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Skinmed 2020Needling is a technique for the treatment of warts that is widely unknown and underused within dermatology. Gordon Falknor, a podiatrist, first introduced the technique... (Review)
Review
Needling is a technique for the treatment of warts that is widely unknown and underused within dermatology. Gordon Falknor, a podiatrist, first introduced the technique of needling for the treatment plantar warts in 1969. He reported only two recurrences in 126 patients treated with his technique. Falknor's technique involves using a hollow needle to repeatedly penetrate the base of a wart, into the subcutaneous tissue, until there is no longer resistance to puncturing. Needling causes extensive destruction of keratinocytes and the release of high levels of viral protein into the surrounding tissue. Deep penetration of this viral protein into the subcutaneous tissue increases the likelihood of developing a systemic immune response against the virus, which often results in the resolution of both satellite and distant warts in addition to the treated primary wart. Since Falknor's original study, there have been few studies on needling for warts. Despite the paucity of literature, needling appears to be a low-risk, inexpensive, and effective treatment for warts, especially in patients with extensive or refractory disease on the hands and feet.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Needles; Punctures; Treatment Outcome; Warts
PubMed: 32501791
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2022Mycetoma describes a heterogeneous group of cutaneous and subcutaneous infections caused by either fungi (eumycetomas) or bacteria (actinomycetomas). It is characterized... (Review)
Review
Mycetoma describes a heterogeneous group of cutaneous and subcutaneous infections caused by either fungi (eumycetomas) or bacteria (actinomycetomas). It is characterized by a triad of clinical symptoms: painless subcutaneous tumor-like swelling, multiple sinuses and fistulas, and discharged grains in pus. This predominantly affects the feet in more than 70% of patients. It is endemic in the "mycetoma belt" regions, including Africa, South America, and South Asia. Autochthonous mycetoma is rare in the United States of America (USA). We recently reported a Latin American immigrant with eumycetoma in the State of Maryland, USA. With millions of immigrants from endemic regions, the true number of mycetomas in the USA is most likely higher than currently recognized. With the aim to raise the awareness of clinicians about mycetoma, especially dermatologists and podiatrists, we update the development of the epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentations, pathogenesis, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment of mycetoma.
PubMed: 35887499
DOI: 10.3390/jof8070743 -
Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and... Oct 2021Onychomycosis is one of the most frequent nail pathologies in podiatry practices. Differential diagnoses with the clinical presentation may delay an accurate diagnosis... (Review)
Review
Onychomycosis is one of the most frequent nail pathologies in podiatry practices. Differential diagnoses with the clinical presentation may delay an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. This article discusses the technique and benefits of using a dermatoscope to improve patient care of this common disorder.
Topics: Dermoscopy; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Onychomycosis; Podiatry
PubMed: 34538427
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpm.2021.06.006 -
Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome 2016Diabetic foot problems are responsible for nearly 50% of all diabetes-related hospital bed days. Approximately 10-15% of diabetic patients developed foot ulcers at some... (Review)
Review
Diabetic foot problems are responsible for nearly 50% of all diabetes-related hospital bed days. Approximately 10-15% of diabetic patients developed foot ulcers at some state in their life and 15% of all load in amputations are performed in patients with diabetes. There is a need to provide extensive education to both primary care physicians and the patients regarding the relationship between glucose control and complications encountered in the foot and ankle. The management of diabetic foot disease is focussed primarily on avoiding amputation of lower extremities and should be carried out through three main strategies; identification of the "at risk" foot, treatment of acutely diseased foot, and prevention of further problems. These are several obstacles in the management of DFI that include poor knowledge and awareness of diabetes and its complications, lack of appropriate podiatry services. These goals are possible only by the establishment of a dedicated team of podiatrist, endocrinologist, vascular surgeon and a pedorthist. The plastic surgeons, orthopaedic surgeons & diabetes teaching nurses/educator dedicated to foot care could be a part of the team. Identifying the patients with diabetes at risk for ulceration requires feet examination, including the vascular & neurological systems, skin conditions, and foot structure. Conservative management of foot problems has dramatically reduced the risk of amputation by simple procedures, such as appropriate foot wear, cleanliness, aggressive surgical debridement, regular wound dressing by simple wet-to-dry saline guage, and ulcer management.
