Pierre Dupont Doctor of Podiatric Medicine | Chiropodist has been providing help to patients affected by a wide range of foot pain and disorders. Plantar Fasciitis is a common problem which causes heel and/or arch pain in teens and adults. This is due to excessive strain imposed to the main ligament structure (the plantar fascia) from a collapsing or overpronating foot typically not supported by proper shoes. When the arch of the foot collapses excessively during standing, walking, running or weight bearing activities, the fibrous tissue bands connecting the ball of the foot to the heel are put under excessive tension. Then micro-tears appear within the weakened connective tissue fibers and the plantar fascia gets inflammed to the point pain signals are sent at the very first steps done right after a period of rest, especially at the very first steps in the morning.

The ankle bone (talus) receives all the body weight and shift it evenly to the rest of the foot structures provided the talus is maintained in good aligment by strong and healthy peri-articular ligaments. Genetically-induced weak peri-articular ligaments will lead to repetitive dislocation and misalignment of the talus upon weight bearing. Plantar fasciitis is caused by excessive flattening of the arches and overstretching of the plantar fascia. Among contributive factors, we can mention lack of flexibility in calf muscles and Achilles tendons, changes in activity levels, unsupportive shoegears and weight gain. This condition materializes over a long time and it can often overcome the body’s healing abilities.

Pierre Dupont Doctor of Podiatric Medicine | Chiropodist | Foot Specialist suggests a simple regimen of daily home stretching and reinforcement exercises. Natural anti-inflammatory icings reduce pain and inflammation. Night splints can also be used to prevent contraction of plantar fascia and maintenance of calf flexibility. Custom orthotics and internal stent stabilization are also used for prevention of plantar fasciitis and these are the most reliable long term cure for existing conditions.

N.B. A DPM or Doctor of Podiatric Medicine cannot register anymore as a podiatrist in Ontario due to a «podiatric cap» in force since 1993. The only Doctors of Podiatric Medicine members registered as podiatrists did so before 1993 and had been grandfathered podiatrist thereafter. The College of Podiatrists and Chiropodists of Ontario (College) is the professional regulatory body for both Chiropodists and Podiatrists. The College petitioned the Minister for a referral to the Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council (HPRAC) with the objective of removing the podiatric cap and moving to a Podiatry model of footcare similar to the one in force elsewhere in North America, Australia and in many European Countries. The review by the HPRAC of the Chiropody and Podiatry professions has been ordered by the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care and is now commencing. This why Pierre Dupont D.P.M. / Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, had been registered as a chiropodist in Ontario although he could have been eligible to be registered as a podiatrist in other provinces or jurisdictions. This explains why the following designations or titles as Pierre Dupont podiatrist, Dr. Pierre Dupont podiatrist, Dr Pierre Dupont DPM, Dr Pierre Dupont podiatre, Pierre Dupont podiatre or Pierre Dupont podiatrist Ottawa do not figure among correct appellations according to regulations in force.

Summary: In Ontario, both podiatrists and chriropodists, both DPM’s - graduated after a 4-year University program in Podiatric Medicine - and DCh’s - awarded after a 3-year program at the Michener Institute - are foot specialists who assess and treat foot conditions within their respective scope of practice.