Sault Ste. Marie Diabetes Directory
A Guiding Light to Diabetes Services in Algoma!
Foot Care
There are approximately two million people in Canada with diabetes. It is estimated that 4-10% of those with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer.
In other words, 80,000-200,000 Canadians with diabetes will be affected in their lifetime.
The numbers also indicate that 14-24% of those persons with diabetes and foot ulcers will require amputation (either a partial foot amputation or a leg amputation) because the ulcer will not heal. Quality of life is negatively affected because persons suffering from a foot ulcer are often reluctant to go out for fear of offending others with the odour or appearance of their feet. Routines are interrupted by the need for daily dressing changes, a situation that may mean waiting around for the visiting nurse. It is not surprising that foot ulcers are one of the biggest fears shared by people with diabetes. Many people will not realize that they have a potentially limb-threatening injury because they cannot feel the wound until they develop other symptoms like swelling or fever.
In other words, 80,000-200,000 Canadians with diabetes will be affected in their lifetime.
The numbers also indicate that 14-24% of those persons with diabetes and foot ulcers will require amputation (either a partial foot amputation or a leg amputation) because the ulcer will not heal. Quality of life is negatively affected because persons suffering from a foot ulcer are often reluctant to go out for fear of offending others with the odour or appearance of their feet. Routines are interrupted by the need for daily dressing changes, a situation that may mean waiting around for the visiting nurse. It is not surprising that foot ulcers are one of the biggest fears shared by people with diabetes. Many people will not realize that they have a potentially limb-threatening injury because they cannot feel the wound until they develop other symptoms like swelling or fever.
Footcare Optimal Outcomes and Treatment for Patients in Algoma with Diabetes (FootPad) Program:
The FootPad Program is a comprehensive, practical and evidence-based program for optimal foot care of all patients in the Algoma District. It is a community-based collaboration of providers and consumer groups. Members include:
Algoma Diabetes Education & Care Program (ADEC)
Algoma Foot Smart
Bayshore Health Care
Feet First Pedorthic Nursing Foot Care Clinic
Garden River Wellness Centre
Group Health Centre Chiropody Department (GHC)
Sault Area Hospital Foot Clinic (SAH)
Sault Chiropody Clinic
We Care Home Health Services
Retail:
The Athletes Foot
Bergamin's Footwear & Repair
Feet First Pedorthic Nursing Foot care
FootPad aims to improve the foot care of patients with diabetes by increasing awareness of the importance of foot care as well as improving their overall health. The program has developed the following:
- A Practical Algorithm for diabetes foot care, standardizing the protocol for diagnosis and management of foot disorders;
- A basic assessment tool;
- Education tools to be used by all providing diabetes care;
- A list of professionals with the credentials that meet the Basic Practice Guidelines for diabetes foot care.
Important foot care tips for people with diabetes...
Inspection:
• Look at your feet everyday in a place with good light. Use a mirror if you can’t bend over to see the bottoms of your feet. If inspecting your own feet is difficult, ask a family member to help.
• Look for dry places and cracks in the skin, especially between the toes and around the heel.
• Check for ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, swelling, sores, or places that are red or pale. If corns, calluses, or other problems persist, see a foot care specialist.
Bathing:
• Wash your feet daily in warm - not hot - water. Before you put your feet into the water, test the temperature with your wrist or elbow to prevent burning your feet.
• Do not soak your feet.
• Use a mild soap and rinse well. Gently dry your feet with a soft towel making sure to dry between the toes.
• Cracks in the skin are places where infection can enter. To soften dry feet and keep the skin from cracking use a mild cream or lotion daily, except between your toes.
Toenails:
• Cut or file nails to follow the natural curve of your toe. Avoid cutting nails shorter than the ends of your toes. Sharp corners and rough edges of toenails need to be filed with an emery board so they do not cut the toes next to them.
• Do not use sharp objects to poke or dig under the toenail or around the cuticle.
• Ingrown toenails or nails that are thick or tend to split when cut should be dealt with by a foot care specialist.
Corns and Calluses:
• After washing your feet, gently rub any corns and calloused areas with pumice stone to control build up. Avoid using do-it-yourself corn or callous removers. These can cause burns and may harm healthy skin around the problem area.
• Never cut your corns and calluses with a razor blade. This can lead to infections.
Socks:
• Socks should fit well and be free of seams and darns that might reduce the blood supply or cause friction.
• Wear white socks that are mostly natural fibres, such as cotton or wool, to allow skin to breathe.
Shoes:
• Wear shoes or hard-soled slippers to cover and protect your feet. Avoid going barefoot and use common sense about wearing sandals. You should probably avoid thong sandals or flip-flops.
