Searching for a foot doctor in Calgary, podiatrist Calgary, or a foot and ankle clinic?
Most heel, arch, ankle and toenail issues can start with your family doctor for quick diagnosis, treatment, and—if needed—referral to a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist. This guide explains what’s treated in family practice, what belongs with a podiatrist, and how to find clinics across NW/SW/SE Calgary.
Family-doctor first: Book with Dr Helen Dion – Calgary Family Physician at Pinnacle Medical Centres – Trinity Hills for assessment, evidence-based treatment, and specialist referrals when necessary.
What a Family Doctor Can Treat (Before You See a “Foot Specialist”)
A family physician manages many common foot problems and coordinates next steps:
Plantar fasciitis & heel pain (stretching, footwear advice, night splints, NSAIDs)
Ankle sprains & strains (exam, imaging if needed, bracing, rehab plan)
Achilles tendinopathy (activity modification, eccentric loading program)
Shin splints / stress pain (training load review, imaging/referral if suspected stress injury)
Corns, calluses, cracked heels (debridement guidance, emollients, pads)
Ingrown/infected toenails (antibiotics if infected; referral for partial nail avulsion if recurrent)
Athlete’s foot & nail fungus (topical/oral treatments; lab confirmation as needed)
Diabetic foot screening (sensation testing, footwear advice, ulcer prevention; urgent referral if red flags)
If your case needs advanced procedures (orthotics, surgery, complex biomechanics), your family doctor will refer to podiatry/orthopedics.
When to See a Podiatrist or Foot & Ankle Specialist
Ask for a podiatry or orthopedic referral if you have:
Persistent heel/arch pain despite 6–8 weeks of conservative care
Recurrent ingrown nails, large deformities (bunions, hammertoes)
Severe flat feet/high arches causing chronic pain or sports limitations
Diabetic ulcers, loss of feeling, foot infections
Suspected tendon tears, fractures, or advanced arthritis
Custom orthotics or surgical options
Dr Dion can examine, order imaging (X-ray/ultrasound as appropriate), start treatment, and issue referrals to podiatry or hospital-based foot/ankle teams when indicated.
Calgary Foot Clinic Options (NW, SW, SE)
Below are category-style listings you can use to find a clinic close to you (independent clinics; not affiliated with Calgary Health Review). Always call ahead to confirm services, fees, and availability.
NW Calgary (near University/Brentwood/Tuscany)
Foot & ankle clinics offering gait analysis, orthotics, sports-injury care
Nail surgery for recurrent ingrown toenails
Bracing and rehab for ankle sprains/Achilles issues
SW Calgary (Westhills/Signal Hill/Trinity Hills)
Biomechanics assessments, plantar fasciitis programs, shock-wave therapy (where available)
Diabetic foot care and routine skin/nail care
Convenient for patients following up from Pinnacle – Trinity Hills
SE Calgary (Seton/Legacy/Quarry Park)
Orthotics and footwear consultations for workers and runners
Post-injury return-to-sport programs
Nail and skin clinics for fungal infections and callus management
City-Wide/Multisite Providers
Podiatry groups with multiple locations for NW/SW/SE coverage
Appointment options for urgent ingrown nails and shock-wave therapy (fees may apply)
If you need same-day care while arranging a podiatry consult, check Walk In Clinic Calgary for current open hours.
“Best Foot Doctor Calgary” — What to Look For
Assessment depth: history, footwear, activity, workplace demands
Evidence-based care: loading programs, taping/bracing, orthotics when indicated
Clear pathway: when to try physio, when to escalate to podiatry/orthopedics
Transparency on costs: podiatry services are typically private-pay; ask about fees
Continuity: a family doctor coordinating the big picture prevents fragmented care
FAQs (Calgary Foot Care)
Is a podiatrist covered by Alberta Health?
Routine podiatry is often private-pay; some procedures/visits may be partially covered under special circumstances or extended benefits. Your family doctor can advise and refer.
Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?
Not always—but a family-doctor referral ensures the right workup (imaging, labs) and helps direct you to the most appropriate foot/ankle specialist.
Should I go to the ER for foot pain?
Go to Foothills Medical Centre Emergency or the nearest urgent care for sudden severe pain, suspected fracture, spreading infection, fever, or loss of blood flow/sensation.
How Dr Helen Dion Helps (Family-Doctor First)
Dr Helen Dion – Calgary Family Doctor
Clinic: Pinnacle Medical Centres – Trinity Hills
Same-week appointments for heel/arch pain, ankle sprains, toenail issues, skin infections
On-site exam + treatment plan (home exercises, braces, medications)
Imaging if indicated (X-ray/ultrasound as appropriate)
Referrals to podiatry, physiotherapy, or orthopedic foot/ankle clinics when needed
Ongoing follow-up for diabetic foot prevention and chronic conditions
All visits with Dr Dion are covered by Alberta Health (no private membership fees).
Summary
For most foot and ankle problems, start with a family-doctor assessment—you’ll get a diagnosis, a proven treatment plan, and fast referral if specialist care is needed.
Calgarians seeking coordinated, compassionate care can book with Dr Helen Dion at Pinnacle Medical Centres – Trinity Hills, then add podiatry or orthopedic input only when it truly adds value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is family medicine?
A primary-care specialty that provides lifelong comprehensive care for individuals and families.
How is family practice different from general practice?
Family medicine is a certified specialty emphasizing continuity and prevention; general practice is a broader term for similar care.
Do family doctors in Calgary accept new patients?
Yes — availability varies. Check Alberta Health Services’ “Find a Doctor” database for updates.
Can family physicians handle mental-health concerns?
Yes. Family doctors can assess, treat, and refer for mental-health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress.