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What is Chiropody?

A chiropodist (D.Ch. or D.Pod.M.) assesses, treats and prevents diseases, disorders and dysfunctions of the foot. They will use therapeutic, orthotic or palliative means to accomplish their treatment goals. Chiropodists are primary care professionals regulated by the College of Chiropodists of Ontario. They work in private clinics as well as in some hospitals.

The Ottawa Hospital chiropodists work in an outpatient clinic located within the hospital. The clinicians work exclusively in the treatment and prevention of foot ulcers (wounds).  The wound care chiropodists work closely with many specialists, including orthopedic surgeons, vascular surgeons, infectious disease specialists, dermatologists, endocrinologists, nursing and home-care services.

Education and Chiropody

Chiropodists at The Ottawa Hospital provide education for staff, external health-care practitioners, students and medical residents. The chiropody wound care program is also a clinical education site for chiropody students attending The Michener Institute of Education at University Health Network, medical students and residents from The Ottawa Hospital, as well as wound healing master’s program students from Western University in London.

Our chiropodists are highly engaged in complex clinical care, education and research. They have presented at the national level and educate other health-care practitioners about foot ulcer treatment and prevention.

Who is eligible for Chiropody services?

A referral is required to access Chiropody services for high-risk wound care.

Once accepted to The Ottawa Hospital Chiropody Wound Care Clinic, you will be assessed and treated by a member of our chiropody wound care team.

Patients with a high-risk wound often have diabetes, peripheral vascular disease or severe arthritis.

 What Chiropody services are offered at The Ottawa Hospital?

  • Management of the high-risk foot, limb salvage and wound management.
  • The goal of the service is to allow independence while closing wounds and preventing potential amputations.
  • Treatment approaches vary but often include sharp debridement, appropriate dressing changes, total contact casting and other offloading devices.
  • This service is not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). There is a $10 charge each visit. Offloading devices may be eligible for funding support from the Ontario Ministry of Health (MOH) or private insurance.

Find a chiropody clinic

If you are not a patient with a high-risk foot, but are seeking other chiropody services (e.g. nail care, callus and corn care, ingrown nail) please contact a community chiropody clinic through the College of Chiropodists of Ontario, or call 416-542-1333.

Resources

What is Pedorthics?

Pedorthic Services are related to the biomechanical assessment and provision of footwear and insoles/foot orthotics.

Who is eligible for Pedorthic services?

No referral is necessary to access the biomechanical services at The Ottawa Hospital. A physician’s prescription may be required for custom devices.

All services are offered by appointment only.

What services are offered?

  • Biomechanical assessments and management of any foot dysfunction.
  • Gait analysis.
  • Custom foot orthotic assessment, casting, and manufacturing.
  • Evaluation of current footwear.
  • Advice on proper footwear.
  • Sale of appropriate footwear.
  • Measuring and dispensing of custom footwear.
  • Management of lower back pain, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, ankle sprains, neuritis, metatarsalgia, foot strain, in-toeing, out-toeing, and knee pain.
  • Cost estimates are provided free of charge.
  • Some services and devices may be covered by private insurance companies, the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), Non-Insured Health Benefits Program (NIHBP) and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

For More Information, please contact the following:

Chiropody and Pedorthic Department at 613-737-8899 ext. 75612 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Please note: the office is closed between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.)

The clinic is located on the General Campus of The Ottawa Hospital in The Rehabilitation Centre building, 505 Smyth Road, first floor, room 1204.

Referral instructions through EPIC for Atlas Alliance Physicians:

  • Ambulatory referral to Foot Care REF 300
  • Ambulatory referral to Pedorthics REF 85

Referral instructions for physicians and care facilities outside Atlas Alliance:

  • Provide patient’s full name, date of birth, address and contact phone number.
  • Provide referral detail for Chiropody (e.g. ulcer, Charcot foot, offloading, foot infection) and for Pedorthics (e.g. custom foot orthoses, orthopedic footwear, shoe modifications)

Referrals will not be accepted without the above details

Send referral by fax to 613-739-6975.

Last updated on: March 30th, 2021