Foot Assessments and evaluations

Foot Assessments – Complete Exam and Treatment Plan

A podiatric assessment is designed to identify the source of your pain, discomfort, or functional abnormalities in order to establish an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to your situation.

At Clinique Podiatrique St-Charles, located in Pierrefonds, in Montreal’s West Island, 30 minutes from the central station by train. Our podiatrists perform complete assessments for adults, athletes, seniors, and children, using a structured approach based on current clinical recommendations.

When should you book a foot assessment?

A foot assessment may be helpful if you are experiencing:

• Heel, arch, forefoot, or ankle pain

• An ingrown toenail, thickened or yellow nails, plantar warts, corns, or calluses

• Foot deformities such as flat feet, high arches, claw toes, or bunions (hallux valgus)

• Instability or recurring ankle sprains

• Wounds, cracks, or skin changes

• In children: frequent falls, unusual walking patterns, or noticeable shoe wear

When there is no pain or functional limitation, some anatomical variations may simply need monitoring rather than treatment.

What is included in a foot assessment?

1. Clinical examination

• Review of medical history and symptoms

• Inspection of the skin and nails (lesions, fungal changes, ulcers, skin abnormalities)

• Assessment of joint mobility, strength, and pressure areas

This approach reflects the standards recommended in major North American foot health guidelines, including skin, neurological, and vascular evaluation.

2. Biomechanical and postural assessment

• Foot, ankle, knee, and hip alignment

• Gait analysis, and running analysis when indicated

• Functional testing for balance and stability

Biomechanical assessments are recognized as useful clinical tools to identify functional deficits, although not every individual test has been formally validated on its own. Their interpretation relies on overall clinical judgment.

3. Additional tests, if needed

• Neurological sensitivity testing

• Peripheral pulses and vascular screening

• Footwear assessment

Imaging

X-rays or ultrasound are not routine.

They are only recommended when:

• Pain is persistent
• A structural condition is suspected
• A trauma or injury is involved
• Clinical findings justify further investigation

How a foot assessment works

• Detailed interview
• Clinical examination and functional testing
• Clear explanation of the diagnosis
• Personalized treatment plan

The average appointment lasts 30 to 45 minutes, allowing for a complete and methodical examination.

Treatment plan: a step-by-step approach

Treatment depends on the diagnosis and the presence of symptoms.

Custom foot orthotics

Orthotics may be considered when pain or mechanical overload has been clearly identified.

Current evidence suggests that:

• Orthotics can help reduce pain in the short term for certain conditions, such as plantar fasciitis

• Prefabricated orthotics may be as effective as custom orthotics in many cases

• The best option depends on the condition, activity level, and response to initial treatment

The goal is to improve comfort and function, not to permanently change the structure of the foot.

Other treatment options, depending on your needs

• Local care for corns, calluses, or nail problems

• Dressings or temporary immobilization

• Exercise programs for mobility, strengthening, and stretching

• Guidance on footwear selection

• Referral to other healthcare professionals when appropriate

All treatments are recommended based on clinical findings and your specific needs.

Pediatric foot assessments

In children:

• Many anatomical variations are part of normal growth

• Treatment is only considered when symptoms or functional limitations are present

An assessment helps distinguish between:

• A normal developmental variation

• A condition that requires monitoring or treatment

In many cases, shoe recommendations and monitoring are sufficient. Pediatric orthotics are only considered when clinically indicated.

FAQ

How long does a foot assessment take?

Most appointments last 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case.

Do I need a medical referral?

No. A medical referral is not required to book a podiatric assessment.

Are X-rays always necessary?

No. Imaging is only recommended when the clinical examination indicates that it is needed.

Are orthotics always required?

No. Orthotics are only recommended when there is a clear medical indication.

A precise diagnosis helps guide the most appropriate solution, whether that involves simple advice, exercises, or a more specific intervention.

Book an appointment for a complete foot assessment tailored to your needs.