Dr. Gregory Walker Gets Patients Back On Their Feet
1/22/2025
Jenny’s feet – with their arthritis, hammertoes, bunions, joint deformities and dislocations – were keeping her from wearing sandals and flip-flops, but they were also keeping her from more important things, like living without pain.
“I keep a separate file on each foot,” Jenny says with a laugh. She had to be very organized about her feet, because they presented different anatomical problems. Also, she needed two surgeries – one on her left foot in the summer of 2023 and the other on her right foot at the beginning of 2024.
Jenny’s orthopedic surgeon at Northwest Healthcare, Dr. Gregory Walker, specializes solely in issues and conditions affecting the foot and ankle. He worked with Jenny to determine the best plan to get her back to her highest level of functioning – up to, and including, the long golf games she loves to play near her home in Oro Valley.
“From the first time I met Dr. Walker, I knew he was up-to-date in his knowledge and practice,” Jenny says. “He listened to me, was personable, and really got to know my husband and me, so I felt comfortable right away. I was a R.N. for 30 years, so I’ve known a lot of doctors – and I wish they were all like him.”
Dr. Walker says toe and foot deformities are common issues bringing patients to his practice.
“Many of these issues are related to genetics,” he explains. “However, there is good evidence that suggests poorly-fitting, tight shoes can exacerbate the problem. I do not subscribe to the opinion that there is a specific brand of shoes that is good for everybody. However, finding a good pair of well-fitting shoes that do not hurt can prevent many toe and foot problems.”
If your feet and/or ankles are troubling you, Dr. Walker advises seeing an orthopedic foot and ankle specialist sooner rather than later, as some problems – such as arthritis and tendinitis – are easily treatable before they advance to later stages.
“There is no reason for you to suffer, so please do not be afraid to contact our office should you have any issues you would like to discuss,” he says.
As for Jenny: She’s now out on the golf course three or four days a week – and when she isn’t golfing, she enjoys being back in sandals and flip-flops.
“I’m not experiencing any pain at all,” she says. “I’ve recommended him to everyone I know who needs foot and/or ankle surgery. His office was so good about getting me taken care of.”
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