Painless and non-invasive treatment of plantar warts utilizing traditional Chinese medicine soaking: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Warts result from an infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV). Plantar warts, also known as Verruca plantaris, can be notably painful for the patient and possess contagious qualities, thus necessitating assertive treatment. Despite several available approaches for addressing plantar warts, efficacy remains elusive. CASE PRESENTATION: One 22-year-old firefighter suffered from numerous plantar warts. After 26 days of traditional Chinese medicine soaking, the rashes completely disappeared. The treatment was without complications or discomfort, and a three-month follow-up showed no recurrence. CONCLUSION: Our case investigation highlighted the efficacy of herbal soaking as a safe, painless, and non-invasive therapeutic option, positioning it as a potential avenue for managing multiple plantar warts.

Effectiveness and safety of warm needling therapy combined with electroacupuncture for patients with plantar heel pain syndrome: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported positive therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture, warm needling, or a combination of the 2 for heel pain; however, the quality of the evidence is limited by methodological limitations. Given that there are no high-quality meta-analyses or reviews incorporating the available evidence, the aim of this study was to systematically review the level I evidence in the literature to determine whether a combination of electroacupuncture and warm needling therapy is more beneficial than acupuncture alone in patients with plantar heel pain syndrome. METHODS: From the inception to May 2022, the Wanfang, CNKI, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library electronic databases will be searched using the key phrases "acupuncture", "warm needling", "electroacupuncture", "heel pain", "plantar pain", and "prospective" for all relevant studies. The outcomes include pain, physical disability, plantar fascia thickness, and foot functional status. Quality assessment of all studies included in this review will be independently assessed by 2 reviewers using the Cochrane Collaborations tool. We consider significant heterogeneity between trials if I2 > 50%, and severe heterogeneity if I2 > 75%. When significant heterogeneity is indicated, we will find the source of heterogeneity by subgroup or sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: The results of our review will be reported strictly following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guidelines and the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration. CONCLUSIONS: We initially hypothesized that combination therapy would lead to better treatment outcomes.Registration number: 10.17605/OSF.IO/VWBYJ.

Effects of anodyne treatment on local blood flow and cutaneous sensation of the foot in a patient with peripheral neuropathy secondary to acromegaly.

Acromegaly is an excessive amount of serum growth hormone, which may present with sensorimotor polyneuropathy, affecting sensation and/or blood flow in the limbs. Symptoms include numbness, tingling or pain with impaired sensation including kinesthesia and proprioception. We report here of a 48-year-old male with a defined diagnosis of acromegaly and surgical excision of a pituitary adenoma 20 years ago. Recently he reports feet stepping on, and not feeling, objects under foot and balance problems starting 10 years ago. This study used a single-subject A-B-A design to show that behavioral changes are evident only in the presence of an intervention. Intervention consisted of Monochromatic Infrared Light Energy (MIRE), delivered by the Anodyne Therapy System (ATS). The DRT-4 laser Doppler measured red blood cell flux (flow), concentration and velocity. Levels of significance utilized the two standard deviation band method. Peripheral sensation of eight sites on each foot assessed using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments (SWM) revealed a lack of sensation in the feet. A treatment effect as exhibited by blood flow velocity and red blood cell concentration was detected after the third week of treatment indicating peripheral dilation of the microvasculature. MIRE was an effective intervention for the treatment of acromegaly - induced polyneuropathy in this patient.

Efficacy and safety of Onkyeong-tang in treating cold hypersensitivity in the feet of Korean women: protocol for a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet (CHHF) commonly affects Asian women, especially Korean women, and it negatively impacts the quality of life of the affected individuals. One commonly used herbal prescription for treating CHHF is Onkyeong-tang (OKT). Although OKT is widely used clinically in treating CHHF, no randomized clinical trial has been performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of OKT in the treatment of cold hypersensitivity in the feet (CHF). This clinical trial aims to provide objective evidence for the basis of using OKT in the treatment of CHF in Korean women. METHODS: This trial will be a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter pilot study. A total of 112 participants will be randomly divided into an OKT treatment group or a placebo group with a 1:1 ratio via a web-based randomization system. The OKT and placebo groups will receive prescribed medications orally three times per day (3 g each time) before or between meals for 8 weeks. The primary outcome studied will be the changes in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores of CHF from baseline. Secondary outcomes studied will be the VAS score changes of cold hypersensitivity in the hands, changes in the skin temperature of the hands and feet, total scores of the Korean version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-abbreviated version, and the results of the cold stress test. DISCUSSION: This trial will be the first clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of OKT in the treatment of CHF. We anticipate that the findings of the study will provide evidence for the basis of using OKT in treating CHF symptoms and generate basic data for designing a further large-scale randomized clinical trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS): KCT0003723. Retrospectively registered on 8 April 2019.

