Karen Skidmore DPM

Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine is a medical practice in Kirkland, Washington that specializes in the conservative and surgical treatment of the foot and ankle. Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine believes in a collaborative approach between patient and doctor to fully educate patients before any treatment program is decided. Together, doctor and patient work toward a positive outcome from the start.The first issue Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine focuses on is the prevention of musculoskeletal wear-and-tear injuries of the lower extremities from biomechanical foot and ankle malfunction. As a rule, conservative, non-surgical treatments are always considered first.Since weight-bearing activity is critical to individual long-term health and happiness, patient relationships start with a comprehensive biomechanical exam, a thorough history, and a gait exam. Everything is discussed, from biomechanical variance, footwear, and exercise programs, to running form, and, in some cases, surgical intervention.Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine is a popular choice for patient/athletes with sports-medicine needs. Examples include runners seeking to optimize biomechanics, but also retirees who need their feet to keep up with their retirement travel plans, or anyone else who needs to address pain from a specific activity.Walking and running are essential to maintaining cardiovascular fitness, muscle mass, bone density, and joint health. There is no better way to maintain an ideal body weight. Weight-bearing activity is the cornerstone of treating all major cardiovascular disease now on the rise. Obesity, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, diabetes, and even cancer have been linked to a lack of regular weight-bearing exercise. Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine is proud to provide patients with a comfortable in-office experience and friendly staff who will ensure a pleasant visit to the practice in Kirkland, Washington.