That's what we hear. EVERY. DAY. Some people think we are chiropractors who treat feet. Others think we are technicians who just cut toenails, and when we do cut toenails, they think they are going to get a pedicure (which is in itself another misunderstood term). We are also constantly asked “what’s the difference between a chiropodist and a podiatrist?” My response is, “Exactly”. So, let me clear this confusion for you.
Chiropodists (ker-o-po-dists) are foot specialists. Foot experts. Gurus of foot health. We are the ONLY practitioners in Ontario who are trained and regulated (this means that we have a governing body who can revoke our license to practice if we do something bad) exclusively to provide foot health care and orthotics.
So, what is the difference between a chiropodist and podiatrist? Well, here it is:
Members of the College of Chiropodists of Ontario include chiropodists and podiatrists. However, the term "podiatrist" is more commonly known around the world today. In fact, Ontario is the last jurisdiction anywhere to use the word "chiropodist" to indicate a foot specialist.
A few practitioners in Ontario are classified as "podiatrists". This is because they were educated outside the province and opened their practices before the Chiropody Act came into existence in Ontario. Graduates of the Chiropody Program and podiatrists new to the province from other areas must call themselves chiropodists.” It is rather dry reading, I know. But, I think it clears the confusion nicely =).
Ok, so now that you know who we are, guess what question we are asked far too often? Here it is… “Did you have you go to school for this?” Umm, yes. We didn’t just take a weekend course. In fact, we go to university for 7-8 years! We do surgery. We give prescriptions for medications. We can give you a needle. I think you will agree that these skills cannot and should not be taught in a fly-by-night course.
So, knowing this, what kind of foot problems do you think we treat? Well, shadowing my last blog about physiotherapists, “Chiropodists DO THAT”.
Do you have yucky, thick fungal nails that need to be resolved? Our chiropodists do that.
Do you have pain in your feet and you need help to walk pain-free again? Our chiropodists do that.
Do you have painful ingrown toenails? Our chiropodists do that.
Do you have diabetes and need someone to help you keep your feet? Our chiropodists do that.
Do wear orthotics and want to make sure they are the highest quality, and the highest skill level has gone into prescribing and making them? Our chiropodists do that.
Does it look like your child isn’t walking properly? Our chiropodists do that.
Can’t reach your feet to cut your toenails? Our chiropodists do that.
Do you have knarled and curly toes? Our chiropodists do that.
Do you have rough and calloused feet? Our chiropodists do that.
In essence, chiropodists treat everything and anything to do with feet. Isn’t it awesome that there is ONE single profession who does that? I think it is.
I copied this next paragraph from my last blog, because the information is exactly the same for chiropodists, and well, I liked the way I wrote it:
Getting your problem assessed by a physiotherapist isn't difficult at all. Want to know why? Chiropodists are primary health care practitioners, just like your doctor, which allows you direct access to care. We do NOT need a doctor's referral for you to see us. Isn't that great?! Some insurance companies do require a doctor's referral, but if you don't have one that isn't a problem either, because we can help you with that! So now you may be thinking "that's great, but I don't have time to be treated. I have work, kids in sports and dinner to make". No worries! We can help you with that too! We are open early mornings, evenings and even Saturdays...so there are no excuses. We have what you need, and what you need is to get better. Get back to being active. Get back to the person you want to be.
So, all biasness aside, chiropodists are the be-all and end-all of foot health. We are the only profession who can make your feet happy.
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