Fluorescence biomodulation in the management of canine interdigital pyoderma cases: a prospective, single-blinded, randomized and controlled clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Interdigital pyoderma is a common multifactorial, inflammatory disease of the canine interdigital skin. Lesions commonly become infected secondarily. In addition to management of the underlying cause, management of the chronic inflammatory changes in the interdigital skin created by secondary infection and by the release of keratin into deep tissues is required. Fluorescence biomodulation appears to modulate the inflammatory process in dermatological disorders and has shown promise in preliminary studies evaluating its use in superficial and deep pyoderma in dogs. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of a fluorescence biomodulation (FB) system used in conjunction with systemic antibiotic on clinical manifestations of canine interdigital pyoderma (CIP), compared to dogs treated with antibiotic alone. ANIMALS: Thirty-six dogs diagnosed with CIP. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Dogs were randomly allocated to treatment groups of either antibiotic alone (Group A) or antibiotic plus twice-weekly FB application (Group B). Dogs were scored over a 12 week period on the basis of two measured parameters: a global lesion score composed of four different lesions types and neutrophil engulfing bacterial scores. RESULTS: A statistically significant decrease was seen by Week 3 in both measured parameters for Group B compared to Group A. The mean time-to-resolution of lesions was 4.3 weeks in Group B and 10.4 weeks in Group A. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The FB system shows promise as an adjunct therapy to systemic antibiotic use in the management of CIP.

Efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture plus warm needling therapy for heel pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Heel pain is a common foot disorder that causes pain and functional limitations. The prevalence of disabling foot pain will increase as the population ages. Previous studies have reported the positive therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture, warm needling, or the combination of both for heel pain but with limitations in the study methodologies. The current study is a rigorously designed randomized controlled trial that aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture plus warm needling therapy in patients with heel pain. METHODS/DESIGN: The study protocol describes a prospective, open-label, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial to be conducted in Hong Kong. Eighty patients aged 50-80 years who have reported heel pain and first-step pain equal to or exceeding 50 mm on the 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) will be recruited. They will be randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to the electroacupuncture plus warm needling therapy (i.e., treatment) group or the waitlist (i.e., control) group. The treatment group will undergo six treatment sessions in 4 weeks. The control group will receive no treatment during the study period. The primary outcome measure is a mean change in the first-step pain VAS score from the baseline to week 4. Secondary outcome measures include a mean change in first-step pain VAS score from the baseline to week 2, a mean change in Foot Function Index (FFI) subscale scores and the total score from the baseline to week 2 and week 4, and patients' self-reported level of improvement at week 4. Additional week 8 follow-up assessments with first-step pain VAS and FFI measurements will be arranged for the treatment group. Any adverse events will be recorded throughout the study to evaluate safety. An intention-to-treat approach will be used to analyze the study results. DISCUSSION: This study will provide evidence on the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture plus warm needling therapy as an alternative treatment method for heel pain. The findings will determine whether the treatment protocol is efficacious in relieving pain and improving foot function among older adults with heel pain. The study will also provide information for subsequent large-scale randomized controlled trials in the future. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800014906 . Registered on 12 February 2018.

Effect of low protein diets supplemented with free amino acids on growth performance, slaughter yield, litter quality, and footpad lesions of male broilers.

A study with 884 Ross 308 male broilers, housed in 68 floor pens (0.75 m2) from 0 to 35 days of age was conducted to evaluate the effects of low crude protein (CP) diets, with partial replacement of soybean meal by free amino acids (AA), on performance, slaughter yields, litter quality and footpad lesions. During the first 11 d, all broilers received the same control starter diet (216 g/kg CP, 11.5 g/kg apparent fecal digestible (AFD) lysine, and 2900 kcal/kg AMEn). Thereafter, four experimental feeding programs with different levels of dietary CP (control and control with 1% (CP-1%), 2% (CP-2%) and 3% (CP-3%) less CP units) were provided in both the grower and finisher phase. In the control grower and finisher diet, the CP content was 208 and 198 g/kg, respectively. All diets were formulated to meet or exceed the recommendations concerning AFD AA, and to be iso-caloric within each feeding phase. Feed and water were provided for ad libitum intake during the entire experimental period. None of the low CP feeding programs affected body weight gain, feed intake or mortality from 0 to 35 d. However, CP conversion was improved with the reduction of CP content of the diet. Broilers fed the CP-2% or CP-3% feeding program had an improved feed conversion ratio. Broilers fed the low CP protein feeding programs had a better litter quality and less footpad lesions, compared to broilers fed the control feeding program. Broilers fed the CP-3% feeding program had a lower breast meat yield than broilers fed the control feeding program. Slaughter yields of broilers fed CP-1% or CP-2% feeding program did not differ from the control feeding program. This study demonstrated that the CP content of grower and finisher diets can be reduced by 2.2-2.3% units without adverse effects on growth performance of broilers, while CP reduction seems promising to reduce nitrogen excretion from broiler houses, improve bird welfare, and reduces dependence on vegetable protein sources.

