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

Psychiatrists

• Anxiety

Radiologist

• 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.
• 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.

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

• 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
• Orthotics and Prosthetic Therapy

Podiatrists

• General Podiatry
  Foot First Podiatry Centers utilize a board certified referral service, guaranteeing our patients the best medical care.
• Bunions Problems
  “ Dr. Samantha Sklar is amazing! After meeting with her once I knew immediately that I wanted to remove both bunions ASAP. She truly puts your concerns first and is completely understanding. There are so many bunion horror stories due to various reasons, but the doctors at FootFirst easily discredit them and put your mind at ease. Absolutely wonderful staff and clinic as a whole.
• Calluses
• Flat Feet
• 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.
• Foot Pain
• Ingrown Toenails
  “ I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. Samantha Sklar and the entire staff at Foot First. Dr. Sklar spent the first few minutes of my first visit, asking me how “I” was, getting to know me. I was shocked! Then x-rays, unexpected ingrown toenail procedure, shot for bunion pain and made plans to have surgery and happy to discover that when I have the surgery, I will be able to go back to work within a week due to most updated surgical procedures used at Foot First. All this in my first visit which by the way, only took 40 minutes! So professional and personable. Only problem, I wish I would have gone to Dr. Sklar sooner! I am happy and so are my feet! Thank you so much Dr. Sklar and team.
• Plantar Fasciitis
  “ Amazing!!! I went to two other podiatrists and they failed in their attempts to provide any relief with my heal pain. Plantar fasciitis. Foot First did a fantastic job and I highly recommend them. They are top notch and Dr. Sam is not only a pro but she is friendly and caring.
• 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
  “ I had a consultation with Dr. Samantha Sklar in mid 2016. I was inquiring about bunion removal on my right foot....she was very knowledgeable and we talked about the surgery...I said I would think about it...Well, fast forward to March, 2017...I called to set up an appt...went in to the Schaumburg office and spoke with Dr. Keith Sklar. Had all my preliminary tests done & set up the surgery for May 15th...to say that I am VERY pleased with my results and the whole “Sklar” experience is a big understatement!!! Had very minimal pain & 4 days after the surgery I was driving!! I’ve gone back weekly for laser treatments and check-ups and alway have an exceptional visit....the care & concern given by the whole staff is amazing!!!! I would HIGHLY recommend Drs. Keith & Samantha Sklar if you need foot surgery...My only regret is that I waited so long to make my decision to go ahead with mine!!!