Have DPMs Abandoned Taping In Their Practice?

Patrick DeHeer DPM FACFAS
10/19/11 | 2809 reads | 6 comments
It is disappointing to hear DPMs say they do not use taping in practice, especially when their reasoning is that they only do surgery. If someone does not use taping, I believe he or she is turning away from podiatric roots, which are based strongly in lower extremity biomechanics. The study of biomechanics and its relationship to pathologies and treatment make podiatric medicine unique. Read More.

In Memory Of Richard O. Lundeen, DPM

Patrick DeHeer DPM FACFAS
9/16/11 | 3453 reads | 11 comments
On Sept. 3, 2011, podiatry lost one of its true innovators and legendary figures, Richard O. Lundeen, DPM. He was tragically hit by a car while riding a motor scooter. Although Rick had been out of podiatry for several years, his influence remains profound. Read More.

Is A New Brace The Answer For Equinus?

Patrick DeHeer DPM FACFAS
8/24/11 | 3501 reads | 1 comments
If you have been reading my recent blogs, you realize I have been writing a significant amount about equinus (see http://bit.ly/pHai03 and http://bit.ly/koOj86 ). I think equinus is underdiagnosed, undertreated and underappreciated by those who treat foot and ankle pathologies. The gastrocnemius recession procedure is a great answer for equinus but I think we have a much better opportunity to treat equinus non-surgically in the near future than we have ever had at our disposal. Read More.

Surveying The Literature To Find An Absolute Definition Of Equinus

Patrick DeHeer DPM FACFAS
7/22/11 | 2968 reads | 0 comments
“Equinus deformity is the most profound causal agent in foot pathomechanics and is frequently linked to common foot pathology,” is a quote from an article by Johnson and Christensen.1 This statement about equinus is something that is vastly underappreciated. It is profound but in my opinion, we as practitioners are not paying enough attention to it. I believe that is because there is no absolute definition of equinus. Read More.

Why Do We Overlook Equinus In Patients With Diabetes?

Patrick DeHeer DPM FACFAS
6/24/11 | 2566 reads | 1 comments
I find the extent of preventative care we provide for our patients with diabetes fascinating yet we continually ignore one of the most important factors in keeping our diabetic patients out of trouble. Equinus has been described as the most destructive force on the foot and even though we all know this, when it comes to our patients with diabetes, we often overlook equinus and concentrate on those mycotic toenails. Read More.

Why Orthotics Are Not The Answer For Plantar Fasciitis

Patrick DeHeer DPM FACFAS
5/23/11 | 5434 reads | 9 comments
There are approximately 2 million documented cases of plantar fasciitis per year in the United States. For most podiatrists, this is the most common foot pathology we see in our practices.1 The “sacred cow” in the podiatric community for plantar fasciitis has always been custom orthoses. Read More.

An Open Letter To Foot And Ankle Orthopedic Surgeons

Patrick DeHeer DPM FACFAS
4/8/11 | 4458 reads | 5 comments
Dear Fellow Foot and Ankle Specialist, I am writing this letter to your group to bring to light a worsening problem between our two groups that is being perpetuated by a handful of members from your group. We are never going to agree on which group is best qualified to take care of foot and ankle pathologies. In reality, though, there is more than enough work for all of us to be very busy. We should try to concentrate on what we have in common: the medical and surgical management of the foot and ankle, and our dedication to healing those placed in our care. Read More.

Why Mishandled Phone Calls Can Sabotage Your Practice

Patrick DeHeer DPM FACFAS
3/16/11 | 3756 reads | 0 comments
Do you know what the most important thing in your office? The answer may surprise you. It is not you. It is your phones and how your staff is answering them. Just think about it for a minute. If you have no patients calling in for appointments or patients who do call but are not scheduled, then it does not matter how great of a physician you are. To quote an old famous saying, “You have to put fannies in the seats.” Read More.

Arthroscopic Monopolar Radiofrequency Thermal Stabilization: Can It Have An Impact For Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability?

Patrick DeHeer DPM FACFAS
2/8/11 | 3331 reads | 3 comments
One component of my residency training was extensive arthroscopy training by one of the leaders in podiatric arthroscopy, Richard Lundeen, DPM. He was an innovator in this field and I learned much from him. Read More.