{"title":"Structured Multi-Modal Rehabilitation Program for FHL Tendinitis and Os Trigonum Excision: A Case Report.","authors":"Başar Öztürk, Beyza Başer Öztürk","doi":"10.3390/japma116030027","DOIUrl":"10.3390/japma116030027","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon injuries, although rare, severely affect foot stability and mobility, particularly in individuals engaging in repetitive push-off actions. This case study examines a 27-year-old male who underwent surgical repair for FHL tendon rupture, followed by a structured, multi-modal rehabilitation program integrating advanced therapeutic techniques. The 12-week program was divided into three distinct phases to ensure a structured and progressive recovery process. The Early Phase (Weeks 1-4) focused on pain and edema control through interventions such as massage, electrotherapy, kinesiotaping, and the use of peritendinous ultrasonography to monitor recovery progress. The Intermediate Phase (Weeks 5-8) aimed to enhance strength and flexibility by incorporating Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), weight-bearing exercises, dynamic stretching, and the progressive integration of Graston massage techniques. Finally, the Advanced Phase (Weeks 9-12) prioritized functional recovery, utilizing balance training, load transfer exercises, agility drills, and Theragun applications to prepare the individual for a return to optimal physical performance. Significant improvements were observed, including pain reduction (VAS score reduced by X%), increased dorsiflexion flexibility (from X° to X°), and enhanced muscle strength (e.g., tibialis anterior strength increased by X%). Functional assessments, such as the Y Balance Test, revealed improved endurance and mobility. This case study highlights the benefits of integrating innovative techniques like Graston massage and Theragun within a structured, evidence-based rehabilitation program to optimize recovery post-FHL tendon surgery.</p>","PeriodicalId":17241,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association","volume":"116 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148032279","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mustafa Karahan, Damla Unal Zilcioglu, Huseyin Karahan
{"title":"Osteochondroma of the Sesamoid Bone: A Case Report.","authors":"Mustafa Karahan, Damla Unal Zilcioglu, Huseyin Karahan","doi":"10.3390/japma116030023","DOIUrl":"10.3390/japma116030023","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Osteochondromas are the most common benign bone tumors; however, they are rarely found in the foot. To date, only three cases involving the sesamoid bone have been reported in the literature. We report the case of a 14-year-old female who presented with a 1.5-year history of foot pain and impaired gait. Clinical evaluation and imaging-including plain radiography and magnetic resonance imaging-identified a lesion in the medial sesamoid bone. The diagnosis of osteochondroma was confirmed histologically, and the lesion was excised with preservation of the sesamoid bone. Postoperatively, the patient's pain resolved completely, and her gait returned to normal within two months. We recommend surgical excision of symptomatic osteochondromas of the sesamoid bone to alleviate pain and restore functional gait.</p>","PeriodicalId":17241,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association","volume":"116 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148032271","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
İbrahim Ulusoy, Mehmet Yılmaz, Mehmet Fırat Tantekin, İsmail Güzel, Aybars Kıvrak
{"title":"There Is No Role for Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Chronic Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy: A Comparative Study with Conservative Treatment.","authors":"İbrahim Ulusoy, Mehmet Yılmaz, Mehmet Fırat Tantekin, İsmail Güzel, Aybars Kıvrak","doi":"10.3390/japma116030024","DOIUrl":"10.3390/japma116030024","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Chronic insertional Achilles tendinopathy (CIAT) is a type of tendinopathy resistant to conventional conservative treatments. The efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) remains controversial. This study aims to evaluate the effects of ESWT on pain management and functional improvement in CIAT patients and compare it with physical and medical treatments <b>Methods:</b> In this retrospective study, 372 patients diagnosed with CIAT between 2019 and 2023 were evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups: those who received only physical/medical therapy (Group 1) and those who underwent a combination of ESWT and physical/medical therapy (Group 2). Clinical outcomes were assessed using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores. The severity of the disease was determined through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Group comparisons were conducted using the independent samples <i>t</i>-test and Fisher's exact test, while changes over time were assessed with repeated measures ANOVA. Correlation analyses were evaluated using Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients. <b>Results:</b> Significant improvement in AOFAS and VAS scores was observed in both groups by the third month (<i>p</i> < 0.01). However, at 6 and 12 months, ESWT did not demonstrate superiority over physical/medical treatment. Correlation analysis showed a positive relationship between baseline AOFAS scores and functional improvement, while higher initial VAS scores correlated with greater post-treatment pain reduction. Cardiovascular risk factors negatively impacted both functional recovery and pain reduction (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Although patient satisfaction was higher in the ESWT group, the difference was not statistically significant. <b>Conclusions:</b> ESWT may provide short-term pain relief and functional improvement in CIAT but does not offer a long-term advantage over physical/medical treatment. The placebo effect may contribute to early positive outcomes. These findings do not support ESWT as a routine treatment for CIAT.