Peoria Standard

Memorial Health and Springfield Clinic are set to host a free community health talk focused on bunions, hammertoes, and other common foot conditions. The event will take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Edgar J. Curtis Memorial Learning Center in Springfield.

Springfield Clinic orthopedic surgeons Benjamin Stevens, MD, and Kathleen Kay, MD, will lead the discussion. They plan to cover symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, surgical procedures, and recovery expectations for various foot ailments.

"It's easy for the foot and the ankle to affect every step you take," said Dr. Stevens. "It is gratifying when you can help people out with their foot and ankle injuries because it changes their life for the better."

Attendees will have an opportunity to participate in an open question-and-answer session where they can discuss personal concerns related to foot and ankle health with the specialists. Both doctors specialize in complex foot and ankle reconstruction procedures including those for bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, fractures, Charcot joint issues, and total ankle arthroplasty.

"You can't get around if you can't walk; you can't enjoy kicking a ball around with your kids,” said Dr. Kay. “It's incredibly satisfying to help patients regain their mobility and return to a more active, pain-free life."

Drs. Stevens and Kay both completed fellowships at the Sigvard T. Hansen Jr. Foot and Ankle Institute in Seattle.

The event is free of charge and open to all members of the public without the need for reservations.