Articles

Non-invasive assessment of vibration perception and protective sensation in people with diabetes mellitus: inter- and intra-rater reliability

Testing of protective sensation and vibration perception are two of the most commonly used non-invasive methods of screening for diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy (DPN). However, there is limited research...

Authors: Sean Michael Lanting, Martin Jeremy Spink, Peta Ellen Tehan, Stephanie Vickers, Sarah Louise Casey and Vivienne Helaine Chuter

Professional appraisal of online information about children’s footwear measurement and fit: readability, usability and quality

Parents increasingly use the internet to seek health information, share information and for purchasing textiles and footwear. This shift in footwear purchasing habits raises concern about how (and if) parents ...

Authors: Carina Price, Michael Haley, Anita Williams, Chris Nester and Stewart C. Morrison

Ulcer metastasis? Anatomical locations of recurrence for patients in diabetic foot remission

The “cancer analogy” is powerful for communicating risk to and organizing care for patients with diabetic foot syndrome. One potentially underappreciated similarity between cancer and foot ulcers is that both ...

Authors: Brian J. Petersen, Gary M. Rothenberg, Priti J. Lakhani, Min Zhou, David R. Linders, Jonathan D. Bloom, Katherine A. Wood and David G. Armstrong

Associations of foot ulceration with quality of life and psychosocial determinants among patients with diabetes; a case-control study

Patients with diabetic foot ulcers may have a lower quality of life. The objective was to compare the quality of life and its psychosocial determinants among patients with and without diabetic foot ulcers.

Authors: Fahad D. Alosaimi, Reem Labani, Nouf Almasoud, Nora Alhelali, Lamya Althawadi and Dhaherah Mani AlJahani

Abstracts from the College of Podiatry Annual Conference 2018

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The foot-health of people with diabetes in regional and rural Australia: baseline results from an observational cohort study

There is limited Australian epidemiological research that reports on the foot-health characteristics of people with diabetes, especially within rural and regional settings. The objective of this study was to e...

Authors: Byron M. Perrin, Penny Allen, Marcus J. Gardner, Andrew Chappell, Bronwyn Phillips, Claire Massey, Isabelle Skinner and Timothy C. Skinner

The impact of shoe flexibility on gait, pressure and muscle activity of young children. A systematic review

There is limited evidence of shoe impact in younger children, particularly in the context of immature gait patterns. It is unclear if the impact from shoes in younger children is similar to what has been seen ...

Authors: Simone Cranage, Luke Perraton, Kelly-Ann Bowles and Cylie Williams

The prevalence and impact of self-reported foot and ankle pain in the over 55 age group: a secondary data analysis from a large community sample

While the prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal problems are high, most attention has been directed towards the back, knee and hip disorders. Foot pain is known to be common in older adults and accounts for...

Authors: Anne-Maree Keenan, Chris Drake, Philip G. Conaghan and Alan Tennant

Spray on skin for diabetic foot ulcers: an open label randomised controlled trial

One Australian loses a limb every 3 h as a result of infected diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). This common condition accounts for substantial morbidity and mortality for affected individuals and heavy economic cost...

Authors: Laurens Manning, Emma J. Hamilton, Edward Raby, Paul E. Norman, Wendy Davis, Fiona Wood, Keryln Carville, Mendel Baba, Jonathan Hiew, Erica Ryan, Ivana Ferreira, Paul Gittings and Jens C. Ritter

“I need somebody who knows about feet” a qualitative study investigating the lived experiences of conservative treatment for patients with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is a disabling, chronic, progressive tendon condition that detrimentally affects foot, ankle and lower limb function. Research suggests that posterior tibial tendon dysfunct...

Authors: Rona Frances Campbell, Christopher Morriss-Roberts, Beverley Durrant and Simon Cahill

Passive hallux adduction decreases lateral plantar artery blood flow: a preliminary study of the potential influence of narrow toe box shoes

Blood flow is essential in maintaining tissue health. Thus, compromised blood flow can prevent tissue healing. An adducted hallux, as seen inside a narrow shoe, may put passive tension on the abductor hallucis...

Authors: Julia L. Jacobs, Sarah T. Ridge, Dustin A. Bruening, K. Annie Brewerton, Jayson R. Gifford, Daniel M. Hoopes and A. Wayne Johnson

Australian Podiatry Conference 2019

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Reliability of a two-probe ultrasound imaging procedure to measure strain in the Achilles tendon

Alteration in the strain properties of the Achilles tendon may lead to adaptations such as pathological stiffening. Stiff tendons have reduced adaptive ability, which may increase the risk for developing tendi...

Authors: Prue Molyneux, Richard F. Ellis and Matthew Carroll

Comparative outcomes of foot cast and short leg cast in pseudo-Jones avulsion fracture: a single blinded randomized controlled trial

Fractures of the metatarsal bones account for 35% of all foot fractures. Conservative management of fractures proximal to the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction of the fifth metatarsal bone (pseudo-Jones) is by p...

