09/17/2025
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
MI Podiatrist Discusses Treatment for Neuromas
According to Conway McLean, DPM, "Initial therapy for a neuroma generally consists of one to three steroid injections. Another frequently utilized approach involves altering foot mechanics in such a way as to reduce the pinching of the nerve in question. Another method listed in the guidelines is termed a sclerosing technique, indicating some structure is chemically induced to shrink. This has a good success rate for an intermetatarsal neuroma and entails rare complications when applied judiciously. A series of injections is always performed with the goal being destruction of the nerve."
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Dr. Conway McLean |
"Depending on the person, and the care brought to bear, some individuals will continue to experience symptoms. Many are told at some point in this process that surgery is their best option, which traditionally has consisted of cutting out the diseased section of nerve. Interestingly, this is the only place in the human body where a section of nerve is cut out and removed. Elsewhere we may move a nerve but it is never removed entirely," says Dr. McLean.
Source: Marquette Mining Journal [9/16/25]
09/10/2025
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
Examining Patients' Gait and Shoe Wear Often Very Telling: NY Podiatrist
"The feet are the foundation of your body. Ill-fitting shoes, or those that don't provide enough support, affect the entire body, whether through fatigue or by creating an anatomical imbalance," explains podiatrist Miguel Cunha, DPM, owner of Gotham Footcare. One of the first things Dr. Cunha asks his patients to do is to place their shoes on the examination table, because signs of wear are very telling.
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Dr. Miguel Cunha |
"As we all walk, our feet bend inward a little, which means the center of the foot lowers. But if they bend too much, you'll do more damage to the inside of the shoe and the heel," says Cunha. This causes the foot to roll inward, which leads to various problems, such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, pain in the inner knee, hip, and lower back. To find the cause, Cunha often performs gait analyses. Sometimes they are performed in the office, but even a simple video of the patient walking toward and away from the camera can reveal irregularities in the gait or stance. These indicators help determine whether the pain is caused by body mechanics or ill-fitting shoes.
Source: Gazmend Kajtazi, Telegraph [9/1/25]
09/09/2025
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
WI Podiatrist Honored by Stateline Family YMCA as Community Champion
Robert M. Sage, DPM, a dedicated podiatrist, has recently been recognized with the Community Champion award by the Stateline Family YMCA.
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Dr. Robert Sage |
Dr. Sage earned his podiatric medical degree at the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine and completed a podiatric residency at PHS Mt. Sinai East Hospital in Richmond Heights, OH. He is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
Source: Southern Wisconsin Times [9/4/25]
09/09/2025
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
Plantar Warts a Common Summer Aftermath: Canadian Podiatrist
After months of fun in the sun, it’s not just your skin or hair that might be feeling the effects of warm weather adventures. “Summer is tough on our feet,” says Amandeep Randhawa, DPM, a B.C.-based podiatrist and owner of Metro Vancouver Podiatry. “We spend more time barefoot at the beach, in sandals with little support, and our feet are exposed to heat and sun. This combination raises the risk for a wide range of issues.”
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Dr. Amandeep Randhawa |
Left unchecked, a seemingly innocuous area of thickened skin that pops up now can become problematic by October. “Warts can sometimes look like corns or calluses,” she says. “They typically hurt more if you squeeze the area side-to-side as opposed to simply pushing on them. They can also show tiny black dots.” Best treated by prescription medications or an in-office treatment, such as liquid nitrogen, it’s important to address warts promptly. “Left untreated they can become larger, spread to other parts of your body and to others in your life, and typically become much harder to treat,” she warns.
Source: Ingrie Williams, The Globe and Mail [9/6/25]
09/08/2025
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS - PART 1
NY Podiatrist Gives Tips on Preventing Athlete’s Foot in Diabetics
It’s important for anybody, not just a diabetic patient, to avoid walking in public places barefoot, like pools, gyms, and locker rooms, says William Spielfogel, DPM. “So if you’re in the gym or going to take a shower in a spa... you should be wearing flip-flops, that’s probably the best prevention for athlete’s foot,” says Dr. Spielfogel. It’s also important to dry your feet thoroughly after showering or bathing, especially between your toes.
