Dr. David Allen Dowell – Podiatrist | Kelowna, BC

Dr. David Dowell is a dedicated Podiatrist (Foot & Ankle Surgery Focus), committed to providing exceptional foot and ankle care to patients of all ages with foot and ankle concerns. Practicing at a specialized podiatry clinic in Kelowna in Kelowna, BC, he is a trusted provider of specialized foot and ankle care in the community. His practice adheres strictly to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Podiatric Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). With a meticulous approach, he offers a range of conservative and surgical treatments for various foot and ankle conditions. The clinic provides comprehensive podiatric care, including advanced surgical options for complex foot and ankle deformities when conservative treatments are insufficient, ensuring that each patient receives personalized, high-quality care.

Dr. Dowell earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery in 1993, following his initial medical training in the United Kingdom. He has completed necessary postgraduate residency training and licensure examinations, which qualify him to practice as a licensed Podiatrist (Foot & Ankle Surgery Focus) in British Columbia. With over 31 years of professional experience, he is well-versed in the latest advances in podiatric medicine and surgery. His certifications and ongoing professional development underscore his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of podiatric care.

Dr. Dowell's professional philosophy centers on a commitment to relieving foot pain and improving mobility for all patients. He emphasizes educating patients about their foot health and involving them in creating personalized treatment plans. Utilizing modern diagnostic techniques and evidence-based treatments, he ensures effective and efficient care. A strong focus on preventative care, especially for high-risk patients such as those with diabetes, guides his practice. He provides compassionate and comprehensive foot and ankle care to enhance overall well-being, all communicated in clear English, fostering a trusting and respectful patient-practitioner relationship.

Dr. David Dowell provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, including:

Forefoot and Toe Conditions

Dr. Dowell addresses problems affecting the ball of the foot and the toes, often due to pressure, friction, nerve issues, or joint deformities.

• Sesamoiditis: Common in dancers and athletes, causing pain under the big toe.
• Morton's Neuroma: Symptoms include burning pain, numbness, or a sensation of standing on a pebble.
• Bunions (Hallux Valgus): Can be painful and lead to difficulty with footwear.

Skin and Nail Disorders of the Foot

Dr. Dowell addresses includes ingrown toenails, fungal infections, warts, corns, and calluses.

• Plantar Warts (Verrucae Plantaris): Various treatments are available, including topical acids, cryotherapy, or minor surgical removal.
• Ingrown Toenails (Onychocryptosis): A condition where the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and potential infection.
• Fungal Nail Infections (Onychomycosis): An infection of the toenails by fungi, leading to discoloration, thickening, brittleness, and crumbling of the nail.

Diabetic Foot Complications

Dr. Dowell addresses regular podiatric care is crucial for prevention, early detection, and management to avoid amputations.

• Charcot Foot (Neuroarthropathy): Often presents with a warm, swollen, red foot.
• Diabetic Neuropathy Affecting Feet: Nerve damage caused by diabetes, leading to loss of sensation (pain, temperature, pressure) in the feet.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) in Lower Limbs: Management involves lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes vascular procedures.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your foot and ankle health, a consultation with Dr. David Dowell is necessary.

• Sports Podiatry and Injury Management: Diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle injuries common in athletes, such as sprains, stress fractures, and tendonitis.
• Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Examination: Gait analysis to identify abnormalities in walking or running patterns.
• Pediatric Foot Care (Children's Foot Problems): Treatment of warts and ingrown toenails in pediatric patients.
• Routine Foot Care Services: Management of common skin conditions of the feet such as athlete's foot or dry skin.
• Soft Tissue Surgery (e.g., Neuroma Excision, Ganglion Cyst Removal): Procedures to release entrapped nerves or repair damaged tendons/ligaments.
• Custom Orthotics and Bracing: Fitting of ankle braces or other supportive devices for various foot and ankle conditions.

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough foot and ankle examination and consultation with Dr. Dowell.

All podiatry services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Podiatric Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA) and College of Podiatric Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) guidelines. Referral requirements may vary based on your extended health plan.

