A podiatrist is a health care professional who can diagnose and treat foot problems. University studies of 4 years are required and lead to a Doctorate degree in Podiatric Medicine (DPM). Additional training is possible for podiatrists who wish to continue their training and offer surgical treatment to their patients. The podiatrist can prescribe and fabricate foot orthotics to correct or control the patient’s biomechanics.  He or she is also authorized to do radiology and prescribe certain medications.

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An orthopedist is a specialist doctor who performs surgery on the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, muscles, tendons, nerves). He or she is therefore able to surgically treat shoulders, elbows, hands, spine, hips, knees, ankles and feet. He must hold a Doctorate in Medicine.

The orthotist-prosthetist has a 3-year college education in orthotic-prosthetic techniques. The orthotist evaluates, designs and manufactures orthoses, based on medical recommendations.

The term pedicure-foot hygienist is ill-defined and can be confusing. There is an association of pedicurists in Quebec that recommends and offers a 160-hour training course. Unfortunately, not everyone who provides foot care under this designation is required to be a member of this association in order to practice. The standards are therefore very variable.

Nurses must first be a member of their professional order and can then take 135 hours of theoretical and practical training in the field of foot care. This gives them a good basic medical knowledge.