Frequently asked questions

01

What is a chiropodist?

A chiropodist is a primary health care professional who assesses and treats foot and lower limb disorders, including the management of local and systemic conditions. Chiropodists are registered with the College of Chiropodists of Ontario, and a yearly registration, code of ethics and standards of care all exist to protect you.

The goal of chiropody treatment is to maintain and improve activity and mobility. Chiropodists specialise in nail and callus care, the ONYFIX nail correction system, diabetic foot care and screening, sports injuries, heel and foot pain, geriatric foot care, arthritic change, ulcer treatment, biomechanical assessment and gait analysis, custom orthotics, soft tissue surgery, prevention education and wound management.

02

What can I expect at an initial assessment?

We use a standardized form completed before your first appointment. It confirms your foot concerns and helps your chiropodist develop a treatment plan. During the assessment your feet are examined, and depending on the reason for your visit you may be asked to stand or walk so we can evaluate balance and weight-bearing position.

Please do not wear nail polish, as it limits our ability to examine nail plates and nail beds. Bring an updated list of your current medications. A consent form is part of your intake regarding sharing health information, and must be read and signed.

We encourage family involvement with foot care where needed and will educate family members on how best to assist. Where a patient requires a Power of Attorney, we must have the supporting documentation before foot care can be initiated.

03

What are custom-made orthotics, and how do they differ from off-the-shelf insoles?

Custom orthotics are made specifically for you from a molded impression of your feet, cast with Plaster of Paris and foam boxes and manufactured at an orthotics lab. They may be soft, semi-rigid or rigid.

A biomechanical assessment is completed first to determine the best device, considering weight, foot position and lesions, and your current footwear is reviewed. We also recommend stretching and supportive footwear before orthotics. Custom orthotics are not for everyone — an evaluation is necessary.

In most cases orthotics are covered by insurance. Check whether your provider requires a physician prescription; if so we will gladly send a consultation to your family doctor after the biomechanical assessment.

04

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, cheque, Interac Debit, Visa and MasterCard. We do not take American Express at this time. We also provide services to those with Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) cards.

Think Feet is a private clinic and is not covered by OHIP. Most insurance companies cover chiropody treatments, but we do not deal directly with insurers, so payment following your appointment is required. We provide all necessary invoice information; the insurance submission is your responsibility.

05

What is ONYFIX?

ONYFIX is a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment for ingrown nails, offered as part of a nail correction system. It can also be incorporated into a partial nail avulsion surgery to improve nail shape as the nail grows out. Ask your chiropodist for further information.

For further information, call Think Feet at 705-329-0908 or email wecare@thinkfeet.ca.