Common Foot Problems: Over-the-Counter Treatments and Home Care.

Most foot disorders do not require podiatry referral or complex interventions. After the clinical diagnosis is made, these conditions can typically be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) and home remedies, with guidance from the primary care physician. Stretching and strengthening exercises, along with the use of heel cups, resolve most plantar fasciitis cases and are at least as effective as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or steroid injections. Hallux rigidus is best managed with a hard-soled shoe or rigid insert that relieves pain by restricting motion across the metatarsophalangeal joint. Hallux valgus responds to use of wide toe box shoes, and surgery is not clearly beneficial beyond one year. Plantar warts can be treated effectively at home with OTC salicylic acid and cryotherapy topical agents, which have equal effectiveness to liquid nitrogen. In patients with corns and calluses, OTC topical salicylic acid has short-term benefits, and pads and inserts that more evenly redistribute contact forces have long-term benefits. Inserts are commonly recommended to redistribute forefoot pressure and relieve pain. Several OTC preparations are available for the treatment of tinea pedis, with topical allylamines being the most effective. Although OTC topical treatments have been widely used for onychomycosis, they have poor long-term cure rates compared with prescription oral medications.

Acupotomy for calcaneodynia: A systematic review protocol.

BACKGROUND: Calcaneodynia customarily induces inferior heel pain, specialists believe that the pain is principally caused by acute or chronic injury due to the plantar fascia from accumulative overload pressure. Acupotomy has been widely used to treat calcaneodynia. But its efficiency has not been scientifically and methodically evaluated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the acupotomy treatment in patients with calcaneodynia. METHODS: Relevant randomized controlled trials in 6 databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, Chinese literature databases, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database [CBM], China National Knowledge Infrastructure [CNKI], and Wanfang Database). The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the acupotomy for calcaneodynia patients will be searched in the databases from inception to December 2017 by 2 researchers. Visual analog scale (VAS) will be assessed as the primary outcomes. Roles and Maudsley Score (RM) will be assessed as the secondary outcome. The RevMan V.5.3 will be used for meta-analysis. Continuous outcomes will be presented as the mean difference or standard mean difference, while dichotomous data will be expressed as relative risk. RESULTS: This study will provide a high-quality synthesis of VAS and RM to assess the effectiveness and safety of acupotomy for calcaneodynia patients. CONCLUSION: This systematic review will provide evidence to judge whether acupotomy is an effective intervention for patients with Calcaneodynia.

Evidencia científica del tratamiento ortopodológico en pie afectado por artritis reumatoide / Evidence of orthopodiatric treatment affected by rheumatoid arthritis on foot

Antecedentes: La artritis reumatoide afecta más a mujeres. La prevalencia en nuestro país es de 0.5%. Se debe abordar mediante un equipo multidisciplinar. Los signos característicos en el pie son sinovitis de las articulaciones, entesitis, nódulos reumatoides y vasculitis. Las modalidades de tratamiento conservador son: ortesis, calzado, estiramientos, terapia manual e incluso ejercicios terapéuticos mediante Tai-chi. Objetivos: Valorar la evidencia científica sobre el tratamiento conservador del pie reumático mediante ortesis plantares y calzado terapéutico. Conocer los últimos avances y que opción es la más indicada para tratar esta patología que afecta al pie. Material y métodos: Se ha realizado una revisión bibliográfica de los últimos 15 años en Pubmed. Resultados: Se ha encontrado relación entre el dolor de antepié, subluxación metatarsofalángica y erosión del cartílago articular con el aumento de presión a nivel metatarsal plantar lo que justifica la realización de tratamiento ortopodológico encaminado a reducir la misma. El tratamiento conservador está enfocado a la utilización de ortesis y de zapato terapéutico para mejorar el dolor, la marcha y la funcionalidad. Hay evidencia científica para tratar la metatarsalgia con diferentes tipos de ortesis, que no solo ayudan a mejorar el dolor sino que además reducen el nº de articulaciones inflamadas. La combinación con zapato terapéutico con o sin modificaciones externas produce mejores resultados. Conclusión: Existe escasa evidencia científica sobre el uso de tratamiento ortopodológico para el pie reumático pero se han encontrado algunos artículos que avalan su eficacia, por lo que es imprescindible realizar estudios en este campo (AU)

