Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare inflammatory skin condition that is difficult to diagnose. Currently, it is a "diagnosis of exclusion."1 Presentation of a patient with a red, hot, swollen foot, ankle or leg is not uncommon for the foot and ankle provider, however, misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis are common in cases of PG. In a retrospective study, 39 percent of patients who initially received a diagnosis of PG were ultimately found to have a prior alternate diagnosis. Part of the difficulty for the foot and ankle provider is that prior to 2018, there was not a clear path for diagnosis or treatment of this condition.

US-based companies are paying attention to the ergonomics of everyday tasks. Some, such as UPS and FedEX, are bringing in Athletic Trainers to help train employees in proper task-related movements to prevent musculoskeletal injuries. Others are offering select ergonomic products in company “stores.” The Coca-Cola Company has taken it one step further. The company recently conducted a pilot study that looked at the integration of dynamic insole technology by SelectFlex (Alliance Design & Development Group; Matawan, NJ) into its ergonomic controls. 

Researchers from North Carolina State University (NC State) and the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill have demonstrated that, with training, neural control of a powered prosthetic ankle can restore a wide range of abilities, including standing on challenging surfaces and squatting. Helen Huang PhD, the Jackson Family Distinguished Professor in the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at NC State and UNC; Aaron Fleming, a PhD candidate in the joint BME department; and their collaborators wanted to know what would happen if an amputee, working with a physical therapist (PT), trained with a neural controlled powered prosthetic ankle on activities that are challenging with typical prostheses.

Achilles tendon (AT) pathologies, particularly Achilles enthesitis, are common in inflammatory arthritis (IA). Although there are various non-pharmacological interventions and injection therapies available, it is unknown if these interventions are effective for people with IA, as this population is often excluded from studies investigating the management of AT pathologies. This study aimed to identify and critically appraise the evidence for non-pharmacological interventions and corticosteroid injections in the management of AT pathology in those with IA.

 

 

The CFPM can post a job posting to reach the chiropody/podiatry community. This service is FREE for all CFPM members, and $150 for non-members (for a 30 day posting).