06/10/2022
PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Hyperbaric Chamber Hood Saves NY Podiatrist's Life During Pandemic
During the first wave of the pandemic in 2020, Warren Altwerger, DPM fell ill with COVID-19. He struggled with severe symptoms, his breathing became difficult, and he ended up at Phelps Hospital emergency room. Knowing the mortality risks of being ventilated, he opted for a hyperbaric chamber oxygen hood like the one routinely used at the Department of Undersea & Hyperbaric Medicine at Phelps Hospital Northwell Health.
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Dr. Warren Altwerger |
Working with the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, his physician, Owen J. O’Neill MD, MPH, medical director, Division of Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine at Phelps Hospital, recommended that Dr. Altwerger take part in his team's clinical trial, which he believed would help patients whose oxygen levels had dropped too low and would require mechanical ventilation. It worked. After spending 13 days in the hospital, with four of those days spent in the oxygen hood – without the use of a ventilator, Dr. Altwerger went home where his oxygen levels gradually improved. One year later, he has made a full recovery and is back to seeing patients and practicing podiatry.
Source: River Journal [6/8/22]
05/27/2022
PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Foot Health Issues Rise from Neglect During Pandemic: AZ Podiatrist
One of the most important things we can do is focus on the health of our feet. While we often think about heart health and teeth care, a Banner Health doctor says people have been neglecting their foot health during this pandemic. Travis Jensen, DPM, a podiatrist, has seen an increase in patients who have foot-related medical issues.
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Dr. Travis Jensen |
“There’s no doubt there has been a lot of people who have prolonged foot care, whether it be diabetic wounds or ingrown toenails,” says Dr. Jensen. He says he has been noticing an uptick in all age groups coming to see him for some type of treatment directly related to having delayed care.
Source: AZ Business Magazine [5/25/22]
05/13/2022
PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
PA Podiatrist Discusses Pandemic Foot Pain
If you've been experiencing unusual foot pain, you're definitely not alone. Podiatrists say they've seen an increase in what they're calling "pandemic foot pain." Lisa Price, DPM is a podiatrist with WellSpan Health. She says as people head back to the office and back to the gym, they are doing too much, too fast.
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Dr. Lisa Price |
We are seeing some tendinitis, especially some Achilles tendinitis," she said. The type of foot problems have changed throughout the pandemic. In the beginning, as most people stayed home, she saw a big increase in plantar fasciitis. If you're suffering from any kind of unusual foot pain, you should discuss it with your doctor as soon as possible, Dr. Price advises.
Source: Amy Lutz, Fox 43 News [5/10/22]
05/05/2022
PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
PA Podiatrist Discusses "Pandemic Foot"
Most of us take our feet for granted until there's a problem. And during COVID, podiatrists say they've seen a big increase in all kinds of foot issues. It's being called "pandemic foot." "Most of the time, unless you're having a problem, you do forget about your feet," said Edward Schwartz, DPM, LVHN podiatric surgeon.
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Dr. Edward Schwartz |
"During the pandemic, people were doing things they weren't accustomed to doing. They were working from home, walking barefooted at home, not wearing shoes, doing exercise programs that they just weren't ready for," Schwartz said. Like thousands of doctors around the country, he has seen many more patients during the pandemic, mainly from people not wearing shoes around the house. "And it's all because of lack of support. They're walking around the house barefooted, you know, with slippers or, God forbid, flip-flops, and that has created all kinds of issues," Schwartz said.
Source: Ellen Kolodziej, WFMZ [4/25/22]
05/03/2022
PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
COVID-19 Aid for Uninsured Ends While Need Expands: TN Podiatrist
The infusion of aid is ending at a time when hospitalizations from Covid are receding; but as safety-net providers, we are facing tremendous unmet needs from patients who have delayed care for chronic conditions and other health problems even more than usual during the pandemic. Nashville General has seen an average of just one Covid patient a week recently. But its doctors and nurses say that a wide range of health problems that worsened during the pandemic are now overwhelming the hospital.
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Dr. Andrew Pierre |
As he prepared to clip an uninsured patient’s worsening fungal toenails, Andrew Pierre, DPM, the hospital’s podiatrist, said the range of unchecked problems had expanded in his practice: bunions, flat feet that need reconstructive surgery, and a surge in diabetic wounds.
