F.A.Q.

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What is a podiatrist?

As explained by the Ordre des podiatres du Québec:
The podiatrist is a professional who is authorized by law to treat local foot disease, and also to practise radiology and podiatric ultrasonography and to prescribe medication.

What training does a podiatrist have?

The podiatrist received an undergraduate doctor’s degree in podiatric medicine after four years of study and internship at university. In Canada, the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières is the only university to offer a podiatric medicine program.

Do I need a medical reference to see a podiatrist?

No. The podiatrist is a frontline health professional that you see directly without reference from a doctor.

Are a podiatrist’s fees reimbursed by the RAMQ?

Unfortunately, the Régie de l’Assurance Maladie du Québec never reimburses a podiatrist’s fees. The podiatrist mostly works in the private sector. However, most private insurance policies reimburse fees incurred by patients in part or in total.

Do my private insurances cover podiatry services?

It depends on your insurance plan, but most private insurance policies do cover podiatry services. It is recommended to check directly with your insurer to confirm the coverage of podiatric services.

What is the difference between a podiatrist, an orthotist and a chiropodist?

A podiatrist has a four-year academic training in podiatric medicine and is a health professional that evaluates, diagnoses and treats local foot illnesses. In comparison, feet are to the podiatrist what the mouth is to the dentist.

A podiatrist is governed by the Quebec Professional Code, the Podiatry Act and other regulations, and is authorized to prescribe and sell foot orthoses. https://www.ordredespodiatres.qc.ca/

The orthotist has three-year technical college training and thus can design and make any orthosis for the human body. Under the law, the orthotist cannot make an evaluation, diagnose, or prescribe an orthosis. So, he or she makes the foot orthosis according to the biomechanical evaluation or the doctor’s or the podiatrist’s diagnosis. https://orthese.com/

The term “chiropodist” is only used and recognized in France. People who claim to be chiropodists do not have any recognized training in Quebec.

At what age can a child be seen by a podiatrist?

It is possible to see a podiatrist as soon as an anomaly regarding lower limbs or children’s posture is suspected, or from the early months of life of the child.

The podiatrist has the required skills to evaluate birth defects, delays in motor development, growth anomalies, neurological conditions, injuries and dermatological conditions at the lower limbs.

How can I prepare myself for my first visit?

Upon your arrival at the clinic, you will have to fill a short form with some information about your health history. So we recommend that you prepare a list of the drugs you take and your known allergies with your history of disease and surgery. In that manner, the podiatrist will have the required information to better understand your podiatric situation.

Mentioning certain details about your health may seem a small thing. The human body makes up a whole, and the different systems influence one another.

Furthermore, the podiatrist will want to have a look at your shoes to better evaluate your problem. So it will be important to bring the shoes you wear the most or that seem to cause your symptoms.

When should I see a podiatrist?

You should consult a podiatrist if you experience foot pain, whether acute or chronic, have concerns about your posture or foot deformities, or notice any visible anomalies. Conditions like pain, swelling, skin color changes, infections, or persistent discomfort in the feet or ankles are also valid reasons to make an appointment at the Clinique podiatrique de l’Outaouais.

A podiatrist can evaluate and treat these issues to improve your comfort and prevent complications.

How do I know if I need custom orthotics?

If you experience pain in your feet, legs, or back, or if you have posture issues, a consultation with a podiatrist at the Clinique podiatrique de l'Outaouais will help determine if custom orthotics are necessary. The podiatrist will assess your condition and recommend the appropriate treatment to improve your comfort and mobility.

What types of care do you offer for diabetic feet?

At the Clinique podiatrique de l'Outaouais, we offer specialized care to prevent complications related to diabetes. This includes regular foot exams and treatments for injuries or infections, ensuring the proper management of diabetic foot health. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care to avoid further issues and improve overall foot health.

Do you offer treatments for ingrown toenails?

Yes, we offer treatments for ingrown toenails, including non-invasive options and, if necessary, surgical intervention. Our goal is to provide relief and prevent further complications through professional care.

What should I do in case of a sprain or foot injury?

It is important to consult a podiatrist as soon as possible. We will assess the severity of the injury and recommend an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your needs. Early intervention can help prevent complications and speed up the recovery process.

What are the most common causes of foot pain?

Foot pain can result from ill-fitting shoes, injuries, conditions like plantar fasciitis or flat feet, as well as arthritis and other medical issues. A podiatrist can help identify the underlying cause and recommend the appropriate treatment to alleviate pain and improve foot health.

The information presented on this site comes from the page Des réponses à vos questions of the Ordre des podiatres du Québec.

The information on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice and is provided solely for informational purposes

F.A.Q.

What is a podiatrist?

What training does a podiatrist have?

Do I need a medical reference to see a podiatrist?

Are a podiatrist’s fees reimbursed by the RAMQ?

Do my private insurances cover podiatry services?

What is the difference between a podiatrist, an orthotist and a chiropodist?

At what age can a child be seen by a podiatrist?

How can I prepare myself for my first visit?

When should I see a podiatrist?

How do I know if I need custom orthotics?

What types of care do you offer for diabetic feet?

Do you offer treatments for ingrown toenails?

What should I do in case of a sprain or foot injury?

What are the most common causes of foot pain?

Our podiatric treatments in Outaouais

Foot orthoses

Surgery

Pain treatment with laser therapy

Imagery

Skin and nail care

Biomechanical examination

Sports podiatry

Podopediatrics (pediatric podiatry)

Wound care

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