January 15, 2007

Typical symptoms of patellofemoral pain syndrome include pain behind or around the patella that is increased with running and activities involving knee flexion. Physical therapy is effective, but there is little evidence to support the routine use of knee braces or nonsteroidal…

Hormonal changes, preexisting conditions, and pregnancy-specific disorders can affect a woman's skin during pregnancy. Most conditions resolve after delivery and only require symptomatic treatment; however, increased antepartum surveillance may be indicated.

There are four types of abuse: neglect and emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. The family physician has a responsibility to recognize and treat cases of child abuse on first presentation to prevent significant morbidity and mortality. A multidisci-plinary approach is…

The World Health Organization recommends a six-step systematic approach to medication prescribing to help minimize errors and improve quality. This article describes an eight-step approach that adds use of electronic drug references or prescribing software to improve legibility…

We are pleased to introduce a new series of articles created in collaboration with the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM). The series of five articles will cover common, interesting, and often perplexing sports medicine dilemmas that family physicians…

Congress Passes Legislation That Prevents Medicare Payment Cut | Congress Approves Extension of Physicians for Underserved Areas Act | HHS Unveils Four Cornerstones of Value-Driven Health Care System | Study Finds Many Patients Misunderstand Prescription Drug Labels | AAFP…

Breathe a big sigh of relief—or better yet, phone a friend! A study published in the International Journal of Cancer suggests that people who use cellular phones are not at any greater risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma than those who don't use them. Questionnaires were…

Bronchiolitis is common in children younger than 24 months. The most common etiology for bronchiolitis is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Although bronchiolitis is common, there are wide-ranging practice variations for its diagnosis and management. To address these…

Photo Quiz presents readers with a clinical challenge based on a photograph or other image.

Levalbuterol tartrate appears to be no more effective and offers no improvement in the side-effect profile compared with albuterol. The higher cost may make it appropriate for only a limited group of patients.

Bronchiolitis usually is caused by a viral lower respiratory tract infection and most commonly causes morbidity and mortality in infants. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAP) has published recommendations for the diagnosis and management of bronchiolitis.

CDC Releases Data on Visual Impairment in Patients with Diabetes

Chronic Kidney Disease Screening Recommended in Patients with CVD

Patellofemoral (pa-tell-oh-FEE-mor-al) pain syndrome (or PFPS) is pain at the front of your knee. It may happen when the kneecap (or patella) moves differently than usual.

Medicines can be lifesavers. They can cure or control diseases. But if you use them the wrong way, they can be dangerous. Working together with your doctor can help you avoid problems. Follow the suggestions below for safe medicine use.