Topics: Ankle Brachial Index; Diabetic Foot; Foot Ulcer; Humans; Hygiene; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Risk Factors; Shoes
PubMed: 26072202
DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2015.04.002 -
Journal of Wound Care Aug 2022Case studies are presented here by a tissue viability nurse consultant and an advanced podiatrist demonstrating the use of ChloraSolv in clinical practice. The first set...
Case studies are presented here by a tissue viability nurse consultant and an advanced podiatrist demonstrating the use of ChloraSolv in clinical practice. The first set of cases is from a community setting, where the tissue viability nurse and district nurse successfully used the product to fully debride hard-to-heal leg ulcers in patients who mostly had been unable to tolerate other forms of debridement. The second set illustrates its use in a podiatry clinic, where the gel removed dry, adherent slough. 'These case studies show that ChloraSolv can be used by any health professional to achieve a clean wound bed'.
Topics: Debridement; Humans; Leg Ulcer; Wound Healing
PubMed: 35994431
DOI: 10.12968/jowc.2022.31.Sup8a.S12 -
Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and... Apr 2020Falls present a tremendous challenge to health care systems. This article reviews the literature from the previous 5 years (2014-2019) in terms of methods to assess... (Review)
Review
Falls present a tremendous challenge to health care systems. This article reviews the literature from the previous 5 years (2014-2019) in terms of methods to assess fall risk and potential steps that can be taken to reduce fall risk for patients visiting podiatric clinics. With regard to assessing fall risk, we discuss the role of a thorough medical history and podiatric assessments of foot problems and deformities that can be performed in the clinic. With regard to fall prevention we consider the role of shoe modification, exercise, pain relief, surgical interventions, and referrals.
Topics: Accidental Falls; Exercise; Humans; Pain Management; Physician's Role; Podiatry; Shoes
PubMed: 32146988
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpm.2019.12.005 -
Journal of Foot and Ankle Research Mar 2022Doppler is the most commonly utilised vascular assessment tool by podiatrists in Australia and the United Kingdom. Doppler is a key component of many international...
Doppler is the most commonly utilised vascular assessment tool by podiatrists in Australia and the United Kingdom. Doppler is a key component of many international guidelines for vascular assessment. Used alongside pressure measurements such as ankle and toe-brachial indices, Doppler assists podiatrists to diagnose, triage and subsequently manage patients with peripheral arterial disease. This commentary aims to clarify the importance, technique, and interpretation of continuous wave handheld Doppler in podiatry practice. This commentary presents discussion on the equipment and optimal test conditions for use of Doppler, and guidance on the technique required in podiatry clinical practice. Furthermore, there is a focus on interpretation of the output from Doppler including both audio and visual output. There is in depth discussion about identifying pathology and integration into the clinical management plan.
Topics: Ankle; Ankle Brachial Index; Humans; Lower Extremity; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Ultrasonography, Doppler
PubMed: 35346290
DOI: 10.1186/s13047-022-00530-x -
Revista Espanola de Sanidad... 2023
Topics: Humans; Blue Toe Syndrome
PubMed: 38289167
DOI: 10.18176/resp.00078 -
Journal of Foot and Ankle Research Dec 2022This commentary outlines practical ways of positively incorporating green podiatry, foot health, physical activity benefits, and relevance to climate change into the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
This commentary outlines practical ways of positively incorporating green podiatry, foot health, physical activity benefits, and relevance to climate change into the clinical setting as Conference of Parties (COP27) approaches. Recent reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the World Economic Forum, and undergraduate curricula concerns, are presented.
MAIN BODY
Climate change is irrefutable, and as health professionals, podiatrists can discuss the benefits and principles of green podiatry with patients of all ages in their clinics, appreciating that people are increasingly worried about the climate crisis. Feet as fundamental for independent, healthy, and carbon-neutral active transport, needs to become a key message. The three pillars for green podiatry are exercise, evidence, and the everyday changes that all podiatrists can make. Likewise, podiatrists can encourage their patients, and in doing so, join with community leadership, alongside other allied health and medical peers.
CONCLUSION
Podiatrists have a shared responsibility to work and live as 'green' as possible, and to share this message with patients. Reducing waste, physically and in the form of unnecessary treatment, and supporting a review of supply chains, are important aspects of reducing health care emissions. Promoting feet as carbon-neutral transport, and physical activity as evidence based and health enhancing, are a sound contribution to twenty-first century public health. Podiatry has a great opportunity for positive legacy.
Topics: Humans; Podiatry; Delivery of Health Care; Foot Diseases; Foot; Carbon
PubMed: 36494832
DOI: 10.1186/s13047-022-00591-y