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Dr. William Spielfogel |
“Fungal infections like to live in dark, damp environments,” says Dr. Spielfogel. “So if your feet are wet and you put your socks and shoes on, it’s a good breeding ground for a fungal infection.” If you do end up with athlete’s foot, be sure to get it treated immediately, especially if you have diabetes. In most cases, athlete’s foot can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams, but prescription medicines may be needed for more serious infections. If the athlete's foot doesn't clear up after a couple of weeks, talk to your doctor.
Source: GoodRx via Dr. Robert Steinberg
09/08/2025
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS - PART 2
IL Podiatry Discusses Total Ankle Replacement
Though it has been around for decades, total ankle replacement is still relatively unknown compared to hip or knee replacements. That's largely because until recently, the results weren’t great. Early generations of implants often failed, leaving surgeons hesitant and patients skeptical. Technology has advanced in the last 10 to 15 years with custom, patient-specific metal implants. Bryce Paschold, DPM, a foot and ankle surgeon for OSF HealthCare/OrthoMidwest, says the process now requires less invasive bone removal, and outcomes are dramatically better.
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Dr. Bryce Paschold |
We put a poly [ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene] in between there [the replacement joint], and that’s the thing that allows for the motion between the joint,” Dr. Paschold explains. “So, basically we’re resecting out bone from both sides of the joint, which is getting rid of the arthritis, to preserve motion.”
Source: healthcare.org [9/6/25]
09/01/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS) - PART 1A
From: Howard E. Friedman, DPM
Regarding the recent posts about the benefits of barefoot walking, I revisited my letter to this forum in 2020 in which I cited two studies that documented either improved intrinsic muscle size or improved balance and posture in barefoot walkers. Since then, there have been further studies that have returned the same results in addition to previous research.
However, many things are clinically true about barefoot walking at the same time. Yes, people can get puncture wounds and fungal or bacterial infections. But, it is incontrovertible that a program of barefoot walking in a safe environment for appropriate people can result in larger, i.e. stronger, intrinsic foot muscles. It is also true that barefoot walking does not result in a zero-injury rate in feet and legs and in fact can lead to...
Editor's note: Dr. Friedman's extended-length letter can be read here.
09/01/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS) - PART 1B
From: Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM
I find it interesting that a number of my colleagues who promote running around barefoot did not experience treating patients presenting with "COVID-19" feet during the shutdown and after, among those who continue working from home barefoot.
Has anyone studied whether people with excessive pronation who take up walking barefoot rebuild their arches? Does walking or running in stability shoes, with prescription functional orthotics, cause all the intrinsic muscles in the foot to relax and not get a workout?
Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM, Schaumburg, IL
09/01/2025
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
Celebrity Hong Kong Podiatrist at Mandarin Oriental
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Macau has invited celebrity podiatrist Albin Brion to perform his signature treatments this late August. Albin’s journey is as unique as his approach to foot care. This ex-professional footballer turned podiatry pioneer is redefining foot wellness and beauty.
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Albin Brion |
Albin’s passion for podiatry was born out of personal experience – a series of ankle injuries during his soccer career. This intimate understanding of foot health challenges laid the foundation for his remarkable career in podiatry. With 11 years of experience in Hong Kong alone, Albin has been instrumental in developing innovative concepts and treatments in podiatry, including sophisticated medical insoles.
Source: Macau Daily Times [8/29/25]
08/29/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS) - PART 1C
From: Herbert Abbott, DPM
Thank you to Drs. Dananberg and Smith for your interesting and unique anecdotal stories. However, I would be willing to bet for each one of those stories, the thousands of PM News readers could share scores, hundreds, or even thousands of examples of patients suffering from the previously mentioned risks of barefoot walking. Again, is the juice really worth the squeeze?
And now, Dr. Langer: You assume that just because this disparager is “retired,” that he has not bothered to keep up with research. Not only have I kept up with research, but I even know how to use the Internet.
Feel free to review:
• Kelsey JL, Procter-Gray E, Nguyen U-DT, et al. Footwear and Falls in the Home Among Older...
Editor's note: Dr. Abbott's extended-length letter can be read here.
08/29/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS) - PART 1B
From: Amol Saxena, DPM, MPH
My colleague Rob Conenello was quoted in a publication about walking barefoot indoors as a good way to strengthen feet. This apparently is controversial among colleagues. One thing to remember is that writers often look for “sound bites” and not all responses are complete. For instance, I am sure Rob did not want to encourage those with current conditions such as plantar fasciitis, plantar wounds, or neuropathy to go unshod.
