On diabetic foot, wound healing, amputation prevention, and the merger of consumer tech with medical devices
For decades, the standard response to a diabetic foot ulcer has been to shut everything down. We focus so intently on offloading that we often inadvertently prescribe a total sedentary lifestyle. But as our colleagues at the University of Michigan point out in their recent review, we need to shift the narrative toward "Toe, Flow,... Continue Reading →
Limb preservation in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) is a multifaceted challenge requiring an interdisciplinary approach often captured by the mantra “Toe, Flow, and Go.” This framework integrates the essential contributions of podiatry (toe), vascular surgery (flow), and physical therapy (go) to address the complex needs of high-risk patients. The Role of Each Discipline... Continue Reading →
This compelling work from our plastic surgery toemigos from Kobe and Tokyo. It is similar work to what Dr. Manish Bharara and I did -- just to an entirely new clinical level. High plantar flexor moment and limited ankle mobility are known to cause high plantar pressure under the forefoot. Stretching is an effective physical... Continue Reading →
Stephanie Woelfel, DPT, Assistant Professor of Clinical Physical Therapy and Surgery, was named President of Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology and Wound Management of the American Physical Therapy Association. The installation took place at this year's APTA meeting in San Antonio. Dr. Woelfel's inauguration honors efforts in leadership to create a dedicated wound healing specialty within... Continue Reading →
Here are the instructions we give our patients upon returning to prescriptive shoes / activity following healing of a diabetic foot ulcer, foot reconstruction or partial foot amputation in remission. Courtesy of our "Gomiga" Stephanie Woelfel and the team at USC Physical Therapy / PT Wound Care. Dosing Activity and Returning to Pre-Ulcer function in... Continue Reading →
