the best hands for your feet

Chicagoland’s Premier Foot and Ankle Centers

Welcome to First Step Foot Care!

The First Step Foot Care Distinction

Adult and Pediatric Solutions

Individualized Care

Surgical Excellence

Simpler Recoveries

We have been in practice for over 28 years, and patients like you are the foundation of our success.

First Step Foot Care was founded in 1991 by Dr. James P. Flood with the aim of providing the highest quality specialist service for the diagnosis and treatment of all foot and ankle problems.

Dr. James Flood and his associates are dedicated specialists in problems affecting the foot and ankle and have over one hundred years of combined experience!  Dr. Flood’s quality team of physicians provide a comprehensive service of care for patients with all types of foot and ankle problems. This includes sports injuries (including high level / elite sportsmen and women), trauma, arthritis, metatarsalgia, diabetic care, and reconstructive foot surgery.

Meet Our Physicians

Dr. James P. Flood

Founder and Medical Director

Dr. Flood embarked into private practice after completing a tour of duty in the Army, serving as chief of Podiatric Surgery with Department of Orthopedics and Podiatry at Irwin Army Hospital, Fort Riley KS during the Iraq conflict. He founded First Step Foot Care in 1991 with the goal of providing the highest quality specialized service for the diagnosis and treatment of all foot and ankle problems in the Tri-County area.

Dr. Flood previously served as the Chief of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery-Department of Orthopedics and Podiatry at Irwin Army Community Hospital with the First Infantry Division, Fort Riley Kansas. He functioned in the roles practitioner and educator as a specialist in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery for the United States Army.  He holds the distinction of the Army Paratrooper badge and Expert Field Medical Badge.

Dr. Flood also held the privilege  as the Chief of Podiatric Surgery at Northwest Community Hospital. He is proud to have served on the Day Surgery Consulting Committee, Medical Staff Quality Committee, and Surgical QI Committee at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights.

Additionally, He gives back to the medical profession by his current commitment as a clinical instructor for the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Advocate/Aurora Lutheran General Hospital.

Dr. Flood works on all aspects of foot and ankle care including both conservative and surgical treatment options for his patients. Having competed in intercollegiate athletics in Cross Country and Indoor/Outdoor track, he has a special interest in the area of running injuries.

When not engaged with patient care, he enjoys all aspect of fitness and is an avid sports fan.  He is married with three children.

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“I am humble for spirit and grateful for the opportunity to serve the patient’s that seek my healing hand that God created for me to use. I feel that success in patient outcomes is a product of formulating good communication with patient and practicing medicine with evidence based treatment. I stress direct, understandable communication between myself and the patient to ensure that we as a team achieve excellent clinical results. I strive hard to provide a level of care that has excellence in diagnosis and treatment employing the latest medical technologies”

Patient Testimonials

“After living with intense pain in my feet for over 20 years, Dr. Cohn recommended a treatment that solved the problem and left me pain free. What a blessing! In addition to being an excellent physician, who is indeed up to date with the newest and most advanced diagnostic and treatment options available, Dr. Cohn is personable, kind, and caring. Thank you, Dr. Cohn!”
“First Step Foot Care should be the guiding example for how all Doctors’ offices should run. I have always had excellent care by EVERYONE in the office. I have recommended people and they have all been equally satisfied. I really feel that they care about me and what may be ailing me. Recently, I had foot surgery and was stunned to receive flowers from the office within hours of arriving home; that was the ultimate in frosting on the cake! Thank you!”
“After seeing Dr. Flood at First Step I realized that even though they have the same specialty, my previous doctor was not a pro like Dr. Flood. And, the entire office and staff at First Step is so professional here that I would not go anywhere else.”
“Dr. Flood and Dr. Lee have cured my plantar fasciitis! I have been dealing with it mainly in my left foot for 3 years. I am very active, running weightlifting, plus on my feet all day at work. ”
“I highly recommend First Step. I was able to secure an appt in less than a week’s time, the office is shining new w/all the latest technology. Best of all Dr. Kellen Cohn was terrific: patient, answered every question fully, walked me through my x-ray and clearly explained my specific complaint. I definitely recommend them most highly! A very short wait time, a pleasant, courteous staff—overall an outstanding experience!”
“Dr. Flood has a bedside manner that most unfortunately do not posess. He actually cares about how his patients feelings and is very reassuring when explaining the treatment he thinks will work in your best interest. He is a caring person and a great doctor.”
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