Quick Answer
Your first chiropody appointment typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. It includes a health history review, a thorough examination of your feet, a discussion of your concerns, and, in many cases, initial treatment or a clear plan for next steps. No referral is needed to book.
When to Seek Care Urgently
If you are booking because of an urgent concern (an infected ingrown toenail, a diabetic foot wound, or sudden severe pain) mention this when you call or book online. The clinic may be able to accommodate you sooner or provide guidance on interim care. Foot Forward Clinic offers same-day and urgent appointments when available.
Before Your Appointment
What to bring:
- Your health card (Ontario) and any insurance information
- A list of current medications
- Previous imaging or reports related to your foot concern, if available
- The shoes you wear most often: your chiropodist may want to examine them for wear patterns
What to wear: Comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your feet and lower legs. Shorts or pants that can be rolled above the knee are ideal.
Do I need a referral? No. In Ontario, you can book directly with a chiropodist without a referral from a family doctor.
Step 1: Health History and Discussion
Your appointment begins with a conversation. Your chiropodist will ask about:
- Your main concern: what brought you in, when it started, what makes it better or worse
- Your general health, including conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or circulatory problems
- Medications and supplements
- Your activity level, occupation, and typical footwear
- Previous foot treatments or surgeries
This information helps the chiropodist understand the full picture and tailor the assessment to your needs.
Step 2: Foot Examination
The chiropodist will examine your feet, ankles, and lower limbs. Depending on your concern, this may include:
- Visual inspection: Checking the skin, nails, and structure of the feet for abnormalities, calluses, corns, nail changes, deformities, skin conditions
- Neurological testing: Assessing sensation using a monofilament or tuning fork, particularly important for people with diabetes
- Vascular assessment: Checking pulses in the feet and capillary refill time to evaluate circulation
- Biomechanical assessment: Evaluating foot structure, joint range of motion, and muscle strength
- Gait analysis: Watching you walk to identify patterns like overpronation, limping, or compensatory movements
The examination is gentle and non-invasive. Your chiropodist will explain what they are doing and what they observe as they go.
Step 3: Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
After the examination, your chiropodist will explain their findings in plain language and discuss the available options. Depending on the concern, this might include:
- Immediate treatment: for example, trimming an ingrown toenail, debriding a callus, or addressing a plantar wart
- A prescription for custom orthotics with a mould or digital scan taken at the appointment
- Recommendations for shockwave therapy for chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis
- Footwear advice and stretching exercises
- A follow-up schedule for ongoing conditions
- Referral for imaging (X-ray or ultrasound) if needed
You will leave with a clear understanding of what was found, what was done, and what the next steps are.
Insurance and Billing
Chiropody is not covered by OHIP for most Ontarians. However, many extended health insurance plans cover chiropody visits, custom orthotics, and related services. Foot Forward Clinic offers direct billing for select insurance plans.
We recommend checking with your insurer before your appointment to confirm your coverage and any requirements (such as a doctor's note for orthotics).
References:
- College of Chiropodists of Ontario: cocoo.on.ca
This article is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
If you are in Vaughan or nearby York Region communities and your symptoms persist, worsen, or affect walking, an in-person foot assessment can help determine the appropriate next step. Book an appointment online or call (647) 689-7533.
Educational information only. This article is intended for general education and should not replace an assessment by a qualified healthcare professional. If you have concerns about your child's feet, please book an assessment with a registered chiropodist.