Better Understanding Foot Health Care & Orthotics Services in Ontario

In an effort to clarify the often confusing landscape in this province for foot care and orthotics services, the College of Chiropodists of Ontario published an in-depth article in a supplement to the National Post newspaper called “Bones and Joints”* The following is an excerpt from that publication.

“Foot Health Care in Ontario” by the College of Chiropodists of Ontario

In Ontario, the only regulated foot care professionals are Chiropodists and Podiatrists. Both are regulated by the College of Chiropodists of Ontario pursuant to Ontario statutes, namely the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and the Chiropody Act, 1991. Chiropodists and Podiatrists are regulated by the College within the same legal framework as the 21 other regulated health care professions. There are 476 Chiropodists currently registered by the College to practise in Ontario and 72 Podiatrists. The names of all Chiropodists and Podiatrists who are registered to practise in Ontario and the locations of their practices are listed on the College Web site at www.cocoo.on.ca.

Where Chiropodists and Podiatrists Practise

Ontario’s Chiropodists and Podiatrists can be found in most of the places where health care is delivered. As primary care practitioners, no referral is required to be treated by a Chiropodist or Podiatrist. There are several hundred Chiropody or Podiatry clinics located in communities throughout Ontario. Many hospitals and Community Health Centres operate Chiropody clinics where hospital patients and members of the community can have their foot problems assessed and treated. Long-term care and retirement homes often arrange for regular visits to their residents by Chiropodists or Podiatrists. Family Health Teams and other multidisciplinary health care groups often include a Chiropodist or Podiatrist, or have made arrangements to refer to one.

Foot Orthotics

Foot orthotics, when prescribed and dispensed by qualified practitioners, are clinically proven to help address some of the problems patients experience with their feet. There is a rapidly expanding “industry” in foot orthotics.

The insurance industry is increasingly concerned about fraudulent prescribing and dispensing of foot orthotics. One of the College’s preoccupations is the number of foot orthotics that are prescribed or dispensed by unqualified or unregulated practitioners that have little or no clinical benefit and may in fact make things worse for patients.

Of all the regulated health care practitioners in Ontario, the scope of practice statement for Chiropodists and Podiatrists in the Chiropody Act, 1991 is the only one that specifically refers to orthotics.

As part of its public interest mandate, the College of Chiropodists continually cautions the public to ensure that they obtain their foot orthotics from a regulated practitioner who has requisite experience and training.

Good health for your feet is important to overall health. Don’t forget to properly care for them.

For more information about Chiropody / Podiatry in this province, visit the College of Chiropodists of Ontario’s Web at www.cocoo.on.ca. *”Bones & Joints” material ©Copyright, 2010 Media Planet and The College of Chiropodists of Ontario.

Please visit Kawartha Total Foot Care Centre's website at www.totalfootcare.ca for more information about your good foot health.