The Classic Warning Sign: Painful First Morning Steps

One of the most common complaints foot specialists hear is painful first morning steps in the heels.

If you dread getting out of bed because putting your feet on the floor feels like stepping on glass or causes a sharp, stabbing pain in your heel or arch, you are likely dealing with plantar fasciitis. This happens when a thick band of tissue running along the arch of your foot becomes inflamed or is degenerated. This is called the plantar fascia.

While you sleep, your foot rests in a slightly pointed position – causing the plantar fascia to shorten and tighten. When you take that very first step, the fascia is forced to stretch rapidly under your body weight, resulting in that sharp, signature jolt of pain. While it often eases up as you walk and the tissue warms up, it’s a sign of mechanical failure that requires intervention before it becomes chronic.

Foot pain that lasts longer than a week or two, despite rest and icing, requires a clinical look.

How a Chiropodist Can Help: Treatments That Work

It is tempting to try and fix foot issues with over-the-counter insoles or internet remedies, but leg and foot anatomy is incredibly complex. A proper clinical assessment goes beyond just treating the immediate symptom; it looks at your overall biomechanics to find the cause.

Depending on what is causing your foot pain, a chiropodist can offer a variety of targeted treatments.  A Chiropodist is an Ontario Regulated Health practitioner and are Foot specialists who assess, manage and prevent dysfunctions, disorders and diseases of the foot.

For foot pain like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, modern clinical therapies can speed up healing. A Chiropodist can provide treatments like shockwave therapy, manual therapy, taping or exercise therapy.  A Chiropodist can prescribe you with oral or topical Anti-Inflammatory medications that are stronger and more effective than over the counter medications. They can also provide relief with cortisone injections for the foot pain.

These can drastically reduce severe inflammation, break down scar tissue, and trigger your body’s natural healing response.

Biomechanics and Custom Foot Orthotics

If your foot pain stems from poor biomechanics, off-the-shelf insoles rarely offer a permanent fix. A Chiropodist can prescribe, design and dispense custom orthotics, specifically molded to your feet. They correct abnormal mechanics, redistribute pressure, and change how force is distributed through your feet, ankles, knees, and hips.

Don’t let foot pain dictate your life. If you have painful morning steps, a comprehensive evaluation is the first step toward restoring your mobility and keeping you moving comfortably.

The post Foot Pain Stopping You in Your Tracks? You Might Need to See a Chiropodist appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

Feet have many sweat glands, and when sweat gets trapped in shoes, especially those that do not allow air flow, bacteria can and will grow. As the bacteria break down sweat, an unpleasant smell develops.

Shoe odour is common, but it can sometimes point to a larger issue, such as excessive sweating, fungal infections, or footwear that is not providing enough ventilation.

Ways to Deodorize Shoes and Reduce Odour

If your shoes smell bad, there are many ways to reduce the odour and make your footwear feel fresher. These include:

• Let shoes air out after wearing them
• Rotate between different pairs of shoes
• Remove insoles to allow them to dry fully
• Clean removable insoles when possible
• Sprinkle baking soda inside shoes overnight
• Use foot powders or sprays to reduce moisture
• Wear moisture-wicking socks instead of pure cotton socks
• Choose shoes made with breathable materials

It is also important to make sure your feet stay as dry as possible throughout the day.

Some signs that moisture may be causing the problem include:

• Damp socks at the end of the day
• Sweaty feet during exercise or work
• Shoes that stay wet for long periods
• White, peeling, or itchy skin between the toes
• Persistent odour even after cleaning shoes

If the smell continues despite cleaning your shoes, there may be an underlying foot condition contributing to the problem.

How to Remove Smell from Shoes and Feet

Sometimes treating the shoes alone is not enough. It is also important to address what is happening with the feet. Some common causes of foot odour include:

• Excessive sweating
• Athlete’s foot
• Bacteria on the skin
• Thickened skin or calluses that trap moisture
• Wearing the same shoes every day
• Poor foot hygiene

There are several treatment options that may help:

• Wash feet daily with soap and water
• Dry carefully between the toes
• Change socks during the day if needed
• Use antifungal creams or sprays if recommended
• Wear properly fitted shoes with good ventilation
• Replace old shoes that continue to hold odours

A professional assessment can help identify the cause of the smell and recommend the right treatment plan.

