November 2010

Cover Story


The truth about barefoot running: It’s complicated
The truth about barefoot running: It’s complicated
One side claims running shoes cause injury; the other side counters that barefoot running comes with its own risks. There are likely elements of truth on both sides. But when it comes to giving your patients advice about barefoot running, experts have more questions than answers. by Cary Groner

Editor Message


Out on a limb: Creatures of comfort
Out on a limb: Creatures of comfort
Benno Nigg, PhD, isn’t exactly on the barefoot running bandwagon. Essentially, the internationally lauded foot biomechanist thinks barefoot running is a fashion trend that tends to recur every 25 years or so  — like babydoll dresses or skinny ties. Jordana Bieze Foster, Editor

Feature Articles


Amputación Parcial de Pie: manejo del Podólogo
Amputación Parcial de Pie: manejo del Podólogo
Los pacientes con diabetes que han sido objeto de una amputación parcial del pie son los más vulnerables a la re- ulceración. El calzado, las platillas, las prótesis parciales de pie, las ortesis de pie y tobillo pueden ayudar a reducir ese riesgo al mismo tiempo que mejoran la función. Por: Erick ...
Practice Tactics: Efforts to boost morale pay off in productivity
Practice Tactics: Efforts to boost morale pay off in productivity
With so many factors outside of the control of practitioners and practice managers, it’s becoming increasingly important to focus energy and resources on the areas that are well within your ability to influence. By Jason Kraus
Partial foot amputation: Pedorthic management
Partial foot amputation: Pedorthic management
Patients with diabetes who have undergone partial foot amputation are vulnerable to reulceration. Footwear, orthotic devices, and partial foot prostheses can reduce risk while improving function. By Erick Janisse, CPed, CO, and Dennis Janisse, CPed
Yoga helps target falls, fears in older patients
Yoga helps target falls, fears in older patients
Yoga can help improve balance and increase confidence in older adults who are at risk for fall-related injury. The key to successful outcomes is to modify traditional poses in ways that accommodate both physical limitations and fears in this patient population. By Arlene Schmid, PhD, OTR
Articular cartilage rehab starts with examination
Articular cartilage rehab starts with examination
Successful management of articular cartilage lesions starts with a thorough examination emphasizing patient history, range of motion limitations, and an understanding of underlying anatomy and biomechanics. By Walter L. Jenkins, PT, DHS, ATC
Diabetes affects fracture healing at cellular level
Diabetes affects fracture healing at cellular level
Patients with diabetes are at increased risk for delayed union or nonunion following skeletal trauma or elective orthopedic surgery, due to impaired osseous regeneration. By David N. Paglia MS, Siddhant K. Mehta BS, Kristen Mason BS, Eric A. Breitbart MD, Aaron Wey BS, Andrew Park MS, Swaroopa Vaidya MS, Ravi Verma BS, Dana Graves PhD, J. ...

Industry News & Updates


    Products


    Pediatric AFO Casting Socks
    Pediatric AFO Casting Socks
    STS Company has announced the development of Pediatric AFO casting socks in four different sizes to cover a broad range of anatomy and children’s ages. The casts are compatible with traditional AFO fabrication as well as CAD-CAM methods. The fast-setting, water-curable resins that are impregnated on the casting socks have a set time of approximately ...
    Deertracks Shoes
    Deertracks Shoes
    Pilgrim Shoes offers the Deertracks line of shoes, made in the USA. Added shaft height allows for better fitting of any kind of orthotics or braces, while a wide shaft opening allows easy on/off. Thick, breathable, shock-absorbing insoles are designed to support and relieve the foot; the removable insoles can easily be replaced with diabetic ...
    Darco Web Ankle Brace
    Darco Web Ankle Brace
    Darco International introduces the Web Ankle Brace. The ankle brace is a true convertible brace that can transform from an acute brace to a full support product with a simple adjustment, eliminating the need for multiple braces. The brace is designed with removable rigid stays that provide controlled restriction of inversion/eversion. The unique bungee closure ...
    Thermoskin Plantar FXT Ultra
    Thermoskin Plantar FXT Ultra
    Swede-O has announced its launch of the Thermoskin Plantar FXT Ultra for the nighttime treatment of plantar fasciitis. The Plantar FXT Ultra holds the foot at approximately 90° so the plantar fascia is in a stretched position where it may heal.  The device is made of hook & loop materials, allowing for the foam wedge ...
    Symes Little Feet
    Symes Little Feet
    Prosthetic technology company TRS has introduced a Symes version of its Little Feet product line. Little Feet are designed for infants and children and come in sizes 10, 11, 12, and 13 cm long; they are available in three skin tones to compliment different patient’s needs. The SACH-type feet are stable and store energy because ...
    Performance Socks
    Performance Socks
    Sole announces the release of its redesigned Performance Socks. Lightweight Sport and Dual Layer socks are offered in no-show, ankle, and crew lengths in either black or white. A blend of Tactel, Coolmax and Lycra fabrics provides a soft, comfortable feel. The durable Lightweight Sport socks feature instep vents for breathability, a hand-linked “seamless” toe ...
    Heelift Soft Foam AFO Boot
    Heelift Soft Foam AFO Boot
    DM Systems offers the new Heelift AFO for limited weightbearing. The Heelift AFO features a semi-rigid polypropylene brace, which is positioned to provide safe ankle and foot support. Customizable foam pads elevate the heel and protect of the Achilles tendon; choose from a smooth foam interior or a slightly cooler convoluted foam option. A non-slip ...
    Muscle Angels Hand-Held Massager
    Muscle Angels Hand-Held Massager
    The Muscle Angels hand-held massager is designed to provide quick relief from muscle pain and fatigue while increasing flexibility, circulation, mobility and elasticity. Muscle Angel massagers are designed to combine the benefits of myofascial trigger point, acupressure, and deep tissue massage—all in one product.  The sculpted nub-tip stimulates circulation and breaks up muscle knots, while ...
    Polhemus G4 Motion Tracker
    Polhemus G4 Motion Tracker
    Motion technology company Polhemus  has unveiled the G4, a 6-degree-of-freedom motion tracker that boasts wireless communication and  AC electromagnetic technology, and fits in your pocket. Designed for applications including biomechanical and sports performance analysis, G4 touts the power of larger, more expensive systems, yet is significantly smaller in size and can be belt-worn. Armed with sensors ...
    Topical BioMedics Topricin Foot Cream
    Topical BioMedics Topricin Foot Cream
    Topical BioMedics offers all natural Topricin Foot Therapy Cream in two new smaller sizes. Originally offered in an 8 oz bottle, the pain relief healing cream that’s specially formulated to target foot and ankle pain is also now available in a convenient 4 oz jar as well as a 2 oz travel tube. Classified by ...