Despite the prevalence of pes cavus, questions abound about etiology, classifications and appropriate treatment. Accordingly, these authors sort through the various classification systems, offer insights on the pathomechanics and share their thoughts on the role of orthoses for managing symptoms of pes cavus.

Pes cavus occurs in about 8 to 15 percent of the population but it does not get nearly as much attention in the medical literature as its counterpart pes planus.¹ Sixty percent of the population with cavus feet develop foot pain.²

Why does this chronical

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive brain disorder characterized by insufficient development of postural reflexes (i.e. head control), prolonged retention of primitive patterns of activity, abnormal coordination and muscle patterning.
As a result, those with cerebral palsy have delayed motor development and impaired patterns of movement.”^1,2 It is a chronic disabling condition of childhood. It is occurs in 1.5/1,000 to 3/1,000 live births with spasticity as a prevalent disabling clinical symptom.³

When evaluating infants, physicians should be aware there are t

A decline in the number of graduating podiatric medical students combined with increasing demand for podiatric services could result in a shortage of DPMs, according to a recent study in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association (JAPMA).

Study authors note that since the late 1990s, podiatric medical schools have experienced a decline in the number of applications, resulting in a decreased number of DPMs per capita in the United States. The study notes that the number of DPM graduates must increase “dramatically” or the supply of podiatrists will not keep up with the de

Given the variety of conditions one sees in practice and ­­the challenge of ensuring optimal results with orthoses, expert panelists offer their take on utilizing orthotic modifications for different case presentations.

Q: What modifications would you make for a patient who has flexible forefoot valgus, excessive midstance and propulsive phase pronation?

A: As Richard Blake, DPM, notes, a flexible forefoot valgus pronates late in the gait cycle because it initially supinates in contact phase. He emphasizes that control of this foot primarily depends on four factors. The first factor is

New Options For Healing Damaged Skin

Podiatrists may have two new options in their dermatology armamentarium.

Kerol Emulsion and Kerol ZX can help promote healing of hyperkeratotic conditions such as psoriasis, xerosis and eczema, according to the manufacturer PharmaDerm.

The company notes that physicians can also use the Kerol products to treat dry skin and damaged nails.

PharmaDerm says the Kerol products contain zinc undecylate and lactic acid, which gently dissolve the intercellular matrix and