Understanding the differences Podiatrist or orthotist | Gatineau
Marie-Claude looked at her feet in perplexity that morning. After six months of persistent pain in her right heel, she finally decided to seek help. But now she found herself in a dilemma: her friend recommended an orthotist, while her colleague swore by her podiatrist.
Sitting in her kitchen in the Plateau in Gatineau, she frantically typed on Google: “difference podiatrist orthotist Gatineau”. The contradictory results only increased his confusion. Foot orthotics, diagnosis, prescription… the words intertwine in his head like a tangled ball of wool.
Does this sound familiar? You’re not alone. Every day, many Outaouais residents ask themselves exactly the same question.
The distinction between these two foot health professions remains blurred for many, which can delay access to appropriate care.
Yet, understanding this fundamental difference can literally transform your care journey. This is the key to getting the right treatment, at the right time, by the right professional.
At the Clinique Médecine podiatrique du Plateau, we regularly see patients who have wasted precious time by consulting the wrong professional first.
Today, let’s demystify these two essential professions together. You’ll learn not only about their distinct roles, but also how they work together for your well-being. A clear understanding that could save you months of unnecessary suffering.
Why does this confusion still persist in 2025? 🤔
The confusion between podiatrist and orthotist is not new. It stems from a general lack of knowledge of the Quebec health care system and the complementarity of these professions. One always works with the feet (the podiatrist), the other occasionally (the orthotist), both may be involved in the manufacture of orthotics… But their roles are fundamentally different.
This lack of knowledge has real consequences. How many patients suffer needlessly because they consulted the wrong professional? How many orthotics are made without proper medical diagnosis? These questions deserve clear answers.
The reality is that the Quebec health care system establishes a specific scope of practice for these professions. The podiatrist acts as a front-line professional, capable of diagnosing foot disorders and prescribing the appropriate treatment, whether medical, orthopedic or surgical. The orthotist, on the other hand, carries out prescriptions for orthopaedic appliances with great competence.
This distinction is not just administrative – it has a direct impact on your care pathway. Consulting the right professional first can save you time, money and suffering. That’s why we’re taking the time today to clarify these roles once and for all.
Foot orthotics: who does what exactly?
One of the main sources of confusion concerns foot orthotics. “If the orthotist can make foot orthotics, why consult a podiatrist?” we are often asked. The answer lies in the complete medical process required to prescribe them.
Think of orthotics as glasses for your feet. You wouldn’t go straight to the lens manufacturer without first consulting an optometrist, would you? The same principle applies here. The podiatrist performs the clinical examination and the complete biomechanical examination, establishes the diagnosis and determines the treatment plan.
Your podiatrist’s treatment plan may include prescribing a foot orthotic if your situation is suitable for this type of treatment. Not all foot problems can be treated at any stage with a foot orthotic.
However, and this distinction is particularly important, the treatment proposed by your podiatrist will often include other treatment modalities such as stretching or strengthening exercises, ankle brace, adapted footwear, ultrasound-guided injections, physiotherapy, prescription medications, manual therapy, therapeutic laser, radial shockwave treatments, the recommendation to consult another health professional, and more!
Additional investigations such as blood tests or imaging tests (X-ray, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging or other scans) may also be necessary to clarify the diagnosis.
Dr. Sandra Gendron, Dr. Émile Carrier and Dr. Stephen Davis, podiatrists at our clinic, use state-of-the-art technologies for this evaluation: static and dynamic analysis of plantar pressures with front and side cameras, digital X-rays, musculoskeletal ultrasound. These examinations make it possible to understand precisely the source of the problem and to prescribe the appropriate orthosis.
Your orthotist, although professional and competent, is neither legally authorized nor trained to make a diagnosis or issue a treatment plan.
The orthotist comes into play to make the device according to the podiatrist’s exact specifications. His technical know-how is crucial to translate podiatric prescription into a concrete solution. This collaboration ensures that you not only receive the right diagnosis, but also the right device for your needs.
We are pleased to offer the complete assessment and manufacture of custom foot orthotics under one roof. The advantage for you is that the evaluation and follow-up of your pain as well as the foot orthotic therapy, if necessary, is done entirely in the same place. Your treating podiatrist can therefore adjust the treatment plan according to your response to the different modalities put in place. You gain in speed and efficiency!
The podiatrist: Your foot professional
The podiatrist holds a doctorate in podiatric medicine, a four-year university training that gives him or her complete diagnostic and therapeutic skills. This in-depth training allows the podiatrist to act as a front-line professional for all problems affecting your feet and ankles, including the manufacture, adjustment and follow-up of your foot orthotics.
