It doesn’t matter if you’re a novice gymnast, avid runner or collegiate athlete, the pathway to victory is much less treacherous for those who enter the field of competition with a pair of fit feet.
Dr. JennaLou Hollnagel-Kauffman (most call her Dr. JennaLou) of Franklin can attest to that score. She grew up as an equestrian rider, later participated in fitness competitions and at one time was a Certified Personal Trainer. Even when she wasn’t actively
competing, she remained close to the action, serving on the administrative staff of the Florida Gators football team while an undergrad at the University of Florida.
Dr. JennaLou is also the owner of Premier Foot & Ankle Centers of Tennessee where she is triple board-certified in podiatry, foot/ankle surgery and wound care. That is where she helps Middle Tennesseans recover from a variety of foot and ankle ailments
ranging from general podiatry like warts and ingrown toenails to traumatic injuries like fractures and tendon tears.
“People don’t realize how much they rely on healthy feet until their feet hurt,” she says. “The foot is complex with multiple joints that work together. When one has a problem, the others have to step in. Wound care is especially critical in podiatry. Open sores from trauma, diabetes or other vascular insufficiencies can be debilitating and alter someone’s lifestyle if not taken care of quickly and properly.”
A native of South Florida, Dr. JennaLou majored in pre-professional Botany. “I started to understand different (non-synthetic) ways to treat the body,” she says. “I had an opportunity to work with the podiatrist for the Miami Heat (of the NBA) and I liked the variety podiatry had to offer. I could be in the operating room or wound care or the office.”
After graduation she attended Barry University’s School of Podiatric Medicine in Miami Shores, one of only nine podiatric schools in the country. She also trained as a fellow of Dr. Lee Dellon, a leading neurologist and neurosurgeon and a pioneer in the field of
peripheral nerve decompression.
Of course, medical school is stressful so, as a counter measure, she turned to competitive bodybuilding. “I’ve always liked working out so when I wasn’t studying, I would exercise,” she says. “It was more for the challenge, but it also helped me stay fit physically, which helps you stay sharp mentally. All of that was necessary in order to be successful in school.”
Three years ago, Dr. JennaLou and her family moved to Middle Tennessee and settled in Franklin. “My husband's from the Northeast and I’m from South Florida; he’s a city boy and I’m a country girl,” she says. “So we met in the middle.” She credits her husband as being her biggest supporter throughout her career.
Premier Foot & Ankle Centers of Tennessee is located at 600 Church Street in Franklin. Dr. JennaLou also has a second office, Advanced Wound Care and Vascular Center of Tennessee, located in Smyrna.
As with all healthcare specialists, Dr. JennaLou offers a few healthy hints and tips that can alleviate the wear and tear on your feet. “One of the most important things you can do at all times, but especially in winter, is to stay hydrated and protect your feet,” she says. “Hormones change as we age and not being properly hydrated and keeping your feet warm and supported during the cold-weather months can lead to foot pain.”
Dr. JennaLou is a fan of the trend of men wearing athletic shoes to work and when dressing up. She says they can look great from a fashion perspective but the wider widths and smaller heals are significantly more foot friendly. Likewise, she says women should avoid high heels. But if you must, try to wear a wedge heel with a gradual lift of no more than an inch. “Everyone’s pain tolerance is different but if it’s ongoing, get it checked out,” she says. “It could be as simple as wearing the wrong shoes.”
Of the many services available at Premier Foot & Ankle, regenerative medicine, which includes Stem Cell/HCHA-PTX3 protein therapy and PRP (platelet rich plasma) treatments, helps reduce pain and keeps patients out of the operating room. She also
provides KeryFlex nail restoration. “It’s a synthetic toenail that’s made from dental resin so it will not harbor fungus,” she says. “It restores the natural look of the nail. We do it in the office and it’s painless.”
Among the newer services for 2025 is the introduction of a Class IV laser. This treats all ailments including fungus, warts, pain and inflammation, wounds and neuropathy, tendonitis and arthritis.
Even with the growing practice, she still finds time for athletics. These days that means working with Special Olympics. She provides foot exams for the competitors at three annual events: winter in Gatlinburg, summer in Nashville and fall in Murfreesboro. “They’re great events for athletes of all ages and disabilities,” she says. “We work hard to obtain sponsors for inserts, shoes, socks and laces that are easy for athletes to use."
Because no matter what the activity is, the pathway to success requires a pair of fit feet. DrJennaLou.com