Top 10 Countdown: Best of Podiatry Today 2022

Elite athletes depend on expert health care providers to keep them at their highest level of performance. Podiatry is no exception. In this article, Jennifer Spector, DPM, had the opportunity to speak with several leading DPMs working with professional athletes and teams. Here they share the highs and lows, how they got involved, and what interested podiatrists can do to find similarly rewarding roles.

Dystrophic toenails are a common presenting concern in a podiatric practice. In this podcast, Nicole M. DeLauro, DPM, FACPM, DABFAS shared her insights on diagnostic and therapeutic pathways to address this condition.

Podiatrists see dermatologic symptoms and conditions every day in their practices. In this article, Tracey C. Vlahovic, DPM, FFPM RCPS (Glasg) outlined, in her experience, the top ten skin conditions of the lower extremity and shared insights on presentation, diagnosis and treatment aimed towards optimizing patient outcomes.

In this video, Vikram A. Bala, DPM, and Gregory A. Foote, DPM, shared tips they learned along the way while learning MIS bunion surgery.

In this Point-Counterpoint debate, Valerie Marmolejo, DPM, MS, CTBS, MWC advocated for careful consideration of circumstances surrounding this treatment modality, arguing the controversy does not have a clear verdict. Erin E. Klein, DPM, FACFAS, DABPM pointed out deficits in the available literature, along with showcasing pertinent animal literature and meta-analyses that cannot completely support steroid injection as a go-to treatment option in tendon pathology.

With hallux valgus being so frequent a presentation in podiatric practices, it is important for the podiatrist to have a deep understanding of the related biomechanics in order to precisely evaluate the deformity and choose the best treatment options. In this piece, Doug Richie, Jr., DPM, FACFAS, FAAPSM provided a comprehensive review of the literature, including emerging concepts, regarding the biomechanics of this complex, yet common, deformity.

Podiatrists often spend time in their practices with patients, dispelling myths about various foot concerns, but one should also consider myths perpetuated by colleagues, mentors, or even oneself. Tracey C. Vlahovic, DPM, FFPM RCPS (Glasg) broke down the available evidence, and shared her experience with five such myths that plague podiatric practice.

Podiatrists worldwide work tirelessly for patients and the profession every day. However, some reach even further, exhibiting excellence and inspiring progress on an even larger scale. These outstanding female DPMs are truly “changemakers,” whether shaping our understanding of the principles of podiatry, educating the world on the benefits of podiatric care, advocating for patients nationally or globally, or advancing opportunities for colleagues.

A. Douglas Spitalny, DPM, and colleagues collected data on over 250 active duty military seen early or later on in their military career with congenital clubfeet. "I am always amazed in my experience to see, how few physicians, let alone radiologists, understand the difference between what a normal and congenital clubfoot looks like as an adult."

Just as technology evolves over time in every aspect of our lives, shoe technology is no exception. However, as Kevin A. Kirby, DPM, asked, what do we know about the true effects of innovative materials and construction in running shoes? Are so-called “super shoes” truly super?