The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

July 02, 2010 #3,899 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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NY Podiatrists Express Concerns About Toning Shoes

Advertisements say that they are  a game-changer in athletic footwear: sneakers that are supposed to tone muscles, promote healthy weight loss, and improve the posture of those who walk, work, or shop in them. There are elements of truth to the ads, according to doctors who have questioned the effectiveness and safety of toning shoes. But many of the doctors want more independent studies on the shoes, rather than industry-financed research.

Dr. David Davidson

David Davidson, national president of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, says the shoes basically make adults learn to walk, or run, all over again by changing their gait. That's a "scary" prospect for someone with a "borderline problem" they might not know about. Davidson says that he's suspicious of any shoes that come with an instructional booklet and DVD. "Nothing about these shoes has any redeeming value to me," he says. "Sorry, I don't see it."

Dr. Bryan Markinson

Bryan Markinson, chief of podiatric medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, says some of his patients who are "not in the greatest of shape" have inflamed their Achilles tendons while wearing toning shoes. People thinking of buying them, he says, should begin an "active stretching program" or else risk injury.

Source: Michael McCarthy, USA Today [6/30/10]

Choose Wisely and Know When to Wear Flip-Flops: TUSPM Professor

Although popular and comfortable, flip-flops have never been favorites among foot doctors. The flat shoes aren't good for arches and don't offer any support, which could lead to ankle injuries. Dr. Kathya Zinszer, associate professor of podiatric medicine and director of community outreach at Temple's School of Podiatric Medicine, says that feet can also slide around, which can cause blisters.

Dr. Kathya Zinszer

While she doesn't fully rule out flip flops, she does tell her patients to choose wisely. "You want to know when to wear flip-flops, and you need to really consider what the risk factors are," she said.

Source: Susan Hendricks, CNN [6/29/10]

21st Annual Kaplan Clarke Invitational Golf Tournament Announced

The Tournament Committee is excited to announce that the 21st Annual Kaplan-Clarke Invitational Golf Tournament will be held at Reynold's Plantation in Greensboro, GA, September 22-26, 2010. In the past 20 years, the Kaplan-Clarke Tournament has raised over $400,000 for the APMA Government Education Fund. This fund provides support to the Association by sponsoring programs such as the Annual Podiatric Medical Legislative Conference, which is held in conjunction with the Annual House of Delegates in Washington, DC. The fund also supports educational outreach to Members of Congress about the importance of podiatric medicine in today’s healthcare system.

Drs. and Mrs. Teddi Clarke and Earl Kaplan; Dr. Oliver Foster looking on.

The Tournament Committee established an "Early Registration Discount." Simply submit completed registration forms by July 31, 2010 and DPMs will receive a $200 discount on registration for the upcoming Tournament. To register and for more information, please contact Ben Wallner at 800-275-2762, or bjwallner@apma.org.

FL Podiatrist to Compete on "Big Brother" Reality Series

So an Orthodox Jew foot doctor walks into a houseful of cameras... Uh, yeah, Andrew Gordon of Miami Beach will be a contestant in CBS's long-running Big Brother summer series. He's so dedicated to his religion that he'll be observing Shabbat while in the house. That means he somehow won't use electricity from Friday night through Saturday night while, of course, being surrounded by tons of electric filming equipment.

Dr. Andrew Gordon

"It's already going to be tough in that house, so it's going to be even tougher dealing with these extra little things," Gordon tells the Associated Press. "People are probably going to look at me as an outsider and wonder what I'm doing and why I'm not eating their food. It's something I've had to explain my whole life as a practicing Jew. Whatever happens, I'll deal with it."

Source: Kyle Munzenrieder, Miami New Times [6/30/10]

AZ Podiatrist Indicted on Identity Theft, Fraud Charges

A Tucson podiatrist was indicted Tuesday on numerous charges after she was accused of stealing her patients' identities to write fraudulent prescriptions, authorities said. Dr. Corina Hollander, 56, has been charged with numerous crimes, including conspiracy, fraud, trafficking the identity of another person, forgery, and obtaining a dangerous drug by fraud, according to an Attorney General’s Office news release.