How the BioPed Clinical Team Can Help

Different foot care professionals can help depending on the cause of the odour. A Certified Pedorthist can:

• Assess your footwear and fit
• Recommend more breathable shoes
• Suggest moisture-wicking socks or insoles
• Identify footwear issues that may trap heat and sweat

A Registered Chiropodist can:

• Identify & treat infections, such as Athlete’s foot
• Treat skin and nail concerns
• Recommend medical treatments for excessive sweating
• Address calluses or other skin conditions

A Medical Foot Care Nurse can:

• Provide skin/nail foot care and hygiene
• Monitor skin health
• Offer support for people with mobility concerns
• Identify early signs of skin breakdown or infection

Tips to Help Prevent Shoe Odour

Once the smell improves, a few simple habits can help keep it from coming back.

Helpful prevention tips include:

• Alternate between shoes each day
• Replace socks daily
• Avoid wearing damp shoes
• Choose breathable footwear when possible
• Use foot powder if your feet sweat heavily
• Clean insoles and socks regularly
• Treat fungal infections early
• Replace shoes that no longer dry properly

Shoe odour is common, but it does not have to become an ongoing problem. Addressing moisture, improving footwear, and treating any underlying foot conditions can make a big difference. With the right care, it is possible to keep both your feet and your shoes feeling fresher.

The post Why Do My Shoes Smell So Bad? appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

As footwear is the usual perpetrator in exacerbating calluses and corns on feet, the winter footwear makes our feet take a turn for the worse. Calluses and corns are hardened areas of skin that develop when we put too much pressure on them. When this occurs on the feet, they usually get worse because we are always standing on them and give them little room for rest. For people that are especially active, this can be painful to deal with.

Some other factors to consider in callus/corn development:

• Occupation and activities – such as sport or taking care of the kids
• The footwear used during such occupation and activities – safety boots, cleats, etc.
• The natural shape and bone structure of your foot
• Gait patterns and walking cycles
• Daily seated and resting positions
• Underlying biological factors

Foot Corn Treatment

The immediate solution for foot corn treatment is removal. As this is just skin, it is an easy and non-invasive task to perform. However, the causative factor is the pressure. If calluses and corns on feet are removed, they often come back, as their initial purpose was to try and protect the area underneath.

The long-term solution is always going to be offloading the foot. Sometimes it is as easy as paying attention to where you are putting pressure or the way you walk. Other times, it means changing the things you use to help take the weight off. A proper shoe can help guide your foot in the right direction, but if there is significant build up under the big toe, we may need a supportive insole to take the pressure off at that very spot instead.

When to See a BioPed Clinician

Although people may try to perform their own foot corn treatment through their own removal, this can be tricky, painful, and even dangerous. Our trained Medical Footcare clinicians can easily remove the offending callus and provide relief.

Post-care, Canadian Certified Pedorthists and trained staff can identify the biomechanical factors that contribute to calluses and corns on feet, and recommend footwear, supportive devices, or even create custom foot orthoses and insoles to redirect pressure.

If this sounds like something you are struggling with, book an appointment at your nearest BioPed location today!

The post Festive Footwear Taking a Toll? What to Do About Corns and Calluses appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

How BioPed Helps with Foot Pain (and more)

At BioPed, we view foot health from three angles: relieving pain, enhancing performance, and preventing future trouble. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• A full clinical assessment by a Certified Pedorthist, Registered Chiropodist, or Advanced Footcare Nurse, to pinpoint the source of your discomfort
• Gait analysis and, when needed, 3D casting or scanning for a medical device (orthotics, bracing) to begin building custom foot orthotics
• Providing education about your foot structure, mechanics, footwear and any lower extremity conditions identified
• On-site craftsmanship of custom orthotics, footwear modifications, and bracing adjustments
• Follow-up visits to monitor progress and make adjustments to your medical items as necessary
• Use of orthopaedic footwear, compression, nail/skin care and bracing when appropriate

Our clinics, led by clinicians, prioritise lower extremity health over retail. We bring together clinical expertise, custom solutions, and long-term care promotion under one roof.

