The team at Foot & Ankle Specialists of Ohio keeps everyone from athletes to people with diabetes healthy and on their feet

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L-R: Drs. Gladys de Leon and Hayley Iosue, of Foot & Ankle Specialists of Ohio, address foot pain, plantar fasciitis, Achilles’ tendon injuries and ruptures, ankle fractures, arthritis, callouses, corns, in-grown toenails, flat feet, wounds, limb deformities and much more. (Photography: Felicia Vargo)

By Patricia Nugent

With a comprehensive umbrella of treatments, advanced diagnostics and state-of-the-art facilities, the podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Specialists of Ohio are uniquely qualified to treat the community.

They address foot pain, plantar fasciitis, Achilles’ tendon injuries, ankle fractures and sprains, arthritis, callouses, corns, in-grown toenails, flat feet, wounds and limb deformities. Many patients also require diabetic foot care, surgery, custom orthotics, PRP regenerative treatment or routine maintenance.

Get to Know the Doctors
Board-certified podiatrists Drs. Gladys de Leon and Hayley Iosue have wide-ranging and complementary specialties.

Originally from Long Island, New York, Dr. de Leon has practiced in the Cleveland area for the past 25 years.

“I’m a big believer in patient education, early intervention and making sure that each patient is well-informed and taking accountability in their health,” she says. “I’m also open to holistic and alternative treatments, including vitamin and mineral supplements and CBD products in addressing patients’ conditions and achieving well-being.”

Dr. Iosue graduated from the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine and went on to residency at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a Harvard Medical School hospital in Boston, and then a two-year surgical fellowship at University Hospitals. She joined Foot & Ankle Specialists of Ohio last November.

This Chesterland native is thrilled to be practicing medicine back home.

“I enjoy getting to know patients and putting them on a path to healing,” she says. “I’ve wanted to be a podiatrist since high school, after my experience with flat feet requiring foot surgery. I played soccer and ran track at West Geauga High School and in college, so I also enjoy treating athletes.”

Sports Injuries, Diabetic Footcare
You’ll see the doctors on the sidelines at local high school sporting events and treating and rehabbing injuries from competitive sports.

“We see fractures and sprains of the ankle and foot,” says Dr. Iosue, noting the athletes feel comfortable knowing they can always get in the same day or next day. “Since X-rays are digital in this office and we read them ourselves, we can diagnose issues and provide treatment without the wait. Our goal is to return the athlete to the sport as quickly and safely as possible.”

Diabetic footcare is also a big part of the practice. Dr. Iosue says they treat a lot of diabetics, who often suffer from ulcers and poor circulation. They also can perform diabetic foot checks and help with any skin or toenail issues in diabetics.

Conveniently located on Center Street in downtown Chardon, the spacious offices feature in-house digital x-rays, so patients don’t have to wait for results or go elsewhere

Orthotics, Regenerative Medicine, Vascular Evaluation
“Orthotic shoe inserts are an effective way to improve the biomechanics of the foot,” says Dr. Iosue. “We do a gait analysis and a full musculoskeletal exam before taking a cast of the feet to create the insert. Practically anyone, any age, can benefit from orthotics.”

The doctors also do steroid injections to alleviate heel pain, tendonitis or joint issues. Another treatment they offer is PRP (platelet rich plasma) injections to regenerate tissue and reduce inflammation.

To extend their level of care, the doctors have partnered with a practitioner from the Vascular Institute of Cleveland, who does ultrasound testing on patients every other week.

“This allows them to take a look at the circulation in the lower legs through an ultrasound,” she adds.

Look for a series of monthly Ask the Expert columns featuring Dr. Iosue and Dr. de Leon to kick off in the March issue of Mimi Magazine.

Foot & Ankle Specialists of Ohio is located at 325 Center Street in Chardon. Same-day and next-day appointments are always available. You can request an appointment online or by calling 440-306-5359. The website is FASOhio.com. Other locations are in Mentor, Bedford, Garfield Heights and Westlake.