With backgrounds in athletics and 25 years in private practice, married podiatrists Drs. Karla and Michael Scanlon joined the Foot and Ankle Program at UConn Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in February 2020, seeing patients in Storrs and Willimantic.

“I’ve always wanted to be a physician. As a student-athlete, I had an interest in sports medicine and was fortunate to have a mentor who encouraged me to look into the field of podiatry,” says Karla. “Podiatry contained the clinical and surgical aspect of medicine that was very appealing to me while being a profession that allowed me to maintain a well-balanced lifestyle.”

Michael had completed his master’s degree in athletic training and was working in the field as an athletic trainer when he found his niche was focusing on foot and ankle issues. A friend was studying podiatry and introduced Michael to the field.

“I get the most enjoyment from being able to help treat and fix the pain patients are experiencing,” says Michael.

They agree that moving their practice to UConn Health was an excellent fit and mutually beneficial. The move provides them the opportunity to focus solely on treating their patients, removing the business aspect of running a solo practice.

The Scanlons specialize in foot and ankle disorders; irregularities such as overpronation, extremely high or low arches, or fallen arches (flat feet); and other structural or balance-related issues that cause foot pain. They also diagnose and treat toenail problems, blisters, corns, calluses, foot fungi, heel pain, metatarsal discomfort, bunions, and foot symptoms associated with gout, diabetes, and other conditions.

“We try various types of conservative treatments prior to surgery,” says Karla, but the Scanlons perform surgery — typically outpatient — when necessary. The Scanlons are excited about the new Gait Analysis Program recently launched at the Foot and Ankle Program. This leading-edge technology is used to identify the muscle activity, movements, and mobility nuances unique to each person. With this information, more accurate diagnoses and treatments for abnormal movements can be identified, and corrective action for biomechanical issues can be taken.

“Many of our patients are athletes and runners who are always relieved to hear we can help them with their pain issues without requiring them to give up the sport they love,” says Michael.

Learn more and make an appointment at health.uconn.edu/orthopedics-sports-medicine.

This story originally appeared in the Spring 2021 issue of UConn Health Journal. Read the full issue.