Source: Noah Weiland, The New York Times [5/1/22]
03/07/2022
PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
From: Daniel Jones, DPM
Unfortunately, the mask mandate for healthcare settings may be permanently in place. Bureaucrats will never relax a regulation unless the risk of doing so is zero AND they have tremendous pressure to do so. They can’t lose their job if they overreact to a threat. Take masking in schools, for example. The U.S. is an outlier in the world community. No European nation has required children to mask for quite some time now, because they listen to actual science, not the ‘‘science” so many public officials here in United States claim to follow.
My guess is even if COVID fades to obscurity, there will be new mandates to “keep us safe” from the flu, colds, etc.
Daniel Jones, DPM, Casper, WY
03/04/2022
PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
RE: Effects of COVID on Two Podiatrists
From: Robert Spalding, DPM
Did anyone read about the passing of Dr. Dennis Bizzoco who practiced in Chattanooga, Tennessee? Apparently Dr. Bizzoco died from the results of COVID (but not fully confirmed) in October of 2021. I must have missed the local obituary and was only notified about his passing from one of his local long standing patients who I knew well in my youth who sought me out to replace Dr. Bizzoco for foot care.
Dennis was 68 and only 3 years older than me. Dr. Bizzocco had been involved in podiatry long before I opened my practice. Dr. Bizzoco with the Tennessee Podiatry Board approved my entry into practicing podiatry in my state in...
Editor's note: Dr. Spalding's extended-length letter can be read here.
01/20/2022
PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Indoor Footgear Necessary During the Pandemic: MN Podiatrist
According to Conway McLean, DPM, "The pandemic certainly hasn’t been good for our mental health, nor our physical well-being since many of us are getting far less activity. What about the consequences of strolling around the house in our pajamas and socks? It is surprising to many how significant they can be. Many of us kick off our shoes the minute we walk in the door. Feels good, doesn’t it? Let the toes run free and stretch out those aching arch muscles. But in the times of the pandemic, humans are spending more time in the home than ever before. That means more activities are performed in the home environment than ever. And too often, this means shoeless!"
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Dr. Conway McLean |
"For many, weight-bearing (standing and walking for most of us) is stressful. For a multitude of reasons, problems can develop from being on our feet without the support, protection, and cushioning of a shoe. Walking without the protection provided by shoes means minor skin trauma has a greater chance of occurring, damage that will heal only slowly if at all in the face of PAD and diabetes. The answer is simply to wear some kind of footgear in the home, the recommendation of all diabetic experts," says Dr. McLean.
Source: The Mining Journal [1/18/22]
01/14/2022
PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
OH Podiatrist Objects to Congress' COVID-19 Test Mandate for Staff
Rep. Brad Wenstrup, DPM, co-chairman of the GOP Doctors’ Caucus, is challenging Congress’ new guidelines requiring COVID-19 tests for all congressional staff, saying it breaks with medical protocols and pushes Capitol Hill to the front of the nation’s long line for tests. In a letter Thursday to the congressional Office of the Attending Physician, Dr. Wenstrup demanded answers about the new mandate for all staff to administer self-tests at least twice a week.
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Dr. Brad Wenstrup |
“This week’s guidance is at odds with the guidance the federal government is giving the American people, fails to acknowledge protections provided from COVID-19 vaccines and natural immunity, and unnecessarily pushes Congress to the front of the testing line ahead of the American people we serve,” Dr. Wenstrup wrote.
Source: Mica Soellner, The Washington Times [1/13/22]
08/20/2021
PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
New RI Regs for Healthcare Workers Require Many Job Titles Vaccinated By Oct 1
The Rhode Island Department of Health issued regulations on Tuesday dictating which Rhode Island Healthcare workers must be vaccinated by October 1, 2021. The list includes everyone from security officers to volunteers to receptionists. The job descriptions are defined as: "Healthcare worker" means any person who is temporarily or permanently employed by or at, or who serves as a volunteer in, or has an employment contract with, a healthcare facility, and has or may have direct contact with a patient in that healthcare facility.
