A comprehensive needs assessment conducted by ACCME-accredited Professional Postgraduate Services^® (PPS^®) revealed that leg disorders, while highly prevalent and in many cases debilitating, are not being diagnosed or treated in the primary-care setting. Lack of knowledge about differential diagnosis, primary and secondary symptoms, comorbid disease, and risk factors contribute to the myriad reasons why these disorders are not recognized by primary healthcare professionals.

In response to this educational need, PPS is proud to announce its sponsorship of an expansive educational initiative called the Biology of Leg Disorders (BOLD^®). BOLD takes a multidisciplinary approach to the science of leg disorders, endeavoring to bridge the educational gaps in recognition, diagnosis, and ultimately, management of leg disorders across biological systems and three primary pathophysiologic pathways: neurologic, vascular, and musculoskeletal..

LegDisorders.org, the official website of the BOLD educational initiative, has been developed to bring authoritative, current, and comprehensive information underscoring the appropriate assessment, treatment, and management of leg disorders—including restless legs syndrome (RLS), nocturnal leg cramps, peripheral neuropathies, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD), among others—to busy healthcare professionals who rely on and timely and trustworthy information. Notable site features include:

• Virtual Case Studies and Patient Video Vignettes: CME-certified, interactive, "real-world" cases that reinforce your clinical acumen
• Clinical Insights^® in Leg Disorders: A series of CME-certified newsletters containing a feature article, case study, and interview with a BOLD Steering Committee or Faculty member, along with a host of other clinical information
• Ask-The-Expert Video Podcasts: National thought leaders address YOUR questions—on video!
• Dynamic Slide Library: A collection of slides that you can download, customize, and save for your presentations
• Current Literature: A comprehensive library of recent literature spanning the scope of leg disorders
• Patient-Education Materials: A series of informative handouts designed to assist you with patient management
• Animated 3-D Leg Model: An anatomical model of the leg that offers an enhanced understanding of its structure

BOLD brings a first-of-its-kind educational paradigm to the broad spectrum of leg disorders, structuring programs across disease states. Classification that differentiates on the basis of pathophysiologic origin offers healthcare professionals comprehensive, cross-disciplinary education. Over the coming months, PCPs, OB/GYNs, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists will participate in activities and collateral programs via multiple learning venues best suited to their needs: live meetings, web and satellite conferences, and enduring materials both printed and virtual. BOLD is truly a multimedia campaign with unprecedented outreach to clinicians. Over the next several months, you will learn about the innovative programs that have been designed with your needs in mind; timing, location, and delivery have been carefully considered for each activity so that effective, convenient CME is easily attainable.

Our goal for this initiative is to provide you with relevant insights about the state-of-the-art in the diagnosis and treatment of leg disorders, and to motivate you to actively engage in the various BOLD offerings as they come your way throughout this and next year... and hopefully beyond.

The information found on LegDisorders.org is designed to support, not to replace, the relationship between the patient and the physician.