Dr. Walter Warren of Indiana Podiatry Group Seymour and Columbus recently attended a seminar sponsored by the American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine in Alexandria, Virginia.
The focus of the meeting was to address four common foot and ankle problems in our population. They include falls in the elderly, diabetic ulcers and amputation prevention, osteoarthritis and its role in our population, including ways to address this most common form of arthritis, and pediatric foot problems and addressing them in the child in order to prevent adult structural problems that lead to pain and the need for surgery.
One in three adults over the age of 65 fall each year and wind up in the emergency room, hospital or nursing home. Ways to address this epidemic were addressed at length, including evaluation of medications, the roll the eyes and ears play in this condition, muscle strength balance and gait and bracing to help reduce the potential of falling.
Children’s foot problems are often dismissed as “growing pains.” Ignoring these conditions leads to adult foot and ankle problems, which oftentimes must be addressed surgically. Addressing these problems in the child using conservative treatments and techniques can prevent most if not all of these conditions.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and leads to limited mobility/walking, pain and activity. Ways to address this nonsurgically with bracing, inserts and shoes were discussed and demonstrated.
Diabetic foot ulcers lead to amputations and skyrocketing cost in the health care system annually. Most of these can be prevented with the employment of a comprehensive diabetic treatment plan, including monitoring and identifying problems early, and treatment with conservative measures, including regular evaluation, appropriate shoes and inserts that reduce pressure points.
ACFAOM is a professional society of doctors dedicated to excellence in orthopedics and medicine of the lower extremities as the cornerstone of contemporary podiatric practice and endeavors to advance standards of practice and quality of podiatric care.