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feet with custom orthotics | foot care guidelines

Chiropodist/Podiatrist

Barre Location: 705-722-3044

Chiropodist/Podiatrist

Owen Sound Location: 705-722-4553

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Basic Foot Care Guidelines

Atrium Foot Clinic cares about your health and is pleased to provide the following simple tips to care for your feet. We’ve also included some links on this page to respected organizations where you can find more information.

Foot Health Guidelines

  1. Never ignore foot pain. It is not normal and you should contact our office if you experience any type of persistent pain in your foot or ankle.
  2. Inspect your feet on a regular basis – daily if you are diabetic. Take notice of changes in colour and temperature. Look for thick or discoloured nails (a telltale sign of developing fungus) and check for cracks or cuts in the skin. Peeling or scaling on the soles of feet may indicate athlete's foot. Keep in mind that any growth on your foot is not considered normal.
  3. Wash your feet regularly, especially between the toes. Be sure to dry your feet and toes completely.
  4. Trim toenails straight across, but not too short. Be careful not to cut nails in corners or on the sides as this can lead to ingrown toenails. If you have diabetes, poor circulation or heart problems, you should not treat your own feet as they are more prone to infection.
  5. Wear comfortable shoes that fit properly. We advise you to purchase new shoes later in the day when feet tend to be at their largest. Replace worn out shoes as soon as possible.
  6. Select and wear the right shoe for your specific sport or activity.
  7. It’s a good idea to alternate shoes. Don't wear the same pair of shoes every day.
  8. Avoid walking barefoot. Your feet will be more prone to injury and infection. If you are at the beach or wearing sandals, always use sunblock on your feet.
  9. Be cautious when using home remedies for foot ailments. Self-treatment may turn a minor problem into a major one.
  10. If you are a diabetic, please contact our office and schedule a check-up at least once a year.


When Should I Call a Doctor?

Please contact Atrium Foot Clinic if you experience one of the following:

  • Persistent pain in your feet or ankles
  • Changes in the nails or skin on your foot
  • Severe cracking, scaling or peeling on the heel or foot
  • Blisters on your feet


Diabetics with poor circulation who develop athlete’s foot should also contact us.


The following are signs of bacterial infection:

  • Increased pain, swelling, redness, tenderness or heat
  • Red streaks extending from the affected area
  • Discharge or pus from an area on the foot
  • Foot or ankle symptoms that do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment with a non-prescription product
  • Spreading of an infection from one area of the foot to another (e.g. under the nail bed, skin under the nail, the nail itself, surrounding skin)
  • Thickening toenails that cause discomfort
  • Heel pain accompanied by a fever, redness (sometimes warmth) or numbness
  • Tingling in the heel or persistent heel pain without putting any weight or pressure on your heel
  • Pain that is not alleviated by ice or over-the-counter painkillers
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