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis affects more women. The prevalence in our country is 0.5%. It should be approached by a multidisciplinary team. Characteristic foot signs' are synovitis of joints, enthesitis, rheumatoid nodules and vasculitis. The conservative treatment modalities are: orthotics, footwear, stretching, manual therapy and therapeutic exercises even by Tai-chi. Objectives: To evaluate the scientific evidence on the conservative treatment of rheumatoid foot with orthotics and therapeutic footwear. Aware of progress and that is the most suitable option for treating this disease that affects the feet. Material and methods: We carried out a literature review of the past 15 years in Pubmed. Results: We found the relationship between pain forefoot metatarsophalangeal subluxation and erosion of articular cartilage with increasing pressure to plantar metatarsal level which justifies conducting orthosis treatment aimed at reducing it. Conservative treatment is aimed at the use of orthoses and shoe therapy to improve pain, gait and functionality. There is scientific evidence for treating metatarsalgia with different types of orthotics that not only help improve the pain but also reduce the number of swollen joints. The combination with therapeutic shoe with or without external changes produces better results. Conclusion: There is little scientific evidence on the use of orthosis treatment for rheumatoid foot but found some articles that support its effectiveness, so it is essential to carry out studies in this field (AU)

Response to acupuncture treatment in horses with chronic laminitis.

There is a need for evidence-based scientific research to address the question of the effectiveness of acupuncture in improving clinical signs of laminitis in horses. The objective of this study was to compare lameness levels before and after 2 acupuncture treatments in horses with chronic laminitis. Twelve adult horses with chronic laminitis received 2 acupuncture treatments 1 week apart. The points were treated using dry needling, hemo-acupuncture, and aqua-acupuncture. Lameness level was objectively evaluated using an inertial sensor-based lameness evaluation system (Lameness Locator), as well as routine examinations following American Association of Equine Practitioners scoring before the first and 1 week after the second acupuncture treatment. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test and P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Both the Lameness Locator (P = 0.0269) and routine lameness examination (P = 0.0039) showed a significant reduction in lameness severity. Our results support using acupuncture, along with other treatment options, in treating chronic equine laminitis.

Réponse à un traitement à l'acupuncture chez des chevaux atteints de laminite chronique. Il existe un besoin de recherche scientifique factuelle afin d'aborder la question de l'efficacité de l'acupuncture pour améliorer les signes cliniques de la laminite chez les chevaux. L'objectif de cette étude consistait à comparer les niveaux de boiterie avant et après deux traitements d'acupuncture chez des chevaux atteints de laminite chronique. Douze chevaux adultes souffrant de laminite chronique ont reçu deux traitements d'acupuncture à 1 semaine d'intervalle. Les points ont été traités en utilisant des aiguilles, l'hémo-acupuncture et l'aqua-acupuncture. Le niveau de boiterie a été évalué objectivement en utilisant un système inertiel d'évaluation de la boiterie à base de sonde (repérage de la boiterie) ainsi qu'à l'aide d'examens de routine en se basant sur la notation de l'American Association of Equine Practitioners avant le premier traitement et 1 semaine après le deuxième traitement d'acupuncture. Les données ont été analysées en utilisant les tests de rang signés de Wilcoxon et des valeurs P < 0,05 étaient considérées comme étant significatives sur le plan statistique. Le repérage de la boiterie (P = 0,0269) et l'examen de routine de la boiterie (P = 0,0039) ont montré une réduction significative de la gravité de la boiterie. Nos résultats appuient l'utilisation de l'acupuncture, conjointement à d'autres options de traitement, pour traiter la laminite équine chronique.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

The Human Papillomavirus and Its Role in Plantar Warts: A Comprehensive Review of Diagnosis and Management.

Viral warts or verruca pedis (plantar warts) are common skin conditions seen in both children and adults. Human papilloma virus (HPV), a DNA virus, is responsible for plantar verrucae. It needs an epidermal abrasion and a transiently impaired immune system to inoculate a keratinocyte. These entities are a therapeutic conundrum for many practitioners. This article discusses HPV infiltration and its subtypes involved in plantar warts; the evaluation of patients with plantar warts; and subsequent treatment options, such as laser, Candida albicans immunotherapy, topical therapy such as phytotherapy, and surgical excision.

Efficacy of a single-formula acupuncture treatment for horses with palmar heel pain.

Acupuncture is used without strong scientific evidence to treat many diseases of the horse, including palmar heel pain. Research is needed to provide evidence for the application of these treatments. Within the confines of our study, acupuncture did not reliably modulate palmar heel pain in horses.

