World-Class Cyclist Mandy Marquardt’s Journey to Foot Health and Peak Performance

Mandy Marquardt is a powerhouse on two wheels. As a community ambassador for St. Luke’s University Health Network and world-class cyclist, her determination inspires others. Yet, behind the medals and accolades, Mandy faces unique health challenges—not just as an elite athlete but also as someone managing Type 1 Diabetes.

One of these challenges came in the form of foot pain. Years of intense training had taken a toll on her feet, leading her to seek care from Casey Gerety, DPM, of St. Luke’s Podiatry. Mandy lives with hammertoes, where the middle joint of a toe bends downward, and hallux valgus—better known as a bunion—a painful condition where the big toe angles toward the second toe, forming a bony bump. These conditions not only caused discomfort but also impacted her performance on the bike.

Understanding the importance of comprehensive care, Dr. Gerety referred Mandy to Elizabeth Scifers, DPT, a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy. As the program manager for foot and ankle care at Physical Therapy at St. Luke’s, Scifers is no stranger to working with athletes at the top of their game.

Scifers recognized that Mandy’s Type 1 Diabetes added an extra layer of complexity. For individuals with this condition, proper foot care is absolutely critical. Diabetes can affect circulation and nerve function in the feet, making even minor injuries a potential risk. Mandy’s active lifestyle made it all the more important to address her foot issues promptly and effectively.

With this in mind, Scifers designed a custom rehabilitation plan for Mandy, starting with orthotics—specialized shoe inserts tailored to her needs. These orthotics would provide support and alignment for Mandy’s feet, reducing pain and preventing further complications. Scifers crafted orthotics for every aspect of Mandy’s life: from everyday walking to strength training, endurance sessions, and sprint cycling. “The orthotics are a super-thin design, custom-molded to Mandy’s feet,” says Scifers.

“We also analyzed Mandy’s gait and foot posture and recommended conservative therapies such as taping and bracing to address the hammertoe and hallux valgus,” says Scifers.

Through dedication and teamwork, Mandy began to feel the benefits. According to Scifers, “The orthotics in her cycling shoes have already made an impact on her hip impingement. She is able to activate her hip flexor and feels more centered on the bike.” Exercises to improve ankle mobility, balance, and lower body biomechanics were also recommended.

Mandy’s lower body mechanics have changed and improved with her custom orthotics. According to Jill Eisenberg, DPT, of Physical Therapy at St. Luke's, because her leg alignment has shifted, her muscles are working differently, which can cause temporary soreness and inflammation as her body adapts. She has occasionally felt pain in her hip flexor, inner thigh and hamstring while cycling. Her treatment has included hands-on techniques to improve hip mobility and muscle extensibility, shockwave treatment, and exercises to support her current strength and flexibility training.

With her newfound foot support and continued care, Mandy continues to push the limits of her athletic potential. Alongside her medical team, she also advocates for the importance of foot health, particularly for individuals managing diabetes.

Mandy’s story is one of resilience and teamwork—a reminder that even world-class athletes sometimes need a team of professionals to help them go the distance, one step at a time.