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 treat people who come from different regions, whether from Ottawa or elsewhere in Ontario, or from other parts of Quebec.

4 What types of problems can a podiatrist treat?

Podiatrists treat, among others:

Plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, tendonitis
Morton's neuromas, metatarsalgia, capsulitis (synovitis)
Ingrown toenails, plantar warts
Fractures, sprains, infections
Diabetic wounds, sports injuries
Posture problems, flat feet, high-arched feet

5 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, just like your dentist: you can consult them directly, and your group insurance will not require a referral in the vast majority of cases.

6 What treatments are available for ingrown toenails?

Several options exist depending on severity:

Routine preventive care
Cutting and removing the nail tip (with or without local anesthesia)
Antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotic treatment
Minor surgery: removal of the affected nail portion and treatment of the matrix to prevent regrowth

7 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 the knees or back. They work by redistributing pressure away from injured areas and reducing strain on structures like muscles, tendons and ligaments. Your podiatrist will evaluate you first to determine whether they are right for your situation.

8 Are consultations and treatments with the podiatrist covered by insurance?

Podiatric treatments may be covered by private insurance — check with your provider. RAMQ and OHIP do not cover podiatry services. Custom foot orthotics prescribed by your podiatrist generally fall into a separate category from visit fees, which may give you access to two different reimbursement amounts.

9 How is a podiatric assessment performed?

The visit includes:

A written questionnaire followed by an in-depth discussion about your problem
A physical examination (palpation, muscle strength tests, range of motion)
If needed: X-rays, musculoskeletal ultrasound, gait and plantar pressure analysis
A clear explanation of treatment options, their costs and prognosis
A personalized treatment plan tailored to your preferences

10 What is the difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon?

A podiatrist focuses exclusively on the feet and ankles (Ordre des podiatres du Québec — doctorate in podiatric medicine). An orthopedic surgeon is a medical specialist treating the entire musculoskeletal system (College of Physicians — orthopedic surgery).

11 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, a skin or nail issue, a sprain, swelling, or difficulty walking.

12 Can I see a podiatrist for ankle fractures or sprains?

Yes. A podiatrist can diagnose and treat minor fractures and sprains, often with on-site X-rays or ultrasound. It is an excellent alternative to avoid long waits at the emergency room.

13 What services are available for people with diabetes?

We offer comprehensive care for the "diabetic foot":

Full circulation assessment (Doppler, toe pressure measurement)
Nerve and sensation evaluation
Skin and nail inspection
Detection of deformities that put the foot at risk of injury
Prevention of wounds, ulcers and infections that could lead to amputation

14 Do you offer surgical treatments for the feet?

Yes. Podiatrists perform minor surgical procedures (such as correcting ingrown toenails) and some also perform bone surgery, for example to correct bunions (hallux valgus) and hammer toes.

15 How long does it take to make custom orthotics?

It usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to make custom orthotics after the evaluation and impression-taking.

16 Do you provide care for children and seniors?

Yes. We offer care adapted to the specific needs of both children and seniors for a wide range of podiatric problems.

17 How do I make an appointment with a podiatrist?

Three ways to reach us:

By phone at 819 800-1212
Via the contact form on our website
Directly at the clinic during our opening hours

18 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.

19 Do you offer emergency consultations for sudden injuries or pain?

Yes. We offer emergency consultations for minor injuries, infections or acute pain.

20 How often do I have follow-ups after starting podiatric treatment?

The frequency depends on the treatment. For example:

Plantar warts: follow-up every 2 to 8 weeks
Custom foot orthotics: follow-up a few weeks after the start of daily wear, then every 6 to 12 months