Podiatry at Summit Health helps keep you on your feet with care, treatment, and surgery of the feet, ankles, and certain conditions of the lower legs.

When your condition is related to a more systemic condition such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, our podiatrists partner with specialists such as endocrinologists, rheumatologists, and the Diabetes Educators to ensure you get the thoughtful, comprehensive foot care or foot surgery you need.

Our Podiatry Services

We treat:

Why is Foot Care Important?

Your feet are important! Over a lifetime, you will walk an average 115,000 miles. It is easy to take healthy feet for granted, but foot problems are among the most common health problems. Good foot care and treatment from a qualified podiatrist can help prevent many foot and ankle problems.

Common Podiatry Conditions

  • Achilles tendonitis usually causes pain at the back of the ankles. It can result from overuse of the tendon from certain physical activities such as running, but even wearing flat shoes after wearing high heels for many years can cause Achilles tendonitis
  • Athlete’s foot is caused by a common fungus. It is everywhere, especially in warm, damp places such as locker rooms
  • Blisters are usually caused when something like a poorly fitted shoe rubs the skin on your feet excessively
  • Bunions can occur from wearing narrow shoes with pointed toes and high heels
  • Calluses are caused when a shoe repeatedly rubs a certain spot on your foot
  • Cold feet may be related to smoking, diabetes, or other circulatory problems
  • Corns result from tight shoes that put excess pressure on the toes
  • Foot odor generally results from sweaty feet. It usually can be prevented with daily foot hygiene
  • Hammertoe may be an inherited condition, but tight shoes can make it worse
  • Ingrown toenails can result from shoe pressure and improperly trimmed nails
  • Pain and stiffness result from arthritis and old injuries
  • Plantar warts come from viruses. They may develop after you walk barefoot in warm, damp places such as locker rooms
  • Pump bump, or a lump on the back of the heel bone, is caused when low-cut shoes rub the heel
  • Footwear such as high heels, pointed toes, and shoes that rub or are too tight cause many foot problems
  • Foot problems also result from illnesses such as type 2 diabetes and other things such as smoking that affect the flow of blood to the feet

Our podiatrists can evaluate and treat each of these conditions. They can teach you how to avoid many problems of the feet and ankles.

Proper Foot Care

Follow your podiatrist’s advice if you have foot problems and:

  • Examine your feet regularly. Check them for cuts, scrapes, bruises, calluses, and corns
  • Pay attention to swelling, redness, and warm or hot skin on the legs, feet, and ankles, which might be a sign of infection. See a physician immediately if you have any of these symptoms
  • Practice good daily foot care. Wash your feet daily and dry them well. Protect the skin with lotion, moisturizer, or petroleum jelly after you clean your feet
  • Always wear shoes when you are walking or standing in warm, damp places such as a locker room
  • If your feet sweat, use a light dusting powder to absorb the moisture
  • Always use a clean towel after exercising. To avoid spreading fungi and bacteria, do not share towels
  • Change your socks or hose daily or more often, especially if they get damp. Use cotton socks for exercise and sports
  • Wear leather or canvas shoes that allow your feet to breathe
  • Do not wear the same shoes all the time. Let them air out between wearings
  • Trim your toenails straight across using a nail clipper. Never cut down corners
  • Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and do not rub
  • Avoid narrow, tight shoes with pointed toes
  • Avoid shoes with high heels
  • Exercise daily. Walking is one of the easiest and best exercises to increase circulation in your legs and feet. Always wear well-fitting, cushioned shoes for walking
  • If you are overweight, lose weight to lighten the load on your hips, knees, ankles, and feet. Before you reach your ideal weight, protect the heel cushion and small joints in your feet when you exercise. Use an exercise bicycle instead of walking to avoid putting added stress on the joints in your legs. Be sure to check with your doctor before starting an exercise program
  • If you smoke, quit. Not smoking will improve the flow of blood to your legs and feet
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