• At the beach, never walk barefoot on hot sand or shells, and put sunscreen on the tops of your feet.
• Choose the best shoes for your activities each day.
• Before you put on your shoes, shake them out and then carefully feel inside for stones or rough spots that might hurt your feet.
• Shop for shoes in mid-afternoon when feet are largest. Buy shoes that feel good and have room for all the toes to wiggle and be in their natural place. Avoid shoes that are too tight or pinch. Try on both shoes, and if one of your feet is slightly larger than the other, buy for the bigger foot. Shoes that don’t fit well can lead to sores, blisters, and calluses.
• The top part of the shoe should be soft and pliable. The lining should not have ridges, wrinkles or seams. The toe area should be round and high to fit your toes. You may need to see an orthotic specialist for inserts, special shoes, or to have your shoes adapted to your feet.
• If your feet are numb, make an outline of each foot from stiff paper to insert in shoes when you are shopping for new ones.
• Break in new shoes slowly by wearing them 1-2 hours a day at first. Change your shoes at least once during the day.
Circulation (Blood Flow):
• Exercise for 30 minutes a day, five times a week. See the "Physical Activity" section of this directory for more information.
• If you smoke, quit. See the "Smoking Cessation" section of this directory.
• Wear wool socks and warm, waterproof shoes or boots for outside winter activities.
• Avoid heating pads, hot water bottles, or microwaveable warmers. These can burn the skin. Instead, use wool socks to keep your feet warm.
Treatment of Injuries:
• Look at your feet if you stumble or bump a hard object to be sure that there is no damage.
• If your foot is hurt, do not continue walking on it as this may cause more damage.
• Treat blisters, cuts, and scratches right away. Wash with soap and water and apply a mild antiseptic. Remember, opening blisters yourself may lead to infection.
• Cover all injuries with a dry and sterile dressing.
• If sores do not begin to heal within 2 days, call your doctor.
Inspection:
• Look at your feet everyday in a place with good light. Use a mirror if you can’t bend over to see the bottoms of your feet. If inspecting your own feet is difficult, ask a family member to help.
• Look for dry places and cracks in the skin, especially between the toes and around the heel.
• Check for ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, swelling, sores, or places that are red or pale. If corns, calluses, or other problems persist, see a foot care specialist.
Bathing:
• Wash your feet daily in warm - not hot - water. Before you put your feet into the water, test the temperature with your wrist or elbow to prevent burning your feet.
• Do not soak your feet.
• Use a mild soap and rinse well. Gently dry your feet with a soft towel making sure to dry between the toes.
• Cracks in the skin are places where infection can enter. To soften dry feet and keep the skin from cracking use a mild cream or lotion daily, except between your toes.
Toenails:
• Cut or file nails to follow the natural curve of your toe. Avoid cutting nails shorter than the ends of your toes. Sharp corners and rough edges of toenails need to be filed with an emery board so they do not cut the toes next to them.
• Do not use sharp objects to poke or dig under the toenail or around the cuticle.
• Ingrown toenails or nails that are thick or tend to split when cut should be dealt with by a foot care specialist.
Corns and Calluses:
• After washing your feet, gently rub any corns and calloused areas with pumice stone to control build up. Avoid using do-it-yourself corn or callous removers. These can cause burns and may harm healthy skin around the problem area.
• Never cut your corns and calluses with a razor blade. This can lead to infections.
Socks:
• Socks should fit well and be free of seams and darns that might reduce the blood supply or cause friction.
• Wear white socks that are mostly natural fibres, such as cotton or wool, to allow skin to breathe.
Shoes:
• Wear shoes or hard-soled slippers to cover and protect your feet. Avoid going barefoot and use common sense about wearing sandals. You should probably avoid thong sandals or flip-flops.
• At the beach, never walk barefoot on hot sand or shells, and put sunscreen on the tops of your feet.
• Choose the best shoes for your activities each day.
• Before you put on your shoes, shake them out and then carefully feel inside for stones or rough spots that might hurt your feet.
• Shop for shoes in mid-afternoon when feet are largest. Buy shoes that feel good and have room for all the toes to wiggle and be in their natural place. Avoid shoes that are too tight or pinch. Try on both shoes, and if one of your feet is slightly larger than the other, buy for the bigger foot. Shoes that don’t fit well can lead to sores, blisters, and calluses.
• The top part of the shoe should be soft and pliable. The lining should not have ridges, wrinkles or seams. The toe area should be round and high to fit your toes. You may need to see an orthotic specialist for inserts, special shoes, or to have your shoes adapted to your feet.
