2012 research

I am interested in improving the functionality of an educational CD on how to interpret MRI’s of the foot and ankle. In other words, make the CD more “user friendly.” As such, a student with an interest in computer technology is needed to complete the project. Past experience in instructional design would be beneficial, but not necessary. Interested students will have the opportunity to meet with me, examine the current CD, and decide if they have the computer knowledge to participate.

2011 research

Much of what is taught and practiced in the field of podiatric biomechanics is based on theory and not actual observation. This study will attempt to show that one of the founding principles of this area is potentially flawed; namely, that the heel during gait assumes at some point its neutral position, a position advocated by one of the founders of biomechanical theory, Dr. Merton Root. We believe, as does some current literature, that the heel never reaches neutral position. Rather, it is maintained throughout the gait cycle in a position of valgus which is regarded as a very unstable position. This has major implications for orthosis fabrication since podiatrists take the vast majority of cast impressions of the foot in neutral position. By determining heel position non-weightbearing in the manner described by Root and comparing it to the position during gait as measured in the DMU Human Performance Lab, we hope to shed light on this controversy.

2010 research

Painful diabetic neuropathy in the feet is a significant problem that is unresponsive to most treatments. We are investigating the effect of a novel use of an anesthetic agent in cream form to see if topical treatment can be successful in diminishing foot pain in diabetics.

Publications

Mahoney J, Vardaxis V, Moore J, Hall A, Haffner K, Peterson M. Topical ketamine in the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association; 102(3):178-183 , 2012

Mahoney, JM; Scott, R; “Psoriatic Onychopachydermoperiostitis” (POPP), Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 99 (2):140-143 , 2009

Mahoney, JM; Ponticelllo, M; Nelson, E; Racz, R; “Topical Misoprostol and Wound Healing in Rats,” Wounds, Vol. 19, #12, December, 334-33 , 2007

Mahoney, JM; Bennett, J; Olsen, B; “The Diagnosis of Onychomycosis,” Dermatologic Clinics, 21:463-467 , 2003

Mahoney J. Oral cimetidine and the treatment of verrucae. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association; 86(4):183-186., 1996

Publications: Mahoney J. Differential diagnosis of lower extremity ulcerations. Journal of Foot Surgery, Spring, 1981

Awards and honors

2011, 2010, 2007, 2005, 2003, 2002 - CPMS Clinical Faculty of the Year award

2009 - Excellence in Scholarship Award, DMU Faculty

2008 - The Kenison Award for the most outstanding effort on behalf of and contributions to the American Podiatric Medical Students’ Association