Barefoot exercises and even a small amount of running on grass are great ways of strengthening feet. Many top track and field coaches including Golden Foot winner Brooks Johnson U.S. Olympic Coach (RIP) encouraged this. Some more research is needed on what is the optimum amount of time, and perhaps why some cultures have less foot issues if they spend a lot of time barefoot. Another thing to consider is that we use boots or casts for a period of time, and then through rehab we progress people out of them. Using devices such as a Blackboard and techniques like Spiral dynamics are helpful in the rehab process for many of my elite athletes.
Amol Saxena, DPM, MPH, Palo Alto, CA
08/29/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS) - PART 1A
From: Michael Chin, DPM
Dr. Conenello makes compelling points for the benefits of barefoot activity, particularly regarding the strengthening of intrinsic foot muscles and their impact on mobility as we age. It’s old dogma of everyone needing to be “supported” at all times with orthotics and stability shoes in order to be properly treated by our profession. In the changing landscape of podiatry, it is important to read the current literature and think before you speak. Dr. Langer provided a great study in his commentary and I suggest those who haven’t read it should.
As Dr. Conenello’s clinical perspective raises good and valid points, we do need to consider the idea that humans have a hard time “doing things in moderation.” It is not an all or nothing approach to going barefoot.
Of course, there are populations that are more at risk for foot pathologies like diabetics with neuropathy or patients with fat pad atrophy who maybe are not the best candidates to go without footwear. You still have to use your best medical decision judgment to determine what’s best for your patient. Just be open to the possibility that there is something gleaned from the ones leading positive change in our great profession.
Michael Chin, DPM, Chicago, IL
08/29/2025
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
NY Podiatrist Discusses Pool Toe
It might not be an official diagnosis, but pool toe (or "swimmer's toe") refers to a "peeling or cracking of the bottom of the toes after being in the pool for a long time," Nelya Lobkova, DPM, a podiatrist at Step Up Footcare in New York, says. You'll first spot a blister on your feet, which probably won't come as a surprise — it is sandal season, after all, and a blister may be easy to dismiss. But then a curious thing will happen: When the blister opens, you'll see red or irritated skin underneath that later becomes dry or cracked, Dr. Lobkova says.
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Dr. Nelya Lobkova |
If your feet are roughed up from your latest pool party, you may be on the hunt for pool toe remedies. Here's Dr. Lobkova's advice for pool toe treatment: After swimming in a chlorinated pool, rinse off well with warm (not hot) water, and keep showers short (5 to 10 minutes max). Keep feet dry. This might mean staying out of the pool and making sure you're wearing footwear and socks that allow for air flow or are sweat-wicking. Don't peel the skin. It can be so tough not to, but try to keep your mitts off your feet. "Let it heal on its own," Dr. Lobkova says. Finally, moisturize feet with a gentle cream or lotion to encourage skin barrier repair.
Source: Jessica Migala, Everyday Health [8/7/25]
08/28/2025
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
Diabetics Need to Inspect Feet Daily: MS Podiatrist
As part of its ongoing mission to improve community health through education and prevention, the Community Health Improvement Network, or CHIN, hosted a Lunch and Learn Monday on foot care health. The session featured Scott Hanegan, DPM, a podiatrist, who shared expert insight into the importance of proper foot care and its connection to overall health. Special attention was given to the risks for individuals with diabetes.
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Dr. Scott Hanegan |
“The number one thing you can do is look at your feet daily,” said Dr. Hanegan. “You’ll be able to find things before they get bad. If you see something that’s not correct, you need to be seen by a doctor. That’s the number one thing. You also need to check for footgear, keep legs and feet moisturized, stop smoking, and things along those lines.”
Source: Lindsey Hall, WTOK [8/25/25]
08/28/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS) - PART 1A
From: Paul Langer, DPM
I'd like to respond to the criticisms of Dr. Conenello's quotes on barefoot walking. My response is as follows: It is disappointing that within our profession, we have people who would publicly disparage a well-informed colleague simply because the disparagers have not bothered to keep up with the research.
The evidence for the benefits of foot intrinsic strengthening and barefoot/minimalist shoe ambulation to increase the foot’s capacity to support the body gets better every year since McKeon and colleagues first introduced the concept of the “foot core” in 2015. It would be better for our profession if we spent less time criticizing concepts we do not understand and more time working to understand them.
