LIHUE — The average person walks 75,000 miles by the time they reach 50. What can happen logging so many miles? Corns, calluses, bunions, in-grown toenails and wounds, and all deserve tender loving care. “The feet are a structure most
LIHUE — The average person walks 75,000 miles by the time they reach 50.
What can happen logging so many miles?
Corns, calluses, bunions, in-grown toenails and wounds, and all deserve tender loving care.
“The feet are a structure most people would rather ignore,” said Dr. Tyler Chihara, a foot doctor on Kauai. “People just want to keep walking on them and not have to care for them.”
That is, until something goes seriously wrong.
But waiting until it hurts can be too late, especially with diabetic injuries where amputation sometimes becomes the only option.
Chihara said he felt a calling to return to Kauai where he grew up when news broke that the only podiatrist on the island was retiring. He’s devoted his life to treating Kauai’s feet for the past 15 years.
“I love my job because every day I can make a difference in people’s lives,” Chihara said.
But the foot doctor didn’t always have an eye on what he calls a “dirty job” which requires a passion for treating wounds.
It was Father Coyle at Saint Catherine’s Catholic Church in Kapaa where Chihara spent his formative years, who had a profound influence on him.
“I looked up to him,” said Chihara. “I wanted to be a priest like him, but once I found girls, that all changed.”
Sixteen years ago, he married Hope, whom he met during his final year at the California College of Podiatric Medicine in San Francisco. She tutors students part time at Wilcox Elementary School in Lihue, where Chihara attended school before transferring to St. Catherine’s School.
While he’s treated thousands of feet and had a positive impact on thousands of their owners, Chihara believes in spiritual power as much medical.
“Prayer is an easy way to affect our thoughts and our focus into the outcome we want,” Chihara said. “I believe prayer and meditation can have a profound effect beyond our physical impact. There is nothing I enjoy more than seeing someone heal from an infected wound.”
Another passion for this foot doctor: Snowboarding.
“It’s like floating in the snow. I love the feeling of being outdoors in a fresh snowfall by myself,” Chihara said. “I try to find remote areas among the trees where I can be alone with nature.”
His brief snow breaks give him a respite from caring for patients who sometimes have to wait up to three months to see him. That’s one reason he thinks Wilcox Memorial Hospital could bring another foot doctor on board. The foot doctor stands 17 hours on his own feet each work day.
“I would like to snowboard more. I do some stand-up paddling too, but I need to keep my health up so I can care for my patients and my family,” he added. “I love my boys. I’d do anything for them.”
That includes giving them occasional bedtime massages, even after standing on his feet all day.
• This is an ongoing weekly feature in The Garden Island. It focuses on everyday people who reflect the spirit that makes Kauai the place it is today. If you know of somebody you would like to see featured, contact Lisa Ann Capozzi at lcapozzi@thegardenisland.com or 245-0452.
