Rare Genetic Foot Infection Results in Four Decades of Mobility Challenges

After two decades confined to a wheelchair due to excruciating corn-like growths on her feet, a woman is finally beginning to walk again, thanks to transformative surgery.

Bobbi has spent 40 years grappling with palmoplantar keratodermas, an uncommon skin disorder characterized by the abnormal thickening of skin on the soles of her feet.

Faced with one of the most severe cases of this condition, Bobbi turned to Dr. Marion for help, determined to regain control of her life and escape the limitations imposed by her ailment.

“I’ve been using a wheelchair off and on for the last 20 years, and now I’m pretty much dependent on it,” she revealed during the premiere of TLC’s new series, The Bad Foot Clinic, which chronicles her medical journey.

“Over the years, I’ve had to give up so much,” she added, reflecting on the challenges she has faced.

‘The thing I miss more than anything else in the world is dancing. Just enjoying the music and the physical activity of dancing. That’s been very difficult.’

Before surgery, Bobbi’s feet and heels were covered in high pressure points on the metatarsal heads that had built up over decades.

Upon being inspected by Dr. Marion Yau, they were described as looking ‘very thick’ and ‘corn-like.’

Bobbi’s life was changed after undergoing surgery for her rare genetic disorder which left her wheelchair bound for 20 years 

She suffers from palmoplantar keratodermas, which causes abnormal, excessive thickening of the skin on the soles of the feet

‘There’s actually a lot of parched skin all over the foot and that’s what happens with palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK),’ Dr. Marion said.

‘It just builds up callus over and over again and if you don’t take it off, it just builds up and gets thicker and thicker.’

Bobbi said she would undertake ‘absolutely anything’ to combat the pain she was in.

‘I am not surprised that Bobbi has been in a wheelchair for such a long period of time,’ Dr. Marion said. ‘I personally haven’t seen PPK this bad in my entire career.’

According to DermNet, palmoplantar keratoderma may be inherited or acquired due to a change in health or the environment. In 2025, the National Institute of Health estimated just 4.4 people in every 100,000 have the condition. 

It can be treated using emollients, retinoids, and various ointments, which help to soften the skin.

After having her feet looked at, Bobbi was referred to Ian Reilly, a consultant podiatric surgeon, who recommended a different surgery on each foot so that they could compare which one heals better in the long-term. 

Four months after surgery and Bobbi’s life had changed for the better. 

Dr. Marion Yau said Bobbi had the worst case of the condition she’d ever seen 

Bobbi underwent surgery and had the corn on her left foot cut out over the lesion. On the right foot, her fifth toe and the metatarsal head were removed 

She is now learning to walk again after being confined to a wheelchair due to pain 

‘It’s been great,’ she gushed. ‘Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve managed to get my socks on and shoes on and it has changed my life completely.

‘It makes a difference to how you feel. How you stand, how you act. I’m very happy for me.

‘I don’t know where this is going to take me yet, but I’m back on my feet and it feels great.’

TLC’s The Bad Foot Clinic – which premieres March 18 on TLC at 10pm ET – is an eight-part medical series where viewers get to step into the bustling clinic of renowned podiatrist Dr. Marion Yau and her husband Dr. Kenny.

Together, they take on some of the most extreme and debilitating foot conditions to treat patients suffering from severe fungal and nail infections, painful warts, webbed toes and beyond.