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First Use of Corticosteroids by UK Podiatrists

First Use of Corticosteroids by UK Podiatrists

There has been no previous podiatric publication regarding the use of local corticosteroids in the UK; indeed, in the USA podiatric literature studies have often been conducted empirically by retrospective analysis.  It was decided to look at the range of foot pathology routinely treated with local corticosteroids to establish the clinical effectiveness of two preparations. Local glucocorticoid action is a common method used to treat inflammatory pain and one that is well recognized in clinical practice the world over. 

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Emergency in a Podiatry Setting

Emergency in a Podiatry Setting

Alison’s detailed description provides an accurate timeline with considered actions and thoughts before, during, and after. It covers what we see as an anaphylactic emergency – that slow progressive change then wham-bam! In publishing this scenario, I dug out a case from 1999 that, at the time, I did nothing – maybe I was too embarrassed to admit my event, doubtless because, at the time, the drugs I had access to office were not the norm for podiatrists. We should all follow Alison’s approach to many such events which offer objective reflection.

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Which Bones are Most at Risk from Fracture?

Which Bones are Most at Risk from Fracture?

When my wife broke a bone in her foot back in October 2021, no one was more surprised than me. During my career, I have been interested in two facts. How people walk on their feet for so long without knowing they have broken a bone. Secondly, the methods we use to make such an assessment can fail, or the diagnosis can be missed. I wanted to introduces broken bones into the discussion about foot health as part of my ongoing pain series. Officially we all know breaks as fractures. Fractures, by dictionary definition (Little Oxford dictionary, 2002), are cracks or breaks which serves my purpose well. A quick check on Wiki and the definition has not changed but our views have.

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Complex Pain as a Syndrome

Complex Pain as a Syndrome

Everyone knows about pain – it hurts, but what if that pain does not subside, or pain medication fail. In this article, I will introduce you to a pain known as the ‘sympathetic pain syndrome’.
Pain arises because of insult or injury. A process known as inflammation kicks off, and clinicians recognise redness and swelling as part of the so-called cardinal signs.

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Professional Clinical Resources

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.

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Some Things You Need to Know About Bunion Surgery?

Some Things You Need to Know About Bunion Surgery?

When a colleague (HFP) sought this question, she was generous and mentioned her surgeon was busy and thought it an oversight. I am both an ex-patient and a foot surgeon, and I’m afraid I have to disagree. We often confuse nice with good, and all clinicians have a blip – but then don’t we all? So we have a patient leaving the hospital after bunion surgery. No post-operative information is apparent, so what does she do? Call a friend! This, in fact, is Facebook and jolly good it is as there is a heap of friendly advice.

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How Does Bunion Surgery Impact Our Lives?

How Does Bunion Surgery Impact Our Lives?

It may seem simple to accept a risk from surgery is low in percentage terms but in this article I explore a new phenomena to may patients and that is actual impact should a perceived low risk actually arise. A number of different complications and problems are discussed and the impact this has should it arise is highlighted with examples and supplementary papers.

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