About Podiatry

“Podiatrists are valued by nurses for the expertise that they bring to patient care. Keeping patients mobile so they can retain their independence is vitally important, and adds to their quality of life dramatically.“

– Royal College of Nursing UK

What is Podiatry?

Podiatry is the diagnosis and treatment by podiatrists of diseases and other disorders of the feet.

Podiatrists are highly skilled health professionals who have been trained to prevent, diagnose, treat and rehabilitate abnormal conditions of the feet and lower limbs. They also prevent and correct deformity, keep people mobile and active, relieve pain and treat infections.

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When do I need to see a podiatrist?

If your feet hurt, something is wrong. In this case we recommend that you visit a podiatrist, who will advise you on the best course of treatment. You can also prevent foot problems before they occur by visiting a local podiatrist for advice on how to keep your feet healthy and in top condition. (See “How to contact a podiatrist” section). We recommend that you have a regular foot health check with your Podiatrist.

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Why do I need to see a podiatrist?

Podiatrists are highly trained professionals licensed by the College of Podiatrists of Manitoba that have trained solely in the area of the foot and lower limb for several years. In order to become a member of the College of Podiatrists of Manitoba, a podiatrist will have undertaken and passed a full time degree in podiatry at an accredited College of Podiatry and will have met stringent entrance criteria set by the College of Podiatrists of Manitoba.

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College of Podiatrists of Manitoba (COPOM)

In Manitoba, the College of Podiatrists of Manitoba is the regulatory body for the profession governed under provincial legislation. For all Podiatrists only those practitioners who have graduated from an accredited College of Podiatry and who meet the minimum entry requirements are eligible to become licensed members of the College.

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How do I contact a podiatrist?

No referral is needed to see a Podiatrist in Manitoba. To find a Podiatrist near you that is licensed you could use the following link on our website and find their office location on our map or look under the Podiatrists section in the Winnipeg / Manitoba Yellow Pages listing. The majority of Podiatrists have offices located in the Winnipeg and Brandon metropolitan areas. Some Podiatrists work within personal care homes or operate a mobile practice and can visit you in your own home or office location.

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How do I become a podiatrist?

Working as a podiatrist can be exciting and rewarding because it involves working in a variety of environments with a number of other health care professionals and many different groups of patients who have a wide range of foot problems. For further information please see the careers section on this website or the College’s website: http://www.copom.org.

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Further foot health information

Manitoba Podiatry Association is linked to the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists in the UK, which provides a number of foot health information leaflets for you to either view online or download in PDF form from the Society’s website, www.feetforlife.org. Current leaflets include Blisters, Children’s Feet, and Heel Pain, Foot care for People with Diabetes, Sporty Feet, and Working feet.

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A podiatrist can treat or advise you on:

Please Note. Some of these areas are treated by specialist podiatrists only.