Authors: Peerapong Piyapittayanun, Kanakij Mutthakalin, Alisara Arirachakaran and Jatupon Kongtharvonskul

Validation of a novel Kinect-based device for 3D scanning of the foot plantar surface in weight-bearing

Advancements in additive manufacturing, along with new 3D scanning tools, are increasingly fulfilling the technological need for custom devices in personalized medicine. In podiatry and in the footwear industr...

Authors: Giulia Rogati, Alberto Leardini, Maurizio Ortolani and Paolo Caravaggi

Factors associated with type of footwear worn inside the house: a cross-sectional study

In specific populations, including those at risk of falls or foot ulcers, indoor footwear is an important aspect of preventative care. This study aims to describe the indoor footwear worn most over the previou...

Authors: Alex L. Barwick, Jaap J. van Netten, Sheree E. Hurn, Lloyd F. Reed and Peter A. Lazzarini

Commitment devices in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers

Non-removable offloading devices are recommended for the treatment of uncomplicated plantar diabetic foot ulcers because adherence to using removable devices is low. However, patients may not always understand...

Authors: Gustav Jarl

Is consumer behaviour towards footwear predisposing for lower extremity injuries in runners and walkers? A prospective study

Runners and walkers often suffer from lower extremity injuries. Little is known about the relationship between their consumer behaviour towards footwear and the development of those injuries. Therefore, the ai...

Authors: Tine Marieke Willems, Roel De Ridder and Philip Roosen

Determining the clinical knowledge and practice of Australian podiatrists on children with developmental coordination disorder: a cross-sectional survey

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a common condition in children affecting motor coordination. This impacts on academic performance, and activities of daily living. Literature surrounding interventi...

Authors: Mitchell Smith, Helen A. Banwell, Emily Ward and Cylie M. Williams

Stiffness modification of two ankle-foot orthosis types to optimize gait in individuals with non-spastic calf muscle weakness – a proof-of-concept study

To reduce gait problems in individuals with non-spastic calf muscle weakness, spring-like ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are often applied, but they are not individually optimized to treatment outcome. The aim of ...

Authors: Hilde E. Ploeger, Niels F. J. Waterval, Frans Nollet, Sicco A. Bus and Merel-Anne Brehm

The progression rate of peripheral arterial disease in patients with intermittent claudication: a systematic review

Intermittent claudication (IC) is the most common symptom of peripheral arterial disease and is generally treated conservatively due to limited prognostic evidence to support early revascularisation in the ind...

Authors: A. Mizzi, K. Cassar, C. Bowen and C. Formosa

The reliability of the ankle brachial index: a systematic review

The ankle brachial index (ABI) is widely used in clinical practice as a non-invasive method to detect the presence and severity of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Current guidelines suggest that it should b...

Authors: Sarah Casey, Sean Lanting, Christopher Oldmeadow and Vivienne Chuter

The footwear experiences of people with gout: a qualitative study

Footwear is an important concern for people with gout, who often describe difficulty finding suitable footwear. Previous studies have identified footwear as a major concern for people with gout. The aim of thi...

Authors: Mike Frecklington, Anita Williams, Nicola Dalbeth, Peter McNair, Peter Gow and Keith Rome

The iPhone Measure app level function as a measuring device for the weight bearing lunge test in adults: a reliability study

Ankle joint range of motion is a frequently assessed measure used by health care clinicians who manage lower limb pathologies to identify ankle equinus and/or other joint motion concerns that may negatively im...

Authors: Helen A. Banwell, Hayley Uden, Nicole Marshall, Carlie Altmann and Cylie M. Williams

The impact of multimorbidity on foot health outcomes in podiatry patients with musculoskeletal foot pain: a prospective observational study

Multimorbidity is prevalent and adversely affects health outcomes. Foot pain is common and one of the primary reasons for utilisation of podiatry services. At present, little is known about the impact of multi...

Authors: Gordon J. Hendry, Linda Fenocchi, Helen Mason and Martijn Steultjens

Evaluation of orthotic insoles for people with diabetes who are at-risk of first ulceration

This study focussed on pressure relieving orthotic insoles designed for retail footwear and people with diabetes and at risk of first forefoot ulceration. The aim was to investigate whether the pressure reliev...

Authors: Ana Martinez-Santos, Stephen Preece and Christopher J. Nester

Predictors of lower extremity amputation in patients with diabetic foot ulcer: findings from MEDFUN, a multi-center observational study

Lower extremity amputation (LEA) is a potential sequelae of diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) and is associated with huge morbidly and mortality. Low and middle income countries are currently at the greatest risk...

