The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 10,900 Podiatrists Daily

May 19, 2008 #3,249 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Besides Good Shoes, Runners Need a Stable Core: CA Podiatrist

Dr. Jenny Sanders, a podiatrist specializing in biomechanics at Financial District Foot and Ankle Center suggests strengthening key muscle groups. "Beyond just the foot and lower leg, runners should strengthen gluts and lower abdominals which are key muscles for keeping a stable core. And a stable core is critical for efficient movement, especially running," says Sanders.

Dr. Jenny Sanders

Dr. Sanders often reminds runners who attend the clinic that proper shoes and proper fit are critical for runners. One shoe model may be an excellent fit for one runner while being a truly poor fit for another. A lot depends on how an individual's foot works during running, and there is plenty of variation among people. "Check with a physical therapist or podiatrist to ensure that a shoe is the right fit," says Dr. Sanders.

Source: San Francisco Sport and Spine Physical Therapy [5/16/08]

IL Podiatrist Honored By Silver Cross Hospital

Silver Cross Hospital honored members of the Silver Cross Medical Staff with 20 or more years of service at a recent Physician Appreciation Celebration. Michael McDermott, D.P.M. who specializes in podiatric surgery has been serving both Joliet and Orland Park for 20 years.

Dr.Michael McDermott

Dr. Michael McDermott is a graduate of Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago and completed his internship at Central Community Hospital in Clifton, IL. He began practice in 1986 and is a board certified foot and ankle surgeon.

Source: The Orland Park Prairie [5/14/08]

10 Year Sentence for Investment Advisor Who Defrauded Podiatrists

A former investment adviser who pleaded guilty to bilking his podiatrist clients of $790,000 was sentenced today to 10 years in state prison, the state Attorney General's Office said. Superior Court Judge Harry Carroll, sitting in Hackensack, also ordered Jeffrey Lafferty, 40, to repay the investors, mainly podiatrists who Lafferty met through his work with a professional organization for foot doctors.

Jeffrey Lafferty

Lafferty admitted when he pleaded guilty to securities fraud in March that he used client money to buy a house in Green Horn, Pa., and for other personal expenses. The former Princeton resident whose business had a Red Bank mailing address has been in jail since his September indictment.

Source: Greg Saitz, The Star-Ledger [5/16/08]

Query: Orthotic Advice Sought

My patient is 39 y/o Hispanic male with past history of clubfeet, treated by serial casting as an infant. He has a lot of pain in the left foot. He has tried all sorts of orthotics, but none have worked completely to his satisfaction. Examination revealed no problems with skin, circulation, nor any neurological problems. Biomechanical exam revealed:

........................................................Right ...............................Left
Ankle. ...................................... 5 degrees DF .................0 degrees DF
STJ ........................................20 degrees inversion....... 10 degrees inversion
STJ.......................................... 5 degrees eversion......... 0 degrees eversion
Forefoot ..................... .............5 degrees varus.............. 8 degrees varus
1st MTP................................. 40 degrees DF ...............10 degrees DF
1st Ray................................... Normal ROM DF .............1st ray, no PF

Muscle power was normal for all groups. Patient has had problems with orthotics having too much arch support. Soft devices tend to deform too fast. Patient reports he feels better with boots that give him good ankle support.

Edmond F. Mertzenich, DPM, Rockford, IL

RE: Pre-molded Orthotics (Jennifer B. Ryder, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

We have been using Langer Contour orthotics for cavus feet. There is minimal support for the lateral column, but they support the MLA and are soft to help shock absorption, which is one of the major needs of a pes cavus patient.

Michael Forman, DPM, Cleveland, OH, IM4MAN@aol.com

An excellent study published in JBJS demonstrated that orthoses with valgus correction were the most effective at decreasing tension on the plantar fascia (1). Based on this study, ProLab's P3 pre-fab incorporates 3 degrees of valgus correction along with a 14 mm. heel cup, 2 mm. medial heel skive and a higher arch than most pre-fabricated orthoses.

