Lymphedema in Primary Care Podiatry Practice: Evaluation and Management

Course Overview

This lecture provides a comprehensive review of lymphedema and lipedema, including the underlying lymphatic physiology, mechanisms of edema formation, clinical staging, differential diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment strategies. Participants will examine primary and secondary causes of lymphedema, associated syndromes, complications such as recurrent cellulitis and malignancy, and the distinguishing clinical features between lymphedema, lipedema, venous insufficiency, and other causes of lower extremity edema. The program will further explore diagnostic testing, compression therapy, complete decongestive therapy, pharmacologic and surgical interventions, and recent healthcare policy changes related to the Lymphedema Treatment Act. Emphasis will be placed on developing comprehensive treatment plans to improve limb function, reduce complications, and optimize patient quality of life.

Learning Objectives

Differentiate lymphedema, lipedema, venous insufficiency, and other causes of lower extremity edema through clinical evaluation, staging criteria, and diagnostic testing.

Identify the pathophysiologic mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and complications associated with primary and secondary lymphedema, including recurrent infection, fibrosis, and malignancy risk.

Apply evidence-based management strategies for lymphedema and lipedema, including compression therapy, complete decongestive therapy, pharmacologic treatment, infection prevention, and surgical intervention when indicated.

Components

This course provides for 0.65 CME

Estimated time to complete the activity - The program will take approximately 40 minutes to complete

The course was originally released in 2026

There is a post assessment quiz and a survey at the end of the event. A score of 76% or better is required to pass the course


			Course Staff

About the Speaker

Allen Jacobs, DPM

Dr. Jacobs is a 1973 Summa Cum Laude graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine. He completed his residency in surgery at Monsignor Clement Kern Hospital, for special surgery in Warren, Michigan in 1975. Dr. Jacobs is a board certified in reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. For 25 years, Dr. Jacobs served as a Director of Podiatric Surgical Residency Training; and has also served as a contributing editor to the Journal of Foot Surgery, Podiatry Today, Foot and Ankle Quarterly and Clinics in Pediatric Medicine and Surgery. Additionally, Dr. Jacobs has served as the Scientific Chairman of the American Podiatric Medical Association, The Missouri Podiatry Society, and on the Journal Management Committee of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He was the first podiatrist to receive the rank of Fellow by Temple University. He was voted a Lifetime Achievement Award and to The Podiatry Hall of Fame. He has received numerous awards from the APMA and ACFAS for his dedication to podiatry and pediatric education, as well as recognition from the governors of Missouri, Arkansas and Massachusetts. He has published over 80 scientific articles in various textbooks and has presented over 1000 papers at pediatric and medical society meetings. He is nationally recognized author, researcher and a noted authority of surgery of the foot.

Compliance Statement

In accordance with the Council on Podiatric Medical Education's Standards and Requirements for Approval of Providers of Continuing Education in Podiatric Medicine, any relevant financial relationships with commercial interests of faculty, planning committee, or any others who have influence over the content of this educational activity must be disclosed to program participants. Neither the speaker nor the planning committee have any commercial interests to disclose. No commercial interest provided financial support for this educational activity. CME Online is approved by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education as a provider of continuing education in podiatric medicine. CME Online has approved this activity for a maximum of 0.65 continuing education contact hours.

CMEonline: 04-16-2026VenousDisordersinPodiatryPractice2 Lymphedema in Primary Care Podiatry Practice: Evaluation and Management - Allen Jacobs, DPM

Lymphedema in Primary Care Podiatry Practice: Evaluation and Management - Allen Jacobs, DPM