Podiatry

The average American walks or runs 75,000 miles by the time they reach age 50 – the equivalent of walking around the world 3 times! Most of us go through each day without ever thinking about our feet. It’s only when something goes wrong that we realize how important our feet are. 

The University of Kansas Health System offers expert podiatry care for common and complex conditions of the foot. Our board-certified podiatrists and surgeons focus on excellence in treating diseases and disorders of the feet. We use leading-edge surgical procedures to help prevent or correct foot problems and reduce the risk of foot complications. Because we are part of an academic medical center, you will have access to the most advanced, evidence-based care for the diagnosis and management of podiatric conditions. 

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine and surgery who specializes in caring for your feet and ankles. Podiatrists diagnose and treat any issue that affects your feet, including performing surgery. The podiatrist examines, diagnoses and treats issues that affect your feet, ankles and lower legs. Podiatrists may also be referred to as podiatric physicians, podiatric surgeons or podiatric foot and ankle surgeons.

Podiatrists diagnose and treat a wide variety of diseases and disorders of the feet. You may be referred to a podiatrist for medical treatment or surgery if you experience the following:

• Achilles tendon issues
• Bone spurs
• Broken bones in foot or ankle
• Bunions 
• Calluses 
• Corns 
• Diabetic neuropathy  
• Foot malformations  
• Hammer toes 
• Nail fungus
• Osteoarthritis 
• Plantar fasciitis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Stress fractures
• Tendinitis
• Ulcers 
• Wounds 

One common cause of foot problems is diabetes. Diabetes affects about 1 in 10 Americans. Most people with diabetes  ̶  about 60% to 70%  ̶  develop nerve problems. These can range from mild to severe. 

People with diabetes may experience neuropathy – a complication of the disease that can damage nerves anywhere in the body but most commonly in the hands and feet. Diabetic neuropathy can make you lose feeling in your feet, which can be dangerous. Problems with your feet, especially those related to neuropathy, may need special care as people with diabetes are more likely to develop foot sores and infections. 

Diabetes-related foot conditions include:

• Athlete’s foot
• Cuts, ulcers, burns and blisters that don’t heal
• Dry, cracked skin
• Ingrown toenails
• Toenail fungus

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, affects up to 10% of people worldwide. It can cause nails to turn yellow or become discolored. As the infection advances, the nail can become thick, brittle and separate from the nail bed. It can also cause pain when performing daily duties or even walking. 

You may suffer from nail fungus infection if you have one or more of the following symptoms:

• Discolored, distorted or thickened nails
• Yellow streaks under the nail
• Brittle, crumbly or ragged nails
• Nails separated from the underlying skin
• Buildup of debris (nail fragments, skin, etc.) under the nail
• White spots or streaks on the nail surface
• Pain

Current treatments for nail infection include oral medication, topical drugs and laser therapy. Laser treatment for toenail fungus is quick and painless, performed without anesthesia and has shown high success rates. It is a good option for those who are not ideal candidates for oral antifungal therapy or have not responded to therapy. It is also a good option for people who are not able to or do not want to take oral medications.

Make an appointment with your primary care physician or advanced practice provider if you experience any of the following conditions:

• Burning pain, tingling or numbness, especially in the bottom of the foot
• Discoloration, redness or a feeling of heat or warmth
• Foot or ankle pain lasting more than 2 weeks
• Infection or fungus in toenails
• Open wound or wound oozing pus
• Severe pain or swelling, especially after an injury
• Unable to bear weight