Your Foot Care Questions Answered
On this page, we have provided answers to our most frequent patient questions. Learn more about our clinic and our range of services here, and give us a call to schedule your appointment .
Do women have more foot problems than men?
Are people born with foot problems or do they develop later?
Can serious medical problems first show up in the feet?
My children don't have any foot pain. Why should I take them to a podiatrist or a chiropodist?
Do we use sterilized instruments on each and every patient?
Does my health insurance plan cover chiropody or podiatry services?
Do I need a referral from my physician to see a podiatrist or a chiropodist?
Do women have more foot problems than men?
Women have about four times as many foot ailments as men; and high heels are frequently to blame. Women should limit the time they wear pumps with heels higher than 2” and alternate with good-quality sneakers or flats for part of the day.
Are people born with foot problems or do they develop later?
It is estimated that only a small percentage of foot problems are genetic. Foot problems often develop because of neglect and poor understanding of proper foot care. Common causes include ill-fitting shoes and constantly wearing high heels.
Can serious medical problems first show up in the feet?
Your feet mirror your general health. Conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and circulatory disorders can show initial symptoms in the feet, so foot ailments can be your first sign of more serious medical problems.
My children don't have any foot pain. Why should I take them to a podiatrist or a chiropodist?
Children may have structural imbalances of the feet that may go unrecognized and can lead to deformities and imbalances within the skeletal system. Early detection can lead to fewer difficulties as your child grows up.
Do we use sterilized instruments on each and every patient?
Yes we do! At Durham Family Footcare Clinic & Wellness Centre, we take great care to make sure that any instrument that either contacts or cuts into your skin or nail is sterilized in a steam autoclave.
How do you ensure that your autoclave is reaching the appropriate temperature and pressure to assure sterilization?
We routinely check to see if the autoclave will kill bacteria by running through it a small test tube that contains bacteria. After this test tube has run through the autoclave, we will put it in an incubator for 24 hours to ensure that we achieved a positive result.
Note: soaking instruments in a disinfectant will not kill bacteria, fungus or viruses.
Does my health insurance plan cover chiropody or podiatry services?
Most extended health care plans cover chiropody and podiatry treatments as well as all or a portion of: custom orthotics, orthopaedic footwear, compression stockings and foot surgery.
Do I need a referral from my physician to see a podiatrist or a chiropodist?
No, although we receive many referrals from family doctors and other healthcare specialists. You can call and book your appointment directly.
What are orthotics?
A biomechanical foot orthotic is a highly specialized piece of medical equipment that enables the joints and bones of the foot to be in a more stable position for standing and while in motion. Orthotics control each phase of the walking cycle, from the moment your heel contacts the ground to the point at which your toes push off the surface.
How often should orthotics be replaced?
Orthotics should be replaced a minimum of every 2 years.
Helpful Links
Here at Durham Family Footcare Clinic & Wellness Centre, we’d like to offer a few links that you may find informative and helpful.
College of Chiropodists of Ontario (COCOO)
Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA)
International Federation of Podiatrists (FIP)
Ontario Podiatric Medical Association (OPMA)