Course Name:

Podiatric Medical Skills

Course Coordinators

Marie Mantini Blazer, D.P.M.

Course Instructors

Marie M. Blazer, D.P.M.

Ralph Osting, D.P.M.
Kathy Siesel, D.P.M.
Scott Spencer, D.P.M

Course Code:

PMD 222

Year:

Spring 2012

Student Syllabus
Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine

RATIONALE
The podiatric medical skills class is a course in which the basic podiatric skills are
learned. These are techniques that are used every day by the podiatric physician to
provide a full range of therapy for the patient.
Through the use of various padding materials and their placement, the student will
learn how to relieve many acute and chronic pathologies of the foot. Padding
techniques are essential since every patient is not a candidate for surgical correction
of foot deformities.
Podiatric taping and strapping techniques are a valuable and useful modality in the
practice of podiatric medicine. The ability to apply various types of strappings,
bandages, and splints is essential to every aspect of podiatry including surgery,
orthopedics, and sports medicine.
Podiatric palliative care skills would not be complete without instrumentation and
debridement skills. The student must be able to choose the proper instrument and be
proficient in its use. Debridement of hyperkeratotic lesions and nails is an integral part
of the podiatric practice. The podiatric physician must also be proficient in the
debridement of other skin lesions including ulcerations and verrucous tissue to name a
few. The student must also be proficient in other skills such as performing toenail
avulsions, performing a blood glucose finger stick test, measuring for diabetic shoes,
and using the Doppler.
Local anesthesia is an essential aspect of the podiatric practice. The student must be
proficient in anesthesia skills in order to properly treat painful conditions and to perform
surgical procedures.
A thorough biomechanical examination and proper orthoses casting techniques are
also integral to the podiatric practice. The student must be capable of performing a
complete biomechanical evaluation and examination as well as casting for orthoses.

MAIN GOALS OF THE COURSE:

1.

The podiatric medical student should acquire a thorough knowledge of the basic
padding, taping, biomechanical examination, orthoses casting, debridement
skills, toenail avulsion skills, local anesthetic skills, and other skills commonly used in
the practice of podiatric medicine.

2.

The podiatric medical student will perform basic padding, taping, strapping,
debridement, toenail avulsions, and other skills commonly used in the practice of
podiatric medicine.

3.

The podiatric medical student will develop their manual dexterity under the
direction of the course instructors.

4.

The podiatric medical student will perform a digital anesthetic block and hallux H
block. The students will also acquire knowledge of the Mayo block, ankle block,
and other useful podiatric blocks.

5.

The podiatric medical student will acquire the knowledge to properly measure for
diabetic shoes, properly perform a blood glucose finger stick test, and perform
Doppler testing.

6.

The podiatric medical student will perform a biomechanical

examination and learn casting techniques for functional orthoses
7. The podiatric medical student will enter their clinical training with the basic skills
necessary for patient care.

COURSE INFORMATION
The main course instructors are Marie M. Blazer D.P.M. (x 7472) and Ralph Osting D.P.M.
(x 7476), and their offices are located on the second floor of the main building in
Independence. Office hours for Dr. Blazer are Friday morning and by appointment.
Office hours for Dr. Osting are by appointment. Dr. Blazer can be found at The
Cleveland Foot and Ankle Institute most days. The class will meet at there assigned
times in the podiatric medical skills lab on the 2nd floor of the main building in
Independence.
INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGY
This is a one (1) semester course which meets once per week for two hours during the
spring semester. One-third (1/3) of the class will meet on Tuesday from 8:00 10:00 AM,
one-third (1/3) will meet on Tuesday from 10:00 12:00 PM, and one-third (1/3) will
meet on Tuesday from 12:00 2:00 PM. EACH STUDENT WILL BE ASSIGNED TO A
SPECIFIC SESSION. SWITCHING IS NOT ALLOWED. The class will be further divided for
particular sessions per the discretion of the course coordinator. A roster for these
sessions will be distributed to the class.
Attendance is MANDATORY. This is a "hands on" course. Demonstrations will be
followed by clinical skills labs where students will perform the skills and be evaluated on
their proficiency.
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LEARNING RESOURCES
There will be assigned reading for each session.
1.

PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF PODIATRIC MEDICINE. Levy LA, Hetherington,

VJ. (eds.) 2nd edition. Data Trace Publishing Co. Brooklandville. 2006

2.

PADDINGS & STRAPPINGS OF THE FOOT. Kaplan C, Natale P, and Spilken T. Futura
Publishing Co. 1982. Mount Kisco, NY.

3.

PODIATRY FOR THE ASSISTANT. Donick, Irwin I. Futura Publishing Co., 1977, Mount Kisco,
NY.

4.

