Learn more about the podiatrist profession and the importance of healthy feet.

Discussion with Dr. Audrey Couture, Podiatrist.


Why podiatry?

Good question! If we go back to 15 years ago, the only active podiatrists in Quebec were those who studied in the United States. At the end of my school career, the UQTR program was showing its colors and implementing this new program. So why podiatry? Possibly out of curiosity, out of interest in this “special” medicine and out of interest in having my own clinic one day.

What does it take to become a podiatrist ?

To practice this profession, the podiatrist holds a doctorate in podiatric medicine. The doctorate leading to this title represents more than 1,770 hours of theoretical training and more than 2,300 hours of practical training over a four-year period. Like any medical field, it is a constantly evolving field. We learn new techniques, we certify for new technologies and we are always looking to improve our treatment protocols.

Dre Audrey Couture, podiatre

It’s still just feet…

It is important to understand that an untreated foot problem can have repercussions on the other joints of the body and affect the ankles, legs, pelvis or back. And let’s face it, foot pain is no fun… Vague memories here of a 5th toe hitting the edge of the bed, that electrifying pain leading to the heart and the incomprehension that such a small thing could paralyze us so much. The answer to all these questions: PODIATRY!

What does a day in the life of a podiatrist look like?

Just like our clientele, the daily work of a podiatrist is very vast and diversified. From the newborn to the worker in a steel cape to the newly retired grandmother to our elders, we adapt our approach and personalize each treatment plan: treating ingrown toenails and plantar warts, diagnosing fractures, giving cortisone injections or performing x-rays and ultrasounds, prescribing foot orthotics, advising on stretching exercises, performing ligament and muscle manipulations with manual therapies and much more.

Before you, I had never heard of the profession of podiatrist…

The profession of podiatrist is relatively unknown in Quebec. So if you are part of those who did not know we existed, you are not alone! Theoretically, the podiatrist is to feet what the dentist is to teeth. It is an interesting field of medicine that plays a vital role in helping people maintain the health of their feet and thus the overall health of their body. Contrary to popular belief, podiatrists don’t just cut nails, they treat all forms of foot problems; they address chronic heel pain, arch pain, callus and corns, foot deformities and joint dysfunction.

It is important to have your feet examined to prevent any abnormalities and to stay healthy.

Prevention is better than cure!

At the Suroît Podiatric Clinic, we strongly advocate the prevention of foot health. Taking certain parts of our body for granted or thinking that our pain will simply pass with time, everyone does it. Life moves at 100 miles per hour… But what do you do when you get up in the morning, what do you put on the ground first? Your foot. Imagine that the foundation is no longer holding… This is where my work takes all its meaning.

It is important to have your feet examined in order to prevent any abnormality and to stay healthy. Book an appointment at Suroît Podiatric Clinic here.

Even without pain, can I consult a podiatrist?

Yes! Maintaining good foot health helps you maintain your ability to walk, work, play or and complete your daily projects as you age.

Getting a podiatric care is not only reserved for those who are in pain or who, due to a lack of mobility, can no longer perform the trimming of their nails. Many people have taken a chance by cutting a temperamental nail, using a blade to remove horn or trying all the products in the pharmacy with no results and the only conclusion… OUTCH! Oops I missed it! To meet a podiatrist is to get advice, to have answers to your questions, to understand the treatment plan and to have access to comfort for everyone and at any age.

I love people above all.

– Dr. Audrey Couture, podiatrist

What kind of podiatrist am I?

Each health care professional displays their colors and personalizes their practice. I love people above all, I love to have a conversation, I want to understand the daily life of my patients, I accumulate challenges, I advocate for teamwork and I have fun talking about feet!

At the Suroît Podiatric Clinic, we are a team of podiatrists dedicated to serving you for the past 12 years in the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield region. Meeting us means keeping your feet healthy.

Finally why podiatry… Why not! 🙂