Putting Your Best Foot Forward | Gateley Podiatry
Knee pain. Hip problems. Even headaches. The root cause might be in a place most people overlook: their feet.
“When your foundation is off, everything is off,” said Dr. Timothy B. Gateley, who opened Gateley Podiatry in Topeka. “Knee, hip, back problems, even neck issues and headaches can be tied back to foot mechanics.”
Dr. Gateley grew up in Oklahoma and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Oklahoma before attending Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago. He completed his surgical residency at
the Leavenworth VA Medical Center and with podiatrists in the Kansas City area. He is board certified in foot surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. After practicing in Kansas City for a couple of years, he joined a Topeka practice and moved his family here in 2008.
He opened Gateley Podiatry in 2017, where he takes a holistic approach to podiatric medicine. That means he doesn’t simply treat symptoms, he looks for biomechanical issues that ripple throughout the body. The goal is pain relief and keeping patients active.
“I enjoy podiatry because it allows me to see patients from birth through the end of life,” he said. “In the span of a normal day, I can see dermatological issues, orthopedic issues, sports injuries, genetic deformities, overuse injuries, ulcers and issues that require surgical intervention. I like the variety that comes with that.”
For Dr. Gateley, the foundation of his practice is building trust.
“I want my patients and the community to trust me,” he said. “I live here, our family’s here, we’re embedded here.”
At his clinic, one of the first things he emphasizes during a consultation is understanding why a patient has come in and what they hope to achieve. Whether someone wants to walk pain free, keep up with young children or grandchildren, run marathons or confidently return to sports, those goals shape the treatment plan.
A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
The practice offers podiatric services ranging from conservative treatments to surgery. Dr. Gateley’s sports medicine approach addresses everything from ankle sprains and Achilles tendinitis to stress fractures and chronic heel pain, with an eye toward recovery and prevention.
A cornerstone of Dr. Gateley’s approach is conservative treatment whenever possible. Custom orthotics — insoles designed to support and correct foot biomechanics — are often a first line of treatment.
Unlike over-the-counter inserts, custom orthotics are crafted based on a detailed analysis of each patient’s unique gait (manner of walking) and activity goals. They can alleviate foot pain and ease stress on knees, hips and back, unlocking a greater level of mobility.
Dr. Gateley compares designing an orthotic to solving a complex engineering puzzle, manipulating subtle aspects of how a foot interacts with the ground to improve comfort and function. This approach can improve a patient’s quality of life, especially for athletes or active adults who have struggled with chronic issues.
When surgery is the best option — such as in the case of severe deformities, persistent pain or structural problems — Dr. Gateley’s surgical care considers each patient’s lifestyle and specific needs, whether he’s handling a bunion correction, hammertoe repair, ingrown toenail procedures or flatfoot reconstruction.
ON SOLID GROUND
Dr. Gateley says his mission comes down to helping people stay physically active and engaged in the activities they love.
“Foot health is not cosmetic,” he said. “It’s foundational to overall vitality.”
Left unaddressed, foot pain can cascade into larger mobility issues. Whether helping a runner overcome knee pain linked to foot mechanics, assisting a weekend pickleball player recovering from overuse injuries, or empowering someone to wear sandals again without embarrassment over fungal toenails, the practice emphasizes activity as a key component of health.
Laser therapies, minimal-incision procedures and innovations like microwave therapy exemplify Dr. Gateley’s commitment to using modern, less invasive technologies that minimize downtime and keep patients moving.
HAPPY FEET, HAPPY LIFE
Gateley Podiatry sponsors local schools, nonprofit auctions, sports teams and community events, reflecting Dr. Gateley’s belief that good health is intertwined with strong community relationships.
One of the clinic’s initiatives is its “Hats for Vets” program, started by Dr. Gateley’s oldest daughter. After reading an article about challenges veterans face, she spoke with her grandfather, a 30-year Army veteran and retired command sergeant major, about the increased incidence of suicide in the veteran community. He felt that part of the problem is that veterans aren’t always recognized for their sacrifices.
“They thought that if someone is easier to recognize as a veteran, a stranger is more likely to thank them for their service and show them that they are appreciated,” Dr. Gateley said.
Together with Dr. Gateley’s brother, a graphic designer, they designed a ball cap with an American flag that says “Veteran.” Dr. Gateley’s daughter secured funding from Gateley Podiatry and her grandfather to purchase the hats and wrote a thank-you note to be tucked inside each. She also included a Culver’s gift card donated by her uncle. The hats are now handed out to veteran patients at the clinic.
KEEPING TOPEKA ON ITS TOES
Dr. Gateley attends educational meetings and uses new technologies that support better patient outcomes. Digital gait analysis, 3D scanning for orthotics and advanced laser therapies are just a few of the tools he uses to refine the diagnostic and treatment processes.
With obesity, sedentary lifestyles and chronic pain on the rise nationwide, Dr. Gateley sees a growing role for preventative foot care – helping individuals avoid problems before they worsen.
“The emphasis on preventative medicine is only going to grow,” he said. “Keeping people active contributes in so many ways to overall health.”
To those postponing treatment because of embarrassment, fear of surgery or busy lives, Dr. Gateley offers a clear message: don’t wait.
Early intervention can prevent problems from multiplying and open the door to a more active, pain-free life. Whether through conservative measures like orthotics or targeted therapies that allow continued activity, there is an abundance of options for treatment.
