple routine foot care and nail care, such as ingrown toenail, corn or callus trimming.
Canadian Certified Pedorthists
A Canadian Certified Pedorthist, to which this article will refer to as a Pedorthist, carries the designation of C. Ped (C). The only pedorthic program in Canada that confers a Diploma of Pedorthics is at Western University in Ontario. Their speciality is in the biomechanical examination of the lower extremity, studying gait abnormalities, and addressing them with custom foot orthoses (orthotics), bracing and footwear. Pedorthists are especially skilled in the fabrication of orthotics, and often make them just as so, custom and by hand.
From the College of Pedorthics of Canada, they approximate ~600 members across Canada, with about ~400 in Ontario. Nationally, we employ 148 pedorthists who network and educate each other to ensure that we offer best-in-class client care.
Foot Care Nurses
A foot care nurse often holds the title of a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN), and will often take additional certification to train and specialize in the foot.
They are skilled removing corns, ingrown toenails, and even attending to warts as part of their all encompassing foot care. For most general case purposes, the Foot Care Nurse is the person to see.
How We Work Together
Foot Pain, or Knee Pain?
When addressing foot pain or knee pain, it is more often than not, musculoskeletal in nature. This means there is likely an imbalance of pressure, stress, and physical exertion upon the structures in your foot and leg.
While measures such as physiotherapy, stretching, and exercise can alleviate the pain, it can be helpful to address the root cause of the pain with a supportive device. This is where your Chiropodist or Pedorthist can come in, assess your biomechanical deficiencies, and correct them with an orthotic or brace.
While a Chiropodist is able to prescribe an orthotic, they will work in coordination with Pedorthists to create them and ensure the device treats your needs. Either can perform the assessment and fitting!
Skin or Toenail Care?
Sometimes, the problems we encounter on our feet are related to the skin and dermatological lesions. Our nails make up a large source of problems, through fungus, ingrown nails, or plain thick nails that need professional work performed to restore them to a healthy state. Thick skin and callus/corns are a sore for many. The most common association we see this with are for patients with diabetes, where the feet become at risk. Regular foot care and maintenance will prevent this and keep the feet in good shape.
Foot Care Nurses and Chiropodists can both see these foot check ups, and lesions such as warts, while a Chiropodist can see to any high risk surgical intervention.
Come See Us!
If you’re going on a long hike and want some advice, or are experiencing lower limb pain, please book an appointment today! At BioPed Footcare, whether it’s bracing, shoes, or orthotics, we are here for you. With our on-site lab there is nothing we can’t do! Meet with one of BioPed’s lower limb clinicians to see how to keep your feet and lower limbs healthy!