</p>","PeriodicalId":17241,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association","volume":"116 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148032203","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alan Banks, Chandler Ligas, Donald Scot Malay, Shayla Robinson
{"title":"Outcomes of Lapidus Procedure Without Focused Frontal Plane Rotation of the First Metatarsal.","authors":"Alan Banks, Chandler Ligas, Donald Scot Malay, Shayla Robinson","doi":"10.3390/japma116030022","DOIUrl":"10.3390/japma116030022","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: We present a retrospective radiographic analysis showcasing the ability to correct hallux valgus using the Lapidus arthrodesis without focused frontal plane rotation of the first metatarsal. <b>Methods</b>: A total of 33 feet in 30 patients who had undergone Lapidus arthrodesis for the treatment of hallux abducto valgus deformity from 1 August 2015 to 31 December 2020 were identified. The median age of the cohort was 55.4 years (range, 33-78 years), 23 were female (76.7%), three (10%) underwent bilateral Lapidus arthrodesis, and the median duration of follow-up was 15.9 months (range, 5-72 months). <b>Results</b>: The median (minimum, maximum) preoperative first intermetatarsal angle was 16° (13°, 28°), and at final follow-up it was 5° (0°, 6°) (<i>p</i> < 0.001). The median (minimum, maximum) preoperative hallux abductus angle was 37° (26°, 51°), and at final follow-up it was 8.5° (0°, 22.5°) (<i>p</i> < 0.001). The median (minimum, maximum) preoperative tibial sesamoid position was 6 (4, 7), and at final follow-up it was 3 (2, 5) (<i>p</i> = 0.001). <b>Conclusions</b>: We found the radiographic first metatarsal lateral round sign to be ambiguous. Qualitative comparison of the results of this investigation with prior studies describing outcomes following Lapidus arthrodesis with focused frontal plane rotation of the first metatarsal suggests that similar outcomes can be achieved without employment of a decisive frontal plane rotation of the first metatarsal. Our findings lead us to believe that correction of substantial hallux abducto valgus deformities can be accomplished using the Lapidus procedure combined with lateral release of the first metatarsophalangeal joint without focused derotation of the first metatarsal.</p>","PeriodicalId":17241,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association","volume":"116 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148032226","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Good Clinical Outcomes Following Minor Foot Amputations in People with Diabetes: A Retrospective Clinical Audit of Associated Factors.","authors":"Clare Linton, Angela Searle, Vivienne Chuter","doi":"10.7547/21-117","DOIUrl":"10.7547/21-117","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: The purpose of this retrospective audit was to compare patient based clinical outcomes to amputation healing outcomes twelve months after a minor foot amputation in people with diabetes. <b>Methods</b>: Hospital admission and community outpatient data were extracted for all minor foot amputations in people with diabetes in 2017 in the Central Coast Local Health District. <b>Results</b>: A total 85 minor foot amputations involving 74 people were identified. At the twelve-month follow-up 74% (n=56) of the minor foot amputations healed, 63% (n=41) of the participants achieved a good clinical outcome (healed, no more proximal amputations, or death within the 12 month follow up period), and the mortality rate was 18%. Poor clinical outcomes were associated with those aged greater than 60 (RR 5.75, 95% CI: 0.85 to 38.7, p=0.013), those undergoing a further surgical debridement procedure during their hospital stay (RR 2.42, 95% CI: 1.3 to 4.4, p=0.005) and those who did not attend CCLHD Podiatry clinics post-amputation (RR 2.3, 95% CI: 1.2 to 4.1, p=0.010). <b>Conclusions</b>: To improve patient based clinical outcomes post-minor foot amputation, targeted follow-up in a high-risk foot clinic, and tailored discharge treatment plans for people aged over 60 or those undergoing a debridement procedure may be considered.</p>","PeriodicalId":17241,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association","volume":"143 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80284252","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Craig J Verdin, Holly D Shan, Umayr R Shaikh, Elena Galvano, Karen K Evans, Christopher E Attinger, John S Steinberg, Jayson N Atves
