Dr. Michael Choi – Podiatrist | Burnaby, BC

Dr. Michael Choi 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 Burnaby in Burnaby, BC, he is a trusted provider of comprehensive foot and ankle care in the community. His practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Podiatric Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). He offers a range of conservative and surgical treatments for various foot and ankle conditions, including advanced surgical options for complex deformities when conservative methods are insufficient. His meticulous approach ensures that each patient receives personalized, evidence-based care in a professional and welcoming environment.

Dr. Choi earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from the California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University in 1976 (United States). Following his graduation, he completed required postgraduate residency training and licensure examinations to practice as a Podiatrist in British Columbia. With over 48 years of experience in foot and ankle care, he is a highly qualified Podiatrist (Foot & Ankle Surgery Focus). His certifications include comprehensive training in both conservative and surgical foot and ankle treatment modalities, enabling him to address a broad spectrum of conditions effectively.

His professional philosophy centers on relieving foot pain and improving mobility for all patients. Dr. Choi emphasizes patient education about foot health, involving individuals in creating personalized treatment plans. He utilizes modern diagnostic techniques and evidence-based treatments to ensure effective outcomes. A strong focus on preventative care, especially for high-risk patients such as those with diabetes, underpins his practice. Dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive foot care, he strives to enhance overall well-being. Additionally, Dr. Choi is proficient in Cantonese and Mandarin, facilitating clear communication with a diverse patient population in Burnaby.

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

Heel and Arch Pain Conditions

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

• 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.
• Achilles Tendonitis/Tendinopathy: Treatment includes rest, ice, stretching, strengthening exercises, and orthotics.
• Heel Spurs (Calcaneal Spurs): A bony protrusion on the underside of the heel bone, often associated with plantar fasciitis but not always the direct cause of pain.

Forefoot and Toe Conditions

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

• Bunions (Hallux Valgus): Can be painful and lead to difficulty with footwear.
• Metatarsalgia: General pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot (metatarsal region).
• Sesamoiditis: Inflammation of the sesamoid bones (two small bones beneath the big toe joint) and surrounding tendons.

Skin and Nail Disorders of the Foot

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

• Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis): Thrives in warm, moist environments.
• Ingrown Toenails (Onychocryptosis): A condition where the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and potential infection.
• Corns (Heloma Durum/Molle) and Calluses (Tyloma): Professional paring and addressing the cause of pressure can provide relief.

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

• Surgical Correction of Hammertoes and Other Toe Deformities: Procedures to straighten contracted or misaligned lesser toes (hammertoes, claw toes, mallet toes).
• Management of Corns, Calluses, and Blisters: Identification and addressing of underlying pressure or friction causing these lesions.
• Nail Surgery (e.g., Permanent Ingrown Toenail Correction): Minor surgical procedures to permanently address recurrent ingrown toenails, often involving removal of a portion of the nail and a chemical matrixectomy.
• Management of Forefoot Pain (Metatarsalgia, Neuromas): Surgical options considered for persistent or severe cases.
• Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Examination: Gait analysis to identify abnormalities in walking or running patterns.
• Wound Debridement and Management (including Diabetic Foot Ulcers): Crucial for managing complex wounds, especially in diabetic patients.

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

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. Choi's primary podiatry clinic is located in the heart of Burnaby's Central Burnaby, BCIT Area neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Commercial Corridor, easily accessible via TransLink's SkyTrain Expo and Millennium Lines, as well as multiple bus routes. The facility is designed for easy access and patient comfort, with on-site or nearby street parking generally available. Patients can expect a professional, welcoming environment that supports comprehensive foot and ankle care, including advanced surgical options and conservative treatments. The clinic's location in Burnaby ensures that residents of the Greater Vancouver area receive specialized podiatric services in a convenient and accessible setting.

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

For individuals with diabetes, seeing a Podiatrist such as Dr. Choi is vital for preventing and managing foot problems. Diabetes can reduce sensation and blood flow to the feet, making them vulnerable to ulcers and infections that can escalate quickly. Dr. Choi performs regular screenings, treats any emerging issues, and educates patients on how to protect their feet.

What does a Podiatrist like Dr. Choi specialize in?

Dr. Choi is a Podiatrist, a specialist with extensive training in all aspects of foot and ankle health. He 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.

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

Coverage for podiatry services by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in British Columbia can be specific. In British Columbia, Medical Services Plan (MSP) provides limited coverage for podiatry services. A small number of visits per year may be partially covered for eligible individuals on premium assistance or specific income assistance programs, for medically necessary foot care. Routine foot care, custom orthotics, and most elective procedures are generally not covered by MSP and are private pay services, often eligible for reimbursement through extended health insurance plans. It is highly recommended to verify coverage specifics with Dr. Choi's office and your private insurance provider.

How does Dr. Choi treat ingrown toenails?

For painful ingrown toenails, Dr. Choi 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. Choi prescribe and provide custom foot orthotics?

Yes, Podiatrists like Dr. Choi are experts in biomechanics and often prescribe custom foot orthotics. After a thorough biomechanical assessment and gait analysis, he can determine if custom orthotics are appropriate for your condition, such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or other alignment issues, to help relieve pain and improve foot function. Casts or scans of your feet are typically taken to create devices tailored to your specific needs.

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

If Dr. Choi'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.

a specialized podiatry clinic in Burnaby
507-4885 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC V5H 4T2

Office Phone: (604) 437-6923 | Office Fax: (604) 433-2727

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

Verify Dr. Choi's registration with the College of Podiatric Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/373699/Choi%2CMichael