Beyond the Feet: Addressing Knee Pain, Ingrown Toenails & More

At BioPed, our services extend beyond foot pain to include:

Knee pain and bracing

• Assessment of joint alignment, muscle strength, and overall lower extremity biomechanics
• Fitting of therapeutic knee braces and supports
• Exercises and offloading strategies to reduce pain and stress on the joint

Ingrown toenails

• Assessment of ingrown toenails, infections, and nail deformities
• Conservative or surgical correction by our Chiropodists or Advanced Footcare Nurses
• Routine/post-procedure care and prevention strategies

Other lower extremity conditions

• Tendinopathies (e.g. Achilles tendinitis)
• Shin splints or medial tibial stress syndrome
• Hip or alignment-related issues (e.g. leg length discrepancy)
• Flat feet, high arches, children’s concerns

Because we look at the entire kinetic chain, from foot to knee to hip, we can reduce symptoms upstream by stabilizing your foundation.

Be Proactive: Why Follow-Ups & Annual Check-Ups Matter

Prevention and early detection are cornerstones of lasting foot and lower limb health. Here’s how BioPed helps you stay ahead:

• Scheduled follow-ups allow us to track progress, catch small changes, and fine-tune your orthotics or supports
• Annual check-ups with your Pedorthist help detect wear patterns, shifts in alignment, or emerging pain before they worsen
• Regular reviews of your shoes, activity levels, and gait help adapt your plan as life changes (weight, activity, aging)
• Educational refreshers help you stay aware of signs that call for early intervention

By maintaining this ongoing relationship, we aim to keep you more active, more comfortable, and less likely to face setbacks.

Choosing BioPed means trusting a network of certified clinicians committed to your foot and lower extremity health. Our comprehensive approach, from diagnosis to custom treatment, follow-ups, and preventive check-ups, is designed to help you overcome pain and do more of what you love.

The post Why Choose BioPed Footcare & Orthotics appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

What Are Cortisone Injections?

Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication that mimics the natural hormone cortisol produced by your body’s adrenal glands. When injected directly into an inflamed area, cortisone helps to reduce swelling, relieve pain, and improve mobility.

In the feet, cortisone injections are commonly used to treat conditions such as:

• Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
• Morton’s neuroma (nerve pain between the toes)
• Arthritis in the midfoot or big toe joint
• Bursitis and tendon inflammation
• Capsulitis (inflammation around a joint)

How a Chiropodist Uses Cortisone Injections

A Chiropodist is a Foot Specialist in Ontario trained to assess and provide treatment and management of acute and chronic foot pain. After assessing your symptoms and confirming the source of pain, your Chiropodist may recommend a cortisone injection if other non-invasive methods have not provided enough relief.

The procedure is quick and minimally invasive. The area is cleaned, and a small amount of cortisone—often combined with a local anaesthetic—is injected into the affected site. The goal is to calm inflammation and allow your body to heal naturally.

What to Expect After the Injection

Many people notice relief within a few days, though it may take up to a week for the full effect. It’s normal to experience mild soreness or a “steroid flare” (temporary increase in pain) for 24–48 hours after the injection. Your Chiropodist may recommend rest, ice, or reduced activity during this time.

Potential Side Effects and Risks

While cortisone injections are generally safe when administered by a trained Chiropodist, it’s important to understand the possible side effects and rare complications.

Common, short-term side effects may include:

• Mild swelling, redness, or tenderness at the injection site
• Temporary flare-up of pain (steroid flare)
• Skin or fat thinning at the injection site
• A change in skin colour (lightening or darkening)

Less common but potential complications include:

• Infection at the injection site (rare)
• Tendon weakening or rupture if injected too close to a tendon
• Increased blood sugar levels, especially in patients with diabetes
• Allergic reaction to the medication (rare)
• Recurrent pain if underlying biomechanical or structural causes are not addressed

Your Chiropodist will review your medical history, current medications, and foot structure to ensure the injection is performed safely and appropriately.

Long-Term Considerations

Cortisone injections are highly effective for reducing inflammation, but they are not a cure for the underlying cause of foot pain. Most Chiropodists will combine injections with a long-term treatment plan — such as custom orthotics, footwear advice, stretching programs, or physical therapy — to prevent recurrence. Repeated injections in the same site are usually limited, as excessive cortisone use can weaken soft tissues over time.

