The podiatric examination.

Abstract

With the evolution of the AIDS epidemic into a relatively chronic disease, practitioners will continue to see an increase in the number of patients infected with HIV for the diagnosis and management of podiatric pathology. A thorough history and physical examination, taken with a complete knowledge base of HIV implications, will enhance the ability to form the strategies required to treat the manifestations of this disease and to request appropriate referrals. Laboratory studies and other diagnostic techniques have been developed and increased in specificity to allow for earlier and more precise identification of the presenting pathology. A continuously expanding choice of medications is available for treatment. The clinical presentations of HIV infection in the foot involve nearly all organ systems. This article reviews the podiatric role as part of the medical team in the diagnosis and treatment of patients infected with HIV.