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Foot First Podiatry Center Foot First Podiatry Centers utilize a board certified referral service, guaranteeing our patients the best medical care. The Sklar Bunionectomy has hidden incisions, allows immediate weight bearing, doesn't require casts or crutches, allows you to return to work (job dependent), and is performed in our own office-based surgical facility. The Sklar Bunionectomy and our exclusive Toe Shortening/Straightening procedures, not only corrects your foot function but also offers you a beautiful, cosmetic post-operative result.
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Everything has to start somewhere, including bunion surgery. Thirty years ago I was taught the traditional bunionectomy in podiatry school. It wasn't perfect, but it gave adequate results. The traditional bunion surgery consisted of castings for six weeks, an ugly and noticeable scar, a high complication rate, and inconsistent results.
At Foot First Podiatry, we have many patients who are unhappy with their painful foot deformities whether it be their bunion, hammertoe or their long and/or crooked toes. As you know, we have revolutionized a bunion procedure known as The Sklar Bunionectomy that allows for immediate weight bearing, no casts and no visual scars.
Send us pictures of your feet! All of our surgeries are performed within our office in Schaumburg, IL which is conveniently located near Chicago's O'Hare Airport and a number of hotels within a 10 mile radius.
The world of medicine has changed dramatically since I first opened Foot First Podiatry Centers in 1985. Change is good. Not only have we moved beyond the traditional way of doing surgery, we are perfecting it. All our surgeries are now minimally invasive, allowing for a quicker recovery. We are also in the forefront of cost containment.
Reviews (21)
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Nicole Ray
Dec 28, 2021
I traveled from Georgia to have bunionectomy/toe straightening. I cannot say enough wonderful things about First Foot Podiatry. All of the staff was professional and kind. Dr. SKLAR is very knowledgeable and is great at what he does. It was well worth the travel to Schaumburg to have procedures. Would recommend them to anyone. THANK YOU Foot First!
Myha Faith
Dec 14, 2021
Couldn't have had a better experience! Bedside manners were awesome! All staff were so sweet and had great senses of humor! 10/10 recommended! Very content with services!
Kim Gialdini
Oct 24, 2021
I am a runner, athete and train 7 days a week. I had come to a point where it was time to have the bunion surgery. So like anything in life you have to work for your goals and train hard. Its not a one way street. You have to prepare, mentally and physically for any surgery. Have a plan and have support. So going into this I knew that I would work hard to rehab my foot.

It's important to have open communication and know that it's going to be tough but that it can be done. My surgery was done in January 2021. Everything went great. I was doing all that was required and more by my physical therpatist too. All the followup visits went great and service was clear and very friendly. I worked everyday on all the exercises.

I was running by 13 weeks! I had great support by my coach and PT and was running and doing strength workouts 7 days a weeks. I was on my way training for my 2nd attempt to run a 100mile trail race in October. By October I was ready to race. I was able to run 64.7 miles of the race without any issues with my toes. I ended up not making time cut at the aid station.

So long story short. I ran the most I ever ran in a race and will my 3rd try in 2022. A big Thank you to Dr Skylar and his team. I will see you all soon in November for my left foot.
Kimberly Penrod
Jul 04, 2021
Had surgery Went back for screw removal 2 years later my foot is worse! Bunyan is back along with a huge bone like growth All they want is your money Don't do it!
Michelle Larsen
May 08, 2021
Thank you Foot First! As of November 2020 I celebrated a year of bunion free feet! I was super hesitant about having surgery and as a result waited 30 years to have the operation. A year and a half ago I was on the train from Chicago and sat with a lady who needed to elevate her foot which was booted. We chatted about it and she explained that she had her bunion removed. "OUCH!" I said.

Her reply was "No pain, great surgery and you should go and check out Foot First in Schaumburg." I thought it must be an amazing surgery with outstanding results being that she was in recovery and walking to and from work in the city and battling the crowds to catch the train. I went in for a consult and elected to have the surgery. The day after my operation I was in my barn cleaning tack. Sitting of course.

Maybe that isn't typical recovery but my pain level was very minimal -- on both feet. I did follow Dr. Sklar's advice on recovery. He even sent me a text message the night after my bunionectomy to check in and encourage me. That is uncommon service. He cares about his patients and his staff and it shows! The office staff is kind, and provide a calm and happy environment. Drs. Sklar and Dr. Ruckman are wonderful. And even during COVID time the office is handling patients as treasures. Thank you for caring and thank you for my new feet! They feel and look terrific! Happy New Year!
Ryan Cairns
Apr 20, 2021
Dr. Sklar's the best! She performed my bunionectomy surgery in January 2021 on both of my feet, and the process couldn't have gone better. The pain was minimal, the recovery was quick, and my feet look brand new! She and her team kept me comfortable and informed every step of the process, from my first consultation through the very end of the recovery process. I can't recommend her and the rest of the Foot First team enough!
Esther Page
Mar 10, 2021
So happy with the first surgery that I went back for more. Sam Sklar has killed it on all fronts: bedside manner, surgical procedures, knowledge base, and medical technology. My comment to the staff today was, "I'm almost disappointed that I don't have a third foot to do this again." I'm 5 months out from my first procedure and am able to have nearly full range of motion now.

