Home / Learn About Feet / Today's Podiatrist

For many of us, our feet are the furthest things from our minds, both physically and mentally. We expect they'll be uncomfortable at times, and we put up with it when they hurt. But healthy feet are fundamental to the quality of our lives. They are wondrously engineered and often the indicators of our overall health, so we need to look after them.

Today's podiatrists are highly trained physicians and surgeons focusing on the foot and ankle and should be an important part of your health-care team. Meet just a few of these physicians, surgeons, and specialists below! 

  • Megan Leahy, DPM

    While my unique education, training, and experience have prepared me for the most complex of foot and ankle surgeries, I pride myself on exhausting more conservative, non-invasive approaches with my patients as a first course of action. Connecting with a patient on a personal level is incredibly important to me--whether they’re dealing with a larger systemic issue or an ingrown toenail.

    Megan Leahy, DPM - Chicago, IL
  • Patrick DeHeer, DPM

    I chose podiatric medicine because of the flexibility and variety the profession offers, and it has personally allowed me to fulfill my dream of becoming a medical missionary. I love traveling to other countries, getting to know the people, and most importantly, being able to serve those who so desperately need our help.

    Patrick DeHeer, DPM - Carmel, IN
  • Lt. Kittra Owens, DPM

    As a doctor and an officer, I have a dual role--I must treat my patients, but also uphold the duties of an officer in the Navy. I lead by example and try my best to display military decorum and understand what's best for the service men and women who give their lives so readily to protect our freedom while making sure the active duty service men and women are ready for deployment.

    Lt. Kittra Owens, DPM - Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
Have patients with foot pain? Find a referral here

Where Does it Hurt? help!

Click on an area of the foot to find out what could be causing your pain! It could be:

  • Point 2 by Toes

    Bunion/Bunionette

    A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe that forms when the bone or tissue at the big toe joint moves out of place. A bunion can also occur on the outside of the foot along the little toe, where it is called a “bunionette.”

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    Hammer Toes

    A hammer toe is a contracture, or bending, of the toe at the first joint of the digit. This bending causes the toe to appear like an upside-down V when looked at from the side.

    Read More >
  • Point 1 by Ankle

    Sprains, Strains & Fractures

    A foot or ankle sprain is a soft tissue injury. Most often, a sprain occurs when an injury pulls, stretches, or tears the ligaments that connect bone to bone. A fracture is actually a break in the bone.

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    Tendinitis

    Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon. Achilles tendinitis, or an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, is one of the most common causes of foot or ankle pain.

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  • Point 3 by Heel

    Heel Pain

    The heel bone is the largest of the 26 bones in the human foot. Like all bones, it is subject to outside influences that can affect its integrity and cause heel pain.

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    Haglund's Deformity

    Haglund's Deformity is a bony enlargement of the back of the heel bone. Sometimes it's called “pump bump” because the deformity often occurs in women who wears pumps.

    Read More >

Prepare for Your Appointment

What you need to know

Did You Know...

  • In 2010, 2.3 million fall injuries sent older people to emergency rooms.

    Selecting the proper footwear can help improve balance and prevent falls. Learn More >

  • Winter boots should provide excellent support, particularly in the arch, to help avoid injury.

    Need a new pair? Look for boots and other footwear that is APMA Accepted. Learn More >

  • 30% of American adults who have had a bunion visited a podiatrist.

    Think you should see your podiatrist? Check out the symptoms of bunions before you make your appointment. Learn More >

  • If socks are too small they can bunch the toes together. That friction can cause blisters or corns to develop.

    Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that develop to protect that area from irritation. Learn More >

  • Approximately 64% of Americans confess they wear shoes that hurt their feet.

    Want to reduce foot pain? Find out about footwear that is APMA Accepted. Learn More >

  • Regular care from a podiatrist can help reduce amputation rates for patients with diabetes between 45 and 85%!

    Today's podiatrist is using high-tech tools like 3-D printing and smart textiles to outsmart diabetes. Learn More >

  • Orthotics can be used in ski boots or skates to help control the foot's biomechanical movement.

    Orthotics are specially-made devices designed to support and comfort your feet. Learn More >

  • Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older people.

    Improved balance can help reduce the risk of a fall. Learn More >

  • 43% of adults wish their feet didn’t hurt as much at the end of the day.

    Want to reduce foot pain? Find out about footwear that is APMA Accepted. Learn More >

  • The Hispanic population has 66% increased risk of developing diabetes compared to other ethnicities.

    Learn how to take control of diabetes and the effects it can have on your foot health. Learn More >

  • It's best to schedule a pedicure first thing in the morning.

    Salon foot baths are typically cleanest earlier in the day. Learn More >

  • 77% of adults experience foot problems at some time in their lives

    Experiencing pain or a problem with your feet? Learn about treatment options. Learn More >

  • 56% of women wear supportive shoes to care for their feet.

    Want to wear more comfortable shoes? Find out which brands and styles are APMA Accepted. Learn More >

  • Getting a pedicure and manicure? Don't use the same tools for both services.

    Bacteria and fungus can transfer between fingers and toes. Learn More >

  • Bunions can occur at the base of the big toe or on the outside of the foot behind the little toe (called a bunionette).

    Want to know more? Find out the difference between a bunion and a bunionette. Learn More >

  • Of the more than 26 million people in the US with diabetes, about half will develop neuropathy.

    With proper foot care from today's podiatrist, you can manage the effects of diabetes on your feet. Learn More >

  • 13% of American adults have experienced bunions.

    Curious if you have a bunion? Find out how to spot the symptoms. Learn More >

  • Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputation.

    These amputations can be prevented! Have your feet checked regularly by a podiatrist. Learn More >

  • 32% of adults have experienced sweaty feet.

    Tend to sweat more than others? Consider adding foot powder and extra foot baths to your regimen. Learn More >

  • More than 8% of the U.S. population has diabetes.

    Today's podiatrist is staying a step ahead of diabetes using cutting-edge technologies. Learn More >

  • Causes of bunions include foot injuries, too-tight shoes, and neuromuscular disorders.

    Worried you are hurting your feet? Find out more about bunions and how to prevent them. Learn More >

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