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.
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.
A Foot Condition called Freiberg’s
This uncommon condition seems to have caused confusion for as long as I have been in practice. The principle part of the foot affected is the second metatarsal head, although there are cases seen in the 3rd and rarely in the 4thmetatarsal head. The joint collapses and flattens, often in the superior segment, leaving the inferior part of the joint spared.
Ultrasound in focus and Podiatry
Ultrasound in focus within podiatry is the theme this article. All professionals will inevitably extend their ability as part of professional development. This is often known as extending one’s scope or range of skills. Opposition to expansion arises for different reasons. Lack of confidence by a greater majority can impede change. Strong views are held in respect of what is viewed as traditional scope. A need to stick to what we learned at university. There is no doubt that those that offer indemnity cover to practice have their own views as to risk. When it comes to ultrasound there is a storm brewing. It is one that is as old as time.
Poor data collection exposed
Podiatric activity occurred in 99 centres, 88% of which provided NHS care. Community-based services accounted for 51.8% of NHS treatment with the remainder provided by either acute Trusts or NHS Choose and book in the independent sector. When comparing HES data between April – November 2020 a similar trend existed. Overall day case admissions were down by 42.5%.
Medicine What’s the Point?
Podiatric surgeon Steve Kriss considers that podiatrists could do more with their medical training and lays down the gauntlet. His premise is that to play an equal role in patient management clinicians must be able to communicate at the same medical level as qualified medical doctors. He describes his own experience here.
Reflections in podiatry and local anaesthetics
Most accounts agree that chiropodists started to consider using injectable local anaesthetics in the post-war period, after 1945. Most, but not all. It still remains, to some extent, shrouded in mystery. Professor Alan Borthwick provides evidence that demonstrate the earliest views which fragmented many in the profession previously known as chiropody.
Does your patient follow your advice?
When a patient only wanted a fix, their care was inadequate. They were demanding and finally a complaint arose. How would you deal with this. Follow a Facebook series query with David and find the solution.
Podiatric Surgery – a Fairy Tale come True
Podiatric Surgery – a Fairy Tale Come True is written by the author with over 40 years experience covering all the key highs and lows that turned chiropody into podiatric surgery. The early years have now been turned into a book but this is a reflection of lack of evidence which eventually grew in time to make a profession from something that had been seen as pedicure…