About
Dr. Ray Bolen 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 West Vancouver in West 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). He offers a range of conservative and surgical treatments for various foot and ankle conditions, ensuring patients receive personalized, effective care. The clinic provides a welcoming environment designed for patient comfort and accessibility, equipped to handle complex cases when conservative treatments are insufficient.
Dr. Bolen earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from the California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University in 1992, in the United States. Following his graduation, he completed required postgraduate residency training and licensure examinations to practice as a Podiatrist in British Columbia. With over 32 years of experience, he is a highly qualified Podiatrist (Foot & Ankle Surgery Focus). His certifications include advanced training in surgical procedures, enabling him to perform a broad spectrum of foot and ankle surgeries with precision and care.
His professional philosophy centers on relieving foot pain and improving mobility for all patients. Dr. Bolen emphasizes patient education, involving individuals in creating personalized treatment plans. He utilizes modern diagnostic techniques and evidence-based treatments to provide effective care, with a focus on preventative strategies—especially important for high-risk patients such as those with diabetes. Committed to compassionate, comprehensive foot and ankle healthcare, he strives to enhance overall well-being. All communication and care are provided in English, ensuring clear understanding and support for his patients.
Dr. Ray Bolen provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, including:
Diabetic Foot Complications
Dr. Bolen addresses serious foot problems that can arise in individuals with diabetes due to nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation (peripheral arterial disease).
- 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.
- Charcot Foot (Neuroarthropathy): Early diagnosis and immobilization (e.g., casting) are critical to prevent severe deformity.
- Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) in Lower Limbs: Can cause pain with walking (claudication), poor wound healing, and increased risk of amputation.
Heel and Arch Pain Conditions
Dr. Bolen addresses treatment aims to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and restore normal foot function.
- Heel Spurs (Calcaneal Spurs): Identified on X-ray.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Managed with stretching, orthotics, footwear changes, night splints, and sometimes injections or shockwave therapy.
- Flat Feet (Pes Planus) / Fallen Arches: A condition where the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole to contact the ground.
Forefoot and Toe Conditions
Dr. Bolen addresses problems affecting the ball of the foot and the toes, often due to pressure, friction, nerve issues, or joint deformities.
- Hammertoes / Claw Toes / Mallet Toes: Can cause pain, corns, calluses, and difficulty fitting shoes.
- Sesamoiditis: Managed with rest, padding, orthotics, and anti-inflammatory measures.
- Metatarsalgia: Can have various causes, including high-impact activities, ill-fitting shoes, or foot deformities.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your foot and ankle health, a consultation with Dr. Ray Bolen is necessary.
- Diabetic Foot Care and Assessment: Wound care management for diabetic foot ulcers and patient education on self-care.
- Management of Forefoot Pain (Metatarsalgia, Neuromas): Evaluation and treatment for pain in the ball of the foot, including conditions like Morton's neuroma or capsulitis.
- Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Examination: Gait analysis to identify abnormalities in walking or running patterns.
- Surgical Correction of Bunions (Hallux Valgus): Surgical procedures to realign the big toe joint, remove bony prominences, and relieve pain associated with bunions.
- Routine Foot Care Services: Professional trimming and care of toenails, including thickened or ingrown nails.
- Soft Tissue Surgery (e.g., Neuroma Excision, Ganglion Cyst Removal): Performed when conservative treatments have failed.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough foot and ankle examination and consultation with Dr. Bolen.
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. Bolen's primary podiatry clinic is located in the West Vancouver's British Properties neighborhood, near Sentinel Hill. The clinic is situated in a modern facility designed for easy access and patient comfort, just a short drive from the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal. It is accessible via TransLink's BlueBus service operated by West Vancouver, making it convenient for local residents. Parking is typically available nearby, often with accessible spots to accommodate all patients. The clinic provides a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive foot and ankle care, ensuring patients receive the highest quality treatment in a comfortable setting.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Bolen?
- Generally, direct access to a Podiatrist like Dr. Bolen 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 (varies greatly by province for podiatry), a referral might be necessary. Contact Dr. Bolen's clinic for specific guidance. The clinic's fax number for referrals, if required by your insurance, is typically (604) 926-1265.
- Does Dr. Bolen perform foot surgery for conditions like bunions or hammertoes?
- Many Podiatrists, especially those designated as podiatric surgeons like Dr. Bolen, 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 extensive surgical experience, Dr. Bolen can assess your specific condition to determine if surgery is the appropriate treatment option.
- What does a Podiatrist like Dr. Bolen specialize in?
- A Podiatrist, such as Dr. Bolen, 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 deformities, relieve pain, and restore foot and ankle function. He also provides comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases affecting the foot and lower leg.
- How does Dr. Bolen treat ingrown toenails?
- For painful ingrown toenails, Dr. Bolen offers various treatments. Initial management might include careful trimming and advice. If the problem persists or becomes infected, he can perform a simple in-office surgical procedure to remove the ingrown nail portion, often with a step to prevent recurrence, providing significant relief.
- Does Dr. Bolen prescribe and provide custom foot orthotics?
- Yes, Dr. Bolen evaluates your foot structure and gait to design custom orthotics tailored to your biomechanical needs. These orthotics can help alleviate pain from conditions like heel spurs, bunions, or arch pain, and improve overall foot comfort and alignment.
- What are some common foot conditions treated by Dr. Bolen?
- He treats a broad spectrum of foot and ankle conditions including plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, fungal infections, plantar warts, corns and calluses, athlete's foot, diabetic foot issues, and sports-related injuries. His extensive experience with surgical correction ensures effective management of complex cases.
a specialized podiatry clinic in West Vancouver
204-1455 Bellevue Ave
West Vancouver, BC V7T 1C3
Office Phone: (604) 926-1331 | Office Fax: (604) 926-1265
Dr. Bolen 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. Bolen, but may be needed for coverage under some extended health insurance plans.
Verify Dr. Bolen's registration with the College of Podiatric Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/373687/Bolen%2CRay