CHIROPODY: THEORY AND PRACTICE. Charlesworth, Franklin; 5th edition. Actinic Press.
1961. London.

5.

THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF CHIROPODY. Hanby JH and Walker HE. 2nd edition.
Bailliere, Tindal & Cox. 1960. London.

6.

DYE: TECHNIQUE OF FOOT CORRECTION. Dye, Ralph W.; 1969, pages 1 - 41.

7.

PROFESSIONAL USES OF ADHESIVE TAPE. Johnson and Johnson. 3rd edition. 1972. New
Brunswick, NJ.

8.

ATHLETIC USES OF ADHESIVE TAPE. Johnson and Johnson; New Brunswick, NJ.
PRIMARY PODIATRIC MEDICINE. Robbins JM. Saunders. 1994. Philadelphia,
PA.

9.

Buell T, Green D, "Measurement of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint

Range of Motion", JAPMA, 78:9:439-48, 1988

10.

Burns, L., Burns, M., "A Clinical Application of Biomechanics: Part I", JAPMA,
63:8:394-400, 1973.

11.

Cook, A., Gorman, I. "Evaluation of the Neutral Position of the Subtalar Joint",
JAPMA, 78:9:449-51, 1988.

12. Burns, M., "Non-Weightbearing Cast Impressions for the Construction of Orthotic Devices",
JAPA, 67:11:790-95, 1977.
13. Neales Disorders of the Foot. Lorimer D, French G, ODonnell M, Burrow J,and Wall B. 7th
edition. Churchill Livingstone. 2006. Edinburgh.

STUDENT EVALUATION
Attendance is MANDATORY. An unexcused absence will be an automatic failure for
the class. Attendance will be taken. Excused absences need to be made up as soon
as possible and before the last session. It is the students responsibility to contact the
instructor for the make up session. Tardiness is unacceptable and can result in a failure
or professional deficiency per the course coordinators discretion.
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READ THE ASSIGNED READINGS OR SECTIONS IN THE HANDBOOK PRIOR TO COMING TO

CLASS!!!!
Students must have all of the proper instrumentation needed for class!!! Bring
instruments to all classes including the 1st day. Failure to bring proper instrumentation is
unacceptable and can result in a failure or professional deficiency per the course
coordinators discretion.
Students will have satisfactorily completed all skills required in this course. Any
anticipated problems with completing any of the skills need to be addressed with the
course coordinator before or on the 1st day of class. Not performing all skills can result
in a professional deficiency or a failure per discretion of the course coordinator.
Incomplete or unsatisfactory skills will be remediated during the course or scheduled
during final exam week.
Attendance along with end of semester practical exam will serve as the sole criteria
for passing this course. The student will keep a checklist that will be signed by the
instructor when the skills assigned for that class have been completed. The checklist
will be turned in at the practical exam. A practical exam will be given during the last
week of class. Two skills taught during the semester will be chosen at random for
students to perform on the practical exam. Skills not passed will be made up the next
week or per the discretion of the course coordinator. A written component of the final
examination may also be given. This is a pass/fail course.
1. Attendance is REQUIRED. Students must make arrangements with one of the
course instructors before class time when missing a class. In cases of illness etc.,
the student must call/e-mail one of the course instructors within 24 hours after
the class and leave a message with the Podiatric Medicine Department
secretary that morning to be excused for that class. The student must then
arrange to make up that class. EVERY ATTEMPT SHOULD BE MADE TO ATTEND ALL
CLASS SESSIONS. CLASS ATTENDANCE IS ESSENTIAL FOR PROPER LEARNING OF
THESE SKILLS. AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE IS AN AUTOMATIC FAILURE FOR THE
COURSE!!!
2. Students must satisfactorily complete all skills in order to pass this course. IT IS THE
RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT TO MAKE UP ANY MISSED SKILLS.
3.

Students must satisfactorily complete the final exam in order to pass the course.

4. STUDENTS WITH AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE WILL RECEIVE A FAILING GRADE FOR THE
COURSE.

INSTRUMENTATION
Students must provide the following:
A. Scissors
a. one pair of moleskin scissors (preferably curved sharp/blunt
utility/surgical scissors) AND
b. one pair bandage scissors
B. Instrumentation necessary for skills
1. Nail nippers need two sizes one large curved and one
small straight nail nipper
2. Tissue nippers
3. #3 Scalpel handle
4. Large chisel handle
5. Small mini handle
6. Double ended curette
7. Double ended nail rasp
8. Hemostats: Kelly straight hemostat and curved mosquito
hemostat
9. Packer and spatula
10. Electrical debridement instrument
a. snap on mandrel
b. snap on sanding disks
c. pear shaped burrs
11. English Anvil (optional)
12. One Orange
13. Glucometer with testing strips
14. Orthopedic examination device (OED) or tractograph

