FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Please click on the question to see the answer. 

Anyone can come in to see a chiropodist – no referrals required. We welcome new patients. 

Walk in clients are always welcome; however, priority will always be given to those who have scheduled an appointment. 

Unfortunately, OHIP does not cover many extended health care services anymore. This also includes chiropody services. Many private health insurance plans will cover part or all chiropodist services. Check with your health plan carrier or administrator; we will gladly help you fill out any insurance forms. 

Chiropody services vary depending on the type of treatment required, which can only be determined by the chiropodist upon examination. Please contact the office directly for more information. 

Payment is required at the time of service. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Debit. 

A Chiropodist is a Canadian educated Foot Specialist. The practice of Chiropody involves the assessment of the foot, and the treatment and prevention of disease or disorders of the foot by therapeutic, orthotic, palliative, educational and surgical means.Chiropodists undertake a specialized intensive three year program of study that covers: Anatomy and Physiology, Pathology, Biomechanics, Pharmacology, Anesthesiology, Dermatology, Sports Medicine, Microbiology, Physical Therapy, Pediatrics, Orthotics, Medicine and Surgery. Chiropodists can be recognized by the initials D. Ch. after their name. 
Whatever problems arise with respect to your feet, be it pain, discomfort or appearance, a Chiropodist will be able to provide a specific management plan for your particular problem. 
Although the nomenclature of both professions is different, their general practice is largely the same, and both are governed by the College of Chiropodists of Ontario. Podiatrists however provide some forefoot bone reconstruction surgery and Chiropodists provide soft tissue procedures. Podiatrist is favoured in the U.S. Canada is likely the only place in the world continuing to use chiropodist. 
There are about 90 podiatrists registered with the College and about 400 chiropodists. And the word chiropodist, say those in the know, should be pronounced “sheropodist,” not “keropodist. 
My doctor / physiotherapist / chiropractor makes orthotics too – why do I have to go to a chiropodist? 
In general, chiropodists/podiatrists have the best backgrounds and formal training in foot biomechanics and custom foot orthotic therapy. Most of the best orthoptics therapy experts will be chiropodists/podiatrists. This does not, by any means, mean that every chiropodist/podiatrist is an expert in orthotics therapy. Some chiropodists/podiatrists specialize in orthotic therapy and prescribe many of them and some do it as part of a more general practice and prescribe fewer. Also, I have not seen many orthotics made by chiropractors, physiotherapists and non licensed medical providers that I can say are adequate, but they may be out there. An important thing to remember is that most insurance companies require that recommendations, prescriptions and fittings for custom made plaster casted orthotics be provided by a licensed chiropodist/podiatrist. 

Our clinic carries a range of high end orthopedic shoes that are appropriate for daily wear, with or without Orthotics. 

Step by Step’s main office is located in downtown Toronto, right across from St. Michael’s Hospital. Our other location is in Belleville on 116 Pinnacle St.  Please see Contact Us for more info.