Neurogenic heel pain.

This article establishes a standard approach for the evaluation of patients with heel pain. With this approach, it should become easier for the physician to distinguish between neurogenic and inflammatory heel pain and to devise a more direct plan for definitive treatment.

External fixation in the management of Charcot neuroarthropathy.

Charcot neuroarthropathy is a complex sequela of neuropathies associated with diabetes mellitus, syringomyelia, alcoholism, and other disorders. The treatment of deformities associated with Charcot neuroarthropathy is evolving from a passive approach to one in which an earlier recognition of the emergence of the event permits an avoidance of deformity. As the understanding of the etiology and natural history of Charcot neuroarthropathy deepens, it has become apparent that many of the deformities that do develop may be reconstructed expeditiously by the surgeon with a thorough understanding of the diabetic foot and experience in the use of external fixation.

Diabetic foot infections and antibiotic therapy.

Diabetic foot infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates as well as significant financial impact on the health care system. Improved patient outcomes and intelligent use of resources should determine the selection of diagnostic procedures and the therapeutic modalities used. Diabetic patients who develop lower extremity infections require a multidisciplinary approach in the management of their infections and other disorders.