When to See a Chiropodist

If foot pain is limiting your daily life and conservative measures haven’t worked, consulting a BioPed Chiropodist is the next step. They can assess the problem, discuss all treatment options — including whether a cortisone injection is suitable — and create a personalized plan to keep you comfortably on your feet.

The post Understanding Cortisone Injections in the Feet: How a Chiropodist Can Help Relieve Pain appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

This innovative approach uses a special resin applied to the nail surface, helping to guide it back into a healthier shape over time that reduces any painful curvature along borders. It’s safe and effective for nearly everyone, including children and people living with diabetes.

What Exactly Is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail happens when the edge or corner of your toenail starts to grow into the surrounding skin. This often causes pain, redness, and develops into swelling and sensitivity. If not treated early, the area can become infected – and in more severe cases, even affect the way you walk due to the discomfort.

Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails

A number of things can contribute to the development of ingrown toenails, including:

• Tight or poorly fitting shoes
• Genetics
• Naturally curved toenails
• Toe deformities (bunions, clawed toes)
• Improper trimming (cutting nails too short or rounding the corners)
• Trauma to the nail (stubbing your toe)
• Fungal nail infections

Signs to Watch For

You might have an ingrown toenail if you notice:

• Pain when wearing shoes (especially closed-toe styles)
• Discomfort while walking, running, or putting pressure on the toe
• Redness or swelling near the nail
• Pus, bleeding, or tenderness at the nail edge
• Thickened or callused skin around the nail

What is Toenail Bracing?

At BioPed Footcare Clinics, many of our Medical Footcare Clinicians—both Nurses and Chiropodists—are trained in the use of Onyfix®, a modern nail correction system designed to ease discomfort and encourage natural, healthy nail growth. Here’s how it works:

1. A flexible resin is applied across the top of the nail.
2. It’s cured with a safe LED light, securing it in place.
3. As the resin sets, it creates a slight lift on the edges of the nail—reducing pressure and pain.
4. The brace stays on as your nail grows, gently guiding it into a straighter shape over time.
5. Most patients feel relief almost instantly. In many cases, a single application is all that’s needed, though some may benefit from follow-up treatments.

Is Onyfix® Right for You?

If you’ve been dealing with ongoing toe pain or recurring ingrown nails, Onyfix® offers a conservative, effective option that doesn’t involve cutting or surgery. There’s little downtime from your routine activities, and it can be done quickly during a routine visit to one of our clinics offering Medical Footcare.

Whether you’re looking for long-term relief or just want to stop the pain from coming back, toenail bracing with Onyfix® might be the solution you’ve been waiting for. Contact your local BioPed clinic today to see if Onyfix® toenail bracing is right for you!

The post Ingrown Toenails affecting your day-to-day life? Consider toenail bracing for relief. appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

Toenail changes are common for runners and hence where the term came from. Due to the friction of running and the constant rubbing of the toenail against the shoe, the toenails can become damaged over long periods of time. Let’s break down what causes toenail pain, how it connects to things like yellow or black toenails, and what you can do to treat and prevent them.

Blood Blisters (Black toenails)

Often, we will see the friction and pressure that footwear rubbing on toes causes, resulting in bleeding underneath the toenail. This bleeding has nowhere to escape to and becomes trapped as a blister of blood under the nail. This is otherwise known as a subungual hematoma. It is one of the most common presentations that we see in a runner’s toenail.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenail pain is perhaps the most common cause for pain, and it is no stranger to runner’s toenails. With enough pressure from shoes or abutting toes, the nail can begin piercing the skin and create a source of infection. Combined with the warm and moist environment of a running shoe after 10 km, this is not ideal!

Yellow Toenails (Loose)

Toenails can even lift and loosen entirely from the skin, and cause an uncomfortable sensation with it barely hanging on. While it may not be fully loose, it may appear yellow or white – an indication it could fall off very soon. It is important to have this assessed as the newly created space below the nail and above the underlying skin encourages fungal/bacterial growth, and a deep yellow colour can be a sign of fungal infection.

Pressure and Pain

Pain and pressure related to a toenail is no walk in the park and can be cumbersome to daily activities, even outside of running. When the pain starts interfering with daily activities, we need to start addressing it.

How can we treat Runner’s Toenails?