I can wear heels for about 3 hours before my toe starts to cramp. I run. I jump. I dance. I hit the squat rack with 200 lbs. I. Am. Better. Thank you Dr. Sklar and Dr. Sklar for extending the life and mobility of my feet.
Lori Moore
Feb 22, 2021
I have contemplated a bunionectomy surgery for the last 10 years. In that time I visited many surgeons, each one of them had a different method of performing their procedure. I considered the Lapiplasty bunionectomy with one of the highest rated doctors in Chicago. Then I discovered Footfirst Podiatry Center, Dr. Keith Skylar and his Skylar bunionectomy procedure. Dr Skylar & his staff spent a lot of time before and after surgery explaining the procedure & recovery circumstances to me.

Throughout the entire time of my association with Footfirst, they always made sure I was satisfied with any doubts I might have had. Ultimately I am very satisfied with my decision because of the results that Dr. Skylar was able to achieve. I would recommend Footfirst not only because of Dr. Skylar's surgical level of expertise but also the high quality performance of his team and office.
Diane Broeske
Feb 18, 2021
Dr. Sklar did a simple bunion surgery on me only to end up having 3 more foot surgeries after that and now ended up with my big toe being fused into a hammer toe position and a bone sticking out of the bottom of my foot! It seems he really doesn't care about the outcome only the money, butcher!
Emily Carrara
Jun 28, 2020
Foot First Podiatry is the best of the best. They have changed my life. The surgery and recovery were hard but both Dr. Samantha Sklar and Dr. Keith Sklar were by my side the entire time. If I had any question or concern, they immediately answered by question. I barely have any scars and the work they did was substantial. Do not think twice about scheduling a consult!
Margie Neumann
Jan 28, 2020
Drs. Keith and Samantha Sklar did a wonderful job on my bunion. All of the doctors spend as much time with you as necessary to answer all of your questions before, day of, and after surgery. My foot looks great! So appreciative of the friendly staff as well. Many thanks to all. I would recommend Foot First 100%. I will be back one day for the other foot no doubt.
Jeanne Lunde
Nov 08, 2019
I am so thankful not only for the surgery Dr Sklar performed, but also for Dr Sklar and the wonderful team she has around her. I needed to get a bunionectomy done before I started treatment for cancer. I researched various places, doctors, and treatments. Timing was important to me, so that I could be back on my feet quickly and maintain heart health, etc prior to treatment.

I also needed the bunion surgery to be successful.both short term and long term. I did not want to trade one for the other. I am thrilled with the outcome of my surgery! I was back on my feet in no time at all and the results are amazing! I found Dr Sklar to be wise, compassionate, and very gracious. The staff of Foot First was so welcoming, treating their patients like family upon arrival for appointments.

Everyone was so professional and personable! I strongly and highly recommend that you consider Dr Sklar for your surgery. It was one of the best decisions I made for my health and healing. It will be yours, too.
Barbara Burger
Jun 11, 2018
Had a hammer toe and bunions taken care of last June and November. Doctors, nurses, and office staff were friendly, caring, and competent. Excellent results on my feet. Would recommend them to anyone who is having foot problems.
Annette Eechaute-Lopez
Mar 21, 2018
I put off this surgery for 4 years until I heard what Dr. Sklar could do for me.i walked pout the sane day of the surgery. driving 1 week after that.amazing!. I would recommend him and his staff to anyone. could not be happier with the results!
Dana K.
Feb 06, 2018
Dr. Samantha (Sam) Sklar and the team at Foot First are amazing - nothing short of miracle workers! I had bunions on both feet, so scheduled surgeries 2 weeks apart. I live alone with a demanding job, so I couldn't be out or immobile for an extended period of time. After each procedure, I was walking out of the center on my own - no crutches or canes. Pain?

I only took the meds for 2 days, followed all post-op instructions and was in gym shoes after 2 weeks. I was cleared for anything and everything (even heels) after 2 months! 5 months later, I still can't believe how easy it was. All appointments except the surgery can be at the downtown Chicago location (the surgical center is in Schaumburg). The staff is welcoming, knowledgeable, accommodating, and timely. Truly the best in the business. My only regret is not having found Dr. Sam and Foot First sooner!
Becky McChurch Hilgendorf
Mar 31, 2017
I had a bilateral bunionectomy and am thrilled with the results. I highly recommend Foot First! The whole staff is wonderful, especially Dr Sklar and his nurse, Anne. Couldn't believe how quickly my foot healed and the incisions are on the side so the scars are not noticeable.
T. J. Zaragoza
Jan 23, 2017
Had a 5:30 appt. Sat in a packed waiting room for bout an hour and 15 minutes. The only thing they seemed worried about was my insurance info i gave them bout 4 times. I left.
Jennifer James
Oct 28, 2016
Great friendly people! My 10 year old had bunions on both her feet and now they look beautiful! The Dr. and especially his nurse Ann are the best! I can't say enough about them. Very caring, patient, and sincere. I actually miss our friendly conversations!
Carl F. Hoyt
Jun 19, 2016
Very professional people. From the receptionist to the doctor I felt at ease. One of the best things I've done. So pleased. Would highly recommend them
Tammy VanzuidenTalbot-Shade
Jul 08, 2015
I just had bunion surgery June 30 th 2015 & am Very Impressed! Not only is the staff so nice but I practically walked out right after! No pain, wasn't groggy, I had the Twilight sedative, & my check up yesterday was Good & still No Pain I really haven't had to take Any pain pills, just the one for swelling. I would recommend this place to Anyone who needs Foot surgery of any kind!
Sarah Wadsworth
Aug 04, 2014
I had a very positive experience at Foot First. I have been treated there for a number of different foot problems, and have always received great care. The doctors and staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. My treatment went smoothly and I got great results.