Authors: Ejiofor Ugwu, Olufunmilayo Adeleye, Ibrahim Gezawa, Innocent Okpe, Marcelina Enamino and Ignatius Ezeani

Charcot arthropathy of the diabetic foot in a sub-Saharan tertiary hospital: a cross-sectional study

Charcot foot arthropathy is a potentially limb-threatening condition that leads to progressive destruction of the bones and joints in the neuropathic foot. One of its main causes is diabetes mellitus whose pre...

Authors: Jean Paul Vwakya Wanzou, Patrick Sekimpi, Johnson Owonda Komagum, Frederick Nakwagala and Erisa Sabakaki Mwaka

Systematic review on the comparative effectiveness of foot orthoses in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Foot orthoses (FOs) are prescribed as an important conservative treatment option in patients with foot problems related to rheumatoid arthritis. However, a broad variation in FOs is used, both in clinical prac...

Authors: Marloes Tenten-Diepenmaat, Joost Dekker, Martijn W. Heymans, Leo D. Roorda, Thea P. M. Vliet Vlieland and Marike van der Leeden

Lower limb vascular assessment techniques of podiatrists in the United Kingdom: a national survey

Podiatric vascular assessment practices in the United Kingdom (UK) are currently unknown. This study aimed to describe the current practices for performing lower limb vascular assessments by podiatrists in the...

Authors: Peta Ellen Tehan, Martin Fox, Sarah Stewart, Susan Matthews and Vivienne Helaine Chuter

A novel application of strain sonoelastography can detect changes in Achilles tendon elasticity during isometric contractions of increasing intensity

Mechanical and morphological properties of the Achilles tendon are altered in disease and in response to changes in mechanical loading. In the last few years different ultrasound based technologies have been u...

Authors: Alessandro Schneebeli, Filippo Del Grande, Deborah Falla, Corrado Cescon, Ron Clijsen and Marco Barbero

Factors influencing behavioural intention to use a smart shoe insole in regionally based adults with diabetes: a mixed methods study

Smart insole technologies that provide biofeedback on foot health can support foot-care in adults with diabetes. However, the factors that influence patient uptake and acceptance of this technology are unclear...

Authors: Emma M. Macdonald, Byron M. Perrin, Nerida Hyett and Michael I. C. Kingsley

International approaches to paediatric podiatry curricula: It’s the same, but different

Pre-registration / entry-level programmes of study provide the core knowledge, skills and abilities required for clinical practice. These programmes are where students are introduced to specialist domains of p...

Authors: Cylie M. Williams, Chris Nester and Stewart C. Morrison

Quantitative evaluation method for clarifying ankle plantar flexion angles using anterior drawer and inversion stress tests: a cross-sectional study

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) may result from repeated, frequent ankle sprains during sports activities. Manual examination for CAI is conducted; however, quantitative methods for the evaluation of CAI have ...

Authors: Takanori Kikumoto, Kazuma Akatsuka, Emi Nakamura, Wataru Ito, Ryo Hirabayashi and Mutsuaki Edama

Work participation, mobility and foot symptoms in people with systemic lupus erythematosus: findings of a UK national survey

The aim of this study was to investigate whether foot and lower limb related symptoms were associated with work participation and poor mobility in people with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

Authors: M. J. Stevens, K. Walker-Bone, D. J. Culliford, B. Alcacer-Pitarch, A. Blake, N. Hopkinson, L. S. Teh, E. M. Vital, C. J. Edwards, A. E. Williams and L. Cherry

Key concepts in children’s footwear research: a scoping review focusing on therapeutic footwear

Reports suggest that children with mobility impairment represent a significant proportion of the population living with a disability. Footwear is considered to be the key extrinsic factor affecting children’s ...

Authors: Matthew Hill, Aoife Healy and Nachiappan Chockalingam

Foot orthoses alter lower limb biomechanics but not jump performance in basketball players with and without flat feet

Flat-footed individuals are believed to have poorer jump performance compared to normal-arched individuals. Foot orthoses are commonly used to support the deformed foot arch, and improve normal foot function. ...

Authors: Malia Ho, Pui Wah Kong, Lowell Jia-Yee Chong and Wing-Kai Lam

The changing landscape of professional practice in podiatry, lessons to be learned from other professions about the barriers to change – a narrative review

The delivery of healthcare is changing and aligned with this, the podiatry profession continues to change with evidence informed practice and extending roles. As change is now a constant, this gives clinicians...

Authors: Michael Harrison-Blount, Christopher Nester and Anita Williams

The use of urea for the treatment of onychomycosis: a systematic review

Onychomycosis, a fungal infection affecting the nail plate, is a common condition often requiring prolonged treatment regimens, with low success rates. Urea is one treatment option, which is thought to improve...

