Chiropody is the health care profession that assesses and treats foot conditions. Physicians as well as other health care professionals often refer their patients for consultation.

Foot problems affect over half the population. Prevention, assessment and treatment require expertise and practical skills. Chiropodists undergo extensive training to meet these requirements. Many Podiatrists/Chiropodists have taken seven or eight years of post secondary training before beginning to practice. A Bachelors Degree in Science, plus three to four year Chiropody/Podiatry Program is generally undertaken in North America.

In Canada, Chiropodist and Podiatrist are interchangeable terms, and are the only regulated Foot Professionals educated exclusively in the assessment and treatment of foot disorders.

Their Scope of practice varies from province to province, but generally practitioners will have several controlled acts.

These include the treatment of:

• Bony Foot Deformities
• Subcutaneous Lesions
• Corns/Callus/Warts
• Nail Conditions
• Biomechanical Dysfunctions
• Orthotics/Orthopedic Appliances

Treatments offered at the Chatham Kent Family Health Team:

• Foot physical therapy
• Surgical Procedures
• Cutting into subcutaneous tissue
• Administering designated substances/drugs by injection into the foot
• Prescription of designated drugs

The Chatham-Kent Family Health Team also offers a Footcare Service at all five sites for a minimal fee. This Nurse will address many foot issues which do not require chiropody. Please call you local site to find out more.