• If your feet are numb, make an outline of each foot from stiff paper to insert in shoes when you are shopping for new ones.
• Break in new shoes slowly by wearing them 1-2 hours a day at first. Change your shoes at least once during the day.
Circulation (Blood Flow):
• Exercise for 30 minutes a day, five times a week. See the "Physical Activity" section of this directory for more information.
• If you smoke, quit. See the "Smoking Cessation" section of this directory.
• Wear wool socks and warm, waterproof shoes or boots for outside winter activities.
• Avoid heating pads, hot water bottles, or microwaveable warmers. These can burn the skin. Instead, use wool socks to keep your feet warm.
Treatment of Injuries:
• Look at your feet if you stumble or bump a hard object to be sure that there is no damage.
• If your foot is hurt, do not continue walking on it as this may cause more damage.
• Treat blisters, cuts, and scratches right away. Wash with soap and water and apply a mild antiseptic. Remember, opening blisters yourself may lead to infection.
• Cover all injuries with a dry and sterile dressing.
• If sores do not begin to heal within 2 days, call your doctor.
Algoma Diabetes Education and Care (ADEC) Program
83 Willow Ave., Sault Ste Marie, ON
Phone- Office: 541-2669, Receptionist: 541-2670
Registered Practical Nurse
No referral required
Common procedures include: nail cutting, removal of calluses and corns, foot care and footwear teaching, ingrown toenails
Reports sent to family physician if requested
Located on a bus route
Free Parking
Algoma Foot Smart
Juanita Wood-Arbus, RN & Monique LaFontaine, RN
Healing Arts Centre, 426 Bruce St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Phone: 254-2273
Juanita Wood-Arbus, RN & Monique LaFontaine, RN
Healing Arts Centre, 426 Bruce St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Phone: 254-2273
Website: http://www.healingarts.ca/footcare.shtml
Registered Nurses with Advanced and Diabetes Certificates, also trained in Orthotic Therapy and Reflexology
No referral required
Registered Nurses with Advanced and Diabetes Certificates, also trained in Orthotic Therapy and Reflexology
No referral required
Some foot care supplies available
Common procedures include: nail cutting, removal of callus and corns, treatment of fungus, ingrown nails
Patient reports sent to family physician if requested
Home visits available
Located on a bus route
Free parking
Common procedures include: nail cutting, removal of callus and corns, treatment of fungus, ingrown nails
Patient reports sent to family physician if requested
Home visits available
Located on a bus route
Free parking
Bayshore Health Care
304-390 Bay St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Phone: 942-3232
Website: http://www.bayshore.ca/
Registered Practical Nurses
No referral required
Does not offer foot care supplies for purchase
Common procedures include: nail cutting, removal of callus and corns, treatment of fungus, ingrown nails
Patient reports sent to family physician if requested
Nurses only perform home visits, long-term care facility visits, etc.
Feet First Pedorthic Nursing Foot Care Clinic
Rhonda Doan, RCT, c. ped. (c.), RPN
111-A Great Northern Rd., Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6A 3C6
Phone: 949-7324
Phone: 949-7324
Website: www.feetfirstsault.com
Certified Pedorthist, Certified Pedorthic Technician, Registered Practical Nurse
No referral required for routine care
Certified Pedorthist, Certified Pedorthic Technician, Registered Practical Nurse
No referral required for routine care
Diabetic and orthopedic footwear available for purchase-casts made in office, orthotics ordered
Common procedures include: nail care, corn & callus reduction, diabetic foot care, pedorthic assessment, diabetic neuropath, full footwear assessment
Patient reports sent to family physician if requested
Common procedures include: nail care, corn & callus reduction, diabetic foot care, pedorthic assessment, diabetic neuropath, full footwear assessment
Patient reports sent to family physician if requested
Home visits are not offered
Located on a bus route
Free parking
Located on a bus route
Free parking
Garden River Wellness Centre
Lisa Mitchell, RPN
23 Shingwauk St., Garden River, ON
Phone: 946-5710
Registered Practical Nurse
Referral required from Nurse Practitioner
No foot care supplies available
Common procedures include: diabetic consultation, corns, calluses, warts, nail care
Reports sent to family physician if requested
Home visits available
Not located on a bus route
Free Parking
Group Health Centre Chiropody Department
Grace Lobert, D.Ch. and Bob Holland, D.Ch.
240 McNabb St., Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Phone: 759-1234 Appointments: 759-5521
Two Registered Chiropodists
No referral required
Grace Lobert, D.Ch. and Bob Holland, D.Ch.