Efficacité d'un traitement d'acupuncture à formule simple pour les chevaux souffrant de douleur du talon palmaire. L'acupuncture est utilisée, en l'absence de solides preuves scientifiques, pour traiter plusieurs affections des chevaux, y compris la douleur du talon palmaire. De la recherche est requise pour fournir des preuves pour l'application de ces traitements. Dans les limites de notre étude, l'acupuncture n'a pas modulé de manière fiable la douleur du talon palmaire chez les chevaux.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Foot reflexology in feet impairment of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the effect of foot reflexology on feet impairment of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHOD: this is a randomized, controlled and blind clinical trial. The sample was comprised by people with type 2 diabetes mellitus who, after being randomized into Treated group (n = 21) and Control group (n = 24), received guidelines on foot self-care. To the Treated Group it was also provided 12 sessions of foot reflexology. The scores of impairment indicators related to skin and hair, blood circulation, tissue sensitivity and temperature were measured by means of the instrument for assessing tissue integrity of the feet of people with diabetes mellitus. Chi-square test, Fisher exact test, Mann-Whitney test and regression analyzes were applied to the data, considering a significance level of 5% (P value <0.05). RESULTS: participants who received the therapy showed better scores in some impairment indicators related to skin and hair (hair growth, elasticity/turgor, hydration, perspiration, texture and integrity of the skin/ skin peeling). CONCLUSION: the foot reflexology had a beneficial effect on feet impairment of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, which makes it a viable therapy, deserving investment. This study was registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials - RBR-8zk8sz.

New Therapeutic Option for Drop Foot with the ActiGait Peroneal Nerve Stimulator--a Technical Note.

A drop foot occurs in up to 20% of stroke patients and leads to an increased risk of falls. Until recently, only a foot orthosis or surface stimulation was able to improve the gait of these patients. Recent studies have shown that direct peroneal nerve stimulation with an implantable 4-channel peroneal nerve stimulator (ActiGait) allows independent electrode adjustment and leads to better functional results and an improved quality of life. The application of this therapeutic option is restricted to patients with a drop foot attributable to a lesion of the first motor neuron caused by stroke, multiple sclerosis, or tumors. In this paper, we present the first technical note with possible pitfalls of the surgical procedure and the perioperative care after implantation of ActiGait drop foot stimulators in 50 patients.

Mountaineering-induced bilateral plantar paresthesia.

CONTEXT: Flat feet (pes planus) have been implicated in multiple musculoskeletal complaints, which are often exacerbated by lack of appropriate arch support or intense exercise. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) on a patient (K.K.H.) with mountaineering-induced bilateral plantar paresthesia and to assess the association of pes planus with paresthesia in members of the mountaineering expedition party that accompanied the patient. METHODS: A patient history and physical examination of the musculoskeletal system were performed. The hindfoot, midfoot, forefoot, big toe, and distal toes were evaluated for neurologic function, specifically pin, vibration, 10-g weight sensitivity, and 2-point discrimination during the 4-month treatment period. To determine if OMT could augment recovery, the patient volunteered to use the contralateral leg as a control, with no OMT performed on the sacrum or lower back. To determine if pes planus was associated with mountaineering-induced paresthesia, a sit-to-stand navicular drop test was performed on members of the expedition party. RESULTS: Osteopathic manipulative treatment improved fibular head motion and muscular flexibility and released fascial restrictions of the soleus, hamstring, popliteus, and gastrocnemius. The patient's perception of stiffness, pain, and overall well-being improved with OMT. However, OMT did not shorten the duration of paresthesia. Of the 9 expedition members, 2 experienced paresthesia. Average navicular drop on standing was 5.1 mm for participants with no paresthesia vs 8.9 mm for participants with paresthesia (t test, P<.01; Mann-Whitney rank sum test, P=.06). CONCLUSION: These preliminary findings suggest that weakened arches may contribute to mountaineering-induced plantar paresthesia. Early diagnosis of pes planus and treatment with orthotics (which may prevent neuropathies)--or, less ideally, OMT after extreme exercise--should be sought to relieve tension and discomfort.

Photodynamic therapy for pododermatitis in penguins.

Pododermatitis is currently one of most frequent and important clinical complications in seabirds kept in captivity or in rehabilitation centers. In this study, five Magellanic penguins with previous pododermatitis lesions on their footpad were treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT). All PDT treated lesions successfully regressed and no recurrence was observed during the 6-month follow-up period. PDT seems to be an inexpensive and effective alternative treatment for pododermatitis in Magellanic penguins encouraging further research on this topic.