Paul Langer, DPM, Minneapolis MN
08/28/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS) - PART 1B
From: Howard Dananberg, DPM
Many years ago, a patient came in who was injured in a rock-climbing accident. He only required an ankle manipulation and the problem was resolved. But what was remarkable about him was that he was a barefoot hiker, and climbed Mt. Washington in the New Hampshire White Mountains BAREFOOT! Twice!
Upon examination, the intrinsic muscles in his feet were bulging out of the inferior surface of his arch. Two things immediately occurred to me. The first was that this was the way the inferior foot was supposed to look, and second that the vast majority of patients I saw had moderate to severe muscle atrophy of their inferior feet. It was startling. Since that time, prescribing foot strengthening exercises has become a staple in my treatment process.
Howard Dananberg, DPM, Stowe, VT
08/28/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS)
From: Gary S Smith, DPM
Years ago, I saw a 35-year-old farmer as a patient who had never worn shoes in his life. The effects were truly remarkable. His skin was like leather with the fat pad bulging up around the sides of his feet. His feet were so wide from not wearing shoes that in the winter he wore galoshes, rubber boots that are designed to fit over shoes. He drove the tractor and walked in the hay fields with no shoes.
Phillip Tome was one of the first settlers to NE PA in the late 1700s. He wrote about his encounter with Indian Chief Cornplanter, who was said to be 100 years old at the time. He was shocked at the state of his bare feet by how wide and deformed they were.
Gary S Smith, DPM, Kane, PA
08/27/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS)
From: Neil Barney, DPM, Herbert Abbott, DPM
I had to chuckle a bit when I read the Dr. Conenello article about the great advantages of walking barefoot when so many other articles stated a significant increase in plantar fasciitis while walking barefoot or in slippers with no support at home during the pandemic, especially on this site. Which is it? Do we really know?
Neil Barney, DPM, Mashpee, MA
With all due respect to Dr. Conenello, there are several other ways in order to safely (without risk) reinforce the muscles of the feet other than walking barefoot at home. As a retired podiatrist who became extremely comfortable from treating fungal and bacterial infections caught from barefoot walking, broken toes, metatarsals, ankle sprains, foreign objects, and plantar fasciitis, his advice is archaic. The majority of our population is obese; this is not an opinion, it is fact. With this obesity comes biomechanical pathology, quite often including pronation, which adds to instability. I have not even mentioned the risks of diabetes and PVD. A good, supportive “house” shoe is the safest option for ambulating in one’s home.
Herbert Abbott, DPM, (retired), NY, NY
08/27/2025
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
Protect Your Feet from the Sun: AL Podiatrist
The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons warns that the skin on the feet is highly susceptible to skin cancer, including melanoma — the most serious form of skin cancer — it can be fatal if not caught early. “When you’re barefooted or wearing sandals at the beach, use sunscreen on your feet to protect them from the sun,” said Brent Haverstock, DPM, Co-director of the University of Alabama, Birmington (UAB) Advanced Limb Preservation Clinic. “Sunburns on the feet are very common as most people stop the application at their ankles. Apply sunscreen to the entire foot, including your toes.”
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Dr. Brent Haverstock |
In addition to applying sunscreen, check the feet and toes regularly for abnormal-looking moles or freckles. If there are any abnormal marks on the foot, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider to get them examined.
Source: UAB News [8/21/25]
08/26/2025
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS - PART 1
Barefoot Walking at Home Increases Intrinsic Muscular Strength: NY Podiatrist
“Barefoot is skin to ground,” explained licensed clinical podiatrist Robert Conenello, DPM. “I’m a big advocate for going barefoot at home,” Dr. Conenello said. “[The practice] increases intrinsic muscular strength within the feet. Anything else is considered to be shod, as even socks alter the mechanics of movement.”
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Dr. Robert Conenello |
He explained that the primary benefit of walking barefoot is the reinforcement of the muscles in the feet, which tend to weaken “as we age and wear shoes.” These muscles are closely linked to our overall mobility, so their deterioration can contribute to reduced movement as we get older. “Many of the pathologies that I see in my practice are due to the inability to engage these muscles for normal movements and metabolic efficiency,” Dr. Conenello added.
