Podiatry/Foot Care

Programs that are staffed by specialists who provide comprehensive preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services for individuals who have diseases of or injuries to the feet. Conditions treated may include bacterial and fungal infections, skin and nail disorders, benign and cancerous tumours, congenital and acquired foot deformities and foot problems caused by illnesses such as diabetes, arthritis and cardiovascular diseases. Treatment includes use of surgical procedures, casting or other forms of immobilization and the prescription of corrective devices, oral and locally injected medication and physical therapy. Included are services provided by podiatrists, chiropodists and other foot care specialists. Foot care may also be provided by nurses. In most Canadian provinces (such as Ontario), podiatrists are health professional specialists with a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree whereas chiropodists are college-trained professionals who provide practical foot care in Canada, particularly for older adults. In some Canadian provinces, such as Manitoba, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan, "podiatrist" is the term used for someone who has the qualifications of a chiropodist.