SCHEDULE
SESSION 1
1-3-12

ORIENTATION
PADDING OF DIGITAL LESIONS
DIGITAL STRAPPINGS
Read corresponding pages in Podiatric Medical Skills Handbook

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
SESSION 2
1-10-12

General Principles of Padding/Taping

Instruments Used in Clinic Podiatry
Materials Used for Taping and Padding
Demonstration of Topographical Anatomy
Discussion of Preparation and Tape Removal
Heloma Durum Pads
Heloma Molle Pads
Buttress Pads
Tube Foam
Digital Strappings for Extension Limiting
Buddy Splinting
PADDING OF HAV AND TAILORS BUNION
PADDING OF PLANTAR LESIONS

Read corresponding pages in Podiatric Medical Skills Handbook

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
SESSION 3
1-17-12

HAV and Prehensile Strap

Tube Foam
Tailors Bunion Padding
Metatarsal Head Lesion Pads/Aperture Pads
Dancer's Pads
Metatarsal Pads
Removable Metatarsal Pads
BLOOD GLUCOSE FINGER STICK TESTING
DIABETIC SHOES
OTHER OFFICE TREATMENTS

Read corresponding pages in Podiatric Medical Skills Handbook

1. Verruca Treatment and Padding
2. Measuring of Diabetic Shoes (Appendix A)
3. Blood Glucose Finger Stick Testing

SESSIONS 4
LOCAL ANESTHETIC SKILLS (SESSION #1)
1-24-12
Read corresponding pages in Podiatric Medical Skills Handbook
Read Chapter 39 in Principles and Practice of Podiatric Medicine
1. Discussion of Local Anesthetics
2. Digital Anesthesia Block
3. Discussion of Sinus Tarsi, Neuroma, and Plantar Fasciitis Injections
SESSIONS 5
LOCAL ANESTHETIC SKILLS (SESSION #2)
1-31-12
Read corresponding pages in Podiatric Medical Skills Handbook
1. Hallux Anesthesia H-Block
2. Discussion of Mayo Block and Ankle Block
SESSION 6
2-14-12

NAIL AVULSIONS
DOPPLER EXAMINATION

Read corresponding pages in Podiatric Medical Skills Handbook

1. Discussion on Nail Avulsions
2. Nail Avulsion Procedures (Appendix B)
3. Doppler Examination (Appendix C)
SESSION 7
FOOT STRAPPINGS AND UNNA BOOTS (SESSION #1)
2-21-12
Read corresponding pages in Podiatric Medical Skills Handbook
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Low Dye Strapping with Campbells Rest Strap

Variations of the Low Dye Strapping
Heel Spur Pad with Box Heel Strap
Derotational Foot tapings
Unna Boot (Appendix B)

SESSION 8
FOOT STRAPPINGS AND UNNA BOOTS (SESSION #2)
2-28-12
Read corresponding pages in Podiatric Medical Skills Handbook
1. Continuation of Foot Strappings and Unna Boot

SESSION 9
3-06-12

PODIATRIC INSTRUMENTATION & DEBRIDEMENT SKILLS

OTHER STRAPPINGS TECHNIQUES

Read corresponding pages in Podiatric Medical Skills Handbook

1.
2.
3.
4.

Demonstration of Instruments used in Palliative Care

Demonstration of Proper Use of Instruments
Practice of Debridement Skills bring an orange to class!
Various Ankle Strappings

SESSION 10
BIOMECHANICAL EXAMINATION (SESSION #1)
3-27-12
Read corresponding pages in Podiatric Medical Skills Handbook
Watch corresponding videos in OCPM library- Ask Donna
1. Biomechanical Evaluation and Examination (Appendix D)
SESSION 11
4-03-12

BIOMECHANICAL EXAMINATION (SESSION #2)

Read corresponding pages in Podiatric Medical Skills Handbook

Watch corresponding videos in OCPM library- Ask Donna
1.
SESSION 12
4-10-12

Foot Orthoses Casting Techniques (Appendix E)

REVIEW SESSION

1. Students can practice all skills

SESSION 13
4-17-12

PRACTICAL EXAM (1st half)

1. Written or Oral Section to Be Announced

2. Two Skills Chosen at Random are Tested
SESSION 14
4-24-12

PRACTICAL EXAM (2nd half)

1. Written or Oral Section to Be Announced

2. Two Skills Chosen at Random are Tested

STUDENT CHECKLIST
NAME:

SESSION #

INITIALS

SESSION 1

_________

SESSION 2

_________

SESSION 3

_________

SESSION 4

_________

SESSION 5

_________

SESSION 6

_________

SESSION 7

_________

SESSION 8

_________

SESSION 9

_________

SESSION 10

_________

SESSION 11

_________

SESSION 12

_________

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