1. What is a podiatrist and what does he do?
A podiatrist is a health professional governed by Quebec law whose job is the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of foot and ankle problems.
2. Do you accept new patients?
Yes, we are pleased to welcome people who have never been to the clinic. We will introduce them to our services and help them get back on their feet. This is our passion and our mission. We look forward to guiding you towards solving your foot problems.
3. Do you accept patients from Ontario and other patients outside Quebec?
Certainly. We are happy to deal with people who come from different regions, whether it is from Ottawa or elsewhere in Ontario, or from other parts of Québec.
2. What types of problems can a podiatrist treat?
Podiatrists treat musculoskeletal foot pain such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, tendonitis, joint inflammation, Morton’s neuromas, metatarsalgia, capsulitis (synovitis), ingrown toenails, plantar warts, fractures, sprains, infections, diabetic wounds, sports injuries, posture problems, pain associated with flat feet, cavity feet and other morphological disorders and more.
3. Do I need a medical prescription to see a podiatrist?
No, you do not need a prescription from a doctor to see a podiatrist in Quebec. Your podiatrist is a front-line professional and can assess and treat you without you having been seen by your doctor first. It’s like your dentist. You can visit him or her and receive treatment without a doctor’s prescription. In addition, your group insurance will not require this prescription as a condition of reimbursement, except in very rare and identified cases.
4. What treatments are available for ingrown toenails?
Treatments include:
- Routine care in prevention
- Cutting and removing the nail tip that injures the beauty (with or without local anesthesia, depending on the severity)
- treatment with antibiotic ointment
- antibiotic treatment in tablets by mouth
- minor surgical procedures to remove the affected part of the nail and apply medication to the nail root (called the “matrix”) to prevent the regrowth of the part that is injuring the skin.
5. What are foot orthotics and when do I need them?
Foot orthotics are custom-made orthopedic devices designed to treat pain in the feet, ankles, legs, and sometimes also in the knees or back. Orthotics work by redistributing pressure away from injured areas and reducing the strain on structures such as muscles, tendons or ligaments that are injured, which promotes healing. To find out if orthotics are a good treatment for you, your podiatrist will start by evaluating you and finding the cause of your problem(s). Then, if foot orthotics are a good treatment, your podiatrist will be able to take the measurements and impressions necessary to make them.
6. Are consultations and treatments with the podiatrist covered by insurance?
Podiatric treatments may be covered by private insurance. Check with your insurer. Please note that the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) does not cover the services of podiatrists, nor does the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Be aware that custom-made foot orthotics prescribed and dispensed by your podiatrist usually fall into a different category than treatments. You therefore have an amount for the visit and treatment fees as well as an amount to cover the cost of a custom foot orthotic, if it is recommended.
7. How is a podiatric examination performed?
The visit begins with a written questionnaire, then continues with a discussion during which your podiatrist seeks to understand the origin of your problem, its duration, its consequences on your daily activities and the links with your overall health. This may include a review of the medications you are taking, your medical history, and any previous injuries or surgeries. Then, your podiatrist will perform a physical examination. In the case of pain, for example in your heel, this often includes palpating the painful area, i.e. touching specific structures such as your bones, muscles and tendons. The goal is to isolate the part of your foot that is injured and to know which parts are healthy and pain-free. Your podiatrist can also do maneuvers such as muscle strength and range of motion tests and analyze the posture of your feet and lower limbs. If necessary, certain tests can be done, including the following:
- X-rays of your feet and/or ankles
- Musculoskeletal ultrasound to visualize tendons, ligaments, plantar fascia, muscles, joints, and bursae
- a blood test (done in a CLSC or test centre) to determine if your problem is a local problem or a general illness that will need to be treated by a general practitioner (family doctor)
- a skin or nail biopsy for laboratory analysis, such as to evaluate a nail infected with a fungus or a spot on the skin in order to
- An analysis of gait and plantar pressure on our instrumented walking aisle
Once the problem has been identified, your podiatrist will explain the different treatments available, their advantages and disadvantages, their costs and their prognosis, i.e. the success rate and the speed with which each option will allow you to solve the problem. Then, taking into account your preferences, we will establish the treatment plan and implement it. It is likely that this will require several visits.
8. What is the difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedist?
A podiatrist focuses on the feet and ankles, while an orthopedist treats conditions of the musculoskeletal system as a whole. The orthopedist is a medical specialist who is a member of the College of Physicians with specialized medical training in orthopedic surgery, while the podiatrist is a health professional who is a member of the Ordre des podiatres du Québec with a doctorate in podiatric medicine.
9. When should I see a podiatrist for foot pain?
Consult a podiatrist as soon as you have a foot problem, whether it is pain, injury, infection, skin or nail problem, sprain, swelling or difficulty walking.
10. Can I see a podiatrist for ankle fractures or sprains?
Yes, a podiatrist can diagnose and treat minor fractures and sprains, often with X-rays or on-site ultrasound. In fact, this is one of the good reasons to consult him to avoid endless waits in the emergency room (see our article on this subject).
11. What are the services for people with diabetes?
Podiatrists offer specialized care to prevent and treat diabetes-related complications, called “diabetic foot.” These complications include wounds, ulcers, infections, circulation problems. These serious problems even lead some people who are not fortunate enough to receive the appropriate services to undergo amputations. Our services include:
- Comprehensive circulation assessment with Doppler and toe pressure measuring device
- Nerve and sensation assessment
- Skin and nail inspection
- Detection of deviations or deformities of the toes or skeleton of the foot, putting it at risk of injury
- a history of diabetes and previous foot injuries
12. Do you offer foot surgery?
Yes, podiatrists can perform minor surgical procedures, such as correcting ingrown toenails or other podiatric conditions. Some podiatrists also perform bone surgery, for example to correct problems such as bunions (hallux valgus) and hammer toes.
13. How long does it take to make custom orthotics?
It usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to make custom orthotics after the evaluation.
14. Do you provide care for children and seniors?
Yes, we offer care tailored to the specific needs of children and seniors for various foot problems.
15. How do I make an appointment with a podiatrist?
You can make an appointment by phone at 819 800-1212, via our contact form on our website or directly at the clinic during our opening hours.
16. How long does a consultation with a podiatrist take?
A consultation usually lasts between 20 and 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your problem.
17. Do you offer emergency consultations for sudden injuries or pain?
Yes, we offer emergency consultations for minor injuries, infections or acute pain.
18. How often do I have follow-ups after starting podiatric treatment?
The frequency of follow-ups depends on the treatment, but regular check-ups are often necessary to ensure the effectiveness of care. For example, in the case of plantar warts, follow-up is done every 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the treatment chosen. In the case of custom-made foot orthotics, follow-up is usually done a few weeks after the start of daily wear, and then every 6 to 12 months to re-evaluate the treatment plan.
