Dr. Marissa Bernadette Abao – Podiatrist | Langley, BC

Dr. Marissa Abao 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 Langley, BC, she is a trusted provider of comprehensive foot and ankle services within the community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Podiatric Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that every patient receives meticulous and evidence-based care. She offers a range of conservative and surgical treatments for various foot and ankle conditions, with a focus on achieving optimal outcomes for her patients. The clinic provides a professional, welcoming environment designed for patient comfort and accessible foot and ankle care.

Dr. Abao earned her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in 2007 in the United States. Following her graduation, she completed required postgraduate residency training and successfully passed licensure examinations to practice as a Podiatrist in British Columbia. With over 17 years of experience since 2007, she is a qualified Podiatrist (Foot & Ankle Surgery Focus) with extensive clinical expertise. She holds key certifications and adheres to the rigorous standards of her profession, ensuring she provides safe, effective, and innovative foot and ankle care.

Her professional philosophy centers on a commitment to relieving foot pain and improving mobility for all patients. She emphasizes patient education, actively involving individuals in their treatment plans to foster understanding and compliance. Dr. Abao utilizes modern diagnostic techniques and evidence-based treatments to deliver precise and effective care, with a special focus on preventative strategies, particularly for high-risk groups such as diabetic patients. Her dedication to compassionate, comprehensive foot and ankle care aims to enhance overall well-being, employing all communication and care in English to ensure clarity and trust with her patients.

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

Heel and Arch Pain Conditions

Dr. Abao addresses diagnosis and management of conditions like plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and Achilles tendonitis.

• Achilles Tendonitis/Tendinopathy: Often related to overuse, tight calf muscles, or improper training techniques.
• Flat Feet (Pes Planus) / Fallen Arches: Often managed with supportive footwear and custom orthotics.
• Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot, causing sharp heel pain, especially with first steps in the morning.

Skin and Nail Disorders of the Foot

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

• Corns (Heloma Durum/Molle) and Calluses (Tyloma): Thickened areas of skin that develop due to repeated pressure or friction, often over bony prominences.
• Plantar Warts (Verrucae Plantaris): Various treatments are available, including topical acids, cryotherapy, or minor surgical removal.
• 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. Abao 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): A severe complication of diabetic neuropathy causing weakening of bones in the foot, leading to fractures, dislocations, and significant deformity.
• Diabetic Neuropathy Affecting Feet: Nerve damage caused by diabetes, leading to loss of sensation (pain, temperature, pressure) in the feet.
• Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Open sores or wounds on the feet that are slow to heal, often occurring in areas of pressure or injury in patients with neuropathy or poor circulation.

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

• Custom Orthotics and Bracing: Biomechanical assessment and prescription of custom-made foot orthotics to correct foot posture, improve function, and reduce pain.
• Diabetic Foot Care and Assessment: Wound care management for diabetic foot ulcers and patient education on self-care.
• Arthritis Management in the Foot and Ankle: May involve orthotics, medication advice, joint injections, or referral for surgical management if severe.
• 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.
• Soft Tissue Surgery (e.g., Neuroma Excision, Ganglion Cyst Removal): Performed when conservative treatments have failed.
• Sports Podiatry and Injury Management: Biomechanical analysis to optimize performance and prevent recurrence.

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

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. Abao practices at a specialized podiatry clinic located in the heart of Langley, BC. The clinic is situated in a vibrant neighborhood close to local amenities and pharmacies, making it convenient for patients to access comprehensive foot and ankle care. Easily reachable via local public transit routes, the facility is designed for easy access and patient comfort, with on-site or nearby street parking generally available. The clinic offers a professional and welcoming environment dedicated to providing thorough and personalized foot and ankle treatment options for residents of Langley and surrounding areas.

What does a Podiatrist like Dr. Abao specialize in?

Dr. Abao is a Podiatrist, a specialist with extensive training in all aspects of foot and ankle health. She diagnoses and treats a wide array of conditions, from common skin and nail problems to complex biomechanical issues and foot deformities, sometimes including surgical interventions. with advanced training and experience in surgical procedures to correct foot and ankle deformities, relieve pain, and restore function.

When should I see a Podiatrist like Dr. Abao?

A visit to Dr. Abao is recommended for issues such as chronic heel pain, problems with walking or foot biomechanics, recurrent ankle sprains, diabetic foot assessments, or if you need custom orthotics. Also, seek consultation for any unusual growths, discoloration, or persistent infections of the feet or toenails.

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

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

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

As a Podiatrist, Dr. Abao 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.

How does Dr. Abao treat ingrown toenails?

For painful ingrown toenails, Dr. Abao 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.

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

Many Podiatrists, especially those designated as podiatric surgeons like Dr. Abao, 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. Abao would assess your specific condition to determine if surgery is the most appropriate treatment option.

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

a specialized podiatry clinic in Langley
5503 206 St Unit 101, Podiatry
Langley, BC V3A 2C6

Office Phone: (778) 278-5550 | Office Fax: (866) 591-9539

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

Verify Dr. Abao's registration with the College of Podiatric Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/373684/Abao%2CMarissa