Locally & Family Owned and Operated
Co-Founders Drs. Mindi and Paul Dayton opened Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa/Bunion Surgery Specialists in 2018 with the vision of providing state of the art bunion surgery, as well as evidence-based, innovative care for all foot and ankle conditions to patients in the Des Moines Metro, the Midwest, and beyond. They envisioned a practice environment that allowed them, along with their team, the opportunity to provide the best patient experience possible to those seeking their care, with a focus on education, innovation, compassion, and unparalleled outcomes. They are nationally and internationally recognized leaders in foot and ankle medicine, surgery and research. Their private practice neighborhood clinics allow for more individualized time between the patient and doctor, continuity of care, and better relationships with patients and the community.
Since 2009, Drs. Mindi and Paul Dayton have researched the anatomy and cause of bunions and have developed breakthrough techniques to improve the reliability and quality of bunion surgery. Dr. Paul Dayton is one of the original design surgeons and innovators for Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction and is named on numerous medical device patents related to bunion surgery. Working with Treace Medical Concepts Inc, a leading medical technology company, and a group of dedicated podiatric and orthopedic design surgeons from across the country, Dr. Paul Dayton was instrumental in developing the patented method of Lapiplasty® triplane bunion correction to correct the deformity at the root of the problem. Drs. Mindi and Paul Dayton pioneered triplane bunion correction, and both regularly lecture and teach hands on surgical training for Lapiplasty® for surgeons across the country.
Dr. Jesseka Kaldenberg-Leppert joined the team in 2022 as an associate and then as a partner and co-owner in 2023. Similar to the Drs. Dayton, Dr. Kaldenberg-Leppert has a passion for bunion surgery and the patient care experience. She also strives to provide the best in innovative treatment technology. Dr. Kaldenberg-Leppert is highly skilled in Lapiplasty® 3D bunion surgery and has joined in the research efforts at Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa.