10/21/2025
VA PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
MI Podiatrist Appointed Chief of Staff at Iron Mountain VA MC
The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center has announced the appointment of Victor Quijano, DPM, PhD as the chief of staff of the facility effective Oct. 6. As chief of staff, Dr. Quijano oversees all medical staff including physicians, dentists, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and other specialties. In addition, he supervises support services including radiology, health profession trainee education, and credentialing and privileging.
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Dr. Victor Quijano |
Dr. Quijano has over 22 years of healthcare experience, eight of which are in leadership roles, both in the Department of Veterans Affairs and the private sector. Prior to assuming this position, he served as the deputy chief of staff – hospital services at the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System. In addition, he previously served as the chief of surgery in Colorado and chief of podiatry in Portland, Oregon.
Source: Bud Sargent, The Mining Journal [10/18/25]
10/14/2025
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
“Your Feet Never Go on Vacation": NY Podiatrist
“Your feet never go on vacation. They are constantly working and never on holiday. The best travel insurance is healthy feet," says podiatrist Rock G. Positano, DPM. ”According to Dr. Positano, a painful foot can ruin a $40,000 vacation even before it starts, so why aren’t people more pro-active when it comes to protecting the “Michelin tires” of the body?
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Dr. Rock G. Positano |
“People often ignore and under-estimate how important the feet are, especially when going on vacations that often require a tremendous amount of walking and standing, climbing hills, and uneven terrain,” he says. “What baffles me is the patient who comes to see us at our center at HSS, complaining of foot and ankle pain, the week or even the day before they are leaving on their voyage.”
Source: Sivani Vora, Forbes [10/12/25]
10/10/2025
HOSPITAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
CA Podiatrist Delivers Grand Rounds at Alma Mater
Life came full circle for David G. Armstrong, DPM, MD, PhD, a Distinguished Professor of Surgery at Keck School of Medicine of USC, when he gave the General Surgery Grand Rounds lecture at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) on Monday, October 6. The audience included UTSA's Department of General Surgery, and Divisions of Vascular Surgery, Plastic Surgery, and Podiatric Surgery. Dr. Armstrong completed his fellowship at UTSA in 1996 and then joined the faculty through 2000.
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(L-R) Drs. Lawrence Harkless and David Armstrong at UTSA |
His topic, "Team, Tools, and Technology to Prevent the Preventable; Amputations in Diabetes," was also attended by one of his mentors, Lawrence B. Harkless, DPM, Professor Emeritus at UTSA. Dr. Armstrong frequently discusses the role of mentorship on an educator's academic progeny, but perhaps the two most special attendees were his biologic progeny: Alexandria Armstrong, DPM, the chief resident in podiatric medicine and surgery at UTSA, and Natalie Armstrong, a PhD candidate at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
10/09/2025
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
NY Podiatrist Discusses Onychomycosis and Athlete's Foot
Yolanda Ragland, DPM has some commandments for two of the most common issues that have people rushing to their podiatrist. While both ailments are very contagious, some people are inherently immune. Still, she advises everyone to wash and dry in between their toes thoroughly, as well as add a protective layer of anti-fungal cream or gel to help keep fungus at bay as fungus is able to survive by spores, which she describes as being “very hardy.”
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Dr. Yolanda Ragland |
“If you walk on a spore and then put your foot right into a shoe that is nice and moist and dark, that is the perfect medium for that spore to germinate into a fungus and it’s impossible to fully get rid of the spores. You can’t wash or bleach it away; it can only be eradicated under super high temperature or pressure,” Dr. Ragland said. “As we age, our immunity also decreases, so we see a lot more fungal nails and infections in our geriatric population; so it becomes more important than ever to think about hygiene as we get older.”
Source: Julie Sagoskin, New York Post [10/7/25]
10/08/2025
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
TX Podiatrist Discusses Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
Women over 40 often show up in Anne Sharkey, DPM's office complaining of swelling and pain in one of their feet. They tell her they feel like they sprained their ankle, but they didn't do anything that would have caused such an injury. When she examines them while they’re standing up, one foot looks normal, while the arch on the swollen one is flat. Many of these patients are dealing with failure of the posterior tibial tendon, which is the tendon that provides support to your arch while you’re in motion. Menopause can increase the risk.
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Dr. Anne Sharkey |
“We’re seeing a relationship between the decline in estrogen and tendon dysfunction,” Dr. Sharkey says. Patients do best when they seek treatment right away; usually, that means a combination of physical therapy, a cast or boot, and orthotics. However, “Sometimes we catch it really late because people just didn’t realize, or they thought it was a sprain and walked through it for years,” she says. “Then there’s surgeries and reconstructions to bring that tendon back to where it was.”
Source: Angela Haupt, Time
10/07/2025
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
Kiwi Podiatrist Prevents Limb Loss from Diabetes
Diabetes is costing a record number of New Zealanders their toes, feet and legs. Health authorities know most amputations can be avoided - so what’s being done? Lawrence Kingi is on the frontline of a diabetes epidemic that now causes nearly 1,200 amputations a year in New Zealand. The podiatrist helps prevent the devastating operations by treating foot injuries before they become infected to the point of no return.
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Lawrence Kingi |
When Stuff shadows Kingi, his work includes cutting out a corn from the sole of a badly swollen foot belonging to a woman who winces in pain. He’s happy to get the same reaction when freeing an ingrown toe nail bothering another patient. “It’s painful, which is so good - because if you’re a diabetic and you have no feeling, then that is the drama. He can still feel it, so he will come back.”
Source: Nicholas Jones, Stuff [10/5/25]
10/02/2025
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
AZ Podiatrist Discusses How to Avoid Swollen Feet After Flying
Sitting in an enclosed area, such as a plane, train, or car, with limited room to move for a few hours can lead to swelling of your legs and ankles. “The longer you sit still, the more gravity pulls fluid down to your feet and ankles,” says Lauren Wurster, DPM, a doctor of podiatric medicine and an Arizona-based podiatrist. “Also, the position you are sitting in, with your legs bent, increases the pressure on the veins and increases swelling.”
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Dr. Lauren Wurster |
The position of your legs when you are seated increases pressure in your leg veins, so avoid staying locked in one position for too long. Dr. Wurster advises shifting your seated position frequently. Once you’ve landed, you can use a lot of the same methods to reduce swelling. “Stay hydrated, move around, and wear compression socks,” says Wurster. “Also, be mindful of what you're eating and avoid foods too high in sodium, because that can also add to further swelling.”
Source: Christina Frank, Everyday Health [9/29/25]
09/29/2025
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
People with Diabetes Face Unique Risks: KS Podiatrist
We spend a lot of time on our feet, which makes it only natural we can have a variety of issues with them. “I see the issues just walking down the street. It’s very common. A lot of people are embarrassed about their feet so a lot of them don’t come in until the problem has gotten quite down the road,” said Henry Goppert, DPM, a podiatrist leading the recently re-opened Cotton O’Neil Foot and Ankle Clinic.
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Dr. Henry Goppert |
Dr. Goppert does foot checks for people with diabetes, who face unique risks. “If you have high blood sugar level, the proteins in blood actually are inhibited. You don’t really heal at all, wound-wise or incision-wise, for about 24 hours,” Dr. Goppert said. “It also can lead to nerve issues, nerve damage.”
Source: Melissa Brunner, WIBW [9/25/25]
09/24/2025
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
MI Podiatrist Discusses New Neuroma Surgical Techniques
According to Conway McLean, DPM, "One of the latest developments in the surgical treatment of neuromas is a technique which spares the nerve, instead attempting to minimize the physical pressure on the nerve. This method is associated with an extremely low complication rate in the small studies to date. This is not surprising since the incision is quite small and the nerve isn’t traumatized. The ligament which connects the two metatarsal bones is cut, removing one of the three structures trapping the nerve."
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Dr. Conway McLean |
"Other concepts and methods are being investigated in an effort to make neuroma surgery safer. One such concept involves destruction of the nerve through the application of high intensity radio waves. These have the ability to shrink up soft tissues. This again does not need a large incision, minimizing the degree of trauma, easing post-operative pain. Further studies are needed to better define the success rate and possible complications," says Dr. McLean.
Source: Marquette Mining Journal [9/23/25]
09/23/2025
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
TX Podiatrist Discusses New Non-Opioid Painkiller
UT Health San Antonio’s Multispecialty and Research Hospital has become the first in Texas to authorize the use of a newly approved non-opioid drug for managing pain after orthopaedic and podiatric surgeries. The medication, suzetrigine (marketed as Journavx), is not classified as a controlled substance and avoids the side-effects commonly associated with opioids.
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Dr. Lee Rogers |
The type of post-surgical pain associated with orthopaedics is the target indication for the newly approved medication, said Lee C. Rogers, DPM, clinical associate professor of orthopaedics and chief of podiatry at UT Health San Antonio. “It could be spine, or a total joint, or a bunion,” Rogers said. “This is a way to use innovative and effective pain management approaches that avoid opioids and their side-effects.”
Source: Steven Lee, SciTech Daily [9/20/25]
09/22/2025
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
Loss of Hair of Toes Could Signal Vascular Problem: TX Podiatrist
When Anne Sharkey, DPM examines patients’ feet, she always checks the hair on their toes—prompting a quizzical reaction. “They’re like, ‘Why are you looking at my hair?’ And I tell them, ‘Because if it stops growing, we have a problem,’” says Sharkey, a podiatrist in Cedar Park, Texas. It could indicate vascular insufficiency, which means the body’s veins aren’t working properly, leading to poor blood flow back to the heart. “I tell my patients that skin is like grass,” she says. “Skin needs blood to grow, grass needs water to grow, and if we aren't getting enough blood down here, we're not going to grow hair.”
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Dr. Anne Sharkey |
Toe hair that’s gone MIA isn’t the only foot-related sign of a potential vascular problem. Dr. Sharkey also pays attention to changes in color, like if your toes look super pale or shiny, and temperature changes. "People come in to see us and are like, ‘My feet are really cold,’” she says. That’s a red flag for circulation problems—which are particularly common among people with diabetes—and her office helps patients get scheduled to see a vascular specialist as soon as possible.
Source: Angela Haupt, Time [9/16/25]
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 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]
09/08/2025
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
09/01/2025
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
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
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
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
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