When you have Achilles tendonitis, your tendon feels swollen and painful. LMC Chiropodists may suggest wearing custom orthotics. They can provide complete support for your foot arch as customized shoe inserts. Orthotic shoe inserts are more effective when combined with shoes that also help support or cushion your foot type.
When clinically appropriate, injections are usually provided by a Rheumatologist or Orthopaedic Surgeon. Cortisone is an anti-inflammatory medication used to treat musculoskeletal conditions. When cortisone is injected into your affected area, it can lower inflammation and pain. Cortisone can have side effects. Before an injection is considered, a thorough assessment and appropriate conservative treatments are provided.
Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment option used to help reduce foot pain and inflammation while supporting the body’s natural healing process. It uses targeted light energy applied to the affected area to stimulate tissue repair and improve circulation.
Laser therapy may be used to help manage:
Treatments are quick, comfortable, and require no downtime. A series of sessions is typically recommended for best results, depending on your condition and treatment goals.
Your clinician will complete a full assessment to determine whether laser therapy is an appropriate treatment option for you.
This service is currently offered at our Vaughan clinic only.
LMC Healthcare has one of the largest research divisions in North America, Centricity Research. Our Chiropodists (Footcare Specialists) have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge foot health research and new treatment approaches.
While a referral is not required to see our Chiropodists, we keep your family physician informed every step of the way with assessment and treatment summaries.
You also never have to wait long for an appointment! We have eight easily accessible locations in Ontario. Brampton, Vaughan, Oakville, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Midtown Toronto, Barrie, Ottawa, with more coming soon.
Common symptoms include pain or stiffness in the back of the heel, especially in the morning or after exercise. Some people also experience swelling or tenderness in the area.
Achilles tendonitis is often caused by repetitive stress on the tendon, such as sudden increases in exercise, wearing improper footwear, or having tight calf muscles. Over time, these stresses can lead to small tears and inflammation.
Natasha Johnny, RPN, Foot Care Nurse
Natasha Johnny is a Registered Practical Nurse and Certified Foot Care Nurse specializing in preventative and diabetic foot care. With a background in nursing and over 25 years of experience in aesthetics and personal care, she brings a compassionate, patient-centered approach to every treatment. Natasha is passionate about helping patients maintain healthy feet, mobility, independence, and overall quality of life.
Eric Szeto, B.Sc., D.Ch., completed his Chiropody training at The Michener Institute of Education at UHN after earning his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from York University. Combining a strong foundation in lower-limb biomechanics with compassionate clinical care, Eric focuses on diabetic foot care, custom orthotic therapy and comprehensive foot care treatments. He is passionate about helping patients maintain active, pain-free lifestyles and fluently serves patients in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
Desmond pursed Chiropody as his second career with interests in foot dermatology, biomechanics, and soft tissue surgeries. He strives to advance his clinical skillset and continue learning the latest technologies. With five years of critical care experience as a Respiratory Therapist, he is prepared to leverage his communication, critical thinking, inter-professional collaboration skill in delivering high quality foot care to the community.
Miriam Fortes is a Registered Chiropodist dedicated to providing compassionate foot care to patients of all ages. She earned her Advanced Diploma in Chiropody from The Michener Institute of Education at UHN and completed her undergraduate studies with honours in Biomedical Sciences at Toronto Metropolitan University.
During her clinical education, Miriam gained valuable experience in private chiropody clinics, rehabilitation hospitals, long term care and community health centres, treating a wide variety of foot and lower limb conditions.
Known for her gentle and attentive approach, Miriam takes the time to listen, educate, and provide personalized care in a welcoming and comfortable environment.
Outside of work, Miriam enjoys reading, cooking, going to the movies, hunting for vintage finds, and nature walks (especially with her dog).
Canadian Certified Pedorthist
Fairouz is a Canadian certified Pedorthic Clinician with a strong medical foundation, having earned her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree before continuing her career in Canada. Her medical background, combined with her expertise in lower limb biomechanics, enables her to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care. Fairouz specializes in lower limb assessments, custom foot orthotics, footwear recommendations, knee braces, compression therapy, and other conservative treatment options to help improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance quality of life. She is passionate about educating patients and tailoring treatment plans to meet each individual’s needs
Andre knew from an early age that he wanted to work in healthcare. He learned to appreciate this field of work as numerous health-related professionals worked to keep him healthy and active in his competitive sporting activities. Andre’s post-secondary studies began at Western University where he received an Honours
Bachelor of Arts with a specialization in Kinesiology. He used this opportunity to explore the many streams of healthcare by completing a variety of courses in Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics and Psychology to name a few. In his final years of undergraduate studies, Andre completed various specialized courses in Physical Rehabilitation and volunteered to coordinate health education and physical activities for various demographics. Andre chose Chiropody as this profession most strongly integrates his educational experiences with real-world opportunities. He completed the Post-Graduate Advanced Diploma in
Chiropody from the Michener Institute of Education at UHN in 2022. Andre brings an emerging scope of practice into the workplace with diverse experiences at Family Health Centres, St. Michael’s Hospital and Foot Clinics dedicated specifically to a wide range of foot-care services. Andre is well equipped to be a member of your healthcare team and is dedicated to his lifelong practice.