• Wearing the appropriate footwear – the friction, pain or pressure can be caused by a poor shoe fit or the wrong shoe size, so by wearing properly fitting running shoes that are supportive, we can reduce this trauma.
• Wearing supportive Custom Foot Orthoses – Similarly to supportive footwear, orthotics can help to address the biomechanical functions of the feet and lower extremity often preventing all sorts of pain, even improving overall function.
• Drain blisters and infections – Blisters and infections must be managed by a medical professional to prevent recurrent infection and further complications.
• Ease up on training – It may not be what many runners want to hear, but after all other measures fail, it may be time to reduce the level of activity. Rest is some of the best medicine, and we can all use a break sometimes.

Toenail pain might seem like a small issue, but it can be your body’s way of telling you something needs attention—whether it’s your shoes, your training routine, or your overall foot health.

And while yellow toenails might just be from too much nail polish or a minor fungal infection, it’s worth looking into if the discoloration sticks around or is paired with pain or a loose toenail. We need to be especially cautious of more sinister black lesions on the feet, and ensure they are not at the risk of being a cancer, such as melanoma.

If you think you have a Runner’s toenail or you’re not sure, give your local BioPed a call today to find out how we can help! To find a BioPed Registered Chiropodist or Advanced Footcare Nurse, visit www.bioped.com/locations.

The post As a runner you may have ‘runner’s toenails’ – What is it, and how can you treat it. appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

Whether you’re a nurse, teacher, retail worker, tradesperson, or anyone else who stays upright for a living, those little aches and pains are worth paying attention to. Catching them early can make a big difference in how you feel now and in the long run.

Why Your Feet and Legs Hurt After Standing All Day

Understanding where your pain is coming from makes it easier to find the right solution. Most foot and leg problems from prolonged standing fall into one of these three categories:

Muscle and Joint Strain

• Often caused by repetitive stress on your muscles and joints
• Can lead to conditions like Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, or arthritis

Circulation Issues

• Prolonged standing can make blood flow returning to the heart slowed & create leg health concerns
• May cause swelling, varicose veins, or a condition called chronic venous insufficiency

Skin and Nail Problems

• Pressure and friction in footwear can cause corns, calluses, cracked heels, and ingrown toenails
• May also arise from Ill-fitting shoes or poor foot hygiene, which can exacerbate problems.

5 Ways to Care for Your Lower Legs and Feet

Taking care of your feet and legs doesn’t have to be complicated. Focusing on these five areas can make a big difference in how you feel at the end of the day, and help prevent future problems:

1. Custom Orthotics

• Are special shoe inserts made to fit your feet and correct imbalances
• Improve conditions such as flat feet, high arches, heel spurs, and plantar fasciitis
• Corrects alignment, ease joint stress, and reduce pain in your feet, knees, and back

2. Supportive Shoes

• Provide better shock absorption and can distribute pressure evenly
• Are key for managing tired feet, bunions, hammertoes, and ball-of-foot pain
• Can prevent blisters, calluses, and other skin problems

3. Compression Socks

• Apply gentle pressure to improve blood flow in your legs
• Are great for reducing swelling, tiredness, and varicose veins
• Can be especially helpful after long shifts on your feet

4. Orthopedic Braces for Extra Support

• Help to stabilize sore or weak joints
• Are often used for ankle sprains, knee arthritis, or Achilles tendon pain
• Reduce strain and help prevent further injury

5. Professional Foot Care

• Nurse/Chiropody treatments help to keep your skin and nails healthy
• Can address issues like ingrown toenails, fungal infections, or cracked heels
• Essential for people with diabetes or poor circulation

How BioPed Can Help

Canadian Certified Pedorthists at BioPed are trained in lower extremity mechanics. They’ll help identify the source of your discomfort and work with you to find the right solution. Here’s how they can help:

• Assess how you walk, stand, and move to better understand your needs
• Design and fit custom orthotics to address pain or prevent injury
• Recommend proper footwear, orthopedic braces, and compression gear
• Refer you to a Foot Care Nurse or Chiropodist for medical foot treatments

With the right support, you can stay active and comfortable, even if your job keeps you on your feet all day.

The post On Your Feet All Day? Don’t Ignore These Common Foot & Leg Problems appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

When do you see a Chiropodist or a Footcare Nurse?

Footcare Nurses perform many of the treatments that Chiropodists do regarding skin and toenails. This will include the trimming of calluses, corns, amd thick or ingrown nails. They also treat warts.