Dr. Dowell's primary podiatry clinic is located in the heart of Kelowna's Central Kelowna neighborhood, conveniently situated near Orchard Park Shopping Centre. The clinic is easily accessible by public transportation, with the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit) serving the area. Designed for easy access and patient comfort, the facility offers a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive foot and ankle care. Patients can generally find on-site or nearby street parking, making it convenient to visit for consultations, treatments, and surgical procedures.

Does Dr. Dowell perform foot surgery for conditions like bunions or hammertoes?

If Dr. Dowell's scope of practice as a Podiatrist (Foot & Ankle Surgery Focus) includes surgical procedures, He may perform foot surgery for conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, or other deformities when conservative treatments are not sufficient. with advanced training and experience in surgical procedures to correct foot and ankle deformities, relieve pain, and restore function. This would be discussed after a thorough evaluation of your condition. Surgical procedures are typically aimed at relieving pain and restoring proper foot function.

How does Dr. Dowell treat ingrown toenails?

Dr. Dowell can treat ingrown toenails effectively. Depending on the severity, treatment may involve conservative measures such as proper nail trimming techniques and lifting the nail edge. For recurrent or more severe cases, He can perform a minor surgical procedure under local anesthetic to remove the offending portion of the nail, and may also apply a chemical to prevent that section from regrowing (matrixectomy), providing a permanent solution.

What is the difference between a Podiatrist like Dr. Dowell and a Chiropodist?

In Canada, the terms 'Podiatrist' and 'Chiropodist' both refer to regulated primary healthcare professionals specializing in foot health, but there can be differences in their training and scope of practice, varying by province. Generally, Podiatrists (often DPMs - Doctors of Podiatric Medicine, like Dr. Dowell) have a doctorate degree involving more extensive medical and surgical training, potentially including bone surgery of the foot. Chiropodists typically have a diploma or advanced diploma in chiropody and their scope may be more focused on non-surgical care, routine foot care, and management of skin/nail conditions, though some may perform soft tissue surgery. The regulatory body in British Columbia defines the specific scope for each. Dr. Dowell is a Podiatrist (Foot & Ankle Surgery Focus).

Why is diabetic foot care by a Podiatrist like Dr. Dowell important?

Diabetic foot care by a Podiatrist like Dr. Dowell is crucial because diabetes can lead to serious foot complications, including nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation. Regular podiatric check-ups help in early detection of these issues, management of calluses or ulcers that could lead to infection, and education on proper self-care to prevent amputations. Dr. Dowell provides comprehensive assessments and preventative care for diabetic patients.

Does Dr. Dowell prescribe and provide custom foot orthotics?

Custom foot orthotics are a common treatment provided by Podiatrists. Dr. Dowell can evaluate your foot structure and walking pattern to design orthotics that address your specific biomechanical needs, helping to alleviate pain from conditions like heel spurs, bunions, or arch pain, and improve overall foot comfort and alignment.

When should I see a Podiatrist like Dr. Dowell?

You should consider seeing a Podiatrist like Dr. Dowell for any persistent foot or ankle pain, skin or nail problems (like ingrown toenails, warts, fungal infections), foot deformities (bunions, hammertoes), sports injuries affecting the lower limb, or if you have diabetes and require specialized foot care. A referral may or may not be needed depending on your insurance and the clinic's policy.

Are services from Dr. Dowell covered by provincial health insurance?

Provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)) coverage for podiatric care by Dr. Dowell in British Columbia is limited. Many services are private pay or covered by extended health benefits, though some medically necessary services for eligible groups might have partial MSP coverage. Always confirm with Dr. Dowell's office and your insurer.

a specialized podiatry clinic in Kelowna
#229 1634 Harvey Ave
Kelowna, BC V1Y 6G2

Office Phone: (250) 762-3325 | Office Fax: (250) 762-4762

Dr. Dowell is a licensed Podiatrist (Foot & Ankle Surgery Focus) regulated by the College of Podiatric Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act and Podiatrists Regulation in British Columbia. A referral from a family physician is generally not required to see Dr. Dowell, but may be needed for coverage under some extended health insurance plans.

Verify Dr. Dowell's registration with the College of Podiatric Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/376071/Dowell%2CDavid