About
Dr. Dana Alumbaugh 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 Dana Alumbaugh Clinic Coquitlam in Trail, BC, she is a trusted provider of specialized foot and ankle care in the community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Podiatric Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). She offers a range of conservative and surgical treatments for various foot and ankle conditions, ensuring each patient receives personalized and effective care. The clinic provides comprehensive podiatric services, including advanced surgical options for complex deformities when conservative treatments are insufficient, always with a focus on patient comfort and optimal outcomes.
Dr. Alumbaugh earned her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from the California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University in 1994, 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 30 years of experience in foot and ankle care, she is a highly qualified Podiatrist (Foot & Ankle Surgery Focus). She holds key certifications in advanced podiatric procedures and surgical techniques, reflecting her commitment to ongoing professional development and excellence in patient care.
Dr. Alumbaugh’s professional philosophy centers on relieving foot pain and improving mobility for all her patients. She is dedicated to educating patients about their foot health and involving them in creating personalized treatment plans. Utilizing modern diagnostic techniques and evidence-based treatments, she aims to provide effective, preventative, and compassionate care. Her approach emphasizes a thorough understanding of each patient’s unique needs, with a focus on comprehensive foot and ankle health, especially for high-risk groups such as diabetics. She offers all patient communication and care in English, ensuring clarity and trust in her professional relationships.
Dr. Dana Alumbaugh provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, including:
Heel and Arch Pain Conditions
Dr. Alumbaugh addresses diagnosis and management of conditions like plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and Achilles tendonitis.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Managed with stretching, orthotics, footwear changes, night splints, and sometimes injections or shockwave therapy.
- Achilles Tendonitis/Tendinopathy: Often related to overuse, tight calf muscles, or improper training techniques.
- Heel Spurs (Calcaneal Spurs): Identified on X-ray.
Diabetic Foot Complications
Dr. Alumbaugh emphasizes regular podiatric care as crucial for prevention, early detection, and management to avoid amputations.
- Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) in Lower Limbs: Narrowing or blockage of arteries supplying blood to the legs and feet, common in diabetes.
- Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Require specialized wound care, offloading, infection control, and management of underlying diabetes.
- Diabetic Neuropathy Affecting Feet: Nerve damage caused by diabetes, leading to loss of sensation (pain, temperature, pressure) in the feet.
Forefoot and Toe Conditions
Dr. Alumbaugh addresses problems affecting the ball of the foot and the toes, often due to pressure, friction, nerve issues, or joint deformities.
- Bunions (Hallux Valgus): Management includes wider shoes, padding, orthotics, or surgical correction for severe cases.
- Morton's Neuroma: Symptoms include burning pain, numbness, or a sensation of standing on a pebble.
- 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. Dana Alumbaugh is necessary.
- Ingrown Toenail Treatment (Conservative and Surgical): Performed under local anesthesia in a clinical setting.
- Diabetic Foot Care and Assessment: Comprehensive neurovascular assessments to detect neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease.
- Management of Corns, Calluses, and Blisters: Identification and addressing of underlying pressure or friction causing these lesions.
- Pediatric Foot Care (Children's Foot Problems): Evaluation and management of common childhood foot conditions such as flat feet, in-toeing, out-toeing, and Sever's disease.
- 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.
- Arthritis Management in the Foot and Ankle: Focus on pain relief, maintaining mobility, and preventing joint damage.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough foot and ankle examination and consultation with Dr. Alumbaugh.
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. Alumbaugh practices primarily at Dana Alumbaugh Clinic Coquitlam, located in the neighborhood of Trail, BC. The clinic is conveniently situated near local amenities and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive foot and ankle care. Easily reachable via local public transit routes, the clinic is designed for easy access and patient comfort. The facility offers a welcoming environment with accessible entrances and ample parking options usually found in proximity to the clinic. Patients can expect professional, compassionate care tailored to their individual foot and ankle needs.
- Why is diabetic foot care by a Podiatrist like Dr. Alumbaugh important?
- For individuals with diabetes, seeing a Podiatrist such as Dr. Alumbaugh 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. Alumbaugh performs regular screenings, treats any emerging issues, and educates patients on how to protect their feet.
- What are some common foot conditions treated by Dr. Alumbaugh?
- Dr. Alumbaugh 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.
- Does Dr. Alumbaugh perform foot surgery for conditions like bunions or hammertoes?
- Many Podiatrists, especially those designated as podiatric surgeons like Dr. Alumbaugh, 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. Alumbaugh would assess your specific condition to determine if surgery is the most appropriate treatment option.
- What is the difference between a Podiatrist like Dr. Alumbaugh 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. Alumbaugh) 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. Alumbaugh is a Podiatrist (Foot & Ankle Surgery Focus).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Alumbaugh?
- In many provinces, including British Columbia's podiatry services, you often do not need a referral from a family physician to see a Podiatrist like Dr. Alumbaugh for privately paid services. However, some extended health insurance plans may require a physician's referral for reimbursement of podiatry services. It's always best to check with Dr. Alumbaugh's office regarding their policy and with your insurance provider. The clinic's fax number for referrals, if required by your insurance, is typically (877) 285-8603.
- Does Dr. Alumbaugh prescribe and provide custom foot orthotics?
- Custom foot orthotics are a common treatment provided by Podiatrists. Dr. Alumbaugh 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.
- When should I see a Podiatrist like Dr. Alumbaugh?
- You should consider seeing a Podiatrist like Dr. Alumbaugh 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.
Dana Alumbaugh Clinic Coquitlam
1686 Second Ave
Trail, BC V1R 1M5
Office Phone: (250) 364-1516 | Office Fax: (877) 285-8603 | Practice Website: http://drdanapodiatry.com/
Dr. Alumbaugh 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. Alumbaugh, but may be needed for coverage under some extended health insurance plans.
Verify Dr. Alumbaugh's registration with the College of Podiatric Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/373686/Alumbaugh%2CDana