What Does a Chiropodist Do? Everything You Should Know Before Your First Visit in Toronto

A Chiropodist is a regulated health professional in Ontario whose practice is focused entirely on the assessment and treatment of the foot and lower leg. If you've never seen one — or aren't sure whether chiropody applies to your situation — this guide covers what the profession is, what conditions chiropodists treat, what to expect at a first visit at Donwood in North York, and who should consider making foot care a regular part of their healthcare routine.

What Is a Chiropodist?

In Ontario, chiropodists are regulated health professionals governed by the College of Chiropodists of Ontario (COCOO) under the Chiropody Act. Their scope of practice includes the assessment and treatment of a wide range of foot and lower leg conditions — from nail and skin care to biomechanical assessment, custom orthotics, and minor surgical procedures.

Chiropodists complete degree-level training specifically in foot health, with clinical training in biomechanics, dermatology of the foot, surgical techniques, and diabetic foot management.

You do not need a referral from a family physician to see a Chiropodist in Ontario. You can book a first appointment directly.

What's the Difference Between a Chiropodist and a Podiatrist in Ontario?

This is the question that comes up most often — and it's worth a clear answer.

In Ontario, chiropodists are the primary regulated foot care professionals. The title "podiatrist" in Ontario refers to a smaller, distinct group of practitioners who trained in the United States and have a separate regulatory framework. Chiropodists make up the majority of regulated foot health professionals practising in Ontario, and the scope of chiropody covers the full range of foot health services you would expect from a foot health professional.

For practical purposes, a registered Chiropodist in Ontario can assess and treat the full range of foot conditions — from routine nail care to custom orthotics to minor surgical procedures.

At Donwood Foot and Orthotic Clinic, all three practitioners — Steve Romero, Steve Stellatos, and Alex Krutow — are registered Chiropodists in good standing with COCOO. See the full list of services we offer at Donwood.

What Conditions Does a Chiropodist Treat?

Chiropody covers a wide range of foot and lower leg conditions. Common reasons people book a chiropody assessment include:

Nails and skin:

• Ingrown toenails — conservative management or nail surgery

• Fungal nail infections

• Thickened or damaged nails

• Calluses and corns

• Plantar warts

• Dry or cracked skin, athlete's foot

Biomechanics and structural conditions:

• Plantar fasciitis and heel pain

• Flat feet and high arches

• Metatarsalgia (ball-of-foot pain)

• Achilles tendon pain

• Overpronation and associated lower limb symptoms

Clinical management:

• Diabetic foot assessment and high-risk foot care

• Compression stocking assessment and fitting

• Custom foot orthotics — prescription and fabrication

• Shockwave therapy for chronic musculoskeletal conditions

Not every Chiropodist offers every service. Donwood offers the full range listed above, including surgical procedures, shockwave therapy, and phototherapy for nail and wound conditions.

What Happens at a First Chiropodist Visit?

Knowing what to expect makes a first visit considerably less uncertain. Here's the typical flow at Donwood:

Health history intake. You'll complete or discuss your health history — relevant conditions (particularly diabetes, circulation issues, medications that affect healing), previous foot problems, and the concern that brought you in.

Assessment. Depending on your presenting concern, the Chiropodist will examine your feet — nails, skin, and soft tissue — and may include a biomechanical assessment (gait, foot structure, range of motion) if musculoskeletal issues are relevant.

Diagnosis and discussion. The Chiropodist will explain what they found and outline the options. This is a good time to ask about treatment approaches, timelines, and what to expect.

Treatment. Many concerns can be addressed at the first appointment — nail care, callus or corn removal, wound assessment, initial orthotic assessment.

Plan. You'll leave with a clear understanding of next steps: a follow-up appointment, a referral, or a home care protocol.

What to bring: Any relevant health records; a list of current medications (particularly blood thinners or immunosuppressants); the footwear you wear most. Remove nail polish from toenails before the appointment if possible — it helps the Chiropodist assess nail colour and condition.

Who Should Make Foot Care a Regular Habit?

Some people benefit from regular chiropody appointments even without an acute problem:

People with diabetes. Diabetic foot assessment every 3–6 months is a recognized standard of preventive care. Peripheral neuropathy and reduced circulation make early detection of changes essential — problems that are minor when caught can become significant when missed.

Seniors. Joint changes, reduced flexibility, nail and skin changes, and circulation shifts all make foot care more complex with age. Regular care keeps nails manageable, skin intact, and identifies problems early.

Athletes and active people. Runners, cyclists, hockey players, and anyone training regularly are putting repetitive load through their feet. Biomechanical issues that might be silent at lower activity levels can become problems under training load.

People with physically demanding jobs. Nurses, teachers, tradespeople, and retail workers who spend long hours on their feet benefit from regular assessment and footwear guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see a Chiropodist in Ontario?

No. Chiropodists in Ontario are primary care providers for foot health — you can book directly without a physician's referral. Some extended benefit plans may require a physician referral for coverage purposes, so check your plan details if you're planning to submit a claim.

Is chiropody covered by OHIP?

Chiropody services are not covered by OHIP. However, many extended health benefit plans include chiropody coverage. Direct billing is available at Donwood. It's worth checking your plan details, particularly the per-visit limit and annual maximum.

What should I bring to my first chiropodist appointment?

Bring any relevant medical records or referral letters, a list of current medications, and the footwear you wear most. If the appointment relates to nail concerns, remove nail polish from toenails beforehand so the Chiropodist can assess nail colour and condition clearly.

How often should I see a Chiropodist?

It depends on your needs. People without chronic conditions or ongoing concerns may visit once or twice a year for preventive care. People with diabetes, nail conditions requiring ongoing management, or biomechanical issues may be seen every 3–6 months or more frequently. A Chiropodist will recommend an appropriate schedule based on your situation.

What's the difference between a chiropodist and a podiatrist in Canada?

In most Canadian provinces — including Ontario — chiropodists are the primary regulated foot care professionals. In Ontario, chiropodists are regulated by COCOO. The title "podiatrist" in Ontario refers to a smaller group with a distinct training pathway. For practical purposes, a registered Chiropodist in Ontario provides the full range of foot health services you would expect from a foot care professional.

Ready for Your First Visit?

You don't need a complex problem to benefit from a chiropodist appointment — and you don't need a referral to book one. Whether you have a specific concern or simply haven't had a professional foot check in a while, Donwood Foot and Orthotic Clinic in Don Mills is straightforward to access.

Donwood Foot and Orthotic Clinic is located at 51 Underhill Dr., Unit 4, North York (Don Mills). Book online at donwoodfootclinic.janeapp.com or call us at (416) 445-1414.

Related reading: Ingrown Toenail: When to Treat It Yourself and When You Need a Chiropodist