Lower Extremity Review
Foot drop is a common presentation in people who have multiple sclerosis (MS). The inability to lift the forefoot off the ground adequately, such as to clear curbs and stairs, affects gait and increases fall risk. Ankle–foot orthoses (AFOs) and functional electrical stimulation (FES)…
By Laura Fonda Hochnadel
Managing pain in patients with foot and ankle pathology can be a challenge. In addition to nociceptive mechanisms, neuropathic mechanisms can contribute to pain in patients with orthopedic conditions and can be found in 10.5% to 53% of patients with chronic pain, depending on the location of the pathology.
This study focused on pressure-relieving orthotic insoles designed for retail footwear and people with diabetes and at risk of first forefoot ulceration. The aim was to investigate whether the pressure-relieving effects of a customized metatarsal bar and forefoot cushioning are sensitive to bar location and shape, and material choice.
By Ana Martinez-Santos, Stephen Preece, and Christopher J. Nester
Children with cerebral palsy (CP) typically encounter a host of gait- and balance-related issues associated with spasticity, dyskinesia, and weakness. How severe these are depends on CP type and the individual case. As a result, experts have long debated how early to intervene with bracing strategies that include ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), and how long to maintain those interventions.
By Cary Groner
About a quarter of women fall during pregnancy and 10% fall more than once. Understanding the biomechanical changes of this transitional period may help researchers find ways to prevent such falls. When Robert Catena’s wife was pregnant and working at a restaurant, she fell. It was scary, he says, but everything was ok.
By Nicole Wetsman
Encouraging exercise and appropriate footwear selection may be key in helping patients maintain healthy activity levels. Exercise is recommended for the majority of patients regardless of age, gender, or physical disability. The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans1 recommended that all adults perform 150 minutes…
By Audris Tien, DPM, Brad Franklin, DNP, RN, FNP-C, FAANP, and Jarrod Shapiro, DPM, FACFAOM, FACFAS
This overlooked, often-left-undiagnosed ankle pathology causes long-term pain and instability. Appropriate treatment protocols, applied in a timely manner, can get patients back on their feet. The ankle presents an interesting dichotomy of strength and frailty: Whereas the ankle supports body weight, makes sharp twists and turns, and keeps the body from falling…
By Scott Pensivy, PT, LAT, ATC
MedShape, Atlanta, GA, an orthopedic device manufacturer, announced the launch of its DynaNail Mini™ Fusion System, which is available in 7mm and 8mm diameters and 60mm to 100mm lengths. Featuring MedShape’s patented superelastic nickel titanium (NiTiNOL) technology, the DynaNail Mini is the first orthopedic device designed specifically for subtalar fusion that offers…
The Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) Policy Article (PA) for Therapeutic Shoes for Persons with Diabetes was recently revised, as follows. The effective date is January 1, 2019.
Effective September 1, the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Qualified Independent Contractor (QIC) contract for administering all reconsiderations (second-level appeals) on processed DME claims has been transitioned to the contract awardee, MAXIMUS Federal Services. All reconsideration requests must now be submitted to Maximus Federal Services…
University of Montana (UM) Assistant Professor Richard Willy, PT, PhD, is the lead author on a paper that offers new guidelines for treating patellofemoral pain (PFP), often known as runner’s knee. PFP affects 25% of the general population every year, with women reporting PFP twice as often as men.
Now available from JMS Plastics is its new polyethylene rigid foam. The foam is available in 20″ x 42″ sheets and in 5 thicknesses: 1/16″, 1/8″, 3/16″, 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″. The new foam is described as both easy to grind and easy to mold. According to the company, the material is half the weight of competitive products, making it ideal for fabricating lower extremity products.
Cluffy has introduced the Lux Step insole. This office-dispensed, over-the-counter (OTC) product is designed for optimization of first ray function and to address elements needed for effective relief of plantar fasciitis. A patent-pending dynamic arch design allows for optimum arch support. The insole incorporates a gel heel pad to provide shock absorption without interfering with shoe fit.
The High Achilles Ankle Brace was designed to relieve pain in the back of the heel caused by inflammation of the Achilles tendon; it is appropriate for post-Achilles tendon rupture, tendonitis, and strains. According to BRD Sport, the 3D knit technology creates targeted intermittent compression and reduces swelling while relieving pain and enhancing circulation.
New to the PediFix product line is the 5 ½” heavy-duty professional nail nippers, which are packaged for sale to appropriate patients for at-home care, yet are tough enough for clinical use. According to the company’s president and CEO, Christopher Case, the new nail clippers were inspired by requests from patients longing for at-home devices capable of trimming thick and fungal nails like those used by physicians.
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