Podiatry
Our podiatrist, Dr. Kristina Thompson, is available every Monday and Wednesday to consult and treat patients and even provide minor surgical procedures. She works collaboratively with Dr. Greg Valkosky of Gundersen Health, who also visits Waukon, sees patients in the Gundersen Waukon Clinic, and performs podiatry surgical procedures in our surgery suite.
The feet are a part of the body that is often ignored, but is truly one of the most important parts, supporting the rest of the body in almost every move it makes. Dr. Thompson treats external issues such as corns, calluses, bunions, ingrown nails, cracks, nail trimming and wounds (which are often caused by poor circulation), decreased sensation, and diabetes, as well as internal foot and ankle issues. While she helps many older patients, she also helps many younger patients with sports and other foot issues.
Foot Care Tips
Dr. Thompson is also a wound care specialist and diabetes educator. She recommends the following ways to care for your feet:
- Wear supportive shoes! I love a good walking/running shoe for everyday wear. If you’re diabetic, Medicare will pay for custom diabetic shoes and inserts. Take advantage of this!
- Wear a properly fitted shoe. Shoes that are too big or too small can cause foot pain and wounds.
- If you are diabetic, perform daily foot checks. Do this to ensure that your skin is healthy and no wounds have started. This will decrease your risk of infections, which could lead to amputations.
- If your feet are dry, avoid soaking them and apply an unscented lotion. If possible, apply lotion at bedtime and cover with a sock. Don’t apply lotion between your toes.
