The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

December 14, 2009 #3,726 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Fitness Footwear Not For Everyone: IL Podiatrist 

While podiatric physicians have used rocker-bottom shoes for decades to help with pain in the ball of the foot, the ankle, and heel arthritis, there’s little-if any—credible scientific evidence that these new fitness shoes provide a higher level of muscle engagement. Moreover, “because these shoes have an unstable base, they also are inappropriate for people with balance problems, said Dr. Megan Leahy, a member of the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association. In addition, “all flip-flops can exacerbate foot problems due to contractures of foot and toe muscles during gait in a subconscious attempt to keep the shoe on.”

Dr. Megan Leahy

“Negative heel” shoes  such as Earth shoes, which have been around for years and are designed to stretch the Achilles tendon, are only appropriate for a small niche of individuals, said Leahy. “Unfortunately, this stretch is usually too aggressive for most people,” Leahy said.

Source: Julie Deardorff, Chicago Tribune [12/9/09]

Western Podiatry Students Hold Shoe Drive for the Homeless 

College of Podiatric Medicine students distributed about 700 pairs of shoes on Dec. 10 during Project Homeless Connect, a multi-agency project providing access to job opportunities, housing, medical care, pet care, mental health care, substance abuse treatment and more. “Podiatry is critically important,” said Pomona Homeless Services Coordinator, Jan Cicco. “Many people coming here have diabetes and are walking around in bad shoes and no socks, so they develop serious problems with their feet. We’re grateful to have Western here.”

First-year students from the College of Podiatric Medicine provide shoes during a Project Homeless Connect.

Podiatry students collected about 700 pairs of shoes during an on-campus shoe drive. Other agencies will take the remaining shoes and distribute them, said Adrienne Estes, DPM ’13. Though in the middle of finals, about 20 students took time away from their studies to volunteer throughout the day.

“I couldn’t have been happier with the outcome,” said Trevor Black, DPM ’13. “Hopefully next year, we will get even more shoes.” The shoes were placed in neat rows for visitors to look through, try on,, and take. The shoe recipients were grateful for the footwear, and the students appreciated the reminder of why they are entering the health professions.

Source: Rodney Tanaka, Western University [12/11/09]

Armstrong & Harkless At Global Diabetic Foot Summit

Hundreds of physicians, surgeons, and scientists from across South Asia gathered in Chennai, India today for a first-ever symposium focusing on the multi-national needs of amputation prevention in the developing world. "This meeting has been a revelation-- it was a Copenhagen Summit for the Diabetic Foot", noted David G. Armstrong, Professor of Surgery and Director of the Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA) at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, one of the keynote speakers at the symposium.

Drs. Lawrence B. Harkless, Vijay Viswanathan, and David G. Armstrong

"Just as in discussions of climate change, care of diabetes in general and the diabetic foot specifically may be very different in the developing world when compared to more affluent nations." The symposium included world-renowned physician and surgeon lecturers from Africa, Asia, and the United States. The other U.S. invited lecturer, Lawrence B. Harkless, Founding Dean of Western University College of Podiatric Medicine summed it up. "We have to work together if we're going to solve this problem. It is bigger than any one country or any discipline." The symposium, taking place this weekend, was organized by Professor Vijay Viswanathan, of the MV Hospital for Diabetes in Chennai.
 

GA Podiatrist (and Wife) Receive Humanitarian Award

Dr. and Mrs. Mort Wittenberg were honored at the Augusta Jewish Community Center for their leadership. Mayor Deke Copenhaver declared Nov. 21 Dr. Morton and Bernice Wittenberg Day. "Over the years, I've tried to do what's correct, what's right," Dr. Wittenberg said. "To get a pat on the back about it, well, that's just a nice bonus."

Dr. and Mrs. Mort Wittenberg receive Humanitarian Award

Dr. Wittenberg is a pioneer in podiatric medicine, said Leah Ronen, the executive director of the Augusta Jewish Federation. He has made 37 visits to Israel to treat people in need of podiatry care and has served as president of the Georgia Podiatric Medical Association. He has also been president of the Congregation Children of Israel, the Augusta Jewish Community Center, and the federation.

Source: Kelly Jasper, Augusta Chronicle [12/12/09]

Query: Flector Patches for an Acute Gouty Attack?

Has anyone tried the Flector patches for an acute gouty attack? I use them for many other acute and sub-acute inflammatory conditions, but not for gout. The biggest advantage is the fact it has no GI problems and has little to no side-effects.

Doug Mason, DPM, Freeport, IL

RE: Indomethicin for Acute Gout? (Multiple Respondents)
From: Barry Mullen, DPM
 
I've sat back and listened to this most recent acute gout discussion. Dr. Harvey's response spurred my input, for I believe his comments explain, in part, the rationale why systemic and metabolic disease management, like hyperurecemia, is best left to the appropriate specialists, like internists.
 
First, when discussing acute gout management, it is my hope that …

Editor’s Note: Dr. Mullen’s extended-length letter appears at: http://www.podiatrym.com/letters2.cfm?id=31156&start=1

RE: Heel Pain in Marathoner (Cary M Zinkin, DPM)
From: Robert Fridman, DPM

I agree with Dr. Zinkin - an experienced, well-educated, marathon runner will usually not drop out of a race for plantar fasciitis. Recently, I treated a competitive Iron Man participant for severe recalcitrant plantar fasciitis with one PRP injection prior to the Lake Placid Iron Man. I administered it about four weeks before the race, had him in a CAM boot for one week, a night splint for three weeks, and had him try to focus on the bicycle and swim portions of the race as much as possible rather than running. He was able to complete the Iron Man and finished in the top 25 overall, 6th in his division. For the last several months, I have begun to use PRP in my treatment protocol for fasciitis that does not respond to standard conservative care, and have had reproducible good results.