(1) Kogler, et. al. The influence of medial and lateral placement of orthotic wedges on loading of the plantar aponeurosis. JBJS, 1999

Larry Huppin, DPM, Medical Director, ProLab Orthotics, Napa, CA, Lhuppin@gmail.com

Try vasylimedical.com where there is a complete line of pre-molded products available.

Howard J. Dananberg, DPM, Bedford, NH, howiedbpg@aol.com

Earthwalk offers a premolded arch support - Leatherlite - that works well for relief of mild symptoms of common pathologies such as plantar fasciitis. It has a semi-flexible/semi-rigid nylon shell with a leather topcover. Adhesive-backed posting strips may be added for customized support. Leatherlites can be purchased with or without met pads, or in a slim, dress design.

It resembles a custom appliance, is only sold to medical professionals, and priced from $21.00 - $23.50/pair. JM Orthotics, Power Step, and KLM also offer good quality off-the-shelf inserts. I recommend checking with your custom orthotic lab. Even if they don't sell an over-the-counter product, they are generally knowledgeable about what is available, and can provide you with additional resources.

Susan Boren, President, Earthwalk Orthotics, Inc. eworthotics@neo.rr.com

RE: Homeopathic Remedies
From: Bob Kornfeld, DPM, Jon Purdy, DPM

Disclosure regarding my status with Heel, Inc..

I have been an active and vocal proponent of integrating "holistic" principles into the practice of podiatric medicine on this forum for quite some time. As I have posted before, it has been well over 20 years since I began to incorporate these principles and medicines into practice.

For the past 6 weeks I have been paid by Heel, Inc. to lecture to our profession on the use of their injectable products. They have called upon my 20 years of experience and expertise to share both results and paradigm. I thought it, albeit retrospectively, important to disclose this so that there are no misconceptions.

The recent "forum" discussions relating to the use of Traumeel injections has been without this disclosure. I responded, not initiated, to the post regarding the use of Traumeel. My intention is to educate, as I do at all my lectures both for Heel, Inc. and my own privately led seminars and as well, to serve as a resource for the integration of these principles into practice for other practitioners..

It is important for all to know, unequivocally, that I have no financial interest in the company nor do I receive any monetary benefit from the sale of their products. I have agreed to lecture simply because it is a passion of mine and has been my lifestyle at home and professionally.

Bob Kornfeld, DPM, New Hyde Park, NY, Holfoot153@aol.com

Editor’s Note: An extended-length letter from Dr. Purdy appears at: http://www.podiatrym.com/letters2.cfm?id=19606&start=1

RE: Billing Programs (Mark Williams, DPM)
From: William Tronvig, DPM

I use e-clinical works and have been very happy-they do have a quarterly fee, though. The electronic remittance application is amazing. The "Explanation of Benefits", which can be several pages long (having many transactions) on it can be electronically transmitted to the program and the payments posted against the charges. The payment is deposited (Electronic Funds Transfer) about the same time.

My "biller" will look over the postings by the program and verify their accuracy. It now takes her 15-20 minutes to gather the file for sending out (the claims) in the evening and 30 to 40 minutes to do a 15 -20 page Medicare EOB. This is much faster than our previous system.

William Tronvig, DPM, Aberdeen, WA, Harbor_Foot_and_Ankle_CLinic@msn.com

RE: Faxing Consultations (Jeffrey Kass, DPM)
From: Howard Gale, DPM

I have been faxing consultation reports to referring physicians and others for about one year. I have note had any complaints. I borrowed the idea from a local surgeon. I remember being impressed with his efficiency and hope that is how I am received. I use a web-based fax server. The company is Ring Central. I visited filehippo.com and downloaded PDF creator (a free program). I am able to print from my EMR to the PDF creator. I then attach the PDF document to the electronic fax. Sounds like a lot of steps, but it is actually quite easy and quick. I have no financial interest in any of the above mentioned companies/website.

