In Ontario, many people do not know what the difference is between chiropodists and podiatrists. Chiropody is a foot care profession which originated in Great Britain. The term “Chiropody” and “Chiropodists” was adopted in 1993 as the foot care profession of Ontario.
In the United States, between the Second World War and the 1970’s, foot specialists held a degree of “Doctor of Surgical Chiropody”, but by the late 1960’s, all of the American universities had changed their degrees to “Podiatry” and the designation became “Doctor of Podiatric Medicine”. Any Podiatrist registered in Ontario before 1993 were registered as podiatrists.
In 1993, due to the Chiropody Act of 1991, all newly registered foot specialist who would be registered to practice in Ontario would be registered as “Chiropodist”. Even if the podiatrist was trained in the United States but was registered after 1993, they would be referred to as “Chiropodist”.
If a practitioner was registered as a podiatrist before 1993 in Ontario, they are able to do bone surgery and a small portion of your visit would be billed to OHIP. Any foot specialist registered after 1993 do not have OHIP privileges and do not perform bone surgery. Currently, the Michener institute is the only school in Ontario that teaches the chiropody profession.
Both Chiropodists and Podiatrists are regulated by the College of Chiropodists.
Scope of Practice for Chiropodists
“The practice of chiropody is the assessment of the foot and the treatment and prevention of diseases, disorders or dysfunctions of the foot by therapeutic, orthotic or palliative means.”
Chiropodists are able to treat a wide range of foot related issues from general foot care to soft tissue surgery such as ingrown nail surgeries and tendon release surgeries. If you have a foot infection they are able to prescribe medications to treat your feet. Chiropodists can also prescribe and design your custom orthotics to treat your feet!
Common foot issues treated by Chiropodists:
- Diabetic Foot Assessments
- Nail Care
- Ingrown Toenails
- Corns and Callus’
- Plantar Warts
- Arch Pain
- Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis
- Fungal Infections
- Ankle Sprains
- Ankle Braces
- Wound Care/Ulcer Management
- Soft Tissue Surgery
- Biomechanical Evaluations
- Custom Orthotics
- Orthopedic Shoes
- Compression Stockings
Referral
You do not need a referral from your doctor to see a Chiropodist or Podiatrist. Most major private insurance companies will reimburse you for your visit.