PODIATRY

Plantar fasciitis is treated in podiatry with a combination of custom-made foot orthotics to correct biomechanics and reduce tension on the fascia, podiatric strapping, targeted stretching (fascia and Achilles tendon) and shockwave therapy for chronic cases. Advice on appropriate footwear is also part of the treatment. Most patients see significant improvement within 6 to 12 weeks with appropriate podiatric management.

Treatment of an ingrown toenail depends on its severity. For mild cases, the podiatrist performs a conservative treatment: reduction of the ingrown edge and fitting of a straightening splint. For recurrent or infected cases, a partial matriectomy (removal of a portion of the nail matrix under local anaesthetic) enables definitive healing in over 95 % of cases. The procedure is fast, ambulatory and well tolerated. Post-operative care is straightforward, and the patient can return to work quickly.

Diabetic foot refers to all the podiatric complications associated with diabetes: peripheral neuropathy (loss of sensitivity), vascular insufficiency, deformities, chronic wounds and ulcers. People with diabetes should be monitored annually (or more frequently, depending on their level of risk) by a podiatrist. Follow-up includes vascular and neurological assessment, care of thickened or deformed nails, wound prevention, prescription of orthotics and adapted footwear, and coordination with endocrinology and internal medicine.

Yes. Plantar warts (caused by the human papillomavirus, HPV) are treated in podiatry by several methods depending on their size, number and depth: application of high-concentration salicylic acid, liquid nitrogen cryotherapy, CO₂ laser or surgical excision under local anesthesia. The podiatrist chooses the method best suited to your case to ensure complete removal and prevent recurrence. Prior debridement is often necessary to assess the extent of the wart.

Morton's neuroma is a fibrosis (thickening) of the digital nerve located between the metatarsal heads, usually between the 3rd and 4th toes. It causes burning pain, tingling or numbness in the forefoot, aggravated by wearing tight shoes or heels. Podiatric management includes shoe adaptation, custom-made foot orthoses to relieve the area, and if this fails, cortisone infiltration or surgical referral.

The podiatrist is a foot specialist who diagnoses and treats podiatric pathologies: pain, injuries, infections, minor surgery and foot orthoses. He can make medical diagnoses and perform surgical procedures. The orthotist-prosthetist specializes in the manufacture and fitting of orthopedic devices (foot orthoses, joint orthoses, prostheses) for the whole body. For foot orthotics, both professionals can work with you - the podiatrist is preferable if you also have a foot pathology to diagnose or treat.

Corns (focal hyperkeratosis with central nucleus) and calluses (diffuse thickening of the skin) are caused by repeated friction or pressure on the foot. The podiatrist performs a painless debridement (mechanical reduction) using sterile instruments, providing immediate relief. To prevent recurrence, custom-made foot orthotics, podiatric protection or advice on suitable footwear are offered, depending on the biomechanical cause identified.

Yes, hallux valgus (outward deviation of the big toe with painful bony protrusion) is managed conservatively in podiatry: plantar orthoses to reduce biomechanical stress, toe protectors and separators, shoe adaptation, and strapping. These treatments relieve pain and slow progression, but do not correct the structural deformity. In the event of failure of conservative treatment or significant progression, surgical referral may be considered.

Podiatric consultations are generally not covered by RAMQ for the general population. However, many private group insurance plans provide partial or full reimbursement for podiatric care. Custom-made foot orthotics are often covered under paramedical care, with a medical prescription, depending on the insurer. CNESST and SAAQ may cover accident-related care. Check your coverage with your insurer before your consultation. See our Pricing section for more information.

No. No medical prescription is required to see a podiatrist at Clinique Omicron. You can make an appointment directly. However, some private insurers may require a doctor's prescription for reimbursement of foot orthotics or certain podiatric treatments. If you are diabetic, bring recent lab results (HbA1c, renal work-up) to facilitate vascular and neurological assessment at your first consultation.

You can book an appointment via our online portal, by telephone at 514 606-3350 or by e-mail at info@cliniqueomicron.ca. No medical referral is required. Bring your usual footwear (sports and daily wear) as well as, if available, your current orthotics and any relevant medical documents (imaging, diabetes test). For ingrown toenail or wart care, please avoid applying over-the-counter products in the days leading up to your consultation, to facilitate the assessment.