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Cover Story
Experts say perplexing studies suggesting that smoking may be protective against the development of knee osteoarthritis (OA) should not deter clinicians’ efforts to discourage smoking—even in patients who are at risk for OA.
By Barbara Boughton
Editor Message
Platelet-rich plasma injections. Kinesiology tape. Foam rolling. Compression garments. Blood-flow restriction training. Elite athletes have always been at the leading edge of the latest techniques believed to help speed recovery from injury, often long before they’ve been…
By Jordana Bieze Foster, Editor
LER Pediatrics
The weight problem
Many, many stories in both LER: Pediatrics and its parent publication, Lower Extremity Review, highlight the biomechanical and physiological effects of being overweight or obese.
Departments
Metatarsalgia is a common foot disorder. The term metatarsalgia refers to a pain syndrome in the forefoot and not to a specific diagnosis. Pain is confined to the area across the plantar forefoot, including the second through fourth metatarsal heads.
By Howard Kashefsky, DPM, FACFAS
The care and prevention of skin issues may not get as much attention in orthotics as in prosthetics, but such issues can significantly affect patient outcomes. Here, lower extremity experts share the tips and tricks they use to manage dermatological challenges related to orthotic devices.
By Lori Roniger
Using specially designed insoles to deliver stochastic resonance to the plantar surface of the feet has the potential to significantly improve static balance, dynamic balance, and gait mechanics in healthy…
By Daniel Miranda, PhD; Wen-Hao Hsu, ScD; and James Niemi, MS
Hip strength asymmetry has been observed in patients with existing patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) and potentially could be used to screen for at-risk individuals.
By Franklin Caldera, DO, MBA; and Christopher Plastaras, MD
News
In the Moment: Sports Medicine
For individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI), the somatosensory feedback necessary for postural adjustments, walking, and running may be hampered by a decrease in soleus spinal reflex excitability, according to a new study in the Journal of Athletic Training.
By Larry Hand
Long-term periodized strength training has physiological performance benefits in distance runners, according to research from the University of Limerick in Ireland.
By Jordana Bieze Foster
A multicenter functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study indicates that no single exercise activates all of the hamstring and synergist muscles in professional soccer players, suggesting a combination of exercises may be optimal for hamstring injury prevention.
By Jordana Bieze Foster
In the Moment: Rehabilitation
Women with and without knee osteoarthritis (OA) demonstrate greater knee abduction and hip adduction during gait than their male counterparts, according to research from Canada that supports the concept of gender-specific rehabilitation in this population.
By Katie Bell
Leg strength and speed of leg movement are predictive of functional decline in older adults with poor mobility, according to research from Boston, MA.
By Jordana Bieze Foster
Metabolic activity evident six months after an Achilles tendon rupture—when rehabilitation protocols typically allow running and other high-load activities—suggests the tendon is still healing at that time, according to research from Denmark.
By Jordana Bieze Foster
Market Mechanics
By Emily Delzell
Products
Coral, a leading brand of coral minerals, now offers Coral Complex3 and Daily D, two supplements to help support healthy bones. Daily D provides 500 IU (1250% DV) of the “sunshine vitamin”, vitamin D3. In addition, it provides 100 mg of coral calcium per capsule.
Quell utilizes NeuroMetrix’s patented, wearable intensive nerve stimulation (WINS) technology to provide drug free, widespread relief from chronic pain. Worn just below the knee and activated by clicking a button, Quell stimulates the sensory nerves to trigger the body’s natural pain relief system and block pain signals in the body.
Corflex introduces the Contender Post-Op Knee Brace. The brace features a simple adjustment system to minimize fit time after surgery and weighs just 27 oz. The ZipTrak Telescoping System adjusts brace length from 18″-26″ in 1/8″ increments and allows for the adjustment of intermediate cuffs to help avoid incision sites.
Vicon’s new flagship camera, Vantage, combines technology with accessible design to open up motion capture to a broader audience. The camera’s individual components have been designed to work together to provide up-to-the-minute information so the user can make adjustments in real time.
BetterDoctor helps healthcare practices create and manage their online presence and builds tools to bring trust, confidence, and transparency to the process of finding a doctor. The company works to fix incorrect contact information across the internet and get reviews on applicable industry websites.
New for spring, Spenco has launched a line of structured memory foam footwear, with the initial softness of memory foam and the added benefit of structural integrity. The new styles that feature memory foam are the Pure Sandal for men and women and the Thrust Slide for men.
Pro-Tec Athletics is proud to introduce the X-Trac dual-strap knee support. Built to enhance comfort and durability, the X-Trac is designed to stabilize the patella and improve patellar tracking in patients with patellar or quadriceps tendinitis as well as patellar tracking disorders that can cause chondromalacia and…
Jellyfeet occlusive foot covers are reusable, multiuse products that offer protection, aid in treatment, and enhance moisturization. They serve as a barrier between the skin and dirt or other harmful agents on the ground. Because they are water resistant and impermeable to lotions and…
Össur announces the launch of the Unloader Hip, a unique brace intended to provide relief for patients with mild-to-moderate hip osteoarthritis (OA). The Unloader Hip is designed to improve mobility by using compression to encourage external rotation and abduction of the femoral head during gait…
New from Apex is the 2016 Spring Collection of shoes and boots, designed with a fresh focus on style. Spring boots include the Black A4000M and Brown A4100M, which include an ankle strap for adjustability, bungee lace detailing, 5/16″ removable depth, a full grain leather upper…
