General Practitioners

• Arthritis
  “ I had bunion surgery and 2 toes shortened 6 weeks ago and I can’t say enough how grateful I am to Dr. Keith Sklar. I’ve suffered for years from constant pain, swelling and sores to my bunion area and toes that would just get more painful and irritated with exercise or any shoes that I wore. I have Psoriatic Arthritis and was told by my primary doctor to just leave my feet alone and I would just have to figure out how to “deal” with the pain. I guess that’s easy to say when it’s not your own feet! I met with Dr. Sklar and was blown away by his professionalism and his knowledge. To be told that surgery is an option for me was such a tremendous relief that I cried. He did tell me I would hate him for a day or 2 after surgery due to post operative pain but not once did I have any pain and, in fact, very little swelling. My bandages were removed a few days later at my 1st post operative appointment and my first question was when I can get my other foot done! My result has been astonishing!! I have a new foot and to just say thank you doesn’t seem enough. I was back in a gym shoe 2 weeks after surgery and throwing a graduation party that same weekend. No one could even tell I had surgery! Dr. Sklar and his staff at Foot First are AWESOME and I can’t stop recommending them to family and friends!
• Plantar Fasciitis
  Orthotic devices. Custom orthotic devices that fit into your shoe help correct the underlying structural abnormalities causing the plantar fasciitis. These orthotics usually will prevent reoccurrence of heel pain.

Psychiatrists

• Anxiety

Radiologist

• Ultrasound
  Most of the time, heel pain and heel spur syndrome can be diagnosed by the doctor manipulating the foot and with an accurate history and physical. X-ray will easily diagnose the presence of a heel spur, which is not found in all patients with heel pain. Also, here at Foot First Podiatry, our office utilizes state-of-the-art equipment such as Diagnostic Ultrasound. This enables our office to measure the exact amount of inflammation present in the heel, as well as track the healing process.
• X-Rays

Surgeons

• Orthopedics
  By studying and working hard, I became board certified by two distinct boards. I continue to maintain these certifications through retesting. I am board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. I am also a Fellow of The American College of Foot & Ankle Orthopedics & Medicine and a Fellow of The American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons.
• Arthroscopy
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
  The Sklar Bunionectomy ® is a minimally invasive surgery performed at the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint where the bunion deformity takes place. We use two to three screws to fixate this procedure. Typically there is much less metal placed in a patients’ body than that is used with Lapidus type procedure. The cuts in the bone are placed in areas that heal consistently and predictably.
• Ankle Surgery
  Excellence needs to be certified. Our Podiatric physicians are residency trained, board qualified and board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery as well as the American Board Of Podiatric Medicine. In order to maintain this advanced status of being certified, our physicians attend several conferences, seminars and classes annually. The physician must also complete periodic testing and surgical review in order to retain their board certification.
• Bunion Surgery
  “ Very satisfied with my bunion surgery results. Dr. Sklar puts you at ease which reduces any anxiety you may have about the process. Should the other foot need fixing, I will be back for sure!
• Joint Replacement
  The second type of procedures are called joint destructive procedures. These most commonly include joint fusion or joint replacement. Joint fusion is when the cartilage is removed from the joint so it can heal together where the joint will never move again. It is hard for most patients to believe, but most people can live very normally without that joint. Joint replacement procedures remove the cartilage, like in a fusion, but a prosthetic joint is inserted. The disadvantages to these procedures are that they are more invasive and more permanent. For instance, if the patient is unhappy with these surgeries, there are much more limited options when it comes to revision as there is no more joint to work with. The advantage to these surgeries is that since they remove the joint there is no more chance for arthritis to reoccur.
• Bunions
  Patients with bunions might notice redness, swelling, pain and an angular protrusion on the side of the foot near the big toe. Learn More →
• Toe Surgery
  Toe shortening surgery is very successful, although it will never be perfect. Healing is determined by the success of the surgery, genetics, and compliance with instructions all combined. With all the surgeries we tell our patients that toes will cosmetically look ugly for 4-6 months before they start to see their true result. This is how long it takes for most patients’ swelling to come down. Some more serious complications of toe surgery are, but not limited to, floating toe, crooked healing, creases/scarring to the skin, a swollen toe, numbness, or a toe that is painful. Usually if we work together by us performing good surgery, and the patient follows instructions and genetically heals well, we all end up with a beautiful result.
• Arthroscopy
• Ingrown Toenails
  Interestingly, most people think that an ingrown toenail must be painful or infected to be called an ingrown toenail; this is not true. Most ingrown toenails are ingrown or curved well before there is pain or infection. When left untreated, pain and infection begins. Infected ingrown toenails are most commonly caused by improperly trimmed nails or “picking” at your toenails. It can also form as a result of direct injury, such as someone stepping on your toe, something falling on the nail, or when playing a sport such as soccer. The propensity for developing an ingrown toenail may also be hereditary in nature.