Source: Anna Rahmanan, HuffPost [8/23/25]
08/26/2025
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS - PART 2
NY Podiatrist Discusses Compression Socks
Compression socks offer specific amounts of elasticity to provide a supportive feel to the feet, ankles, and legs, explains Bruce Pinker, DPM, a foot and ankle surgeon with Progressive Foot Care in New York. “There are different amounts of compression depending upon the patient's needs,” he says. Levels of compression are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). They start around the range of eight to 15 mmHg, which Dr. Pinker says works for most people. Standard medical-grade compression socks are 20 to 30 mmHg, but Pinker points out that they can go up to about 50 mmHg (which is a lot of compression).
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Dr. Bruce Pinker |
While the benefits outweigh the cons, Dr. Pinker says you shouldn’t wear them while sleeping, as they can be uncomfortable and even restrict blood flow in bed. Most people can benefit from wearing compression socks, but there are a few who should steer clear. Avoid them if you have an open wound. Pinker adds it’s generally not recommended since it can irritate your raw skin.
Source: Korin Miller, Women's Health [8/18/25]
08/13/2025
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
MI Podiatrist Discusses the Confusing State of Foot Supports - Part 2
According to Conway McLean, DPM, "Like eyeglasses, foot orthotics don’t alter anatomy. Instead, they change your biomechanics and should lead to healthier function. In a way, foot orthotics bring the ground up to the foot rather than gravity pulling the body, along with the arch, downward. A common example is a foot type which experiences excessive downward motion of the arch. Reducing this can prevent the damaging consequences of this pathologic foot motion termed pronation."
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Dr. Conway McLean |
"If someone has an inkling that some discomfort may be related to their foot type or biomechanics, it’s reasonable to try an off-the-shelf product to see if it provides any benefits. If it does, a prescription orthotic will do it better. Different feet need different types of support. A physician nuanced in biomechanics is going to do the most detailed and specific analysis, which generally results in the most accurate evaluation of your biomechanics. This is vital to creating the most comfortable and effective foot orthotic," says Dr. McLean.
Source: Marquette Mining Journal [8/12/25]
08/07/2025
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
AZ Podiatrist Recommends Foot Strengthening Exercises
How your feet function directly influences everything above them. “You could really generalize it as causing postural fatigue,” said Emily Splichal, DPM, a functional podiatrist in Chandler, Arizona. “When your feet aren’t working optimally, people just can’t stand as long as they used to or move as they would like to. Their foot fatigue limits their ability to do certain activities, like hikes or even walking the dog.”
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Dr. Emily Splichal |
While she acknowledged research showing that minimalist footwear can strengthen foot muscles and improve toe flexor strength, she doesn’t view shoes as “the only or best way to strengthen the foot.” Instead, she advocates for intentional foot exercises combined with consistent recovery practices.
Source: Dana Santas, CNN [8/5/25]
08/05/2025
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
Block Heels Provide Better Weight Distribution Than Stilettos: CA Podiatrist
According to Tea Nguyen, DPM, “The shorter the heel, the closer you are to the ground, which reduces pressure at the ball of the foot.” The 2-inch heel keeps the shoes walkable—because who really has time for car-to-door shoes? There are other factors that contribute to comfort and walkability, too. Dr. Nguyen notes that a block heel will provide better weight distribution than a stiletto, and that a cork footbed will absorb more shock than plastic.
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Dr. Tea Nguyen |
“An analogy I like to use is picturing a slide on the playground,” she says. “The steeper the slide is, the more gravity is exerted downwards. [This] is the pressure the ball of the foot experiences. Less steep is better for pressure reduction, and flat on the ground is best (zero drop).”
Source: Marissa Wu, PureWow [8/1/25]
08/01/2025
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
MA Podiatrist Discusses Connective Tissue Disorders
Louis J. DeCaro, DPM, President of the American College of Foot & Ankle Pediatrics, recently appeared on Mass Appeal to alert the general public on the importance of connective tissue disorders (CTD). “It is so important to be aware of patients who have CTD. They play a huge role in the understanding of biomechanical and orthopedic challenges a patient may have throughout their life," said Dr. DeCaro. He also talked about how important it is to diagnose it early in children. “Taking a thorough family history is important, and with this, we can positively change the life of a child with early detection and treatment.”
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Dr. Louis DeCaro on Mass Appeal |
According to DeCaro, “As a pediatric specialist, I am able to begin the process of controlling the compromised biomechanics of CTD with orthotics, which can easily solve these issues kids suffer from!” Dr. DeCaro talked about the importance of screening children for CTD by using a simple test like the Beighton scale. His mantra is and has always been “Prevention begets correction.”
Source: Mass Appeal (NBC) [7/21/25]
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