Seven other people have also been suspected of participating in the prescription drug fraud operation. According to investigators, Hollander and two employees were filling the fraudulent prescriptions at local pharmacies using the names of patients and her staff members’ families.

Source: Arizona Daily Star [6/29/10]

Aetrex to Offer Embedded GPS Devices in Shoes for Alzheimer Patients

GTX Corp, a leader in customizable, patented two-way GPS Tracking Personal Location Services (PLS) solutions, received its first commercial order from Aetrex Worldwide, Inc. (aetrex.com), a leading maker of orthotic and therapeutic shoes. Aetrex's initial order for 3,000 GPS devices to be embedded in the Aetrex Ambulator(R) collection brings a durable, reliable solution for monitoring the location of the 5.3 million seniors in the U.S. afflicted with Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

GTX will begin to ship the devices this summer in order for Aetrex to prepare for the launch date which is scheduled to coincide with the National Alzheimer Association memory walks this fall. GTX Corp's GPS-enabled shoes provide caregivers and loved ones a safe, unobtrusive means to easily find those afflicted with Alzheimer's, who might wander and become lost.

Query: Undiagnosed Nail Disorder

This 8 year old girl presents with this condition, of one year duration, on the toenails and fingernails . A nail biopsy came back as onychauxis, but shows no fungus. The nails are thin and pitting. PMH and family history are negative for psoriasis or autoimmune disorders.

Onychauxis in 8 year old girl

Any ideas for additional diagnosis and treatment will be appreciated.
 
Kevin Lam, DPM, Naples, FL

Query: Elastic Shoelaces

I am looking for assistance in locating a source for elastic shoelaces? I have many patients who would benefit. I would be willing to purchase in bulk in order to satisfy their needs.

Chuck Ross, DPM, Pittsfield, MA
 

RE: TENS  (Olga Luepschen, DPM)
From: Dale Rosenblum, DPM

In response to the inquiry about dispensing TENS units, we have been dispensing them for a short time for fasciitis and tendonitis, with excellent patient acceptance.

Dale Rosenblum, DPM, Fullerton, CA, drosenblum@linkline.com

RE: Adducted Lesser Digits (Multiple Respondents)
From: Tip Sullivan, DPM

I would like to thank everyone who gave suggestions regarding the surgical case that I presented with adducted lesser digits 2-5, which developed after a prior bunion surgery. As you may have noticed on the x-ray, the met protrusion was considered, and I agree probably is contributing to the problem. My purpose in presenting this case was to stimulate discussion about this interesting problem and to see what other podiatrists look at pre-operatively to prevent these types of complications.

Some of the questions that I would like to hear a discussion about: Why are all of the lesser digits adducted if it is simply a length issue with the 1st met? Why doesn't she have the typical sub-second pain? I have looked back at multiple similar x-rays and have not seen this amount of deformity develop after a bunion procedure. Why is this deformity in the transverse plane and not the sagittal plane? Why do these digits always adduct? What is the best way to determine this BEFORE the original surgery?

I think that this is really a biomechanical issue which is difficult to identify pre-operatively. Should I have considered an STJ/MTJ stabilization from the get-go? What amount of mid/rearfoot instability is "acceptable" when looking at a bunion complaint? This lady was in post-op orthotics (although I cannot say how much she used them). Are there any biomechanical pearls in managing a foot like this if the patient has some midfoot instability and does not want to have any surgery to stabilize the midfoot?  
 
Tip Sullivan, DPM, Jackson, MS, tsdefeet@msfootcenter.net

RE: Loss of Medicaid for Podiatric Care (Gregory B. Nellis, DPM)
From:  Elliot Udell, DPM

Podiatry's position states that eliminating podiatry from Medicaid programs has been mixed. On one hand, we all know that podiatric care especially for the diabetic community can prevent amputations and save lives. On the other hand, Medicaid, in states such as my own, pay so little for podiatric care that it's a losing proposition for a private practitioner to treat these patients. A podiatrist's overhead expenses would more than eat up any profits made from Medicaid patients.

