Assignment Brief: Module: Podiatric Pathology Assignment: Comparative Analysis of Acute and Chronic Diseases in Podiatry: Risk Factors and Management Word Count: 2000 words (±10%) Submission Deadline: [May 5th, 2026] Assignment Overview: This essay requires you to analyse and compare a range of acute and chronic systemic diseases commonly encountered in podiatry. You will interpret relevant risk factors and justify evidence-based podiatric management plans for these conditions. Learning Outcomes Assessed: LO1: Compare and contrast the characteristics, clinical implications, and podiatric relevance of a range of acute and chronic systemic diseases commonly encountered in podiatry. LO2: Interpret a range of risk factors and rationalise their use in podiatric assessment and clinical decision-making. LO3: Justify evidence-based podiatric management plans for systemic disorders commonly encountered in podiatry clinics. Case Study Scenario: Mr Patel’s Foot Health Crisis Patient Details: • Name: Mr Rajesh Patel • Age: 67 • Background: South Asian, retired bus driver Medical History: • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (12 years) – HbA1c: 78 mmol/mol • Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) (diagnosed 2 years ago) • Hypertension • BMI: 32 (obese) • History of gout • Past myocardial infarction (3 years ago) • Ex-smoker (quit 5 years ago) • Lives alone with limited mobility Presenting Complaint: Mr Patel attends the podiatry clinic with a painful, swollen, and red right foot that developed rapidly over 1–2 days. He reports a small blister on the ball of the foot caused by walking barefoot indoors. He describes burning pain especially at night. Assessment Findings: • Temp: 37.9°C • Right foot swollen, warm, erythematous with inflamed blister at 1st MTPJ • Reduced monofilament and vibration sense bilaterally • Weak dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses • Capillary refill >5 seconds on right foot • Non-weightbearing due to pain • Wears thin-soled slippers Assignment Tasks: Using Mr Patel’s case, write a 2000-word essay that: 1. (LO1) Compare and contrast the acute and chronic systemic diseases present or relevant to Mr Patel. Discuss their clinical features, podiatric implications, and how they interact. 2. (LO2) Identify and interpret the systemic and local risk factors affecting Mr Patel’s foot health. Explain how these influence podiatric assessment and clinical decision-making. 3. (LO3) Justify an evidence-based podiatric management plan for Mr Patel, addressing both immediate and long-term care, multidisciplinary involvement, and patient education. Assessment Criteria: • Clear differentiation of acute vs chronic systemic diseases • Comprehensive interpretation of risk factors relevant to podiatry • Well-justified, evidence-based management plan • Use of up-to-date clinical guidelines and research evidence • Academic writing quality, structure, and Harvard referencing Formatting and Submission Guidelines: • Typed, 12-point font (Arial or Calibri), double spaced • Standard margins (2.54 cm / 1 inch) • Title page with your name, student ID, word count, and essay title • Use subheadings to structure your essay • In-text citations and reference list in Harvard style (references excluded from word count) • Submit via [CANVAS] by [MAY 5th 2026] Support and Resources: • Academic writing workshops and tutorials • Clinical placement reflections (anonymised) • University library resources and databases • National guidelines (NICE, SIGN), RCOP Core Capabilities, HCPC standards Suggested Essay Title: "Managing Acute and Chronic Systemic Diseases in Podiatry: A Comparative Analysis of Risk and Evidence-Based Care"