240 McNabb St., Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Phone: 759-1234 Appointments: 759-5521
Two Registered Chiropodists
No referral required
No foot care supplies available for purchase
Common procedures include: nail care, corn/callus care, wart treatment, biomechanical assessments & orthotics, wound care
Patient reports sent to family physician if requested
Located on a bus route
No free parking
Common procedures include: nail care, corn/callus care, wart treatment, biomechanical assessments & orthotics, wound care
Patient reports sent to family physician if requested
Located on a bus route
No free parking
Just Feet II Nursing Foot Care Clinic
683 Great Northern Rd., Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6B 5A1
Phone: 256-8386
Registered Practical Nurses
683 Great Northern Rd., Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6B 5A1
Phone: 256-8386
Registered Practical Nurses
No referral required
No footwear for sale, but referrals offered
Common procedures include: ingrown nails, thick and hard-to-cut nails, cracked heels, corns, callus reduction, diabetic assessments
Does not send patient reports to family physician
No footwear for sale, but referrals offered
Common procedures include: ingrown nails, thick and hard-to-cut nails, cracked heels, corns, callus reduction, diabetic assessments
Does not send patient reports to family physician
Home and hospital visits available
Located on a bus route
Free parking
Located on a bus route
Free parking
Sault Area Hospital Foot Clinic
Elaine Angelic, OT
Rehabilitation Centre- rear entrance of General Hospital Site, Ground Floor, Y Wing, 969 Queen St. E., Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Phone: 759-3656
Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy), Bachelor of Education
Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy), Bachelor of Education
Member of the Sault Area Hospital Interdisciplinary Comprehensive Wound Care Team
Physician referrals required
Physician referrals required
Diabetic orthotics available for purchase
Common procedures include: advanced nail care, wound debridement, remedial footwear, custom orthotic fabrication, and provision of a variety of healing boots to accommodate dressings and promote healing
Located on a bus route
$5.00 fee for parking
Common procedures include: advanced nail care, wound debridement, remedial footwear, custom orthotic fabrication, and provision of a variety of healing boots to accommodate dressings and promote healing
Located on a bus route
$5.00 fee for parking
Sault Chiropody Clinic
Lori Lehtimaki, D.Ch.
683 Great Northern Rd., Sault Ste. Marie, ON (Located in the same building as Just Feet II)
Phone: 256-8386
E-mail: lori@saultchiropody.com
Registered Chiropodist
No referral required
No footwear for sale, but referrals to footwear retailers available
Common procedures include: wound management, soft tissue surgery, nail conditioning, etc.
Patient reports sent to family physician if requested
Home visits are not offered
Located on a bus route
Free parking
We Care Home Health Services
201-369 Queen St. E., Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Phone: 941-5222
E-mail: smasters@wecarecanada.com
Registered Practical Nurses with Advanced Foot care Training
No referral required for basic procedures
No footwear for sale
Common procedures include: cutting and filing of nails, softening and buffing of corns and calluses, application of non-medical padding massage, treatments for infection, ulcers and diabetes
Home, hospital and nursing home visits available
Located on a bus route
No free parking
There are many retailers from which you can purchase footwear and orthotics from in Sault Ste. Marie. Please speak with your physician or foot care provider in regards to your individual need for orthotic care.
The Athlete's Foot
Station Mall, 293 Bay St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Phone: 942-3934
Diabetic footwear available
Measures feet
Bergamin's Footwear & Repair
671 Great Northern Rd., Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Phone: 945-0499
Diabetic footwear available
Measures feet
Makes adjustments as required
Repair services
Feet First Pedorthic Nursing Footcare
424 Pim St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Phone: 949-7324
Diabetic footwear available
Measures feet
Makes adjustments as required
Healthgear Medical & Safety Inc.
262 Queen St. E., Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Phone: 949-4327
Diabetic footwear available
Measures feet
H. R Lash Ltd.
308 John St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Phone: 759-3785
Diabetic footwear available
Measures feet
Makes adjustments as required
Motion Specialties
Debora MacKay, Certified Orthotist
671A Great Northern Rd., Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Phone: 254-1462
E-mail: dmackay@themotiongroup.com
Custom orthotics, tridensity footpad, foot protection products and wound care shoes available for purchase
Santana Ortho Lab
1496 Wellington St. E., Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Phone: 256-2428
By appointment only
Physician referral required
Diabetic footwear available
Measures feet
Makes adjustments as required
Foot Care
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Last News
The Latest... Posted at 06/19/09 - 12:35 PMThis new site will be updated and re-launched in the summer of 2009 with thanks to Laura Hazlett of the Canadian Diabetes Association.
Information
This Diabetes Directory is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Hui Lee who inspired it.
It was his vision that consistent Diabetes care is possible through coordination and distribution of information on resources available locally.