“Healthcare provider” means any person licensed by the Department to provide or otherwise lawfully providing healthcare services, including, but not limited to, a physician, dentist, nurse, optometrist, podiatrist, physical therapist, social worker, pharmacist, emergency medical service practitioner, or psychologist, provided such person is either directly involved in patient care or potentially exposed to infectious agents that can be transmitted from person to person.
Source: Golocalprov.com [8/18/21]
08/13/2021
PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
PA Podiatrist Sees More Patients During Pandemic With Plantar Fasciitis
Kristin Strannigan, DPM of Western PA Orthopedics, with the Conemaugh Health System of Johnstown, has seen plantar Fasciitis many times before, and has seen even more of it since the rise of COVID-19. "It has grown pretty quickly since the pandemic," she said. "Every single day I see more."
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Dr. Kristin Strannigan |
Strannigan believes seeing more than normal numbers of patients limping into her office with plantar fasciitis since the pandemic often results from the individuals going shoeless or wearing non-supportive footwear such as slippers when working from home.
Source: Judy D.J. Ellich, Daily American [8/6/21]
08/02/2021
PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
OH Podiatrist Points Out Inconsistency of CDC Mask Rules
Rep. Brad Wenstrup, DPM (R-OH) is a doctor. He complained that he has to wear a mask in the Capitol while residents of Washington, DC, don’t have to wear masks around the city.
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Dr. Brad Wenstrup |
“The CDC guidelines and mask mandates being inflicted on the House of Representatives don’t match guidelines for DC,” said Wenstrup, motioning to people at the GOP’s outdoor event. “Look at you, you’re not wearing masks. Because DC is not requiring it because of the CDC guidelines. Yet that is somehow being ignored once you walk into this side of the building.”
Source: Jennifer Bendery, yahoo.com [7/29/21]
06/29/2021
PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC - PART 2
Return to Wearing Normal Shoes Should be Gradual: PA Podiatrist
“Many people have developed plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia from not wearing shoes during the pandemic,” said Ryan L. McMillen, DPM, chief of podiatry at Allegheny Health Network. “The lack of arch support and padding for the feet has contributed to this. This occurs even more with people who have hardwood floors and tile in the main portions of their homes.”
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Dr. Ryan L. McMillen |
As for re-emerging and getting back to wearing normal shoes, he advised to take it slowly. “Breaking in any new shoe or insert helps reduce foot pain,” McMillen said. “I normally suggest increasing the amount of time you’re wearing the shoe or insert about two hours each day until you can wear them for a whole day.”
Source: Kristin Emery, Observer-Reporter [6/24/21]
06/29/2021
PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC - PART 1
Telemedicine Improved Patient Care During the Pandemic: CA Podiatrist
Laura Shin, DPM, PhD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Surgery, Department of Vascular Surgery, Keck Medicine, University of Southern California, discussed how her institution used telemedicine and other communication strategies to stay connected and provide care to patients. “During the COVID-19 lockdown, not only did we have shutdowns for the different clinics around the area, but also the emergency rooms were virtually impossible for these patients to get to,” Dr. Shin said. “So getting care to these high-risk patients who are not only at high risk for developing complications related to COVID, but also have complications related to diabetic foot was really quite challenging.”
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Dr. Laura Shin |
As part of the care team’s strategy to expand the use of telemedicine in the acute care setting, Dr. Shin said information packets were provided to patients, families, and caregivers that included instructions for a “three-minute foot exam” to assist providers in prescribing care and identifying high-risk limbs. “A large part of us being able to treat these patients as best we could, especially with using different telemedicine technologies, was the ‘foot selfie.’ If they were flexible or agile enough, they could take the pictures themselves using their cell phones, or have a family member or caregiver take the pictures.” Providing comprehensive, user-friendly resources and maintaining open lines of communication were the keys to providing optimal care to patients and preventing severe complications during the pandemic, Dr. Shin said.
Source: ADA Meeting News [6/26/21]
04/13/2021
PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
NC Podiatrist Volunteers in COVID-19 Vaccination Effort
Gretchen A. Lawrence, DPM of Foothills Podiatry in Shelby, North Carolina volunteered on April 10 at UNC Asheville Reuters Center. The Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine, a company of Johnson and Johnson, and the third vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for emergency use in the prevention of the corona virus was distributed.
