Diabetic Foot Care in Ottawa
When you have diabetes, foot care stops being cosmetic and becomes preventive health care. Reduced circulation and reduced sensation mean a small problem — a callus, a nick from nail clippers, or a blister you never felt — can develop into something serious before you notice it.
Our Registered Nurses provide diabetic foot care at our Gloucester clinic and in homes across Ottawa. Every appointment combines a nursing assessment, safe treatment, and practical guidance to help protect your comfort and mobility.
Why diabetic feet need specialist care
Diabetes can affect the feet in three ways that compound one another:
- Neuropathy. Reduced sensation can allow cuts, blisters, pressure areas and other injuries to go unnoticed.
- Reduced circulation. Wounds may heal more slowly.
- Higher infection risk. Small breaks in the skin can become harder to resolve.
This is why nail care that would be routine for someone else can carry real risk when done at home with diabetes. A nail cut slightly too short or a callus filed too aggressively can open the skin.
What a diabetic foot care appointment includes
Your appointment is tailored to what we find and may include:
- A diabetic foot assessment covering skin condition, circulation, sensation, pressure points, and changes since your last visit
- Safe nail trimming and filing, including care for thickened nails
- Careful callus reduction to relieve pressure points before the skin breaks down
- Monitoring for skin changes, wounds, or early signs of infection
- Education on daily foot checks, footwear, moisturizing, and what to watch for
- Referral to your physician when we identify something that needs medical attention
Regular nursing foot care helps identify problems early and supports long-term foot health.
“Being a diabetic and a bit overweight, taking care of my feet wasn't my first concern. Since seeing Becky for several years now, it has changed my views. Becky, a soft spoken and very capable registered nurse, is meticulous and conscientious in her foot care treatments. Your well being is important to her. You are in good hands.” — Murielle, Ottawa
How often should you come?
Most clients benefit from professional foot care every 6 to 8 weeks. With diabetes, poor circulation, nail changes, or a history of foot problems, you may need to be seen more often. We will recommend an interval based on your nursing assessment and individual needs.
Between appointments, check your feet every day. Look for redness, swelling, blisters, cracks, drainage, colour changes, or anything that was not there the day before. If you cannot see the bottoms of your feet easily, use a mirror or ask someone you trust to help.
Infection control matters more here
All instruments are sterilized in an autoclave, and we follow Public Health Ontario's IPAC checklist for reprocessing. Sterilization records are kept for every cycle. For high-risk feet, infection prevention is a central part of safe care.
Please do not use blades, callus shavers, or sharp tools on diabetic feet at home. If you notice an open wound, spreading redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, or a sudden change in colour, contact an appropriate healthcare provider promptly.
Clinic or home — whichever is easier
Our clinic at Queensway Medical Centre is wheelchair accessible, has free parking, and includes a mobility-friendly treatment chair with a lower seat height and supportive armrests. If travelling is difficult, our Registered Nurses can bring the same professional foot care to your home anywhere in Ottawa.
Booking and location
Clinic
Queensway Medical Centre
300-5307 Canotek Road, Gloucester, ON K1J 9M2
Wheelchair accessible, free parking, just off the Montreal Road exit
Home visits
Available across Ottawa, including Orléans, Gloucester, Vanier, Kanata, Nepean, Barrhaven and Stittsville.
Call (613) 746-6223 ext. 4 or email beckyandco.info@gmail.com.
Common questions
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly with us. If your assessment identifies something that needs diagnosis, prescription treatment, or medical follow-up, we will recommend that you contact your physician.
How often should someone with diabetes have professional foot care?
Many clients are comfortable on a 6-to-8-week schedule, but the right interval depends on circulation, sensation, nail changes, pressure areas, and your history. We will recommend a schedule after assessing your feet.
Can you come to my home?
Yes. We provide home visits throughout Ottawa for clients who find travel difficult or simply prefer to receive care at home.
Is diabetic foot care covered by insurance?
Foot care is not covered by OHIP, but many extended health plans cover foot care provided by a Registered Nurse. We provide a detailed receipt for reimbursement and can direct bill Veterans Affairs Canada for clients with a valid K number. Current rates are listed on our FAQ page.
What should I do if I find a wound or signs of infection?
Do not try to cut or treat it yourself. Contact an appropriate healthcare provider promptly, particularly if you notice spreading redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, colour change, or a wound that is not healing.