Dr. Gregory Laakmann – Podiatrist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Gregory Laakmann 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 Vancouver in Vancouver, BC, he is a trusted provider of comprehensive foot and ankle care in the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Podiatric Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Laakmann offers a range of conservative and surgical treatments for various foot and ankle conditions. The clinic provides a welcoming environment designed for easy access and patient comfort, equipped to handle complex foot and ankle issues with modern diagnostic tools and advanced surgical options.

He earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from the California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University in 1993 (United States). Following his graduation, he completed postgraduate residency training and successfully passed licensure examinations, allowing him to practice as a Podiatrist in British Columbia. With over 31 years of experience in the field, he is a highly qualified Podiatrist (Foot & Ankle Surgery Focus). His key certifications include a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree and Board Certification from the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS), reflecting his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional excellence.

Dr. Laakmann's professional philosophy centers on relieving foot pain, restoring mobility, and enhancing overall foot health. He emphasizes patient education, involving individuals in creating personalized treatment plans. Utilizing modern diagnostic techniques and evidence-based treatments, he focuses on preventative care, especially for high-risk patients such as those with diabetes. His approach combines compassion with expertise, ensuring that every patient receives comprehensive and effective foot and ankle care. All communication and care are provided in English, with a dedication to improving patients' quality of life through dedicated foot health management.

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

Diabetic Foot Complications

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

• 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.
• Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Require specialized wound care, offloading, infection control, and management of underlying diabetes.

Forefoot and Toe Conditions

Dr. Laakmann addresses includes bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, and metatarsalgia.

• Bunions (Hallux Valgus): A bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe, causing the big toe to deviate towards the other toes.
• Morton's Neuroma: Managed with wider shoes, orthotics, injections, or surgical excision in persistent cases.
• Sesamoiditis: Common in dancers and athletes, causing pain under the big toe.

Skin and Nail Disorders of the Foot

Dr. Laakmann addresses common ailments affecting the surface of the feet and toenails, often caused by friction, pressure, infection, or underlying systemic conditions.

• Ingrown Toenails (Onychocryptosis): Can be treated conservatively or with a minor surgical procedure for permanent correction.
• Fungal Nail Infections (Onychomycosis): Treatment options include topical medications, oral antifungals, or laser therapy.
• Corns (Heloma Durum/Molle) and Calluses (Tyloma): Thickened areas of skin that develop due to repeated pressure or friction, often over bony prominences.

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

• Surgical Correction of Bunions (Hallux Valgus): Various surgical techniques are chosen based on the severity and type of deformity.
• Management of Forefoot Pain (Metatarsalgia, Neuromas): Therapies may include padding, orthotics, footwear modifications, or injections.
• Soft Tissue Surgery (e.g., Neuroma Excision, Ganglion Cyst Removal): Procedures to release entrapped nerves or repair damaged tendons/ligaments.
• Routine Foot Care Services: Management of common skin conditions of the feet such as athlete's foot or dry skin.
• Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Examination: Diagnosis of foot conditions and development of personalized treatment plans.
• Pediatric Foot Care (Children's Foot Problems): Evaluation and management of common childhood foot conditions such as flat feet, in-toeing, out-toeing, and Sever's disease.

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

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. Laakmann practices at a specialized podiatry clinic located in Vancouver's vibrant Yaletown neighborhood, within the Downtown South area. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Gastown Historic District, offering easy access via public transportation options including TransLink's SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), buses, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront). The facility is designed for patient comfort and accessibility, with parking typically available nearby, often with accessible spots. Patients can expect a professional, welcoming environment dedicated to comprehensive foot and ankle care.

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

Diabetic foot care by a Podiatrist like Dr. Laakmann 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. Laakmann provides comprehensive assessments and preventative care for diabetic patients.

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

If Dr. Laakmann'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.

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

Provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)) coverage for podiatric care by Dr. Laakmann 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. Laakmann's office and your insurer.

What does a Podiatrist like Dr. Laakmann specialize in?

A Podiatrist, such as Dr. Laakmann, is a healthcare professional (often a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine - DPM) who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. As a Podiatrist (Foot & Ankle Surgery Focus), he has advanced training and experience in surgical procedures to correct foot and ankle deformities, relieve pain, and restore function. They also provide comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower leg.

What are some common foot conditions treated by Dr. Laakmann?

As a Podiatrist, Dr. Laakmann manages numerous foot problems. These frequently include issues requiring custom orthotics, treatment for skin and nail conditions, management of foot pain from arthritis or injury, care for structural deformities, and specialized diabetic foot assessments. With advanced training and experience in surgical procedures to correct foot and ankle deformities, relieve pain, and restore function.

a specialized podiatry clinic in Vancouver
840-777 Hornby St
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1S4

Office Phone: (604) 681-2837 | Office Fax: (604) 681-2899

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

Verify Dr. Laakmann's registration with the College of Podiatric Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/373723/Laakmann%2CGregory