Foot & toe conditions

An overview of Providence Health Care's services and resources for patients with foot & toe conditions.

Overview

Your feet are one of the most complex parts of your body — with each foot having 26 bones and 33 joints. Issues with these bones and joints can lead to foot and toe conditions. These can make walking and moving around difficult.

Common foot and toe conditions

Diagnosis & testing

If you have foot or toe problems, you should visit your health care provider.

At your appointment, we will ask about your medical history and examine your feet. 

We may order imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to check your bones and soft tissues. We may also do lab tests to look for infections or other health issues, like diabetes.

Sometimes, we will watch how you walk. This helps us see if you have any balance or movement problems.

Treatment & management

Treatment for foot and toe conditions depends on your specific condition. 

  • We might suggest rest, ice or medication to reduce pain and swelling. 
  • In some cases, we may recommend special shoes or orthotic inserts to support your feet.
  • We may also suggest physical therapy to improve your strength and balance. 
  • If your condition is severe, you may need surgery.

Make sure to follow your health care provider’s advice and take care of your feet to prevent further issues.

Clinics that treat foot & toe conditions

Support services

Providence Health Care offers a variety of services to support those we care for. The following services may be of use or benefit to you and your families.

Support for Indigenous Peoples

The Indigenous Wellness Liaison Team is here to support your health journey. Team members offer cultural support and healthcare advocacy. Learn more below or call them at 604-682-2344,62937 or email IWL@providencehealth.bc.ca.

  • Indigenous wellness services

    The Indigenous Wellness Team at Providence is available to support Indigenous patients and their families. We are here to coordinate culturally safe wellness supports and services.

Clinical trials & research

Advances in treatments are all thanks to medical research. While participating in research is a decision you should make for yourself in consultation with your care team, there is much activity in this area so please ask us about our research programs if you’re interested.

By taking part in research, you can help us all learn more about advancing health outcomes and find better ways to help people live and thrive. While you cannot assume benefit to yourself, your participation can make a difference in improving care for future patients.

The following clinical trials are currently enrolling volunteers. Please ask your care team for more information or contact the research team listed on each study or trial. For other information about research at Providence Health Care, please visit Providence Research.

Medical & professional referrals

You need a referral to come to the Podiatry Clinic

  • Health care providers like specialists and family doctors can refer patients requiring foot care. 
  • Clinic staff are not able to schedule appointments.
  • There is no specific form for this clinic. The doctor's office gets fax referrals from internal and external sources. Internal sources include hospital wards and other hospital and long-term care sites. External sources are doctor's offices and the community.

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