Dr. Tyler Sten is a St. Joseph native and proud graduate of Bishop LeBlond High School. Outside of his work as a foot and ankle surgeon, his favorite role is being a husband and father. He and his wife are raising their three young children and enjoy spending time together as a family. Whether attending activities, making memories at home, or enjoying the outdoors, family life keeps the Stens busy and fulfilled. (Submitted photo)

Dr. Tyler Sten, Community Hospital-Fairfax podiatrist, keeps our community moving, one step at a time.

When Dr. Tyler Sten was just 12 years old, he already knew he wanted to become a surgeon.

Growing up in St. Joseph with a mother who worked as a nurse and a father who was a pharmacist, medicine was a natural part of life. As he explored different medical specialties through shadowing experiences, he discovered podiatry offered the perfect combination of surgery, patient relationships, and problem-solving.

Today, Dr. Sten brings that passion to Community Hospital-Fairfax, where he helps patients of all ages stay active, healthy, and pain-free.

“The patients I see here are hardworking, heart-of-America people,” says Dr. Sten. “They’re appreciative, and hardly a day goes by without someone thanking me for being part of this community.”

After completing his residency in 2023, Dr. Sten began practicing podiatric medicine and quickly found his place serving rural Northwest Missouri families, farmers, athletes, and individuals living with chronic conditions.

As summer winds down and Northwest Missouri transitions into a busy fall season, many people are preparing for long days in the field, the start of fall sports, and packed family schedules. August is the perfect time to think about foot and ankle health before small aches and pains turn into bigger problems.

Back-to-School Footwear Matters

As a father of three young children, Dr. Sten understands the importance of keeping kids active and healthy. The school year often means new shoes for growing children, but Dr. Sten encourages parents to look beyond style when making footwear choices.

He notes that young children’s feet develop naturally over time.

“Until age four, children’s feet are fat, flat, and floppy because they are still developing. Shoes should protect their feet and fit properly, but they don’t need to do much more than that.”

For older children and teenagers, he encourages families to be mindful of everyday footwear choices, and balance proper support with style.

“Popular shoes like Crocs and HeyDudes are comfortable, but they don’t provide the support many growing feet need, leading to foot and ankle issues down the road.”

Healthy Feet Means Better Performance for Fall Athletes

For student-athletes, proper footwear is especially important. Ankle sprains remain one of the most common injuries Dr. Sten sees in young athletes.

His recommendations include:

• Wearing supportive, lace up or X-braces when needed

• Communicating pain or injuries to coaches and athletic trainers

• Using supportive orthotic insoles in athletic shoes and cleats

• Avoiding footwear that lacks structure and arch support

“Don’t ignore pain or keep playing through an injury,” he says. “Communicate with coaches, trainers, and parents. Simple measures like ankle taping, supportive braces, or quality insoles can often help prevent more serious issues.”

Getting Ready for Harvest Season

Harvest is approaching and local farmers and agricultural workers are preparing for some of the most physically demanding months of the year. Long hours on uneven ground, in machinery, or walking through fields can place significant stress on feet and ankles.

“One of the most important things farmers can do is wear supportive footwear,” says Dr. Sten. “A quality lace-up work boot with proper support and an orthotic insole can make a tremendous difference in comfort and injury prevention.”

He also recommends checking feet daily, especially after long workdays.

“Early detection is key. If you notice hot spots, swelling, redness, pain, numbness or if you have to change how you’re walking or working, don’t wait for the problem to get worse.”

Don’t Ignore Foot Pain

Many people try to “push through” foot and ankle discomfort, especially during busy seasons. However, Dr. Sten cautions that persistent pain should never be considered normal. Conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, arthritis, and overuse injuries often start with mild symptoms that gradually worsen over time.

“If you’re changing the way you walk, work, or participate in daily activities because of pain, it’s time to get evaluated,” he says.

Receiving treatment early can often lead to quicker recovery and prevent long-term complications.

A Special Reminder for Patients with Diabetes

Diabetic patients are at a higher risk for complications and should remain vigilant about foot care. Neuropathy, reduced sensation, and circulation issues can cause problems to develop quickly, sometimes before patients even realize something is wrong.

“I encourage diabetic patients to inspect their feet, ankles, and calves every day,” Dr. Sten says. “Watch for redness, swelling, warmth, lesions, sores, or any changes in the skin. Those signs should be evaluated immediately.”

One Simple Piece of Advice

If Dr. Sten could offer one recommendation to everyone this fall, it would be simple: “Everyone should be in an orthotic.” Whether custom-made or professionally recommended, proper support can help prevent many common foot and ankle problems before they start.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sten, please contact the Community Hospital-Fairfax Outpatient Clinic at 660-686-2335.