As mentioned, between the two professions, only a Chiropodist can perform biomechanical exams. They will be required when you need orthotics. They can provide a prescription for the orthotics or for antibiotics. Thus, you’ll want to see a Chiropodist is you have an active infection, an open wound, or have a need for numbing with anesthesia.  They also can perform a surgical procedure where necessary.

Below, we will discuss the specific conditions where these clinicians can help you!

Ingrown Toenails

A painful condition where the nail grows into the soft tissue, by the border or edge.

Having the nail pierce or puncture the skin can be considerably painful, and occurs when the nails are curved or spiked. This can usually be prevented with proper nail-trimming technique, appropriate footwear, and education. But sometimes genetics is an unavoidable risk factor.

Both Chiropodists and Footcare nurses can use the Onyfix technology to manage ingrown toenails. This treatment is non-invasive, safe, and long lasting. It works as a brace to alleviate pressure and helps the nails grow straighter. In dire measures, Chiropodists can perform nail surgery as well.

Fungal Toenails

An infection by fungus, causing the nail to be either thick, discoloured, crumbly, smelly, or all of the above.

Fungal toenails need intervention to be fully treated and cannot be resolved on their own. Treatment can include medication, light therapy, and debridement. BioPed clinicians are trained in ToeFX treatment, which is a novel light therapy treatment that has been shown to be very effective against tricky fungal toenails. BioPed nurses offer over-the-counter medication effective against nail fungus and Chiropodists can prescribe a pharmaceutical.

If a topical medicine is used, the nail must be thin enough for the treatments to penetrate through. Chiropodists and Footcare nurses can debride the toenails and allow the treatment to be successful.

Corns and Calluses

Thick skin that can appear anywhere on the foot – bottom, top, or even in between the toes.

Caused by high pressure or friction, the skin builds up in a local area as a defense mechanism at first, but it can quickly become pathological. This build up can be painful and change the way we walk, leading to other issues up the leg.

The medical footcare team can easily care for calluses and corns, and can offer solutions on how to prevent them from coming back. Moisturizing, offloading the pressure with orthotics and quality orthopedic footwear are all excellent solutions to do so.

Plantar Warts

A viral infection. Warts are found on the bottom of the foot and are contagious.

Warts will look different than a corn or callus with a blooming or cauliflower-like appearance, along with black dotting and pain along the sides of the lesion. The virus of interest is the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can take time to fully resolve.

Similarly to corns and calluses and fungus, they need to be debrided so that medication can penetrate and cure the infection. Chiropodists and Footcare Nurses can apply topical medications such as silver nitrate or Cantharidin. For surgical procedures, Chiropodists can perform an excision or needling procedure.

Diabetes and Foot Health

A systemic disease, associated with high blood sugar, that affects the whole body with a slew of complications, especially in the foot.

Due to these complications, people with diabetes are more likely to have cold feet, infection, and even loss of nerve sensation, known as neuropathy. 70% of non-traumatic foot amputations are a result of poorly controlled diabetes.

To maintain and ensure continued foot health, BioPed Chiropodists and Footcare Nurses will monitor feet with routine care and diabetic assessments. The education provided is invaluable to keep the feet healthy through life.

Biomechanical and Musculoskeletal Pain

Found in conditions such as plantar fasciitis, clawed digits, and gait abnormalities.

Being on your feet is a natural part of life, but can also cause damage to them over them. Physically, the stress can amount to findings of deformity and pain.

When dealing with a deformity like crowded digits or clawed toes, the medical footcare team can create custom toe props or use silicone sleeves to offload pressure.

With other painful conditions, Chiropodists are able to assess the gait to address the abnormality, and proceed with surgical intervention, such as injections where necessary,

How do I book an appointment?

BioPed Registered Chiropodists and Advanced Footcare Nurses can help improve your foot health, alleviate foot pain, and get you back to doing more of what you love in life.

Contact your local BioPed and schedule an appointment to find out how a Registered Chiropodist or Advanced Footcare Nurse can help you today!

The post How Can a Chiropodist or Footcare Nurse Improve Your Foot Health? appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

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!

The post Pedorthist, Chiropodist, Foot Care Nurse – Who should I see and what do they do? appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.