Authors: S. Dars, H. A. Banwell and L. Matricciani

Gender differences in attitudes and attributes of people using therapeutic shoes for diabetic foot complications

Therapeutic shoes can prevent diabetic foot reulcerations but their use is complicated by the fact that shoes have psychological and social meanings, which is believed to put a larger burden on women than men....

Authors: Gustav Jarl, John Alnemo, Roy Tranberg and Lars-Olov Lundqvist

Efficacy of heel lifts versus calf muscle eccentric exercise for mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (the HEALTHY trial): study protocol for a randomised trial

Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy is a common musculoskeletal condition characterised by degeneration of the Achilles tendon, which causes pain and disability. Multiple non-surgical treatments have been advoca...

Authors: Chantel L. Rabusin, Hylton B. Menz, Jodie A. McClelland, Angela M. Evans, Karl B. Landorf, Peter Malliaras, Sean I. Docking and Shannon E. Munteanu

The lived experience of people with diabetes using off-the-shelf prescription footwear in Singapore: a qualitative study using interpretative phenomenological analysis

Diabetic foot ulceration (DFUs) is increasingly prevalent in Singapore. Appropriate management is important since DFU brings with it an associated risk for lower limb amputations, high morbidity rates and cost...

Authors: Sheena Tan, Hazel Horobin and Thanaporn Tunprasert

Management of musculoskeletal foot and ankle conditions prior to public-sector orthopaedic referral in South Australia

Foot and ankle pain is common in the Australian adult population. People with musculoskeletal foot and ankle conditions are often referred for surgical opinion, yet how patients are managed prior to referral i...

Authors: Tom P. Walsh, Linda R. Ferris, Nancy C. Cullen, Jared L. Bourke, Melissa J. Cooney, Chi K. Gooi, Christopher H. Brown and John B. Arnold

Where do we stand? The availability and efficacy of diabetes related foot health programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians: a systematic review

Aboriginal and Torres Islander Australians experience considerably higher rates of diabetes and diabetes related foot complications and amputations than non-Indigenous Australians. Therefore there is a need to...

Authors: Vivienne Chuter, Matthew West, Fiona Hawke and Angela Searle

Function of ankle ligaments for subtalar and talocrural joint stability during an inversion movement – an in vitro study

The lateral ankle ligament complex consisting of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) and the posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL) is known to provide stability against...

Authors: Lu Li, Albert Gollhofer, Heinz Lohrer, Nadja Dorn-Lange, Guiseppe Bonsignore and Dominic Gehring

“Come and live with my feet and you’ll understand” – a qualitative study exploring the experiences of retail footwear in women with rheumatoid arthritis

Foot pain and deformity are common in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previous research has identified that women with RA seek retail footwear to alleviate their foot problems. The specific footwear fea...

Authors: Peta Ellen Tehan, Trish Morpeth, Anita Ellen Williams, Nicola Dalbeth and Keith Rome

Evaluation of a simple tool to assess the results of Ponseti treatment for use by clubfoot therapists: a diagnostic accuracy study

We aimed to develop and evaluate a tool for clubfoot therapists in low resource settings to assess the results of Ponseti treatment of congenital talipes equinovarus, or clubfoot, in children of walking age.

Authors: Tracey Smythe, Debra Mudariki, Maxman Gova, Allen Foster and Christopher Lavy

Description of the surgical technique for condylectomy with minimally invasive surgery to treat interdigital helomas on the lesser toes: a Delphi study

Descriptions of the techniques for condylectomies via minimally invasive surgery (MIS) to treat interdigital helomas of the lesser toes are scarce in the literature. This study aimed to define and describe thi...

Authors: Luis M. Marti-Martinez, Alba Gracia-Sánchez, Javier Ferrer-Torregrosa, Rubén Lorca-Gutierrez, Jonatan Garcia-Campos and Salvador Pedro Sánchez-Pérez

The effectiveness of non-surgical interventions for common plantar digital compressive neuropathy (Morton’s neuroma): a systematic review and meta-analysis

Morton’s neuroma (MN) is a compressive neuropathy of the common plantar digital nerve. It is a common compressive neuropathy often causing significant pain which limits footwear choices and weight bearing acti...

Authors: Barry G. Matthews, Sheree E. Hurn, Michael P. Harding, Rachel A. Henry and Robert S. Ware

Feasibility of designing, manufacturing and delivering 3D printed ankle-foot orthoses: a systematic review

Ankle-foot orthoses (AFO) are prescribed to manage difficulty walking due to foot drop, bony foot deformities and poor balance. Traditional AFOs are handmade using thermoplastic vacuum forming which provides l...

Authors: Elizabeth Wojciechowski, Angela Y. Chang, Daniel Balassone, Jacqueline Ford, Tegan L. Cheng, David Little, Manoj P. Menezes, Sean Hogan and Joshua Burns