Landing and change of direction in volleyball can put players at risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Few ACL prevention studies have focused on volleyball, but players can benefit from screening and intervention programs that have been shown to be effective in other sports. By Joanne L. Parsons, MSc, PT, CAT(C)

One of the biggest challenges in sports injury prevention is that the sheer number of potential injuries makes it prohibitive to screen for all of them. But what if there was a single test that could be used to screen for all lower extremity injuries? It’s not as farfetched as you might think.

Practitioners know patients who feel that ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) hinder their sartorial style are less likely to be compliant, but many clinicians feel ill-equipped to give fashion advice. That’s when the expertise of a stylist, seamstress, or personal shopper can come in handy. By Shalmali Pal

Not only do basketball players have many of the same risk factors for plantar fasciitis as the general population, they also have the added challenge of a grueling season and very little opportunity to rest. That means practitioners have had to be creative when it comes to treatment. By P.K. Daniel

A number of different gait modifications have been demonstrated to significantly reduce the knee adduction moment in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Now research suggests gait retraining can also help reduce the pain associated with knee OA and improve function. By Pete B. Shull, PhD

When preventive measures have been exhausted, various surgical approaches can be employed to provide each diabetic patient with a functional, biomechanically sound foot that is free of infection, while minimizing the risk of future lower limb complications. By Gabriel V. Gambardella, DPM, and Peter A. Blume, DPM, FACFAS

Significant progress has been made in quantifying gait impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis, but clinician-friendly assessment techniques that are sensitive to mild levels of impairment are needed to facilitate early intervention and in turn improve patient outcomes. By Douglas A. Wajda and Jacob J. Sosnoff, PhD

Lower extremity amputation (LEA) rates in the US continue to fall, according to an analysis published in July that confirms earlier research demonstrating a steady decline beginning in the 1990s.

Orthotic therapy in patients with diabetes and a history of foot ulcers was associated with dramatic decreases in reulceration and amputation rates, according to data from Spanish researchers at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Researchers from Taiwan confirmed that insoles with removable plugs reduce forefoot plantar pressures in patients with diabetic neuropathy, and those pressures are further reduced by adding arch support.

Landing biomechanics have long been a focus of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury research, but they may also be predictive of lower extremity stress fracture, according to a study presented in July at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) meeting in Chicago.

Two recent studies underscore the association between core mus­­cle function and risk factors for anteri­or cruciate ligament injury.

Stochastic resonance stimulation (SRS) more effectively improves balance in patients with functional ankle instability (FAI) when optimized based on each patient’s sensory threshold than when all patients receive the same treatment, according to research from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.

Pro-Tec Athletics introduces The Orb, a deep tissue massage ball. The Orb allows for a multidirectional roll for targeting specific lower extremity areas. The high-density device is designed to reduce muscle fatigue and tightness, promote flexibility, and enhance performance. The Orb is available in 5-inch diameter and 7-inch diameter sizes. The 5-inch diameter ball is intended ...

Topical Gear, a company that designs protective gear for female athletes, has released the Pro Taco. A taco-shaped buttress applies topical pressure to the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments and two foam buttresses apply pressure to the neuroreceptors in the peroneal muscle group and the Achilles tendon. The design is intended to strengthen the ankle, ...

The PediFix Footcare Company introduces its DiabeticDefense line of topical products for diabetic footcare. These formulas help patients with diabetes care for their feet to minimize dry, rough, cracked skin; wash away fungus and bacteria; and help prevent skin breakdown. Daily Therapy Foot Moisturizer hydrates skin to help keep feet soft, smooth, and healthy. Daily ...

Langer Biomechanics introduces its new, advanced line of PPT engineered foams, designed to provide practitioners with tools for protecting patients. PPT is versatile, comfortable, durable, and its ability to absorb rapid repetitious shock (attenuation) is almost twice that of other protective materials. PPT also retains 95% of its pressure-absorbing capacity, even under the extreme conditions ...

The Tola neuromuscular release system now includes the Tola Strap, making it more effective and easier to use. The Tola Strap allows the user to relax the target muscles and apply pressure to hard-to-reach areas without assistance. The 8-ft adjustable strap can be used in a closed or open position. For example, loop the closed ...

Allard USA announces KiddieROCKER, the newest addition to the ToeOFF family of products, for children with more involved pathologies. KiddieROCKER supports the foot-ankle complex while facilitating a more normal range of motion during the developmental years, as well as increased stability for those with more severe and/or more proximal deficits. KiddieROCKER is a dynamic solution ...

Progressive Health Innovations has rebranded its AFX ankle foot maximizer as the AFX Pro and launched a new AFX product. The two products feature many of the same benefits. With four levels of resistance, the AFX Pro (suggested retail price of $129) is targeted at healthcare professionals, people undergoing early stage physical rehabilitation, and those ...

JMS Plastics Supply now offers a line of advanced compression socks to minimize the perspiration that builds up in prosthetic liners. The new Swiftwick Valor Compression Socks use a patented bonding process to deliver the natural antiodor and antifungal benefits of silver ions throughout the socks, activated when the wearer sweats. Made of strong, quick-drying ...