Description
About Dr. Steven Jennings
Dr. Steven Jennings 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, BC, he is a trusted provider of comprehensive foot and ankle care within the community. His practice adheres to the high standards established by the College of Podiatric Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Jennings offers a range of conservative and surgical treatments for various foot and ankle conditions, ensuring personalized care tailored to each patient's needs. The clinic provides a professional, welcoming environment designed for easy access and patient comfort, equipped to support comprehensive podiatric assessments and advanced surgical interventions when necessary.
Dr. Jennings earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from the California College of Podiatric Medicine in 1998 in the United States. Following his graduation, he completed required postgraduate residency training and licensure examinations, enabling him to practice as a licensed Podiatrist in British Columbia. With over 26 years of experience in the field, he is a qualified Podiatrist (Foot & Ankle Surgery Focus) dedicated to delivering expert foot and ankle care. His certifications and ongoing professional development ensure he stays current with the latest advancements in podiatric medicine and surgery.
His professional philosophy centers on relieving foot pain and improving mobility for all patients. Dr. Jennings emphasizes patient education, involving individuals in creating personalized treatment plans. He utilizes modern diagnostic techniques and evidence-based treatments to deliver effective and compassionate care. With a focus on preventative strategies, especially for high-risk patients such as those with diabetes, he strives to enhance overall foot health and well-being. All communication and care are provided in English, with a commitment to maintaining a supportive and empathetic approach to every patient interaction.
Foot & Ankle Conditions Addressed by Dr. Steven Jennings
Dr. Steven Jennings provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, including:
Diabetic Foot Complications
Dr. Jennings 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): 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.
- Diabetic Neuropathy Affecting Feet: Increases risk of unnoticed injuries, ulcers, and infections.
Forefoot and Toe Conditions
Dr. Jennings addresses treatment ranges from conservative measures like padding and orthotics to surgical correction.
- Sesamoiditis: Common in dancers and athletes, causing pain under the big toe.
- 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.
- Hammertoes / Claw Toes / Mallet Toes: Deformities of the lesser toes causing them to bend abnormally at one or more joints.
Heel and Arch Pain Conditions
Dr. Jennings addresses diagnosis and management of conditions like plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and Achilles tendonitis.
- Plantar Fasciitis: A very common cause of heel pain.
- 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.
- Achilles Tendonitis/Tendinopathy: Often related to overuse, tight calf muscles, or improper training techniques.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your foot and ankle health, a consultation with Dr. Steven Jennings is necessary.
Podiatry Services by Dr. Steven Jennings
- Sports Podiatry and Injury Management: Diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle injuries common in athletes, such as sprains, stress fractures, and tendonitis.
- Soft Tissue Surgery (e.g., Neuroma Excision, Ganglion Cyst Removal): Performed when conservative treatments have failed.
- Arthritis Management in the Foot and Ankle: Care for patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout affecting the feet and ankles.
- Surgical Correction of Hammertoes and Other Toe Deformities: Procedures to straighten contracted or misaligned lesser toes (hammertoes, claw toes, mallet toes).
- Wound Debridement and Management (including Diabetic Foot Ulcers): Surgical or sharp debridement of non-viable tissue from chronic wounds or ulcers to promote healing.
- Custom Orthotics and Bracing: Biomechanical assessment and prescription of custom-made foot orthotics to correct foot posture, improve function, and reduce pain.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough foot and ankle examination and consultation with Dr. Jennings.
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.
Practice Location & Contact
Dr. Jennings's primary podiatry clinic is located in Victoria's Quadra Village, Topaz Park Area neighborhood. The clinic is situated in a vibrant and accessible part of Victoria, conveniently close to the Float Plane Terminals, and easily reachable via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is designed for easy access and patient comfort, with parking typically available nearby, often with accessible spots. Patients can expect a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive foot and ankle care, including advanced surgical options for complex conditions when conservative treatments are not sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions about Foot & Ankle Surgery Care
- When should I see a Podiatrist like Dr. Jennings?
- A visit to Dr. Jennings 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.
- What is the difference between a Podiatrist like Dr. Jennings and a Chiropodist?
- The distinction between a Podiatrist (like Dr. Jennings) and a Chiropodist can vary by Canadian province. Podiatrists, particularly DPMs, generally have completed a doctoral degree with a broader scope of practice that may include foot surgery on bones and soft tissues. Chiropodists are also regulated foot specialists, whose training often leads to a scope focused on non-invasive treatments, nail and skin care, and biomechanics, though some may perform minor surgical procedures on soft tissues. Dr. Jennings is designated as a Podiatrist (Foot & Ankle Surgery Focus).
- How does Dr. Jennings treat ingrown toenails?
- Dr. Jennings can treat ingrown toenails effectively. Depending on the severity, treatment may involve conservative measures such as proper nail trimming techniques and lifting the nail edge. For recurrent or more severe cases, He can perform a minor surgical procedure under local anesthetic to remove the offending portion of the nail, and may also apply a chemical to prevent that section from regrowing (matrixectomy), providing a permanent solution.
- Does Dr. Jennings perform foot surgery for conditions like bunions or hammertoes?
- If Dr. Jennings'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.
- Why is diabetic foot care by a Podiatrist like Dr. Jennings important?
- For individuals with diabetes, seeing a Podiatrist such as Dr. Jennings 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. Jennings performs regular screenings, treats any emerging issues, and educates patients on how to protect their feet.
Practice & Licensing Information
a specialized podiatry clinic in Victoria
302-830 Shamrock St, Victoria Foot & Ankle Clinic
Victoria, BC V8X 2V1
Office Phone: (778) 600-1888 | Office Fax: (778) 600-1889
Dr. Jennings 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. Jennings, but may be needed for coverage under some extended health insurance plans.
Verify Dr. Jennings's registration with the College of Podiatric Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/373716/Jennings%2CSteven