Foot Care Guidelines for Healthy Feet
Simple, professional foot care tips from licensed chiropodists to help you prevent pain, infections, and long-term foot complications.
Basic Foot Care Guidelines
Atrium Foot Clinic cares about your foot health and overall well-being. These guidelines are designed to help you maintain healthy feet and identify potential problems early before they become serious.
Everyday Foot Health Tips
- Never ignore foot pain. Persistent pain is not normal and should be assessed by a professional.
- Inspect your feet regularly — daily if you have diabetes.
- Look for changes in colour, temperature, nails, and skin.
- Wash your feet daily, especially between the toes, and dry thoroughly.
- Trim toenails straight across and avoid cutting corners.
- Avoid self-treating corns, calluses, or bunions.
- Wear properly fitting shoes and replace worn footwear promptly.
- Alternate shoes and avoid wearing the same pair every day.
- Avoid walking barefoot to reduce injury and infection risk.
- Use sunblock on your feet when exposed.
When Should You Call a Foot Specialist?
Please contact Atrium Foot Clinic if you experience:
- Persistent foot or ankle pain
- Changes in skin colour or temperature
- Cracking, scaling, or peeling skin
- Blisters or sores that do not heal
- Signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth)
- Discharge or pus from the foot
- Thickened or painful toenails
- Spreading infections
- Heel pain with fever or numbness
- Tingling or loss of sensation
- Pain not relieved by rest or ice
- Diabetic foot concerns
Trusted Foot Health Resources
Groups & Associations
- Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine (CFPM)
- College of Chiropodists of Ontario
- Canadian Diabetes Association
- American Diabetes Association
- American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine
- American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons/ consumer website
- American Physical Therapy Association
- American Podiatric Medical Association
- American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Protect Your Feet with Professional Care
Early treatment can prevent serious foot problems. Book your appointment today.
Frequently asked questions
1. Do I need a referral to see a chiropodist or podiatrist?
No. In Ontario, you do not need a doctor’s referral to book an appointment with a chiropodist or podiatrist.
2. Are your services covered by insurance?
Most extended health insurance plans cover chiropody services, orthotics, and foot treatments. Contact your provider for exact coverage.
3. What conditions do you treat?
We treat heel pain, plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails, flat feet, bunions, diabetic foot issues, nail and skin conditions, sports injuries, warts, corns, calluses, and more.
4. What is the difference between a chiropodist and a podiatrist?
Both are regulated foot specialists. Podiatrists often have U.S. training; chiropodists train in Ontario. Both diagnose and treat foot and ankle problems.
5. Do you make custom orthotics?
Yes. We provide prescription-only, medical-grade custom orthotics designed to reduce pain and improve foot function.
6. How long does an appointment take?
Most initial assessments take 30–45 minutes. Follow-up visits vary depending on the treatment.
7. What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring your health card (for identification), current medications, a list of symptoms, and the shoes you wear most often.
8. Do you treat children and seniors?
Yes. We provide specialized foot care for children, adults, and seniors — supporting mobility and long-term foot health.
9. When should I see a foot specialist?
Persistent foot pain is a sign of an underlying condition. Early treatment prevents long-term damage.
If you're experiencing pain, swelling, numbness, nail issues, skin lesions, or difficulty walking, it’s time to see a specialist.
10. Do you offer same-day appointments?
Yes, depending on availability at our Barrie or Owen Sound locations. Call to check for same-day openings.