{"title":"Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis as a Tool for Podoplastic Limb and Gait Salvage in the Chopart Amputation: A Functional Assessment.","authors":"Craig J Verdin, Holly D Shan, Umayr R Shaikh, Elena Galvano, Karen K Evans, Christopher E Attinger, John S Steinberg, Jayson N Atves","doi":"10.3390/japma116020020","DOIUrl":"10.3390/japma116020020","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Chopart amputation is a controversial amputation level and has been described as a relatively non-functional amputation due to the increased risk for stump deformity and subsequent complications. Recent literature has shown that a tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis can subjectively increase function in the Chopart amputation. We describe the use of a tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis in a 44-year-old diabetic male with a Chopart amputation for the purpose of limb and gait salvage. After 292 days and an uneventful postoperative course, the patient consented to gait analysis. The case allows us to objectively conclude that the tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis can quantitatively increase the functionality of the Chopart amputation and, in turn, expand its indication for use within the more functional populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":17241,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association","volume":"116 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147775071","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ana Belen Ortega-Avila, Sandra Sanchez-Morilla, Maria Hermas Galan-Hurtado, Pablo Cervera-Garvi, Jorge Garcia-Medina, Ana Marchena-Rodriguez
{"title":"Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Questionnaire: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Ana Belen Ortega-Avila, Sandra Sanchez-Morilla, Maria Hermas Galan-Hurtado, Pablo Cervera-Garvi, Jorge Garcia-Medina, Ana Marchena-Rodriguez","doi":"10.7547/24-070","DOIUrl":"10.7547/24-070","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Background: The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure is frequently used by clinicians and researchers to assess the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions for patients with foot and ankle pathologies. To review different versions of the FAAM and to evaluate the methodological quality of studies published in this respect. Methods: Systematic review. Setting. A search was conducted in the PubMed, SCOPUS, PEDro, PROSPERO and SPORTDiscus databases, applying the following inclusion criteria: validation studies of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure, in different languages, with no time limit, in a population aged ≥18 years. Two of the present authors independently assessed the quality of the studies located and extracted the relevant data. The COSMIN checklist was employed to assess methodological quality. Results: Thirteen instruments met the inclusion criteria for this review. In many cases, significant methodological flaws were detected, mostly regarding criterion validity and measurement error. Conclusion: Only the Spanish-language cultural adaptation of the FAAM presents adequate methodological quality. Further studies, with greater methodological rigour, are required of the cultural adaptations of this measurement instrument.</p>","PeriodicalId":17241,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association","volume":"116 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147775118","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Thasvhinni Nasendran, Alexis Y F Lai, Luke M Davies, Malia Ho
{"title":"Investigating the Impact of Patient Lateness on the Podiatry Profession: An International Survey.","authors":"Thasvhinni Nasendran, Alexis Y F Lai, Luke M Davies, Malia Ho","doi":"10.7547/24-198","DOIUrl":"10.7547/24-198","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Background: Podiatrists are crucial for managing lower limb pathologies, and effective appointment scheduling is vital for allocating adequate consultation time based on patient conditions. While occasional late patient arrivals may not significantly impact services, frequent lateness can disrupt patient flow and quality of care. This study explored the impact of patient lateness on podiatry practices worldwide, where no countries of origin were excluded. This study assessed current strategies to manage patient lateness, evaluated their effectiveness and reported recommendations for improvement. Methods: An international cross-sectional online survey was conducted between January and March 2024. Results: The survey, which garnered 201 responses from podiatrists, revealed that over 90% of podiatrists experienced disruptions in their clinic workflow due to late patients. Common reasons for lateness included traffic issues and difficulties with parking. SMS reminders emerged as the most effective tool for reducing tardiness. Over half (59.3%) of podiatrists implemented a 10-minute grace period before rescheduling late appointments, which effectively reduced lateness by 50%. However, some podiatrists refrained from rescheduling to avoid worsening patients' conditions or dealing with complaints. Additionally, many podiatrists reported a lack of managerial support in handling late patients. Conclusion: The frequency of late arrivals in podiatry is similar to other health professions and negatively impacts clinic workflow and staff morale. Enhanced managerial support is needed to better manage late patients, allowing podiatrists to concentrate on their clinical responsibilities.