November 2017

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Cover Story


BRAINS, SPRAINS, AND CHRONIC PAIN: Concussion consequences may include osteoarthritis
BRAINS, SPRAINS, AND CHRONIC PAIN: Concussion consequences may include osteoarthritis
As a growing number of studies report associa­tions between concussion and musculoskeletal injury risk, new research suggests concussed athletes may also have an increased risk of osteoarthritis later in life. By Robert C. Lynall, PhD, ATC; Timothy C. Mauntel, PhD, ATC; David R. Howell, PhD, ATC; and Thomas A. Buckley, EdD, ATC

Editor Message


Out on a limb: Low tech, high value
Out on a limb: Low tech, high value
The use of advanced technologies to provide feedback to patients during rehabilitation is all the rage in lower extremity healthcare. But, as exciting as these new modalities can be, it’s important to remember that low-tech feedback strategies can make hi-tech data even more clinically useful. Jordana Bieze Foster, Editor

Departments


BRAINS, SPRAINS, AND CHRONIC PAIN: Concussion consequences may include osteoarthritis
BRAINS, SPRAINS, AND CHRONIC PAIN: Concussion consequences may include osteoarthritis
As a growing number of studies report associa­tions between concussion and musculoskeletal injury risk, new research suggests concussed athletes may also have an increased risk of osteoarthritis later in life. By Robert C. Lynall, PhD, ATC; Timothy C. Mauntel, PhD, ATC; David R. Howell, PhD, ATC; and Thomas A. Buckley, EdD, ATC
From barefoot running  to diabetic neuropathy
From barefoot running to diabetic neuropathy
Because footwear alters sensory perception, research examining the role of cutaneous feedback in barefoot running may provide important insight related to some of the gait changes that occur in patients with… By Melissa Thompson, PhD, and Kristine Hoffman, DPM, FACFAS
Focus on biomechanics helps treat claudication
Focus on biomechanics helps treat claudication
Lower extremity clinicians say ankle foot orthoses, rocker-soled shoes, and other orthotic interventions can benefit patients with peripheral arterial disease and intermittent claudication by making it easier for them to exercise, and research is starting to demonstrate these benefits. By Shalmali Pal
Assessing runners’ gait using wearable sensors
Assessing runners’ gait using wearable sensors
Wearable sensors allow for the collection of running biomechanics data outside the laboratory in natural training environments, enabling clinicians to collect a large volume of information in a relatively short time to help identify and manage individuals who may be at risk for running-related injuries. By Rachel Koldenhoven, MEd, ATC; and Alex DeJong, MEd, ATC
When a longtime patient dies: How clinicians cope
When a longtime patient dies: How clinicians cope
It’s not unusual for any practitioner to experience complicated emotions when a death or a terminal diagnosis disrupts the personal bond forged with a patient over many years, but experts say lower extremity clinicians often are not well equipped to deal with these emotions. By Emily Delzell

News

In the Moment: Sports Medicine

Runners’ knees get a lift: Elevating heel cuts patellofemoral load
Runners’ knees get a lift: Elevating heel cuts patellofemoral load
Wearing heel lifts in conventional running shoes can help reduce patellofemoral joint loading and may offer an alternative to gait retraining in runners with patello­femoral pain (PFP), according to research conducted at  the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. By Jill R. Dorson
Combination of four variables predicts 90% of recurrent lateral ankle sprains
A combination of four variables predicts 90% of cases of recurrent lateral ankle sprain within one year of an initial sprain, according to research from the University of Sydney in Australia. By Jordana Bieze Foster
Video overlay feedback helps improve biomechanics of sport-specific landing
Video feedback is associated with improved landing mechanics—suggesting a reduced risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury—during a sport-specific task, according to research from the University of Groningen Medical Center in the Netherlands. By Jordana Bieze Foster

In the Moment: Diabetees

Hot tip to predict ulcer risk: Repeat temperature test for best results
Hot tip to predict ulcer risk: Repeat temperature test for best results
The concept of foot temperature monitoring to identify areas of increased risk of ulceration in patients with diabetes is promising, but new research from the Netherlands suggests clinical use of the technology will require more than a single temperature assessment. By Keith Loria
Gait findings support focus on proximal muscle function in people with diabetes
Lower extremity muscle force during gait differs significantly among patients with diabetic neuropathy, patients with diabetes but no neuropathy, and controls, according to research from Brazil that underscores the importance of maintaining proximal muscle function in patients with diabetes. By Jordana Bieze Foster
Variability in glycemic control can help estimate time needed to heal foot ulcers
Glycemic variability—fluctuations in HbA1c level from one visit to another—is significantly associated with foot ulcer healing time in patients with diabetes, according to research from the UK. By Jordana Bieze Foster

Market Mechanics

By Emily Delzell


Products


Formula Prosthetic Foot
Formula Prosthetic Foot
New from Fillauer, the Formula foot is engineered to provide an ideal balance of flexibility and power that is appropriate for a wide range of users due to a posterior mount design. The long, lightweight carbon pylon provides critical energy return through the…
Vivobarefoot Ultra III Bloom
Vivobarefoot Ultra III Bloom
Vivobarefoot’s Ultra III Bloom is the industry’s first molded shoe made from algae, with an amphibious, eco-friendly design for adventures on both land and sea. The shoe has been created in collaboration with Bloom, a company that…
La Pointique Heel Strap
La Pointique Heel Strap
La Pointique Int’l now offers the new Heel Strap and LP compression socks. The Heel Strap is designed to provide support to the ligaments of the heel and ankle in athletes to improve stability during jumps and shifting movements.
Metatarsal Pad Kits
Metatarsal Pad Kits
Tread Labs, a source for semicustom, orthotic insoles, announces the launch of Metatarsal Pad Kits, designed to allow providers to add metatarsal support to any existing Tread Labs insole. Like the company’s the interchangeable insole topcovers, the…
OPTP io-ball
OPTP io-ball
OPTP is now the official distributer for the io-ball, an inflatable exercise ball with a unique elliptical shape. The compact, lightweight ball can be positioned horizontally or vertically, allowing the user to increase the difficulty of standard movements or…
I-Runner Elite with Velcro
I-Runner Elite with Velcro
The I-Runner PDAC-approved diabetic shoe family continues to grow. I-Runner proudly introduces its first-ever Velcro closure model, the Elite.Designed by pedorthists, the Elite features a single 1″ strap that sits high on the…
Xelero Matrix One
Xelero Matrix One
Now available from Xelero is the Matrix One pedorthic shoe. Designed for walking and light running, the shoe is offered in men’s grey/black mesh and women’s light grey/light blue mesh. The Matrix One features the same technology as…
CuraMedix DuoLith SD1 TT
CuraMedix DuoLith SD1 TT
The FDA-approved DuoLith SD1 TT from CuraMedix is the next generation of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), with focused CylindricalSource technology, as a nonsurgical treatment for pain associated with chronic proximal plantar fasciitis.
Ease Knee Highs in New Sizes
Ease Knee Highs in New Sizes
Therafirm is launching Ease Knee Highs in XL sizes and petite lengths. The Ease line of compression hosiery features construction from ultrastretchy and super soft yarns for comfort and style. Whereas the previous size offerings would accommodate…
Korebalance 3.0 Software
Korebalance 3.0 Software
Korebalance, an advanced rehabilitation system for neuro­sensory training and assessment, now features new pre- ­installed software. Version 3.0 includes more and better games to challenge a variety of balance and mTBI (mild traumatic brain injury) issues…