Robert Fridman, DPM, NY, NY, RFridmandpm@aol.com

RE: Getting Patients for PRP Study (David M Davidson, DPM)
From: R. Alex Dellinger, DPM

I have used PRP for 10+ years. It started with wound care (which worked wonderfully), and even discussed how to get it reimbursed with Medicare officials (that's a WHOLE other story). I have used it approximately 100 times for Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis with very good results.  It takes about 2-3 months (similar to ESWT) for full relief. It HURTS for about the first 3-5 days. 

I have worked with a company to develop a technique for this and have a good protocol in place. However, as with a lot of "new" technologies, reimbursement is not always easy. AMA has published quite a few things regarding reimbursement for PRP applications and tendon injection with PRP. They are NOT covered by most insurances. Some companies want you to bill a "graft" code, etc. This is not appropriate.  As far as recruiting patients, I told all of mine that there was a new procedure for heel pain/Achilles pain and after explaining it to them, 90% wanted to have it done.

R. Alex Dellinger, DPM, Little Rock, AR, raddpm@yahoo.com

RE: Strengthening the Feet Will Not Correct Biomechanical Problems: Pribut
From: Ray McClanahan, DPM

Dr. Pribut's published opinion regarding feet strengthening and barefoot activity contains many assumptions that are addressed in a recent sports medicine article on running shoes.

Is your prescription of distance running shoes...

Editor's Note: Dr. McClanahan's extended length letter can be read at: http://www.podiatrym.com/letters2.cfm?id=31157&start=1
 

RE: Healthcare Reform (Thomas Nolen, DPM)
From: Jon Purdy, DPM

Dr. Nolan makes an interesting observation.  The government is proposing doing something different with your money and what you thought was a fixed Medicare benefit. The revelation is that the government can and always has done what it sees fit regardless of what the majority of the population may want - or even understands.   Since 1965, our government has been taking from both you, and every employer you have worked for, as contribution to the Medicare Program.  Where did your money go and what guaranteed benefits do you have at age 65? 

The answer, just as with Social Security benefits, the money is placed into a Trust Fund and the excess placed in Treasury Bonds which hold no economic value and are simply used as a loan to the government itself. As far as the guaranteed benefits; there are none. Like Social Security benefits, the government reserves the right to cancel the program at any time. Medicare benefits are constantly in flux and delivered at the whim of the political tide.

What would happen if the population were required to withhold their own monies for private health insurance and retirement benefits? We would all be investing in the prosperity of this nation as a free market rather than in a fiscally irresponsible government that subjects our hard earned money to political infighting. It would be interesting to see the response of working Americans able to physically see their personal wealth growing. Even more fascinating would be the new public interest taken in how the government affects the free market and, therefore, their earnings. We may have a whole new crop of Americans keenly interested in what is going on in Washington D.C. and their local governments. 

Jon Purdy, DPM, New Iberia, LA, jpurdy@mindspring.com
 

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NW IOWA (SIOUX CITY AREA)

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN VIRGINIA/DC SUBURB

Excellent associate practice opportunity leading to partnership for PSR 24-36 foot and ankle surgically-trained physician. Currently 4-doctor/2 office practice in fast-growing area, expanding to 5 doctors. Hard working, personable, highly-motivated individuals needed. Great opportunity with excellent salary and benefits. No nursing homes. Top hospitals. Fax CV with references to 703-491-9994

PRACTICE WANTED- NYC/LI AREA

I am an ABPS board certified podiatrist seeking to purchase a well established practice. I am looking for the current practitioner to help with the transition. All offers will be considered. Complete confidentiality will be upheld. Please contact poddr45@yahoo.com for more information. This advertisement is not affiliated with a broker.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO AREA

Join one of the most successful, long-established podiatry practices in the Chicago area, with excellent salary and benefits. We have an immediate opening for a full-time podiatrist in a multi practice location in Chicago. Must have two years of surgical residency. Please e-mail resume to f-massuda@footexperts.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - FLORIDA—CENTRAL/SOUTH

Turn-key operation grossing $570,000 annually based on one full-time doctor. Great opportunity for growing the top-line. Surgery is only 14% of the professional man-hours; it can significantly increase income. Medicare makes up 64% of revenues. Seller will assist with transition. Call 863-688-1725, ask for Chas.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - CENTRAL SOUTH CAROLINA

Practice grossing $400,000 annually based on one full-time doctor with two offices. Surgery is currently about 10-15% but can easily be increased. Medicare makes up 52% of revenues. May be able to take over practice with no money down. Interested parties email to footdocsc@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHEAST GEORGIA & SOUTH CAROLINA

Seeking recent residency graduate to join practice. Must be PSR-24/36 trained. Multiple locations. Full range of services with new facility. Fax cover letter & CV to (843) 208-3348 or E-mail to melissafoot@pol.net
 

PODIATRISTS CHICAGO/NW IND/BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON, DC

Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists in Chicago, Northwest Indiana, and Baltimore, MD. Full and part-time positions are available. Competitive Compensation including malpractice. Contact Jake Shimansky, Director of Physician Recruitment. Phone-773-342-5221 FAX 773-486-3548-E-Mail jshimansky@homephysicians.com www.homephysicians.com

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