Zhi Du is a registered chiropodist who previously worked as a surgeon in China. He graduated from The Michener Institute in 2023 with Distinction in Chiropody and has also worked as an instructor at the Toronto School of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TSTCM). He brings a thoughtful, patient-centred approach to care, supported by strong medical training and teaching experience.
Mohamed Kalimuddin is a licensed Chiropodist and graduate of the Michener Institute (2017). He has developed extensive clinical experience across private practices and wound care clinics throughout the GTA. His primary focus is diabetic foot care, including the management of thickened nails, fungal infections, and wound treatment, with an emphasis on education and prevention to support long-term foot health. Outside of his clinical work, Mohamed enjoys exploring new cuisines—most recently Thai cooking—and has a passion for travel and sports. He’s an avid fan of both the Toronto Blue Jays and Raptors.
Amy McNeilly is a compassionate and dedicated Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) with over a decade of healthcare experience, including 10+ years as a Healthcare Worker. A graduate of Algonquin College’s Practical Nursing Program in 2023 and Advanced Foot Care Certification in 2025, Amy has a strong foundation in holistic patient care, infection prevention, and community health. She has provided nursing care in both long-term care and hospital settings and now specializes in advanced foot care services, emphasizing preventative treatment and patient education.
Known for her empathy, strong communication skills, and commitment to lifelong learning, Amy delivers patient-centered care that promotes dignity and wellness. Outside of her professional role, Amy is a proud mother of two children who inspire her daily and fuel her passion for making a difference in the lives of others.
Drue Drue Gandhi is a Registered Chiropodist (D.Ch) with the College of Chiropodists of Ontario. He has previously gained experience within both independent private practices and public hospitals. This has allowed Drue to gain clinical experience across multiple aspects of podiatric care. This can include the management of skin and nail conditions and the treatment of bacterial or fungal infections. An emphasis was also placed on education in foot and wound care, especially for higher-risk populations, including, but not limited to, older adults and those with diabetes. Drue completed his chiropody-related studies at the Michener Institute of Education (2025). Previously, Drue graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Master of Science (M.Sc) and a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc), both in Kinesiology. Recreationally, Drue likes to spend summer outdoors with or friends and family, doing activities such as kayaking or camping. During the winter, Drue likes to hibernate indoors, choosing to go to the cinema. Drue will occasionally bear the elements, going snowboarding when Ontario weather allows.
Sara’s passion for nursing and teaching has led her through a now 17-year journey nursing career, attending to the health and well-being of individuals within many different areas in an acute care hospital including surgery and medicine. Diabetic foot care became an interest during these years, where the increasing need for foot care professionals became more prevalent for the prevention and treatment of skin, nails and wounds.
Sara completed both Basic and Advanced Foot Care For Nurses certifications from Mohawk College in 2022. She completed her Practical Nursing diploma program in 2008 at Sheridan College, and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BScN) from Nipissing university in 2016.
Aqsa graduated from York University with a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Kinesiology and Health Sciences. A career in the medical field has always been her passion and dream. After volunteering in various clinics and specialties, she chose Chiropody as her career and is proud of that decision.
Aqsa graduated in Chiropody in 2011. To further develop her interest in wound care and diabetic foot care, she pursued training to become a Wound Care Specialist and a Certified Diabetes Educator in 2012 and 2014, respectively.
Treating people with diabetes is a particular passion for Aqsa, and seeing her patients heal and improve brings her great satisfaction. She treats every patient with care and empathy, and their satisfaction is the greatest reward for her. Aqsa enjoys her work and is always eager to explore, learn, and grow in her field.
High arches (pes cavus) are a foot condition in which the arch sits significantly higher than normal, concentrating body weight on the heel and ball
The location, timing, and character of the foot pain are the clearest indicators of what is actually causing it. Heel pain that is worst first
Foot pain is most commonly caused by biomechanical imbalances, overuse, poorly fitted footwear, or underlying health conditions that affect the structure and function of the
Not every runner needs custom orthotics, but they make a significant difference for those with biomechanical issues such as overpronation, flat feet, or high arches,
Custom orthotics can help manage hammer toes by correcting the underlying foot mechanics that contribute to the deformity, redistributing pressure away from the affected toes,
For most adults, custom orthotics manage flat feet rather than permanently correcting the underlying foot structure. They work by supporting the arch, redistributing pressure, and
