Podiatry is a medical discipline which is interested in examination, diagnosis, treatment, but also in the prevention of diseases and abnormalities of the foot.

In Quebec, podiatry is practiced by foot care nurses. Note also that the podiatrist is interested in diseases, infections and abnormalities of the foot. It is he who prescribes treatment or rehabilitation to improve the health and condition of the patient’s feet.

The feet being the support of the body and its mobility, they are particularly exposed to problems, pains or diseases. Thus, many conditions fall within the scope of podiatry. These include:

• calluses;
• calluses;
• warts ;
• yeast infection ;
• ingrown toenails;
• the hearts ;
• hyperkeratosis;
• or hallux valgus.

There are risk factors favoring the occurrence of foot problems, such as wearing unsuitable shoes, high heels, lack of care or deformity of the feet.

The role of the podiatrist is to relieve the discomfort of the foot.

For it :

• he performs pedicure care (that is to say of the skin and nails), after having performed a rigorous examination of the foot and posture;
• he performs examinations to find out which orthosis might be the most suitable for the patient;
• it takes the imprint of the feet and determines the stability of the step
• it offers podiatry treatments, such as the installation of insoles or rehabilitation exercises.

In Quebec, foot care nurses take charge of foot pathologies when the diagnosis has been previously established by a doctor or podiatrist. They generally work in collaboration with podiatrists.

Note that the podiatrist is empowered to diagnose but also treat foot problems. He is not a physician but has an undergraduate doctorate in podiatric medicine. He can prescribe and administer medication, perform minor surgeries, propose, manufacture and modify podiatric orthoses.

Podiatrist training in France

To become a podiatrist, you must have a state diploma in chiropody. It is obtained after 3 years of training in a specialized institute2.

Training as a podiatrist in Quebec

To become a podiatry nurse, you must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing for 3 years.

In addition to that, you have to take a foot care training (160 hours).

Before going to the appointment, it is important to take recent prescriptions, any x-rays, scanners or even IRM carried out.

To benefit from a podiatry session:

• in Quebec, you can consult the website of the association of nurses in podiatry care of Quebec (3), which offers a directory of its members;
• in France, via the website of the national order of pedicures-podiatrists (4), which offers a directory.

When prescribed by a doctor, podiatry sessions are covered by the Health Insurance (France) or the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec.