Personalized Foot Care
Complete Foot Care & Orthotic Centre is proud to offer a full range of foot care products and services to patients of all ages across Windsor. Learn more about us below or contact us now to schedule an appointment.
Carla Di Gioia, BSc, DPM: Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
Carla received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from the University of Windsor. Following this, she attended the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine (Kent State University) for 4 years and received her Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). She then completed a 3-year residency program in southeast Michigan. Her residency training concentrated on every aspect of podiatric surgery, including foot and ankle reconstructions, diabetic limb salvage, foot and ankle surgery, primary podiatric care and biomechanics.
Carla has completed all board examinations and is continuing her education to best serve her patients across Windsor. She keeps education a top priority, attending conferences every year throughout the United States and Canada. Beyond merely attending, she has lectured at various conferences, hospitals and clinics across Ontario.
She is a licensed podiatrist in the State of Michigan. Carla is also registered as chiropodist in Ontario.
What Is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine?
A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) is a highly trained specialist in care of the feet. Podiatric Medicine is one of six primary care professions in Ontario. Podiatrists are concerned with the examination, diagnosis and prevention of foot disorders by mechanical, surgical and other means of treatment.
Podiatrists are often called upon by physicians and other health care professionals for consultation and treatment of foot problems, which can be experienced by everyone from children to seniors. A referral from your family physician, however, is not required.
What Training Does a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Undergo?
In order to become a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, one must have an undergraduate degree and have achieved a successful score on the Medical College Aptitude Test (MCAT), in order to be accepted into one of 8 podiatric medical schools in the United States. Podiatric Medical School involves 4 years of both academic and clinical training. There are also various Board examinations that are completed during these four years. After these four years, one is granted the title of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. This is then accompanied by an additional three years of residency training and additional Board and State/Provincial licensing exams.
See www.kent.edu/cpm for further information.
Who Is a Podiatrist or Chiropodist?
These terms are not interchangeable. Both are Foot Specialists trained to different levels. Chiropody education in Canada is obtained through a 3-year diploma (DCh or DPodM) level course taught at the Michener Institute in Toronto after completing high school. Podiatrists are educated in the United States at the doctorate level, and have completed surgical training through a hospital-based residency program. A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) is a highly trained specialist in the care of foot conditions. Podiatrists are one of six primary care professions authorized by Ontario Law to communicate a diagnosis. Podiatrists are concerned with the examination, diagnosis and prevention of foot disorders by mechanical, surgical and other means of treatment. After 1993, Doctors of Podiatric Medicine entering Ontario have been forced to register as chiropodists and practice according to the Ontario Chiropody Act of 1991.
What Is an Orthotic?
An orthotic is a prescription insole used to correct biomechanical abnormalities, treat foot pathology, alleviate pain and improve gait. There are many commercially-made devices, such as cushioned heel cups or prefabricated insoles for shoes sold over the counter in local drug stores or other retail establishments that are made for comfort and do not correct the underlying condition. They are not a true orthotic.
Prescription orthotics are created using a plaster mold or 3D laser scanner to capture the foot in the neutral position as well as the overall anatomy of the foot. These foot impressions are sent to an orthotic laboratory where an orthotic is made that balances out deformities and corrects misalignments according to the patient's prescription. The patient receives the custom orthotic in approximately 10 business days.
Orthotics are available in a variety of styles to fit various shoes and individual lifestyles.
Who Should Use an Orthotic?
Almost anyone can benefit from orthotics. Orthotics can help alleviate many common foot conditions. Assessment by a trained Foot Specialist is essential.
What signs might indicate the need for orthotics?
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Uneven shoe wear
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Bunions
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Heel and arch pain
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Hammertoes
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Knee, leg, or lower back pain
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Flatfeet or pronation
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Shin splints
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Foot pain
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Misalignment syndromes
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Children's problems including in-toe, out-toe and flat feet
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Neuroma
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Sports injuries
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Arthritis
