Mechanical engineer’s simple running hack is fun and increases efficiency

​Date: October 8, 2019 Source: University of California – Santa Barbara As counterintuitive as it might feel to bind the shoes for better running endurance, the test subjects reportedly became comfortable with the band almost instantly and no one tripped. According to Hawkes, the band created efficiencies in the work needed to swing the legs, and the higher-frequency shorter stride …

Happy International Podiatry Day to all podiatrists and patients

Join us for International Podiatry Day! On October 8th FIP-IFP will celebrate the second edition of International Podiatry Day! Take a selfie with your coworkers or with your favorite instrument in your work environment. Go to Facebook-page of IPD (www.facebook.com/IntPodiatryday) A post will be available where it’ll be possible to use the frame right away by clicking on ‘Try it’ …

Smart insole can double as lifesaving technology for diabetic patients

Date: October 4, 2019 Source: Stevens Institute of Technology Summary: Researchers are developing a graphene sensing system that detects early signs of foot ulcers before they form so people living with diabetes can access preventative healthcare and confidently manage their health. Stevens Institute of Technology has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Bonbouton, giving the cutting-edge health and technology company …

Transmetatarsal amputation: A 12 year retrospective case review of outcomes

Diabetic foot sequalae incurs a significant economic burden with substantial morbidity and mortality implications for patients. Establishing effective limb salvage techniques such as transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) is essential to offer viable alternatives to major limb amputation in severe foot infection, where outcomes are variable and mortality rates high. Highlights • TMA has favourable healing and mortality rates with low incidence …

Microvascular disease anywhere in the body may be linked to higher risk of leg amputations

Date: July 8, 2019 Source: American Heart Association Summary: Microvascular disease, a disorder of very small blood vessels, may increase the risk of leg amputation independent of other blood vessel conditions and regardless of the location of the microvascular issue, such as eyes (retinopathy), kidneys (nephropathy) or feet (neuropathy). Study participants with both microvascular disease and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) …

World first 3D printed feet: Innovative training steps up treatment for diabetics

Innovative training steps up treatment for diabetics From the University of South Australia media release: It’s gory, sticky and undoubtedly on the nose, but a blend of icing sugar, chicken stock and flexible resin is proving to be the just the right recipe for creating realistic foot ulcers as part of a world-first podiatric training initiative at the University of …

Research: Step forward in understanding human feet

From the University of Exeter media release: Scientists have made a step forward in understanding the evolution of human feet. Unlike species such as chimpanzees, which have opposable digits on their feet, humans have evolved arched feet to enhance upright walking. These arches were thought to be supported by plantar intrinsic muscles (PIMs) – but a study by the University …

Injected drug may be new weapon against gout

From the health 24 news article: A new approach to preventing gout attacks looks promising for people not already helped by existing treatments. Instead of targeting excessively high uric acid levels as existing gout drugs do, the new strategy aims to reduce overall inflammation. The drug goes after a specific inflammatory molecule called interleukin-1. Read more at the link: https://www.health24.com/Medical/Arthritis/Gout/injected-drug-may-be-new-weapon-against-gout-20180918