Podiatry Today Current Issue

Coblation Therapy: Can It Have An Impact For Plantar Fasciosis?

admin — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:56:00 -0400

Given the emerging recognition of plantar fasciosis as a degenerative condition, this author surveys the literature, questions the use of therapy for short-term relief, suggests a fresh perspective on diagnostic protocols and offers insights on the roles of relatively new modalities to treat this condition.

The paradigm is changing as scientific evidence challenges traditional heel pain treatment. Despite anecdotal evidence of how cortisone injections help the pain of plantar fasciitis, we also know it does not work for all patients all the time. We need to step b

What Role Does Equinus Play In Heel Pain?

admin — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:26:13 -0400

Although equinus has been recognized for centuries, are podiatrists failing to consider it as a possible contributing factor in heel pain cases? In a provocative article, these authors combine their insights with a review of the literature and speculate about the emerging role of endoscopic gastrocnemius recession in treating complex heel pain cases.

Equinus is one of the earliest published topics when it comes to surgery of the lower extremity. However, there still remains considerable controversy within podiatric medicine and surgery in regard to the recogniti

When Lateral Band Injury Leads To Plantar Fasciitis

admin — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:38:33 -0400

Although podiatrists commonly encounter plantar fasciitis, injuries to the lateral band of the fascia are less frequently diagnosed. These authors offer anatomical insights, pertinent diagnostic pearls and key tips on treatment options.

When we think of heel pain, we traditionally think of the anatomy, etiology and the symptomatology of “medial band plantar fasciitis,” and do not give much thought to the lateral band. However, injury to this band does exist both at the calcaneus and at the insertion point at the plantar aspect of the fifth metatarsal base. The

A Guide To Conservative Stabilization Of The Neuromuscular Foot

admin — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:35:39 -0400

Given the difficulties of managing neuromuscular conditions in the lower extremity, these authors offer key insights on the use of orthoses, shoe modifications and bracing devices for treating dilemmas ranging from lateral ankle instability to dropfoot.

The neuromuscular lower extremity presents a variety of challenges for the podiatrist, pedorthist, orthotist and physical therapist. Accordingly, one should have a strong understanding of the role of conservative stabilization for patients who have neurological deviations and deficits that may be caused by a variet

Current Concepts And Controversies With In-Office Dispensing

admin — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:40:31 -0400

While there are a variety of perceptions about the nature of in-office dispensing, this author addresses key issues and says it can be a valuable addition to one’s practice for physicians and patients.

One of the hottest debates in podiatric medicine involves the process of dispensing products to patients. Many feel that dispensing ancillary products provides patients with a plethora of value while opponents argue that dispensing is only a source of physician profit.

Products that are currently being dispensed by podiatrists include mois

Managing The Jones Fracture In Active Patients

admin — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:42:14 -0400

Please click here for the full Continuing Medical Education article:

www.naccme.com/program/2008-pd-11/

Given the challenges of diagnosing Jones fractures to the fifth metatarsal and facilitating a timely return to sports activities, the author offers insights on injury classification schemes and pertinent pearls on conservative treatment. The author also offers a step-by-step guide to surgical management and post-op care.

News and Trends

admin — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:49:26 -0400

Study Suggests Benefit Of Conservative Surgery For Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis

Could conservative surgery have an impact in treating osteomyelitis in the diabetic foot? A recent study published in Diabetologia found that surgery without amputation was successful in nearly half of the patients with diabetic foot osteomyelitis.

In the study, researchers assessed 185 consecutive patients with diabetic foot osteomyelitis and histopathological confirmation of bone involvement. Histopathological analysis revealed that 50.8 percent of patients had acute osteomyeliti

Emphasizing The Multidisciplinary Approach To Diabetic Limb Salvage

admin — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:55:51 -0400

The prevalence of individuals with diabetes continues to rise. The disease now affects nearly 24 million Americans or 7.8 percent of the population of the United States.¹ Consequently, the demand for diabetic foot care continues to increase and this is exemplified by the one-year incidence of newly occurring ulcerations in patients with diabetes ranging from 1 to 2.6 percent. ²

It is important to realize that foot ulcers occur in 12 to 25 percent of patients with diabetes and ulcers precede 84 percent of all non-traumatic amputation

What You Should Know About Starting A Wound Care Clinic

admin — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:59:16 -0400

Establishing a wound care clinic can be a rewarding part of practice. These panelists draw on their wound care experience to discuss the essential clinical tools you need and also emphasize the importance of developing strong referral sources to help facilitate optimal outcomes for patients.

Q: What are the basic and bare minimum treatment modalities and tools you use daily in your wound care clinic?

Emerging Concepts In Cryosurgery For Wart Treatment

admin — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:05:02 -0400

While warts are among the most common pathological problems that podiatrists treat, they are also among the most frustrating conditions. While there are multiple forms of therapy available, the success rate is not what we would like to see. In my clinical experience, I have found that these modalities only have an average cure rate of 75 percent.

There is no individual approach that can be construed as the single most effective form of wart therapy. It is also a good idea to inform the patient about the possibility of recurrence both during and after th