DPM Blogs

Do Foot Orthoses Cause Muscle Weakness?

Doug Richie Jr. DPM FACFAS
5/23/13 | 671 reads | 5 comments
One of the many unsubstantiated claims that barefoot/minimalist running advocates make is the assertion that foot orthotics cause muscle weakness in the feet and legs. A simple review of the medical literature reveals the opposite effect. Researchers have measured that foot orthoses actually cause positive trends in muscle activity during gait. Read More.

Can Benfotiamine Provide Relief For Patients With Painful Peripheral Neuropathy?

Jeffrey Bowman DPM MS
5/22/13 | 440 reads | 0 comments
Do you have patients with diabetes, geriatric patients, patients with hypertension, patients who have had a gastric bypass or patients who suffer from alcoholism? These patients probably cover a large percentage of your patient demographic. Read More.

Amazon Review Says Podiatrists Are Not Experts On Ankle Surgery

Patrick DeHeer DPM FACFAS
5/21/13 | 962 reads | 11 comments
Every once in awhile you come across something that makes your blood boil. My trigger was simply reading reviews of the most current edition of McGlamry's Comprehensive Textbook of Foot and Ankle Surgery on Amazon.com. What infuriated me was the following review: Read More.

A Closer Look At Emerging Research On Plantar Fasciitis And Plantar Fibromatosis

Allen Jacobs DPM FACFAS
5/16/13 | 1108 reads | 0 comments
Here is a look at numerous recent studies on the diagnosis and various treatments of plantar fasciitis and plantar fibromatoses. Read More.

Defending My Position On Orthoses

Nicholas A Campitelli DPM FACFAS
5/15/13 | 1387 reads | 10 comments
Our profession needs to keep an open mind in regard to shoes and treating running injuries. People do not change what they are doing unless they have a reason to change. I continue to see runners not responding to orthotics and stability control shoes in my practice so I have provided a change, one that is working for others and myself. Of course, there is not a preponderance of evidence to support this change but there are emerging studies that support my thinking regarding the use of minimalist shoes. I have cited these studies in the past and will continue to do so. Read More.

Emerging Concepts For Reducing Post-Op Pain

Stephen Barrett DPM FACFAS
5/14/13 | 1184 reads | 0 comments
I don’t know about you but I hate pain. I hate it for my patients and I hate it when it affects me. Truthfully, I hate it more when my patients have pain as it causes me pain internally as well. We both end up in a painful state. Patients do not realize how much we really suffer as surgeons when our patients are having a complication or more pain than is expected. At least when I have pain, I know for the most part that I can modulate it in some way or understand it to a greater extent than my patient can. Read More.

Remembering ‘Whatshisname’ When Treating Recurring Patients

Lynn Homisak PRT
5/10/13 | 570 reads | 1 comments
Has this ever happened to you? You run into one of your patients outside the office and of course when you see him, you know who he is but his name temporarily escapes you. As he walks up to greet you, he confidently says, “Hello, Dr. Smith!” Although your brain goes into overdrive trying to search for a more personal response, the best you can do is, “Well, hi there … nice to see you.” Read More.

What To Do If The Orthotic Heel Cup Is Too Narrow

Larry Huppin DPM
5/7/13 | 1020 reads | 0 comments
I recently saw a patient who came back in for followup after getting her orthotics. She was comfortable in the orthotics for the most part and they have worked very well in relieving her symptoms. However, there was one area that was bothering her and that was the lateral heel cup on one orthosis. Read More.

What Summer Sandals To Recommend To Patients

Jenny L Sanders DPM
5/6/13 | 1505 reads | 0 comments
With summer just around the corner, patients are already starting to ask, “What sandals do you recommend”? The following are my recommendations for brands that I have had success with for my patients. In general, sandals having multiple, adjustable straps provide the best fit. This month, I will give non-orthotic sandal recommendations. Next month, I will recommend orthotic friendly designs. Chaco (http://www.chacos.com/US/en ). Chacos are some of my favorites. Their signature styles use fully adjustable/sliding straps to accommodate varying foot volumes. Read More.