Looking for a podiatrist? Start here.
Thick nails, ingrown toenails, corns and calluses are usually treated by a certified foot care nurse — no referral and no specialist wait. Here is how to tell which you need.
Foot care nurse or podiatrist?
Most everyday nail and skin problems do not need a podiatrist. Here is how the work is usually divided.
See a foot care nurse for
- Thick or hard-to-cut toenails
- Ingrown toenails
- Fungal toenails
- Corns and calluses
- Cracked heels
- Regular foot care if you have diabetes
- Feet that are hard to reach
See a podiatrist for
- Custom orthotics
- Foot or ankle surgery
- Bunions or hammertoes that need treatment
- Heel pain, such as plantar fasciitis
- Problems with how you walk or stand
Common foot problems, and who to see
Thick or hard-to-cut toenails
Foot care nurse. Nails are trimmed and thinned with clinical tools in a private room.
Ingrown toenails
Start with a foot care nurse. Many ingrown nails settle with proper nail care, and Onyfix can reshape a curved nail without cutting. If the toe is red, swollen or draining, see your doctor first.
Toenail fungus
Foot care nurse. Regular nail thinning plus ToeFX light therapy, which uses no medication.
Corns and calluses
Foot care nurse. They are pared down safely, with advice to slow their return. If they keep coming back because of a bony change, a podiatrist can assess you for orthotics.
Cracked heels
Foot care nurse. Callus reduction and moisturizing, plus tips for home care.
Foot care with diabetes
Foot care nurse for regular care and checks. An open wound or ulcer needs your doctor — and our wound care clinic by referral.
Heel pain, bunions, orthotics or surgery
Podiatrist (or your family doctor first). These are outside what a foot care nurse treats.
Foot care in a medical clinic
What you get
- 45 unhurried minutesA full foot assessment, nail care, and treatment of corns and calluses.
- Certified foot care nursesLPNs and RNs with advanced foot care training.
- Hospital-grade hygieneInstruments are autoclave-sterilized.
Good to know
- No referral neededBook online or by phone.
- $90 per visitReceipts for your extended health plan.
- Specialist physicians on sitePart of the Edmonton Diabetes & High Risk Foot Clinic.
- Free on-site parkingVibe Professional Centre.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have podiatrists?
No. Our foot care is provided by certified foot care nurses — LPNs and RNs with advanced foot care training — in a medical clinic with specialist physicians. They treat most common nail and skin problems. If you need a podiatrist, we will tell you.
Do I need a referral?
Not for foot care. You can book a medical pedicure, Onyfix or ToeFX directly, online or by phone.
What does it cost? Is it covered?
A medical pedicure is $90 for about 45 minutes. It is not covered by Alberta Health or Alberta Blue Cross. Many extended health plans cover part of the cost — we provide a receipt for you to submit.
What if I really do need a podiatrist?
Your nurse checks your feet at every visit. If something needs a podiatrist — orthotics, surgery, or a bone or joint problem — we will tell you and suggest next steps.
I have diabetes. Who should look after my feet?
Regular foot care from a foot care nurse is one of the simplest ways to prevent problems. An open wound or foot ulcer is different — see your doctor promptly. Our wound care clinic sees foot wounds with a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner.
Not sure which you need?
Start with a medical pedicure · $90 · No referral needed
Visit us
Edmonton, AB T5H 0P9
Tue, Wed — 8:00am to 6:00pm