Although high heels are known to affect the biomechanics of human movement, most notably by increasing forefoot plantar pressure, it is commonly worn due to the influence of fashion. To deal with the resulting clinical issues, some prescriptions include the use of cushioning pads to redistribute the plantar loads and increase comfort. This preliminary study has sought to investigate whether auxetic foam would be a good candidate for the redistribution of plantar loafing in the forefoot when compared to a more traditional material. From the results obtained, it was shown that auxetic foam demonstrated a decrease in forefoot peak plantar pressure while a commercial product, a material traditionally used for plantar cover paddings, increased pressure in the region of the second–fourth Metatarsophalangeal Joint. This demonstrates the potential for auxetic materials to become the material of choice for such applications, especially since it can be further remodeled until its properties can produce a significant forefoot pressure reduction.

Background and Aims The COVID‐19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine in general. Its use has been widely adopted in the healthcare sector, but relatively little research has been conducted on the use of telemedicine for podiatry. This review aimed to explore and compare existing guidelines on telemedicine related to foot and ankle pathologies within a primary care setting. Methods The preferred reporting guidelines for the extension of scoping reviews were used in this review, and a set of inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed and implemented. This study made use of both databases and gray literature searches. Between 2012 and 2022, these databases were searched using various subject headings and free‐text terms for the keywords “telemedicine” “foot health” and “guidelines” with appropriate Boolean operators. Results The search yielded 356 articles, which were reduced to 283 after removing duplicates. Six more records were discovered through a Google and Google Scholar search and one through an article reference search. Six articles and three institutional practice guidelines were selected for synthesis after screening. The findings were classified according to the level of evidence and research quality, the function of telemedicine and the communication used, the research outcomes sought, and the type of recommendations and guidelines made available. Conclusion This review highlights the lack of podiatric telemedicine guidelines for foot and ankle pathologies. Although foot and ankle guidelines for orthopedic and musculoskeletal virtual consultations have been mentioned, they do not cover the full range of potential case scenarios that fall within the remit of podiatric consultations in a primary care setting. This review suggests the development of foot and ankle telemedicine guidelines with recommendations on how they can better provide accessible care to their patients, making foot and ankle care management not only a hand‐on‐one but also reachable virtually, where applicable.

Introduction: The adoption of telemedicine within the healthcare industry has experienced a surge in momentum as a result of the exceptional circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study sought to explore the views of different stakeholders regarding the feasibility of introducing telemedicine for foot and ankle management delivered in a primary care context. Method: A mixed-methods approach was adopted, wherein the main source of data collected was quantitative, consisting of online questionnaires. Additionally, focus groups and interviews were conducted to corroborate the findings obtained from the questionnaires. Results: An agreement between patients, podiatrists, and senior healthcare management was reached regarding the introduction of a telemedicine service for foot and ankle management. Proposed measures entail the establishment of a comprehensive evidence-based framework and standard operating procedures for both users and providers, the provision of appropriate training and professional development opportunities for healthcare practitioners, and enhanced community education and outreach initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the scope, beneficiaries, and modalities of this service. Discussion: This research has highlighted the need for the introduction of telemedicine services for foot and ankle care management. Impromptu interventions due to the pandemic were executed without adequate evidence-based guidelines for healthcare professionals to follow. This unforeseen situation created a favourable opportunity for further research and to reconsider what measures are necessary to determine appropriate guidelines and training for the introduction of this service.