Podiatry Today Current Issue

Key Considerations With Diagnosing And Treating MRSA

admin — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:10:55 -0400

Given the challenges of hospital-acquired strains as well as the emergence of community-acquired strains of MRSA, this author discusses clinical, practical and medicolegal aspects of the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

Top Innovations In Podiatric Care

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:35:37 -0400

Our annual roundup of innovations offers a closer look at an emerging ex-fix device, a laser that might be helpful in treating onychomycosis, and a variety of modalities that may facilitate optimal outcomes in wound care. For these bright ideas and more, this author talks to a variety of podiatrists about their experience with these products and their potential impact.

Keys To Conservative Care For Adult-Acquired Flatfoot

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:56:05 -0400

Given the common nature of adult-acquired flatfoot, these authors offer a closer look at the use of popular orthoses and braces in managing the various stages of flatfoot secondary to posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.

A wide assortment of conservative treatment options exists for the treatment of adult-acquired flatfoot (AAF). Unfortunately, there is little research to support the use of one device over another. For many podiatrists, surgical treatment has become the mainstay of treatment for advanced posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD).

Essential Insights On Bioengineered Alternative Tissues

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:19:55 -0400

While bioengineered alternative tissue (BAT) products show promise in the management of complicated lower extremity ulcerations, the variety of these emerging modalities can lead to confusion on appropriate indications and proper use. Accordingly, these authors provide a timely update, suggest the use of new terminology and survey the most recent literature on the efficacy of BAT modalities.

Bunion Surgery: Should You Perform A Lateral Release?

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:15:50 -0400

Yes. Neal Blitz, DPM says the lateral release is a common component of bunion surgery as it aids in bunion correction and assists with reduction of the intermetatarsal angle when surgeons combine this procedure with structural realignment of the first metatarsal.

Issues And Answers In Staff Management

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:25:56 -0400

Managing staff members can add to the challenges that already exist in a busy podiatric practice. This author draws upon her experience to help resolve common issues such as conflicts over staff responsibilities and salary issues.

Managing staff can be challenging. There is no doubt about it. Well, there are various reasons why it can be challenging but there are a couple of common factors when it comes to staff issues.

August 2009

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:33:59 -0400

Online Poll Examines Vascular Workup For Patients With Diabetes

By Lauren Grant, Editorial Assistant

Slightly more than one-third of podiatrists surveyed in a recent online poll said they refer 10 to 20 percent of their patients with diabetes for further vascular workup.

Is HbA1c A Reliable Test In Patients With Diabetes And Renal Disease?

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:45:43 -0400

Reportedly 23.6 million individuals in the United States (or 8 percent of the American population) are affected by diabetes.¹ Many of those with diabetes will develop related comorbidities such as microvascular pathology in the retina, renal glomeruli and peripheral nerves. Other comorbidities include accelerated atherosclerotic microvascular disease affecting arteries that supply the heart, brain and lower extremities.^2,3

Debating Current Issues In Orthotic Management

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:53:28 -0400

In addition to discussing the most common problems they see with orthosis irritation and how they remedy these issues, the expert panelists weigh in on two recent studies and their potential impact.

Q: What is the most common orthosis irritation problem that you see in your practice and how do you solve it?

A Guide To Hip Injuries And Lower Extremity Ramifications In Female Athletes

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:09:05 -0400

Many runners will consult a sports podiatrist for their lower extremity injuries. It is very important to have an understanding of lower extremity biomechanics and the mechanism behind running injuries. Surrounding yourself with other sports medicine specialists is very important in facilitating appropriate referrals and the best multidisciplinary care.

Accordingly, let us take a closer look at some of the more common hip injuries in the female athlete and how they may contribute to lower extremity issues.