</p>","PeriodicalId":17241,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association","volume":"116 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147775076","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Morphological Characteristics of the Intrinsic Foot Muscles in Individuals with Flat Foot: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Serkan Taş, Ece Ekici, Ümit Yüzbaşıoğlu, Asena Ayça Özdemir","doi":"10.7547/24-094","DOIUrl":"10.7547/24-094","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The purpose of this meta-analysis was to discern the changes in morphological characteristics of the intrinsic foot muscles, including changes in the cross-sectional area (CSA) and thickness of the abductor hallucis (AbH), flexor hallucis brevis (FHB), flexor digitorum brevis (FDB), and abductor digiti minimi (AbDM) in individuals with flat foot (FF).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted our literature search in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus electronic databases. We included English-language case–control and cross-sectional studies comparing the morphological features of the intrinsic foot muscles in adults with and without FF. The methodological quality of the five studies that met the inclusion criteria was assessed with an adapted version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cross-sectional studies. The mean difference (MD) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was used to quantify the effects between adults with and without FF.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study included five studies, one of which was classified as high quality, while the remaining studies were classified as moderate quality. The CSA of the FHB (MD = −0.41, 95% CI = −0.61, −0.22; p < 0.001, I<sup>2</sup>: 59%) and AbDM (MD = −0.21, 95% CI = −0.32, −0.11; p < 0.001; I<sup>2</sup> = 1%) and the thickness of the AbDM (MD = −1.43, 95% CI = −1.81, −1.05; p < 0.001; I<sup>2</sup> = 1%) were lower in individuals with FF than in the control group. However, the CSA of the AbH and FDB, and the thickness of the AbH, FHB, and FDB, exhibited no significant differences between the FF and control groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The results of our study indicate that individuals with FF exhibited significant atrophy of the FHB and AbDM muscles. However, the morphology of the AbH and FDB muscles did not appear to influence foot posture, based on the five studies that were considered.</p>","PeriodicalId":17241,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association","volume":"116 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147775058","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Novel Diabetic Limb Preservation Initiative Using Symptom-Focused Education and Coordinated Podiatric Care.","authors":"Paul Han","doi":"10.7547/25-108","DOIUrl":"10.7547/25-108","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and lower extremity amputations are major contributors to morbidity and mortality in individuals with diabetes. Among patients undergoing active cancer treatment, the risks are compounded by immunosuppression, peripheral neuropathy, and vascular complications. Even minor foot infections or wounds in these patients can necessitate the suspension of cancer therapy, with potentially lifethreatening consequences. This study evaluated the impaqt of integrating symptom-focused patient education with coordinated podiatric care to reduce DFUs and amputations in this highrisk population with concurrent cancer and diabetes. Methods: A five-year retrospective review was conducted at a National Cancer Institute (NCl)designated comprehensive cancer center as part of the Novel Limb Preservation Initiative. The cohort included patients with Type II diabetes undergoing treatment for prostate, breast, colorectal, lymphoma, leukemia, thyroid, or lung cancers. Patients were assigned targeted educational modules based on self-reported diabetic foot symptoms. Podiatric care was individualized according to each patient's signs and symptoms, including routine diabetic foot examinations and close, timely monitoring when indicated. Results: The intervention yielded a DFU incidence of 2. 8% and an amputation rate of 0. 43%, both lower than national benchmarks. Enhanced patient engagement through diabetic foot symptom-focused education and earlier detection of foot complications-including diabetic foot ssues that may appear minor to laypersons-contributed to these improved outcomes. Conclusion: Integrating diabetic foot symptom-focused education with proactive podiatric monitoring significantly reduced DFUs and amputations in this high-risk population. This model, developed under the Novel Limb Preservation Initiative, offers a scalable strategy for broader implementation, particularly in high-risk communities, including Hispanic, African American, low socioeconomic, and rural populations across the United States.</p>","PeriodicalId":17241,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association","volume":"116 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147774988","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}