Dr. Cara Fontana
DPM
Dr. Cara Fontana provides comprehensive foot and ankle care with expertise in both conservative and surgical treatment at Weil Foot and Ankle Institute.
Languages Spoken: English
- DPM, Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine
- Residency, OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center
Comprehensive foot and ankle care
Dr. Cara Fontana is a podiatric physician with Weil Foot and Ankle Institute.
She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago in 2019 before receiving her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in 2023. Dr. Fontana completed her residency at OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center (formerly Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital) in 2026.
Dr. Fontana provides comprehensive foot and ankle care with expertise in both conservative and surgical treatment. Her clinical interests include minimally invasive surgery, reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, peripheral nerve surgery, total ankle replacement, Charcot reconstruction, diabetic foot care, sports medicine, trauma care, wound management, and regenerative treatments. She has a particular interest in lower extremity peripheral nerve surgery, including nerve decompression procedures and neurectomies with capping or burial techniques. By combining advanced surgical techniques with individualized treatment plans, Dr. Fontana strives to relieve pain, restore function, and help patients return to the activities they enjoy.
Outside of work, Dr. Fontana enjoys cooking, exercising, traveling, and spending time with her family. She and her husband were married in 2023 and enjoy raising their two young sons together.
Awards & Publications
Education
- Loyola University Chicago, B.A. Psychology, 2019.
- Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, 2023.
- OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center (formerly Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital), Residency, 2026.
Hospital Affiliations
- Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.
- Endeavor Health Northwest Community Hospital.
- Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital.
Publications
Kochhar K, Fontana C, Gumbiner B. Surgical Reconstruction in a Single Patient with Bilateral Avascular Necrosis of the Talus. Foot and Ankle Surgery: Techniques, Reports and Cases. 2024;4(1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fastrc.2023.100354
Research
- Peripheral Neuropathy Symptom Distribution in the Lower Extremity: Comparing Nerves With and Without an Overlying Fascia. American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons Annual Scientific Conference, Spring 2026.
- Treatment of First Metatarsophalangeal Joint and Sesamoid Dislocation with Primary Arthrodesis of the Metatarsophalangeal Joint. American Podiatric Medical Association Annual Conference, Fall 2025.
- Treatment Sequelae for an Open Calcaneal and Ankle Fracture Complicated by Chronic Osteomyelitis: A Case Study. Wisconsin Podiatric Medical Association Annual Conference, Spring 2025.
- A Case of Misdiagnosed CRPS: The Importance of an Appropriate and Thorough Neurologic Assessment. OSF Health Care Research Symposium, Spring 2025.
- Novel Fixation Technique for Hallux Interphalangeal Arthrodesis Using a 7-0 Intramedullary Screw: A Case Series. American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons Annual Scientific Conference, Spring 2025.
- A Case of Misdiagnosed CRPS. Virtual AENS Presentations and Discussion, Fall 2024.
- Pes Planus Reconstruction and Subsequent Total Ankle Replacement: A Case Study. American Podiatric Medical Association Annual Conference, Fall 2024.
- Misdiagnosed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Case Report. American Podiatric Medical Association Annual Conference, Fall 2024.
- Isolated Intermediate Cuneiform Fracture and Dislocation Causing Acute Vascular Compromise to the Dorsalis Pedis Artery. American Podiatric Medical Association Annual Conference, Fall 2024.
- Association of Polycythemia with Increased Risk of Osseous Abnormalities and Treatment Recommendations: A Case Report. American Podiatric Medical Association Annual Conference, Fall 2024.
- Intentional Overcorrected Transverse Alignment of First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Fusion During Rheumatoid Forefoot Reconstruction Complicated by Pronounced Hallux Interphalangeal: A Case Study. Wisconsin Podiatric Medical Association Annual Conference, Spring 2024.
Patient Testimonials
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— Scott D.
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— Carol F.
— Renee J.
“I'm always treated as a real person with cheerful professionalism. I actually enjoy going. A great place for foot care of any kind.”
– Len A.
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