Clinical Articles
Chilblains and presenting features
Chilblains and their presenting features might well appear in the infamous list of conditions associated with podiatry such as IGTN, hard skin, corns and bunions. Podiatry is a medically based profession and has been for over 50 years when the original chiropody courses expanded with the older form of regulation. As clinicians gain more confidence they can expand the medical tests and assessments to best fit their specialty but GP podiatrists do need to ensure a good grounding upon which improved referral can be made.
Falling Out with Employees
The narrative surrounds a case on a podiatry Facebook page where a new graduate was ‘let go’. Two crucial pieces of information came to the fore. First, the person had complaints against her, and secondly that an agreement was made not to set up a clinic under 10 miles from her employer’s practice. Lastly, should she, the employer do anything? As with all FB clinical posts, the evidence provided is thin, and more would be required to aid readers who could quickly become biased and empathic.
Plantar Fasciitis and Surgery
John was a 47 year old patient who agreed to keep a diary after I operated on his chronic plantar fasciitis. Many reading this will shake their heads negatively – of course this is not necessary as we can treat PF conservatively. The story arises in 2017 and much conservative discussion was carried out.
Are chemicals enough for hypergranulation?
As usual, Facebook (I won’t say which site) offers plenty of valuable discussion from members all around. The subject was hypergranulation and its management. Podiatric Surgeon Ian Reilly saw the trail of questions and answers and perhaps wondered why many respondents were unaware of Reilly and Burt’s 2021 article published in The Podiatrist.
Professional Clinical Resources
Professional clinical resources in this day of fast communication and publication is vital for the demands imposed on podiatrists. A number of colleagues in podiatry have authored professional materials referred to as ‘pull outs’ for the former journal-magazine of the Royal College of Podiatry. This article and clinical resources follows the backdrop of independent prescribing. CPD pull outs are used by the Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists offering key updates and so this medium is popular.
Writing to a GP about your patient
Writing is a skill as much as using the referral mechanism to seek action for your patient. This article teases out some dos and don’ts hopefully to get a better deal.
The Heel Spur myth
Nothing has been so maligned than the heel spur myth in the cause of heel pain. This is something no doubt many professionals dealing with MSK have to consider.
Independent Prescribing what’s the point?
Recent comments have arisen as to why should podiatrists take up independent prescribing when they have done okay in the past. Here are some reflective thoughts from ConsultingFootPain.
Patients who mislead clinicians
A nail that kept growing so far requires a biopsy with the return diagnosis of amelanotic melanoma. Paul discusses how easy it is to be misled by older patients.
Treating a complaint called Freiberg’s
The aim of any management in active Freiberg’s is to reduce pain and maintain a functional gait. When treatment is initiated, the hope is to limit early progressive joint destruction. Traditional texts suggest during the early stages of osteochondroses, the blood supply is cut off and then restores. When signs of remodelling and healing appear the residual damage becomes apparent often meaning that intervention is too late.