Dr. Douglas Henderson Lamb – Podiatrist | Victoria, BC

Dr. Douglas Lamb 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 Victoria in Victoria, BC, he is a trusted provider of comprehensive foot and ankle care in the community. His practice adheres to the high standards established by the College of Podiatric Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Lamb offers a range of conservative and surgical treatments for various foot and ankle conditions, ensuring that each patient receives personalized and effective care. The clinic provides a welcoming environment designed for easy access and patient comfort, equipped to handle a broad spectrum of podiatric needs, including advanced surgical options for complex foot and ankle deformities when conservative treatments are insufficient.

He earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in 1989 in the United States. Following this, he completed required postgraduate residency training and successfully passed licensure examinations to practice as a Podiatrist in British Columbia. With over 35 years of experience since 1989, Dr. Lamb is a highly qualified Podiatrist (Foot & Ankle Surgery Focus). His certifications include being a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), reflecting his extensive training and commitment to excellence in foot and ankle healthcare.

Dr. Lamb's professional philosophy centers on relieving foot pain and improving mobility for all patients. He emphasizes educating his patients about their foot health and involves them in creating personalized treatment plans. Utilizing modern diagnostic techniques and evidence-based treatments, he strives to provide effective and compassionate care. His focus on preventative care is especially vital for high-risk patients such as those with diabetes. Dr. Lamb is dedicated to enhancing overall well-being through comprehensive foot and ankle health management, and all patient communication and care are conducted in English, ensuring clear understanding and trust.

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

Heel and Arch Pain Conditions

Dr. Lamb addresses common and often debilitating issues affecting the sole of the foot, frequently related to overuse, improper footwear, or biomechanical imbalances.

• Achilles Tendonitis/Tendinopathy: Often related to overuse, tight calf muscles, or improper training techniques.
• Flat Feet (Pes Planus) / Fallen Arches: May be asymptomatic or cause foot fatigue, pain, and contribute to other lower limb problems.
• Plantar Fasciitis: A very common cause of heel pain.

Skin and Nail Disorders of the Foot

Dr. Lamb provides expert diagnosis and treatment to alleviate discomfort and restore healthy skin and nails.

• Fungal Nail Infections (Onychomycosis): An infection of the toenails by fungi, leading to discoloration, thickening, brittleness, and crumbling of the nail.
• Plantar Warts (Verrucae Plantaris): Warts on the soles of the feet caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), often appearing as rough, grainy growths that can be painful when walking.
• Corns (Heloma Durum/Molle) and Calluses (Tyloma): Corns are typically smaller and deeper with a hard core; calluses are more diffuse.

Diabetic Foot Complications

Dr. Lamb addresses serious foot problems that can arise in individuals with diabetes due to nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation (peripheral arterial disease).

• Charcot Foot (Neuroarthropathy): Often presents with a warm, swollen, red foot.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) in Lower Limbs: Narrowing or blockage of arteries supplying blood to the legs and feet, common in diabetes.
• Diabetic Neuropathy Affecting Feet: Management focuses on blood sugar control and protective foot care.

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

• Management of Corns, Calluses, and Blisters: Identification and addressing of underlying pressure or friction causing these lesions.
• Plantar Wart (Verruca Plantaris) Treatment: Multiple treatments may be required for complete resolution.
• Pediatric Foot Care (Children's Foot Problems): Treatment of warts and ingrown toenails in pediatric patients.
• Ingrown Toenail Treatment (Conservative and Surgical): Management of painful ingrown toenails, including conservative care or minor surgical procedures (e.g., partial nail avulsion, matrixectomy) for permanent correction.
• Nail Surgery (e.g., Permanent Ingrown Toenail Correction): Performed under local anesthesia in an office setting.
• Diabetic Foot Care and Assessment: Wound care management for diabetic foot ulcers and patient education on self-care.

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

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. Lamb's primary podiatry clinic is situated in a specialized facility in Victoria, located in the vibrant James Bay neighborhood near Beacon Hill Park. The clinic is conveniently positioned close to the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, making it accessible and easy to locate. Patients can reach the clinic via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit), which provides reliable public transportation options. The facility is designed for easy access and patient comfort, with ample parking typically available nearby, including accessible spots. The clinic offers a professional, welcoming environment dedicated to comprehensive foot and ankle care, ensuring patients receive personalized attention in a comfortable setting.

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

Many Podiatrists, especially those designated as podiatric surgeons like Dr. Lamb, are qualified to perform various types of foot surgery. This can include corrective procedures for bunions (hallux valgus), hammertoes, removal of soft tissue masses, or chronic nail problems. With advanced training and experience in surgical procedures to correct foot and ankle deformities, relieve pain, and restore function, Dr. Lamb would assess your specific condition to determine if surgery is the most appropriate treatment option.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Lamb?

Generally, direct access to a Podiatrist like Dr. Lamb is common in Canada for services that are not covered by the provincial health plan (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP)). If you have extended health benefits, they might require a referral for coverage. For provincially insured services where applicable (which varies greatly by province for podiatry), a referral might be necessary. Contact Dr. Lamb's clinic for specific guidance. The clinic's fax number for referrals, if required by your insurance, is typically (250) 480-7664.

How does Dr. Lamb treat ingrown toenails?

For painful ingrown toenails, Dr. Lamb offers various treatments. Initial management might include careful trimming and advice. If the problem is persistent or infected, a simple in-office surgical procedure can be done to remove the ingrown nail portion, often with a step to prevent recurrence, offering significant relief.

When should I see a Podiatrist like Dr. Lamb?

You should consider seeing a Podiatrist like Dr. Lamb 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.

Does Dr. Lamb prescribe and provide custom foot orthotics?

Custom foot orthotics are a common treatment provided by Podiatrists. Dr. Lamb 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.

What is the difference between a Podiatrist like Dr. Lamb 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. Lamb) 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. Lamb is a Podiatrist (Foot & Ankle Surgery Focus).

a specialized podiatry clinic in Victoria
101-230 Menzies St
Victoria, BC V8V 2G7

Office Phone: (250) 480-2868 | Office Fax: (250) 480-7664

Dr. Lamb 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. Lamb, but may be needed for coverage under some extended health insurance plans.

Verify Dr. Lamb's registration with the College of Podiatric Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/373726/Lamb%2CDouglas