Dr. Sandra Gendron, podiatrist at our clinic, is a perfect example of this versatility. Trained in Trois-Rivières and New York in podiatric medicine, she can diagnose plantar fasciitis in the morning, treat an ingrown toenail and immobilize a fractured foot in the afternoon, and prescribe anti-inflammatory medication for a gout attack at the end of the day.
The podiatrist is completely autonomous. No referral or prescription from a doctor is required to consult a podiatrist, which considerably speeds up access to care. This direct accessibility is particularly valuable in our region where the delays in seeing certain professionals can be long.
Beyond diagnosis and treatment, the podiatrist plays a crucial preventive role. Regular follow-ups help identify problems before they become disabling, which is especially important for diabetic patients or athletes.
The orthotist: the craftsman of biomechanics
The orthotist has specialized technical training at the college level, namely a Diploma of Collegial Studies (DEC) in orthotics and prostheses, which makes him a skilled craftsman in the manufacture of orthopedic appliances. Their work should always begin with a medical prescription, usually issued by a podiatrist or physician.
This profession requires a combination of technical knowledge and manual skills. The orthotist must understand how to translate a medical prescription into a functional device that will effectively relieve your symptoms.
The orthotist focuses on the manufacture, adjustment, and modification of orthopedic appliances.
Some orthotists say they offer consultations, most often at no cost. However, it is important to be aware of the limitations of such a meeting, which is not intended to make a diagnosis or establish a treatment plan, which are acts reserved for other professionals such as podiatrists, physicians or specialized nurse practitioners.
Our complete podiatric services at Médecine podiatrique du Plateau
At our clinic located in the AGORA complex, we offer a full range of podiatric services that perfectly illustrate the scope of our practice. Our approach combines state-of-the-art technologies and personalized care to effectively treat all your foot problems.
Our diagnostic equipment includes computerized gait analysis and plantar pressure study, a state-of-the-art service in the region. This technology allows us to accurately identify the biomechanical imbalances that are causing your pain. On-site digital X-rays eliminate the usual delays of imaging centers.
We are particularly proud to be among the few clinics in the Outaouais to offer bleomycin treatment for resistant plantar warts. This service even attracts patients from Ottawa, where this treatment is not available. Our Health Canada approved Class IV laser effectively treats plantar fasciitis and tendonitis.
The team of three practitioners – Dr. Émile Carrier, Dr. Sandra Gendron and Dr. Stephen Davis, podiatrists – brings complementary skills. Whether you need specialized diabetic care, ingrown toenail surgery, or custom orthotics, we have the experience and technology to treat you effectively.
Our podiatric emergency service, often available on the same day, is a valuable alternative to the 10-20 hours of waiting in the hospital emergency room. For a toe fracture, sprain, or infection, we can see you quickly and start treatment immediately.
Conclusion: Making the right choice for your feet 👣
The distinction between podiatrist and orthotist is now clear: the podiatrist diagnoses, prescribes and treats, while the orthotist manufactures and adjusts the devices according to a medical prescription. This complementarity ensures optimal care for your feet.
For any new foot problem requiring a diagnosis, the podiatrist is your first stop. Unexplained pain, deformities, skin or nail problems – we are equipped to assess and treat these problems directly, without a medical referral.
If you are still unsure which professional to consult, remember this simple rule: if you do not have a diagnosis, consult a podiatrist first. Our in-depth training as a doctor of podiatric medicine allows us to precisely identify your problem and guide you towards the best therapeutic solution.
Don’t wait any longer to take care of your feet. At Médecine podiatrique du Plateau, our team of three podiatrists is ready to welcome you to our state-of-the-art clinic in the AGORA complex. Make an appointment today at 819-800-1212 or visit podiatreplateau.com.
P.S. If you’re still hesitating between a podiatrist and an orthotist, here’s a foolproof tip: if you can describe your problem starting with “I hurt to…” or say “I have a problem with my foot”, you need a podiatrist! 😊
Questions Answers
Q: Do I need a medical referral to see a podiatrist? A: No, no reference is required. You can make an appointment directly with a podiatrist.
Q: Are podiatric consultations covered by the RAMQ? A: No, podiatric consultations are not covered by the RAMQ. However, most private insurance covers these services. We provide all the necessary documents for your claims.
Q: How long does it take to receive foot orthotics? A: After the podiatrist’s evaluation and prescription, the orthotics are usually ready in 3 to 4 weeks.
Q: What is the difference in cost between consulting a podiatrist and an orthotist without being evaluated by a podiatrist or a doctor? A: An orthotist cannot evaluate you without a prior medical prescription. This is why the orthotist often does not charge a fee for a consultation.
Q: Can I get orthotics directly from an orthotist? A: No, the orthotist needs a prescription from a licensed professional such as a podiatrist or doctor to make orthotics.
