Dr. Sydney Erlichman – Podiatrist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Sydney Erlichman 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 adherence to the high standards set by the College of Podiatric Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) ensures that patients receive safe, effective, and personalized treatment. He offers a range of conservative and surgical treatments for various foot and ankle conditions, including advanced surgical options for complex deformities when conservative measures are insufficient.

Dr. Erlichman earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in 1974 in the United States. Following his graduation, he completed required postgraduate residency training and successfully passed licensure examinations to practice as a Podiatrist in British Columbia. With over 50 years of experience since 1974, he is a highly qualified Podiatrist (Foot & Ankle Surgery Focus). His certifications and ongoing professional development reflect his commitment to staying current with the latest techniques and standards in podiatric medicine.

His professional philosophy centers on relieving foot pain and improving mobility for all patients through a compassionate, patient-centered approach. Dr. Erlichman emphasizes educating patients about their foot health and involving them in creating personalized treatment plans. He utilizes modern diagnostic techniques and evidence-based treatments to ensure effective care. A strong focus on preventative care, especially for high-risk patients such as those with diabetes, underpins his practice. Dr. Erlichman is dedicated to providing comprehensive foot and ankle care, enhancing overall well-being, and communicating clearly in English to ensure patients understand their conditions and treatment options.

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

Forefoot and Toe Conditions

Dr. Erlichman addresses treatment ranges from conservative measures like padding and orthotics to surgical correction.

• Hammertoes / Claw Toes / Mallet Toes: Can cause pain, corns, calluses, and difficulty fitting shoes.
• Sesamoiditis: Inflammation of the sesamoid bones (two small bones beneath the big toe joint) and surrounding tendons.
• Morton's Neuroma: A painful condition affecting the ball of the foot, most commonly the area between the third and fourth toes, caused by a thickening of tissue around a nerve.

Skin and Nail Disorders of the Foot

Dr. Erlichman addresses podiatrists provide expert diagnosis and treatment to alleviate discomfort and restore healthy skin and nails.

• Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis): Thrives in warm, moist environments.
• Plantar Warts (Verrucae Plantaris): Can spread if not treated.
• Corns (Heloma Durum/Molle) and Calluses (Tyloma): Professional paring and addressing the cause of pressure can provide relief.

Diabetic Foot Complications

Dr. Erlichman addresses regular podiatric care is crucial for prevention, early detection, and management to avoid amputations.

• Diabetic Neuropathy Affecting Feet: Nerve damage caused by diabetes, leading to loss of sensation (pain, temperature, pressure) in the feet.
• Charcot Foot (Neuroarthropathy): Often presents with a warm, swollen, red foot.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) in Lower Limbs: Management involves lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes vascular procedures.

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

• Treatment of Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Spurs): May involve custom orthotics, stretching exercises, shockwave therapy, or corticosteroid injections.
• Fungal Nail Infection (Onychomycosis) Treatment: Treatment options may include topical medications, oral antifungal agents, or laser therapy.
• Plantar Wart (Verruca Plantaris) Treatment: Aiming for effective removal with minimal discomfort.
• Sports Podiatry and Injury Management: Diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle injuries common in athletes, such as sprains, stress fractures, and tendonitis.
• Nail Surgery (e.g., Permanent Ingrown Toenail Correction): High success rate in preventing regrowth of the offending nail border.
• Surgical Correction of Hammertoes and Other Toe Deformities: Procedures to straighten contracted or misaligned lesser toes (hammertoes, claw toes, mallet toes).

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

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. Erlichman's primary podiatry clinic is situated in the vibrant neighborhood of Fairview in Vancouver, BC. The clinic is conveniently located near the Brittania Community Centre, making it accessible for residents of Vancouver and surrounding areas. Easily reachable via TransLink services, including SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront station), the location offers excellent connectivity. The clinic is designed for easy access and patient comfort, providing a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive foot and ankle care. On-site or nearby street parking is generally available for patients, ensuring a hassle-free visit for all.

What is the difference between a Podiatrist like Dr. Erlichman and a Chiropodist?

The distinction between a Podiatrist (like Dr. Erlichman) 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. Erlichman is designated as a Podiatrist (Foot & Ankle Surgery Focus).

When should I see a Podiatrist like Dr. Erlichman?

You should consider seeing a Podiatrist like Dr. Erlichman for any persistent foot or ankle pain, skin or nail problems (like ingrown toenails, warts, fungal infections), foot deformities (bunions, hammertoes), sports injuries affecting the lower limb, or if you have diabetes and require specialized foot care. A referral may or may not be needed depending on your insurance and the clinic's policy.

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

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

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

If Dr. Erlichman'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.

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

Dr. Erlichman treats a wide array of foot and ankle conditions. Common ones include plantar fasciitis (heel pain), bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, fungal nail infections, plantar warts, corns and calluses, athlete's foot, diabetic foot problems, and sports-related foot injuries. with advanced training and experience in surgical procedures to correct foot and ankle deformities, relieve pain, and restore function.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Erlichman?

Generally, direct access to a Podiatrist like Dr. Erlichman 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. Erlichman's clinic for specific guidance. The clinic's fax number for referrals, if required by your insurance, is typically (604) 428-7707.

Does Dr. Erlichman prescribe and provide custom foot orthotics?

Custom foot orthotics are a common treatment provided by Podiatrists. Dr. Erlichman can evaluate your foot structure and walking pattern to design orthotics that address your specific biomechanical needs, helping to alleviate pain from conditions like heel spurs, bunions, or arch pain, and improve overall foot comfort and alignment.

a specialized podiatry clinic in Vancouver
1400-750 Broadway W, Fairmont Medical Building
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1J1

Office Phone: (604) 428-7868 | Office Fax: (604) 428-7707

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

Verify Dr. Erlichman's registration with the College of Podiatric Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/373704/Erlichman%2CSydney