Foot Care Specialist in Windsor
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. Our foot care specialist will guide you through the orthotics process and provide you with customized orthotics specific to your needs.
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.
Our Comprehensive Foot Care Services
At Complete Foot Care & Orthotic Centre in Windsor, we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of foot care services for patients of all ages. Our experienced team, led by Carla Di Gioia, BSc, DPM, ensures that your foot health is our top priority. Whether you're dealing with a specific foot condition, seeking preventive care, or considering orthotic solutions, our foot care specialist is here to help.
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Preventive Foot Care
Preventing foot problems is at the core of our approach. Our podiatrist believes in proactive foot care to maintain optimal foot health. Regular check-ups and preventive measures can help you avoid potential issues, ensuring that your feet stay healthy and pain-free.
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Expert Diagnosis and Treatment
If you're experiencing foot pain, discomfort, or have concerns about your foot health, our team is equipped to provide expert diagnosis and tailored treatment plans. From common conditions like ingrown toenails to more complex issues, we leverage our expertise to address your specific needs.
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Biomechanical Assessments
Understanding the biomechanics of your feet is crucial for maintaining overall foot health. Our foot care specialist conducts thorough biomechanical assessments to analyze your gait, foot structure, and movement patterns. This assessment helps identify any abnormalities or imbalances that may contribute to foot problems.
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Orthotic Solutions for Enhanced Comfort
Orthotics play a significant role in addressing various foot conditions and improving overall comfort. Our team prescribes custom orthotics tailored to your unique foot anatomy. These prescription insoles correct biomechanical abnormalities, alleviate pain, and enhance your gait. We guide you through the entire process, from assessment to the creation and fitting of your custom orthotics.
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Understanding Podiatry and Chiropody
Many individuals are unfamiliar with the distinctions between podiatry and chiropody. At Complete Foot Care & Orthotic Centre, our foot care specialist is both a podiatrist and chiropodist, offering a comprehensive approach to foot care.
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Podiatry
A podiatrist is a highly trained specialist in the care of the feet, addressing a wide range of foot disorders through mechanical, surgical, and other treatment modalities. Podiatrists undergo extensive education, including a four-year podiatric medical school program followed by three years of residency training. Podiatrists are authorized to communicate diagnoses and play a vital role in foot health.
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Chiropody
Chiropody, on the other hand, is a branch of podiatry that focuses on foot care, particularly through a three-year diploma program. Chiropodists are trained to provide essential foot care services and address common foot conditions. In Ontario, podiatrists are also registered as chiropodists, practicing under the Ontario Chiropody Act.
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 Specialist 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?
Customized Orthotics for Your Unique Needs
Orthotics are not one-size-fits-all solutions; they should be tailored to address your specific foot conditions and concerns. At Complete Foot Care & Orthotic Centre, our foot care specialist in Windsor emphasizes the importance of customized orthotics for optimal effectiveness.
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Prescription Process
Our orthotics are prescribed based on a detailed assessment of your foot anatomy and biomechanics. Using plaster moulds or 3D laser scanners, we capture precise foot impressions in the neutral position. These impressions guide the creation of custom orthotics that align with your prescription, providing the necessary support and correction.
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Conditions Benefiting from Orthotics
Orthotics can benefit individuals dealing with various foot conditions and concerns. Signs that may indicate the need for orthotics include uneven shoe wear, bunions, heel and arch pain, hammertoes, knee, leg, or lower back pain, flat feet or pronation, shin splints, foot pain, misalignment syndromes, children's problems, neuroma, sports injuries, and arthritis.
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Styles and Lifestyle Adaptability
Orthotics are available in various styles to accommodate different shoes and individual lifestyles. Our team ensures that your custom orthotics suit your footwear preferences, providing comfort and support throughout your daily activities.
If you have questions about foot care, orthotics, or specific foot conditions, contact Complete Foot Care & Orthotic Centre in Windsor. We are here to support your foot health journey with personalized care and effective solutions.