Frequently Asked Questions
Who do you provide foot care for?
We provide foot care for all ages, and all feet.
I have diabetes. Do I need foot care?
Yes. Regular foot care, generally every 6-8 weeks, is especially important for people with diabetes. Our St. Catharines foot clinic RN has advanced education in diabetic foot care, and each appointment includes a thorough assessment of your feet, as well as any nail or callus care you need. By monitoring your feet regularly, any changes in your foot health are quickly noted.
I’m currently undergoing chemo – should I have nursing foot care?
Yes. Taking care of your feet is very important, especially when you’re undergoing chemotherapy treatment. If you’re unsure what kind of foot care you need, we’re happy to offer a consultation service with our RN. Just give us a call.
My toenails and calluses are really thick – can you help with that?
Absolutely! We are equipped with state-of-the-art instruments, designed specifically to safely and effectively help with thickened toenails or hard calluses. Please don’t go looking in the workshop for tools to to do DIY foot care!
My doctor told me I have fungus on my toenails. Is that something you can help me with?
For sure! Our clinic utilizes Photodynamic Therapy, a safe, effective, and economic treatment for fungus, using the Genesis Health Light. You’ll need between 4-6 treatments for optimal treatment. As well, it’s always a good idea to treat your shoes, sheets and shower with a special, non-toxic spray which we’re happy to supply you with. And to be sure you cover all the bases, using a daily anti-fungal on your toenails will help give it that extra shot of treatment optimization.
Do you provide foot care for kids?
Yes! All ages and feet are welcome at our clinic.
Do you do pedicures?
No. Advanced nursing foot care involves caring for feet apart from cosmetic enhancements such as polish. You can purchase nail polish which has anti-fungal properties at our clinic, but at this time we don’t apply the polish.
Someone told me foot care nurses don’t soak feet. Why is that?
While short, warm soaks can feel good, it’s important to remember that prior to caring for your feet, soaking feet can actually promote risk of injury. If you’ve ever been swimming or had a bubble bath you might have noticed the skin on your fingers and feet was a little ‘pruney’. These are your skin cells which have been swollen with water. To start smoothing calluses or caring for skin when the cells are swollen tends to rupture the cells, leaving little open areas on your feet. You can’t see them, but they’re there. And having even microscopic open areas on your feet can increase your risk of infection.
The place where I have pedicures soaks my feet. Is that safe?
Great question! Any foot soak shouldn’t last more than a few minutes. Any time you soak your feet in a publicly used basin, don’t be afraid to ask what the cleaning policies of the salon are. Consider this. Some salons use a ‘pipe’ system in their jetted water basins. To clean those properly, the entire basin must be filled and disinfectant run through for the time the manufacturer indicates. If this doesn’t happen and only the basin is cleaned, the minute those jets are turned on, all the water sitting in them is ejected into the basin. You’re basically sharing the water with every person who’s ever used that particular chair. Newer systems use ‘air jets’ which eliminate the water sitting in pipes. Some salons are now utilizing disposable, one-time use liners in their basins. This eliminates the risk of person-to-person transmission. Don’t be afraid to ask how your salon cleans their space; they should be able to tell you exactly.
Do you sterilize your clippers and files?
Absolutely! Our clinic utilizes state-of-the-art processes for cleaning the instruments we use. We use ultrasonic technology to clean our instruments first, and steam sterilization (autoclave) as the final step. We track each and every step of the process, and you can be sure any foot care instruments we use are sterile to point of use.
I’ve seen convection ovens or boxes with a blue light used to clean nail clippers and files. Is this safe?
Absolutely not. There is no way to know that the instruments being baked or exposed to light are actually clean. These processes do not sterilize instruments.
Is foot care covered by OHIP, or my insurance company?
Unfortunately, OHIP coverage for foot care is not available at our clinic. Coverage plans vary between insurers; the best way to find out if your carrier provides coverage for foot care is to check your policy or contact them directly. At this time our clinic doesn’t offer direct billing services, but will provide you with appropriate documentation you may be required to submit to your insurer for reimbursement.
Does the Department of Veterans Affairs cover foot care costs for veterans?
Yes, there are some nursing foot care services which are covered. For more info, please visit http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/about-us/policy/document/1242
How can I pay for foot care services?
Our clinic accepts cash, debit, credit, and applepay.
Do you ever have promotions?
Sorry, no. The College of Nurses of Ontario has stipulated that nurses in independent practise are not permitted to run promotions, bundle services, offer discounts, trade services (barter), or receive payment in advance of care being provided.
Can I book an appointment online?
Absolutely! There’s a ‘book now’ button on the top right corner of our home page. Click that button, follow the instructions for setting up a client account, and you’re off to the races!