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Dr. Gretchen Lawrence |
Dr. Lawrence educated the participants of potential side-effects of this vaccine and ways to report those effects back to the FDA and CDC through the FDA/CDC Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). She assisted a patient with anxiety and syncope and assisted a patient who lost consciousness and developed nausea and vomiting after the injection. She also helped a patient with severe swelling and arranged for further emergency medical treatment via transport to the hospital for further management.
04/06/2021
PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
IL Podiatrist Adapts to Survive the Pandemic
It took some flag pole brackets and clear acrylic sheeting to save a practice hundreds of dollars and keep operating during the coronavirus pandemic. The brackets allow the acrylic shields to swing back and forth like a door, so patients at the Regional Foot Care Center can be shielded during their treatments. The materials needed cost about $200 per chair, while buying chairs already equipped with a swinging shield would have cost about $700 each. “It took a little ingenuity,” center podiatrist John Killough, DPM said.
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Dr. John Killough |
In addition to the chair system, other measures were put in place including installing more clear acrylic in the reception area so patients and staff could still see one another. “We had to get a little creative,” foot center administrator Lisa Killough said. When it was closed, the foot center still saw patients whose treatments were essential but postponed any routine procedures. Some patients with other health issues were seen before regular offices hours or at home. The Killoughs said there have been no COVID-19 cases in any of the center’s 11 staff members and most have now received the COVID-19 vaccinations.
Source: Dave Fopay. Journal Gazette & Times-Courier [4/3/21]
03/31/2021
PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
OH Podiatrist Gives Shots to Promote Vaccinations
A Republican congressman gave COVID-19 vaccinations Sunday to promote efforts to get reluctant people to get the shots. An early advocate of getting vaccinated, Rep. Brad Wenstrup, DPM is among Republicans concerned about their voters getting inoculated because of unfounded claims about the vaccines.
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Dr. Brad Wenstrup gives vaccination |
“A lot of it is distrust in the government,” said Dr. Wenstrup a podiatrist who served as an Iraq War combat surgeon. “Everyone is going to have a different reason, I think.” “I think it’s mixed messages that people have been getting. Get the message from someone you trust, I think is the most important thing,” he said. He has given shots at several clinics in his district, including twice in his role as an Army Reservist.
Source: Dan Sewell, Associated Press [3/28/21]
03/16/2021
PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Pandemic Has Created Foot Problems: NC Podiatrist
Women who’ve given up their high heels during the pandemic probably have happier feet. But people who constantly walk around the house barefoot or in socks risk developing foot problems like heel pain and tendinitis, said Jane Andersen, DPM, a podiatrist in North Carolina and a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association. Unchecked, simple issues such as tendinitis can develop into more-severe conditions like tendinosis, which is more difficult to treat, Andersen said.
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Dr. Jane Andersen |
Those with diabetes have more to worry about when it comes to foot issues during the pandemic and should be checking their feet every day, Dr. Andersen said. Wearing shoes at home to cushion the feet and provide arch support can help keep your feet healthy. House shoes also protect your feet against injuries like stubbed toes. Broken toes are something that Andersen and her colleagues have started seeing as a result of people being barefoot in their homes.
Source: Jacqueline Stenson, NBC News [3/13/21]
03/15/2021
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC)
RE: President Biden to Include Podiatric Physicians Among COVID-19 Vaccinators
From: Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH
During his address on March 11, 2021, President Joe Biden said he will expand the number of people providing COVID-19 vaccinations in the United States including a wide swath of medical professionals. He said dentists, EMTs, midwives, optometrists, physician assistants, podiatrists, respiratory therapists, and veterinarians will become qualified to administer the three federally authorized COVID-19 vaccines.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will establish a website to allow these clinicians to sign up to administer shots. Eligible vaccinators will also include medical and nursing students, the president said. While this recognition is welcome, DPMs are already qualified to administer intramuscular medication. In addition, podiatric medical students should also be eligible vaccinators.
Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
03/04/2021
PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Celebrate Successes, Not Setbacks in Development of COVID-19 Vaccine
Vaccine hesitancy could be greatly reduced if people had a better chance to talk about COVID-19 vaccination with their primary care physician, public health specialists told the House Ways & Means Health Subcommittee. Rep. Brad Wenstrup, DPM (R-OH), urged everyone to appreciate what has gone right with the vaccines, not just what has gone wrong.
