Let’s Stamp Out Foot Problems!

May is Foot Health Month!

Each May, Chiropodists/Podiatrists around the world raise awareness about foot health issues and the unique qualifications of Chiropodists/Podiatrists to treat them.

In Ontario, Chiropodists/Podiatrists are regulated by the College of Chiropodists of Ontario. While many health providers today provide some aspects of foot care, and some provide orthotics as a sideline business, members of the College of Chiropodists of Ontario are theONLY practitioners rigorously and exclusively trained and licensed as specialists in all aspects of foot health. Their ability to provide complete treatment for all foot problems sets them apart. Strictly regulated to the highest standards of care, you might even say that your good foot health is their “sole” interest!

Chiropodists/Podiatrists use leading techniques and technology including custom orthotics, computerized infrared light therapy, ultrasound, pharmaceutical therapy, physical therapy, and for severe or chronic conditions, they may address a problem through soft-tissue surgery.

Chiropodists/Podiatrists are uniquely qualified to provide solutions for foot and ankle problems as well as providing routine nail and foot care. The advantage to seeing a Chiropodist/Podiatrist regularly is that they can catch and treat other and potentially more serious foot health issues, such as this one:

Neoplastic disorders

Also known as tumors, are the result of abnormal growth of tissue anywhere on the foot and may be benign or malignant.

True story from the Werkman Chiropody Clinic

An 18 year old healthy male dropped a bowling ball on his toe two years previously. The nail fell off, but did not return normally. During an appointment, the patient asked Rick Werkman to remove the nail because it was “ugly and fungal looking”.

The moment the nail was removed, Rick suspected something more than a fungal infection and biopsied it for further testing. The diagnosis? Positive for Stage IV malignant melanoma 1.1 mm.

A Plastic Surgeon removed the toe and had the lymph glands in the lower and upper leg tested. Thankfully the results came back negative.

Foot Health Month means educating the public to be aware that seemingly innocent accidents like this one, can trigger this type of cancer and lead to horrific consequences.

If you’ve injured a toe or toenail and it looks “abnormal” – do something about it! Make an appointment with your Chiropodist/Podiatrist today!