Feet Firmly Planted

When he set up his podiatry practice in the summer of 1989 near the intersection of Bardstown and Taylorsville roads, Alan Mauser, DPM, had no idea that 20 years later he’d wind up with his feet so firmly planted in one spot. “It’s kind of flown by,” says Dr. Mauser. “I thought I’d outgrow the office, but it’s been a great location.”

Many Highlands residents have no doubt come within steps of Mauser’s office and not noticed the unassuming storefront in the plaza shared with Homemade Ice Cream and Pie Kitchen. “It’s very easy for patients to park and walk right in,” Mauser says. “It’s very important, especially for those who have had surgery. And everyone knows where the ice cream shop is.”

Mauser (pronounced MOW-ser) grew up near Lowell, Mass., then pursued his studies in Memphis, Tenn., and northeast Illinois. After settling in Louisville, he worked with another physician for four years before striking out on his own. “I found that the Highlands was a very desirable location, and the office space looked right,” he says. “There really was nobody else [practicing podiatry] around the Bardstown Road corridor.”

In two decades, Mauser has seen a lot of feet, many with the same problems, over and over again – problems that are easily prevented and treated. “A lot of people complain about pain in their heels, and it typically turns out to be a condition called plantar fasciitis,” he says. “It’s usually treatable through conservative means, but sometimes it involves more advanced action, such as shockwave treatments or protein plasma injections – or even surgery.”

Another complaint, ingrown toenails, is surprisingly complex. “A lot of that is caused by shoe pressure, or if people cut their toenails wrong and they get infected,” he says. “We treat the infection first and try to keep it from happening again.”

Living in a pedestrian-friendly area is a double-edged sword for many residents who rely on walking or running for health and transportation, and Mauser advises people to exercise caution when they exercise their bodies. “Of course, people who walk or run more tend to have more foot problems, and there’s a possibility you’ll get hurt more.”

At the other end of the spectrum, however, physical inactivity can contribute to people developing Type 2 diabetes. “Diabetes is ever so more prevalent these days,” Mauser says. “People are living longer and so we get to diagnose these problems. And diabetes does affect feet in an adverse way, with circulation and sensation problems, and can manifest itself in calluses or foot deformities. Not everybody who has diabetes has problems with their feet, but people who do have it should pay attention to it – like with their eyes – and see a podiatrist yearly to reassess their feet. As I said, not [all diabetics] have foot problems, but some do and it can be limb-threatening.”

Of course, most foot problems are not nearly so serious, but be they major or minor, Mauser has no plans to walk away from his patients. “The medical field is a tenuous field at best, what with legislation and rising costs,” he says. “I stay in the office, albeit a small one, and that helps keep overhead down. It’s easily accessible to my patients and has that homey neighborhood feel. Several years ago, I branded myself [in ads] as ‘Your Neighborhood Podiatrist.’ I wanted patients to feel comfortable coming into the office.”

Mauser’s Highlands practice is located at 2525 Bardstown Road. Besides the flagship location, he maintains offices in the Brownsboro Road area, on West Market Street, and in Carrollton, Ky.  Mauser can be reached at (502) 458-8989.

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