What is most troubling is that the government has not done any studies on the cost of not allowing Medicaid patients to see podiatrists. Many of these patients with severe foot problems will inevitably wind up in emergency rooms where the government will be paying far more for foot care than Medicaid would ever pay for office visits.  Should a patient require an amputation that could have been prevented with podiatric care, that too will be covered by taxpayers' dollars. As a taxpayer, I know that my money is not being spent wisely by not giving Medicaid patients access to podiatric evaluations and care.

 Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FREDERICK, MARYLAND

Fredericks premier group practice is located only 45 minutes from both DC and Baltimore. Immediate opening for a minimum PSR 36 Podiatrist for full time position. We have it all: EMR, digital x-ray, ultrasound, ASC, etc. Excellent salary with bonus structure and benefits. Please email resume to docsbnb@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Full-time 3-DPM group in South Bay of LA County. Minutes from best living in LA County. Practice is an excellent mix of surgery, general podiatry, diabetic care, and DME. Beautiful office with EMR, Digital X-ray and Orthoses, etc. Please e-mail cover letter, and resume to footcareone@verizon.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE – MAINE

25 year full scope in medical building, podiatrist friendly hospitals, appreciative and cooperative patients, excellent expansion potential, physician referrals. Wonderful place to raise a family. Retiring seller will stay for transition. mainefootdoc@yahoo.com

TN PRACTICE FOR SALE (SOUTH OF NASHVILLE)

Active, established practice with new equipment (digital x-ray, ultrasound, computer network, etc.). Great referral network with an excellent scope of practice. Turn-key operation with seamless transition. Grossed over $350K last year. Call 931-446-5724 or e-mail mchad500@gmail.com

1-YEAR PODIATRIC SPORTS MEDICINE FELLOWSHIP - MONROVIA, CALIFORNIA

Applicants must have completed a podiatric residency program and must have or be eligible for a California license. Annual stipend: $48,000 and $60,000. If interested, please e-mail your resume with cover letter to the Program's management company at victoriamanagers@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHEAST GEORGIA

Beautiful weather year round & near the Coast. Opportunity for Early Buy-in. Seeking associate or new residency graduate to join practice. Must be PSR-24/36 trained. Multiple locations. Full range of services with new facilities. E-mail cover letter & CV to melissafoot@pol.net

MANHATTAN MEDICAL SPACE AVAILABLE

Multispecialty Medical Building with 24/7 doorman. Prime Luxury Building and Location, Gramercy, Stuyvesant, Peter Cooper Area. 305 Second Avenue (17th-18th). Prior tenants past 23 years; podiatrist, dentist (plumbing/electric intact), internist. Ideal for podiatry, co-share with dentist, MD, etc. (flexible lease terms). E-Mail; jbdrun@aol.com Phone; 480-951-2480.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – COLORADO

Excellent opportunity to grow and expand a practice in the northern front range, Great compensation package with buy in potential. Desire individuals with motivation to succeed and grow professionally, Please fax CV and letter of interest to; 970-351-0940.

PRACTICE FOR SALE – NORTH DAKOTA

Established practice grossing over $460,000. One doctor, 24 to 30 hours per week. Minimal surgery at present. Hospital privileges available. No nursing homes. No Medicaid. 22% Medicare; balance primarily BS/BC, private payers. Turn-key. Surgical patient base if buyer wishes to cultivate to readily augment income. EMR in Place. NDFOOTDOC@HOTMAIL.COM

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MINNESOTA

Practice Grossing over $500K yearly. Good mix of surgery, orthotics, DME, diabetic care, general podiatry. Commute < 5 miles to work. Friendly Midwest lakes area with arts, good schools, affordable living, restaurants, shopping. Option to purchase building. Will consider associate to buy-in/ buy-out. Midwestpractice@gmail.com

CANADIAN PODIATRISTS COME BACK HOME!

An Edmonton, Alberta group of DPM’s requires an additional Podiatrist. Interest in biomechanics essential. Given Canadian visa restrictions, this position is open only to Canadian Citizens or permanent residents. Very attractive compensation package. Fax C.V. or letter of interest to: (780) 483-5796.

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