The Foot Talk Forum is a discussion forum offered by Myfootshop.com that provides educational information regarding foot and ankle problems. Discussions topics include fracture care, conservative vs. surgical care, sports medicine and diabetic foot care. The Foot Talk Forum is moderated by a board certified podiatrist. Membership in the forum has recently grown to more than 2000 members.

(PRWEB) June 14, 2006 -- How are consumers taking care of foot problems? With high deductibles and increasing numbers of uninsured patients, many consumers are looking for answers on the internet. The internet provides a wealth of information, but it can be difficult for consumers to select relevant and credible information about health problems. That’s where discussion forums can be so helpful. In a forum, a consumer can share their experiences with others, and in some cases, actually receive guidance from trained professionals.

The Foot Talk Forum is a discussion forum offered by Myfootshop.com. The purpose of The Foot Talk Forum is to educate consumers regarding foot and ankle care. The Foot Talk Forum is moderated by a board certified podiatrist who answers questions and can make recommendations regarding care.

Dr. Jeffrey Oster is medical director of Myfootshop.com and forum moderator for The Foot Talk Forum. Dr. Oster describes The Foot Talk Forum as an opportunity to supplement a patient’s care and answer questions that may not have been answered by their doctor. "One of the most common questions that I field in The Foot Talk Forum is whether the recommendations suggested by a doctor make sense. For instance, the discussion may review the merits of conservative vs. surgical care for particular conditions. The ensuing conversation builds a base of information that can be shared and reviewed by others. " Dr. Oster stressed that The Foot Talk Forum is not intended to replace your doctor, but is an opportunity to ask all those little questions that you may think after your doctor runs out the door. Dr. Oster went on to say, "At the core of good healthcare is good communication. In this day of electronic medical records, communication is taking a back seat to other aspect of your care."

Members of The Foot Talk Forum come from all walks of life and all parts of the world. The majority of members are from the US, but other members hail from as far away as India, Italy, China and Romania. Due to this diverse mix of members, The Foot Talk Forum discussions can compare the success of care in different countries.

"I am initially humbled to speak to a person in China about complications of their diabetes" said Dr. Oster. "And I’m then astounded to learn that this same person is undergoing medically complex treatment including stem cell injections for peripheral vascular disease. I find I’m learning more and more from the forum members every day."

The Foot Talk Forum is a service offered by Myfootshop.com. Myfootshop.com provides educational information and products for foot and ankle problems. The Foot Talk Forum is a 5 year old forum that recently surpassed more than 2000 members. The Foot Talk Forum is also available in RSS format.

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