Dermatologists

• Corns
  The big toe is too long usually due to genetics. Patients can get the same symptoms to the big toe as they do the smaller toes when they are too long. By shortening the big toe we can reduce pain in shoes, corns, or keep them from hammering.
• Cyst
• Calluses
  Toes can be long, short, curled, callused or just plain ugly. Most patients can live with that but there are some who cannot. Just fitting these conditions into shoes can often lead to pain, sores, and painful calluses.
• Fungus
  “ Being a college soccer player used and abused feet are a part of the sport; twisted ankles, cracked nails, and itchy athlete’s foot were all negatively affecting my life. For as long as I can remember I have battled the embarrassment of toe nail fungus. I had tried multiple different treatments, nail polishes and home remedies with no luck. My first visit to foot first gave me hope that I wouldn’t have to live the rest of my life with embarrassing fungus toe nails and itchy cracked skin. Dr. Sklar was awesome! He explained the treatment steps and truly believed that my fungus could be eliminated at last. I must admit I was skeptical at first, but it is a year later and my nails are healthier than they have ever been! I no longer wear socks in the summer to hide my feet. 
. Dr. Sklar and his Foot First team has changed my life for the better! 
Thank you!

Physical Therapists

• Sports Medicine
• Physical Therapy
  “ I am so happy I went to Foot First for my bunionectomies! Everyone was helpful, knowledgeable, and honest. Everything they told me came through! I especially loved Dr. Samantha. She puts you at ease and explains everything to you! Answers any questions you have. Very personable! I was back to work in a week both times and no problems what’s so ever! No physical therapy needed. It was so easy I’d recommend this to anyone!
• Flatfoot Correction
• Heel Pain
• Orthotics and Prosthetic Therapy

Podiatrists

• General Podiatry
  Foot First Podiatry Centers utilize a board certified referral service, guaranteeing our patients the best medical care.
• Ankle Instability
  Dr. Youssef Hernandez is a proud graduate of the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University. She honed her skills during a rigorous three-year podiatric medicine and surgery residency, earning an additional credential in reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. Her specialization encompasses a wide array of foot and ankle conditions, including minimally invasive procedures, bunions, hammertoes, sports injuries, ankle instability, ankle arthroscopy, tendon pathology, heel pain, neuroma pain, pes planus and pes cavus pathology, arthritic conditions, midfoot and hindfoot fusions, and total ankle replacements.
• Bunions Problems
  I am 26 and had bunions of a 75 year old and just recently got them done and they look amazing. I couldn’t be anymore happier with how my feet look! All the staff are amazing especially Jordan and Sam:) If you’re not getting treated by Dr. Sklar you’re doing it wrong!!
• Calluses
• Flat Feet
• Fungus Toenails
  Many patients opt for surgeries like the Sklar bunionectomy and toe shortening, as well as treatments for toenail fungus during the winter in order to showcase their beautiful results in their cute sandals come summertime!
• Hammertoes
  Just like with The Sklar Bunionectomy, our hammertoe and toe shortening procedures allow for immediate weight bearing, no cast and no visual scar. Not only are we fixing the toe, but we care about the beauty of your foot.
• Heel Spurs
  Heel pain and heel spur syndrome generally develops from a skeletal and muscle imbalance in the foot and leg. Heel pain occurs most frequently in a foot that flattens or pronates when you walk, but may also be seen in those feet with an excessively high arch. This places an excessive strain on the “Plantar Fascia”, a broad ligament that spans the arch of the foot connecting the heel to the ball of the foot. As this ligament undergoes stress and strain, it becomes inflamed and causes pain. Strain is also placed upon the soft tissue within the arch, including the muscles and ligaments that attach to the heel. As the imbalance and soft tissue strain persists, pain and spurring ensues.
• Heel Pain
• Foot Pain
• Ingrown Toenails
  An ingrown toenail usually presents as a curving on the sides of the nail. An ingrown toenail most commonly presents itself on the big toe, frequently on the inside edge but it can occur on both sides of the nail. It is common in all ages. It can be painful or non-painful, may become infected, and may drain if left untreated.
• Plantar Fasciitis
  Heel pain is most often caused by an inflammation of a ligament that inserts into the bottom of the heel. This inflammation is a condition called plantar fasciitis.
• Podiatric Deformities
  So many women suffer with ugly and painful foot deformities because they are afraid of surgery, time off of work and noticeable scars. The Sklar Bunionectomy ™️ allows women to remain on their feet after surgery and leaves no visible scars. The Sklar Bunionectomy™️ leaves your foot looking beautiful and functional.
• Podiatric Surgery
  Dr. Angie Youssef Hernandez’s journey into the world of podiatric surgery was ignited during her time as a medical assistant at Foot First, where she witnessed the transformative impact of patient-centered care. The joy of seeing patients leave with reduced pain, whether through conservative treatments or surgeries, fueled her passion for podiatric surgery and medicine.