Howard Gale, DPM, Staesboro, GA, howie@dr-gale.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

Seeking three-year trained resident for associateship, hopefully leading to partnership. Competent in all phases of podiatry particularly reconstructive rearfoot surgery. Outstanding opportunity for the right individual. Reply to Richard Pollak at 210-692-0279, or fax resume to 210-692-0028 or e-mail drpllk@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH JERSEY

Busy group practice. Digital x-ray, Diagnostic U/S, EMR. Located between Philadelphia and the Shore. Need ABPS Eligible/ Certified, PSR 2-3, hard-working, energetic, team player with good hands. Previous experience a plus. Must be willing and able to provide quality palliative care. Competitive financial package. Resume and references to dalilfeet@aol.com

PODIATRISTS NEEDED - CHICAGO --NORTHWEST INDIANA

Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists. We are located in Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Full and part time positions are available. Competitive Compensation including malpractice. Contact Scott Schneider. Phone-773-342-4201 FAX 773-486-3548-E-Mail sschneider@homephysicians.com Visit our website

SOUTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA-PM&S 36 ASSOCIATE WANTED

Large, busy podiatry group looking for associate interested in future partnership. Practice facilities and technologies include: Surgical Center, Physical Therapy Department, 6 appointment locations, EMR, MRI, Clinical Trials and Digital X-ray. Full compensation and benefit package offered. Mail CV to Martin Foot and Ankle, 1203 S. Queen St. York, PA 17403 or email johnreitzelmfa@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – HOUSTON, TX

Seeking a well-rounded resident for associateship in Houston. Candidate must be motivated, personable and goal oriented. Practice is well equipped with excellent support staff. Opportunity for buy-in following attainment of performance goals. Part-time position also available. Please send CV and letter of interest to drvargas@drvargas.com

ASSOCIATE WANTED - KNOXVILLE, TN AREA

Busy multi-doctor, multi office practice heavily weighted in surgery. PSR-24 + experience preferred. Part-time also available. Area consistently ranked in top five areas of country to live, work or retire. Ranked third in country 2008 Boaters magazine for boating destination. First year guarantee $150,000 plus bonuses and benefits. Send cover letter an c.v. to davidphawk@adelphia.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NW INDIANA (1 HR FROM CHICAGO)

Great opportunity for financial and personal success. Start at $150K plus incentive compensation, good benefits, and ownership potential. Must be highly motivated, have a great bedside manner and excellent surgical skills (forefoot and rearfoot). E-mail resume to friendlyfootcare@comcast.net or fax resume to (219)662-7290. Learn about us here

ASSOCIATE POSITION- SAINT LOUIS, MISSOURI

Busy office seeking associate interested in future partnership. Must be ethical, well trained in all areas of podiatry, strong surgical background, board eligible or board certified. Office includes Doppler, ultrasound and digital x-ray, EMR. Competitive salary and benefits. Email CV to stlfootdoc@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - FLORIDA

Well-known practice in Coral Gables,FL for over 20 years. Excellent location on Coral Way with heavy traffic, great visibility and plenty of parking. Busy, fully equipped, full-time office with established patients. Grossing over 300K with tremendous growth potential. Office is currently open and ready to take over immediately. For additional information contact QVAN@aol.com or 305-975-5516.

SEEKING RESIDENT FOR PSR-24 - BALTIMORE, MD (MERCY MC)

Position for a highly motivated individual with completed non-surgical residency or one desiring additional surgical training in well-established Podiatric Residency Program. Busy metropolitan hospital with high surgical numbers and inpatient care. Resident is integral member of multidisciplinary team. Begins mid June 2008. Includes competitive salary/benefits. Send inquiries to rsher18@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - CORAL GABLES, MIAMI AREA (FLORIDA)

Beautiful location in the heart of Miracle Mile. Excellent opportunity for a starting practitioner. Most insurances accepted. Good mixture of surgical and general podiatry. Fully equipped with low overhead. Located in a professional building, with referrals from other doctors in the same building. Contact zoesar@aol.com or call 786-877-5149.

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