10/08/2022    Kevin A. Kirby, DPM

Book Review: Dr. Richard Blake’s “Practical Biomechanics for the Podiatrist, Book 2”

Richard L. Blake, DPM, MS has just published his
second book in his four-book series on the subject
of “Practical Biomechanics for the Podiatrist”.
In this 327-page hardback book with over 350 color
photos, Dr. Blake has compiled one of the most
complete books, to date, on the science and art of
treating patients with biomechanically-related
foot and lower extremity pathologies.

The book starts with the chapter on “Basic
Components of a Lower Extremity Examination” where
Dr. Blake reviews the examination concepts
recommended by Dr. Merton Root and colleagues from
over a half-century ago, in addition to more
recent examination techniques such as subtalar
joint axis examination, navicular drift and drop
test, supination resistance test and foot posture
index. All examination techniques are profusely
illustrated with color photos and in-depth
descriptions so that even if the reader has never
before read about one or more of these techniques
and tests, they should be able to perform any of
them after careful study of the clinical photos
and accompanying text.

The second chapter is named “General Mechanical
Changes” where the function of custom foot
orthoses, immobilizing boots an braces, shoes,
taping, padding and correction of over-pronation
and over-supination of the foot is succinctly
explained. This is probably my favorite chapter
since it describes in detail the multiple clinical
techniques that Dr. Blake has developed over the
past four decades of his practice career to treat
and manage patients with a multitude of foot and
lower extremity mechanical complaints. “Tricks of
the trade”, such as novel shoe lacing techniques,
shoe sole lifts and wedges, in-shoe and orthosis
padding and various taping techniques are clearly
described along with specific recommendations when
to use bracing and strengthening/stretching
exercises for patients in pain.

The third and final chapter, “Mechanical Changes
Common for Various Injuries” is where Dr. Blake
describes the treatment of the most common pedal,
ankle and lower leg traumatic and mechanically-
related overuse injuries. Detailed treatment
protocols for common forefoot pathologies such as
plantar plate tears, metatarsalgia and metatarsal
stress fractures to name a few are covered along
with midfoot pathologies such as midfoot
arthralgia, dorsal neuritic pain and Lisfranc’s
joint sprain. In addition, ankle and leg
pathologies such as posterior tibial tendon
dysfunction, peroneal tendinopathy and tarsal
tunnel syndrome are also covered in the 18
separate foot, ankle and leg pathologies that Dr.
Blake describes in detail including full
conservative treatment plans.

Overall, Dr. Blake’s second book in his series on
“Practical Biomechanics of the Podiatrist” is an
impressive collection of very clinically relevant
podiatric biomechanical treatments. Even though
Dr. Blake has devoted this book to the podiatry
students at the California School of Podiatric
Medicine in Oakland which he still teaches, his
book will also be a welcome addition to the
libraries of podiatry residents and practicing
podiatrists. I highly recommend this book for any
podiatrist that wants to expand their knowledge in
the conservative biomechanical treatment of the
most common mechanically-related pathologies seen
in podiatrist’s office on a daily basis.

Kevin A. Kirby, DPM, Sacramento, CA

There are no more messages in this thread.