Before going to visit Kayse Lake, many people wash their feet.
A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, Lake has a firm understanding of feet and ankles.
He said the foot odor doesnt bother him too much, but he may just be used to it.
I think when people know theyre coming, they get ready for me, he said.
Lake began practicing in Cortez July 1 after moving to the area from St. George, Utah.
It was a move that brings a great deal of satisfaction on several levels.
I have family in Farmington, the 31-year-old said. After graduation from my training, I was looking for employment in my area and wanted to be closer to family. The timing was right for Dr. (Terry) Cook to bring on somebody else.
Cook is the existing podiatrist at the office. The two doctors will travel to reservation clinics around the Four Corners area.
Lake knows how important foot health is and how it impacts the body. Healthy feet often indicate healthy knees, hips and back, Lake said.
I can pretty much tell if they have good biomechanics in the rest of their body, if they have good biomechanics in their feet, he said.
As Americans become heavier and obesity rates increase, more weight is placed on the feet, leading to heel pain and flat feet especially in developing youth.
The worst thing is obesity in children because that also makes them prone to having flat feet, Lake said.
Lake has also seen a disturbing trend with the younger generation when compared to adults.
It seems the younger generations are more prone to flat feet than previous generations, he said.
As a result, youth have difficulty with sports and physical activities.
They get tired really fast, Lake said. So it limits their activities. They should be able to participate as much as they want and not be limited by foot pain.
To treat flat feet in youths, Lake uses implants inserted through the top of the feet to re-align the bones. Adults with flat feet usually have to have their bones cut through surgery to form an arch. Lake said he performs his own surgeries.
Lake also treats topical ailments such as athletes foot, toenail fungus and warts.
Ankle issues, such as chronic sprains and loose tendons are also addressed by Lake.
If someone has lateral ankle instability, we can surgically correct that, he said.
Although Lake knew he wanted to go into the medical field, he said he wasnt sure which direction to go until he shadowed a podiatrist.
I liked that he was in the medical profession, but didnt have anything real traumatic to deal with like life or death situations, Lake said.
Lake attended the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland.
He enjoys snowboarding and mountain biking.
To prevent foot and ankle ailments, Lake recommends supportive shoes with good arch supports.
We dont like our patients to go barefoot, he said. If you have symptoms in your feet ingrown toenails or athletes foot or ankle instability we want to see you sooner rather than later. A lot of times, the fix is easier if you seek treatment early.
Lakes office is located at 1280 N Mildred Rd. in Cortez. He can be reached at 565-8336.
Reach Reid Wright at [email protected]
