When you visit a chiropodist or podiatrist, you’re trusting that every instrument used on your feet is clean, safe, and fully sterilized. At Whitby Family Footcare, infection control isn’t just a routine, it’s a core part of how we protect your health. One of the most common questions patients ask is: “How do you sterilize your instruments?” Here’s exactly what happens behind the scenes to ensure your care meets the highest standards. Our Sterilization Process Is Guided by IPAC Standards All of our cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization procedures follow  IPAC (Infection Prevention and Control)  best practices, along with the standards set by the College of Chiropodists of Ontario. These guidelines ensure that every step of instrument reprocessing is safe, consistent, and medically sound. 1. Instruments Are Cleaned Immediately After Use After each appointment, instruments go through a thorough cleaning process: Rinsing to remove visible debris Manual or ultrasonic cl...

Yes, We Treat Diabetic Feet and Here’s Why It Matters People often search online for one simple question:  “Do you treat diabetic feet?”  The short answer is  yes —and at our Whitby clinic, diabetic foot care is one of the most important parts of what we do. Living with diabetes means your feet need consistent attention, proactive monitoring, and expert care. Diabetes can quietly affect the nerves and blood vessels in your fee t, making it harder to feel injuries and slower for wounds to heal. Even small problems can escalate quickly if they’re not caught early. Our goal is to help you stay active, independent, and confident in your foot health.   Why Diabetic Foot Care Is Essential Diabetes can lead to: Reduced sensation (neuropathy) Poor circulation Slow‑healing wounds Higher risk of infections Increased risk of ulcers and amputations Research shows that hospital visits for diabetic foot complications are rising, and many people still miss essential foot screenings...

Understanding Why Corns Form and How They’re Treated Corns are one of the most common reasons people visit our clinic and the good news is that they’re highly treatable. If you’ve been dealing with a painful spot on your toe or the ball of your foot, you’re not alone. Corns form when the skin experiences repeated pressure or friction, often over a bony area. Over time, this irritation leads to a concentrated core of hardened skin that presses on nerve endings, causing sharp, localized pain. Why Corns Form Corns typically develop because of: Tight or ill‑fitting footwear Toe deformities or gripping patterns Underlying biomechanical issues Pressure between toes (leading to “soft corns”) When the toes are compressed or rubbing inside a shoe, the skin responds by thickening. In the case of a corn, this thickened skin forms a deep central nucleus that becomes painful with every step. How We Treat Corns At Whitby Family Footcare Clinic, we provide safe, professional removal of corns — a qu...

  Do I Need a Chiropodist or Podiatrist? The Questions We Hear Most in Ontario   Foot pain and mobility issues affect people of all ages, yet many Ontarians aren’t sure when to see a chiropodist or podiatrist. If you’ve ever wondered whether your foot problem is “serious enough,” you’re not alone. The truth is simple: if your feet are limiting your comfort, activity, or confidence, a foot‑care specialist can help.   Below are the questions we hear most often — and the answers that help people decide when it’s time to book.   “Do I need a referral?” No referral is required. Chiropodists and podiatrists are primary‑care foot specialists, so you can book directly whenever you need support.   “Is this covered by OHIP?” Routine foot care isn’t covered by OHIP. Most extended health plans cover assessments, treatments, and custom orthotics. Many patients are surprised by how much their plan includes.   “What’s the difference between a chiropodist and a podiatrist...

  If you’ve been wearing the same pair of orthotics for a few years and have started to notice new aches in your feet, knees, or lower back, you’re not imagining it. One of the most common questions patients ask at Foot Care Whitby is: “Can old orthotics cause foot pain?” The short answer is yes — worn or aging orthotics can absolutely contribute to discomfort. But the more important question is why this happens and how to know when it’s time for a reassessment.   Why Orthotics Don’t Last Forever Custom orthotics are medical devices designed to support your unique foot structure, improve alignment, and reduce stress on bones and soft tissues. But like any device used daily, they experience wear and tear. Over time, orthotics can lose their effectiveness due to: Material compression — cushioning layers flatten and lose shock absorption Shell fatigue — the corrective structure softens or deforms Daily wear and friction Changes in your b...

  Why Is It So Hard to Find Last Year’s #RunningShoes? Have you ever walked into a shoe store, ready to pick up another pair of your tried-and-true favorites, only to find that last year’s model has vanished or been completely redesigned? You’re not alone! Many people share this frustration, especially when they’ve finally found a shoe that fits their needs—whether it’s neutral, mild stability, or maximum stability, and from low to high stack height. Every season, brands roll out new designs, tweak features, or change sizing, making it a real challenge to stick with what works. Understanding terms like “stack height” (the thickness of the sole) and “heel-to-toe drop” (the difference in height between the heel and forefoot) can help you compare new models and find the right fit, even when your go-to shoe gets a makeover. Condensed Running Shoe Comparison: 2025 vs. 2026  Category Brand 2025 Model 2026 Model Note ...