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Foot Clinics & Podiatrists in Calgary — Family-Doctor First Guide (2025)

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.

Family medicine is a certified specialty emphasizing continuity and prevention; general practice is a broader term for similar care.

Yes — availability varies. Check Alberta Health Services’ “Find a Doctor” database for updates.

Yes. Family doctors can assess, treat, and refer for mental-health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress.

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