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Dr. Brad Wenstrup |
"What was also unique about this was that when a vaccine got to phase III, we were producing 100 million doses" without waiting for its approval. "That has never happened before," he said. "We're so far ahead of the game and we should take a moment to celebrate that, even though we have troubles."
Source: Joyce Frieden, Medpage Today [3/1/21]
02/24/2021
PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Sedentary Activity Detrimental to Foot Health: WI Podiatrist
One of the unseen symptoms coming from the pandemic has nothing to do with a cough, but everything to do with a person’s feet. With many people staying home, shoes become less common, but injuries to your feet may be more common. Going without shoes can lead to pain caused by plantar fasciitis or even tendonitis. Some patients develop itchiness and discoloration on their feet.
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Dr. Margaret Dubois |
“It’s more likely due to sedentary activity in the house during lockdown and not keeping your feet warm while you’re sitting around relaxing,” said Margaret Dubois, DPM, a podiatrist at Mayo Clinic Health System. People can keep their feet safe by at least wearing slippers or some warm wool socks around the house.
Source: news8000.com [2/21/21]
02/23/2021
PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
COVID-19 Testing is Down: CA Podiatrist
As vaccination rates rise, COVID-19 testing is slumping, and health officials are worried. In California, 3 out of 4 counties have seen their testing volume drop by at least 15 percent. "There used to be 5 or 6 people ahead of me, and lately it's down to no one; I just walk right in," said Brad Jann, DPM, getting tested at the Petaluma Fairgrounds on Friday evening.
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Dr. Brad Jann |
Dr. Jann is a podiatrist who must be tested weekly in order to care for his patients who live in retirement communities. "I'm exposed to so many seniors and I go to so many facilities, if I'm positive and I don't test, I can carry the virus from place to place," he explained.
Source: Debora Villalon, KTVU [2/20/21]
02/18/2021
PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Walking Barefoot Indoors Aggravates Arthritis: UK Podiatrist
Thanks to working from home during the pandemic, more of us than ever are spending hours of the day in bare feet. It's often on hard floors, or wearing what Emma McConnachie, a podiatrist and spokeswoman for the College of Podiatry, calls “sloppy” shoes with little or no support. It can play havoc with your toe joints, she says, particularly if you already have signs of osteoarthritis, which can mean your joints are prone to pain and inflammation.
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Emma McConnachie |
“The best thing you can do if you have arthritic pain in your toes is to off-load the joints by wearing shoes indoors. Choose a slipper or indoor shoe, such as Crocs, with a shaped footbed and back support or, better still, have a pair of sneakers reserved for wearing in the house.”
Source: Peta Bee, The Times [2/16/21]
02/09/2021
PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
PA Podiatrist Explains the "Pandemic Toes" Phenomenon
As you make your way from the kitchen back to the living room, you’re suddenly shrieking in pain: You stubbed your toe. Again. And it really, really hurts. Sound familiar? Believe it or not, one of the most common ailments doctors are seeing as a side-effect of working from home—and just being home so much in general—is toe and foot injuries, right up there with neck and back pain and Covid-somnia.
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Dr. Joseph Costello |
“Most people do not wear shoes while at home and walk around in their sock feet or bare feet, which leaves the toes unprotected and, consequently, very susceptible to not just stubs and broken toes, but cracked toenails, infections, and plantar fasciitis,” explains podiatrist Joseph Costello, DPM.
Source: Leigh Weingus, Parade [2/5/21]
02/01/2021
PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
From: Joseph Agostinelli, DPM
I have followed this topic the last several days and I keep returning to a position I have taken for many years - “it’s the degree!” You can talk about “state licensing” which requires legislation, which is at a snail’s pace - or you can go to regular medical school, earn your MD/DO degree and vaccinate to your heart’s content because your degree allows it! For years, we have been told we are “physicians” when we really are not! DME diabetic shoes have to have a physician’s co-signature despite the fact that Medicare lists us as physicians! There is also inequality in payment for similar services - because of our degree.
Many of our successes are personal, not professional successes. For example, we never had a DPM in the military as an orthopedic department chairperson until 1991, only because I outranked all the other doctors. In 1994, I was able to perform...
Editor's note: Dr. Agostinelli's extended-length letter can be read here.
