Preface to Eighth Edition
The first edition of this text was produced by Donald Neale in 1981, with a view to develop a book which incorporated the many diverse bodies of medical and biological knowledge that are essential components of the profession of podiatry. Prior to this most of the literature that had been specifically developed for the profession had been written in the years preceding World War 2 and whilst revised to reflect changes in practice were very much embedded in the fourth decade of the twentieth century.
Neale’s Disorders of the foot, has incrementally evolved since the first edition which represented UK podiatric practice in the late 1970s. Notably in the first edition, local anaesthesia, nail surgery and surgical procedures (other than those carried out by orthopaedic surgeons) were not included. These omissions were rectified within the second and third editions of the book.
Podiatric practice and education has developed significantly within the past 30 years both in respect of scope of practice and educational changes that were required to support practice. All approved programmes of Podiatry in the UK are now normally at honours degree level or above. Increasing numbers of podiatrists now have higher degrees and this has contributed to the breadth of the evidence base upon which best practice is founded. The text has similarly developed edition by edition in an effort to reflect the changes and in this the eighth edition in addition to the re-writing and revisions of chapters the opportunity to utilise web based media has also been taken.
The seven previous editions of the text have endeavoured to be a focus for the knowledge base of the profession whilst giving emphasis to the place it holds within the wider field of patient care. Similarly the eighth edition strives to continue this role and many chapters have been revised or rewritten and a number of new contributors have provided a fresh approach to some of the content.
The layout and content of chapters has caused much thought and there have been a number of changes which place some elements in more logically clinically related locations and where possible duplication of information has been minimised. The need for the text to provide for the needs of both the student podiatrist and the practitioner has been at the forefront of our deliberations and it is hoped that the eighth edition continues to provide a ready reference from assessment to diagnosis and management.
The common cutaneous conditions such as corn and callous have been displaced from the chapter which deals with dermatological conditions and the chapter on nail disorders has been expanded to include cutaneous disorders. The chapter on podiatric management of the elderly has been rewritten and focuses on the elderly patient’s journey in relation to a host of conditions which may affect the foot and the specific issues that relate to caring for the older patient. Much of the chapter on orthoses has been modified and now is more reflective of current therapies and paradigms whilst continuing to reflect traditional techniques which remain part of contemporary practice.
The podiatrists increasing role in the prescription and supply of therapeutic footwear is addressed by an additional section within the chapter that relates to footwear and will add additional relevance. Furthermore, the podiatrist’s role in health promotion has also been recognised and the chapter on patient education has been substantially revised to reflect this.
The material that is based on the web has allowed enhancement of information by making material available with video and a greater number of images and presentations. Patient examination techniques and gait analysis are available as videos and a range of self assessment questions are also available. It is hoped that when necessary updates may be possible using this medium. In a new departure, a companion to this text has also been created which is intended to provide for quick and easy reference within the clinical environment.