One of the most important aspects of being an excellent clinician is simply knowing human anatomy. As advanced practice nurses, we spend many years in school and clinical practice becoming experts in diagnosing and treating a wide variety of health systems. However, I find that with many primary care providers, APRN's included, often do not devote enough "educational energy" on the foot and ankle. The human foot and ankle is a complex mechanical structure containing more than 26 bones, 33 joints (20 of which are actively articulated), and more than a hundred muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
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Considering the variety of conditions that manifest in the foot and ankle, it is essential to become a competent clinician in this arena and that will involve an investment of time and energy. Is it worth it? Absolutely. Musculoskeletal conditions of the lower extremity comprise a significant percentage of patient encounters in primary care. As a nurse practitioner, I am acutely aware that our patients trust our judgement and look to us as their health care expert. Although I realize that it is impossible to become a highly skilled specialist in all facets of health care, it is our responsibility to continue to grow and learn as providers.
How many hours over the past year have you invested in studying the anatomy of the foot and ankle? Have you been to any continuing education courses on this topic? Are you willing to put the "educational energy" into learning a new area for your clinical practice?
If so, I would recommend that you start off by simply doing an online search for anatomy of the foot and ankle. You may find an additional excellent online resourse
HERE.
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