Clinical Articles
Metatarsalgia and the Foot Neuroma
Nearly all modern papers commence with the background history of a condition. So we meet the inevitable older problem, that is, who initiated a treatment or described a condition? Asked to give a talk at the London Podiatry Sports meeting in December, one simply knows you cannot widen discussion given limited talking time. It seemed reasonable for Consultingfootpain to pick up the tale and expand over the next few months with more information on this perhaps more common subject than we might think.
Who is behind the Saks report on Podiatry?
Probably the most in-depth and powerful look at the professional body, the organisation has been all too aware of the loss of recruitment and all the factors behind the slow growth of podiatry. Consultingfootpain (CFP) welcomes this detailed report which runs to a concise 43 pages.
The Football Stud and Soles
Historically, football boots were made of leather, initially without studs but subsequently also leather studs (shown). However, these were heavy, particularly when wet and were superseded by more lightweight versions which traditionally had two types of stud configuration, metal and moulded.
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.