As lower-extremity amputation rates continue to be a serious concern, DPMs continue to work to find effective prevention strategies. A recent study in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery examines the efficacy of using a high to low amputation ratio to identify patients who may be at a greater risk for amputation.

      The study proposed and evaluated a high to low (Hi-Lo) amputation ratio as another quality measure to provide insight into high-risk foot surveillance that goes beyond foot screening. Researchers performed a secondary analysis on

      Since the discovery of diabetes, researchers have worked diligently to extend the life expectancy of those affected by diabetes. From the advent of insulin in 1921 until the present day, advances in medical management have had a very significant impact on life expectancy and glycemic control in this population.¹ Helpful treatments ranging from diet and exercise to oral drug therapy and exogenous insulin have steady advances in the treatment of this patient population.

      Medications that are currently available for the management of blood gl

      Given the increased emphasis on evidence-based medicine, our expert panelists review the impact of literature findings upon their prescription of custom foot orthoses for different pathologies.

      Q: Is there evidence in the literature to support the use of functional orthotic devices?

      A: The only supporting evidence relative to orthotic treatment of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) are studies of ankle foot orthoses (AFOs), according to Doug Richie Jr., DPM. Regarding PTTD, he says the evidence is “quite imp

      A 51-year-old man presents to the clinic with a chief complaint of multiple warts on both lower legs and feet. He reports that the lesions have been present for almost two years and appear to be increasing in numbers and size. The patient saw his family physician a year ago and was told to begin treating the warts with an over-the-counter wart medication containing a low percentage of salicylic acid. Since that time, he has randomly applied the wart cream with little success but did note that some of the lesions appeared to get smaller with treatment.

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      I noticed a small piece of paper under the windshield wiper of my car as I started to leave the doctors’ parking lot of the hospital. I stopped and retrieved what turned out to be a prescription. There was no name on it and it was not signed. There was a scrawled inscription: “Be sure to remove foil wrapper before inserting. Ha Ha!”

      One of my colleagues was making fun of the fact that my new car resembles a suppository. I took a mental inventory of possible suspects who had reason to get back at me for past pranks. The list quickly grew quite