Category Archives: Archives
June 2011
Delrin AF Orthotic Material
Earthwalk introduces Delrin AF, an orthotic fabrication material engineered for strength, stiffness, dimensional stability, impact resistance, and wear resistance comparable to industrial metals. It’s suitable for fabricating dress orthotics and orthoses for obese patients, and its compact density and high … Continue reading
June 2011
Aqua Massage Exam Table
Aqua Massage International has launched a pullout therapy/examining table for the Aqua PT Pro, AMI’s dry hydrotherapy medical model. The dual-purpose table features a full-length retractable cushion assembly that conserves table space and can be pulled out so the area … Continue reading
June 2011
Archmolds Heat Molded Insole
Archmolds’ heat moldable insole is designed to allow footwear to custom mold to the wearer’s unique foot shape. As the insole cools in the shoe, it molds to the foot’s shape without compromising arch support. The product contains an antibacterial … Continue reading
June 2011
EZ-Stride Floor Reaction AFO
The EZ Stride floor reaction carbon composite AFO from Spinal Solutions is offered in prefabricated, custom-to-measure, or custom-to-cast versions. It can be made to spiral laterally or medially and is available in an anterior or posterior configuration. Plantar or dorsiflexion … Continue reading
June 2011
Ultraflex ADR KAFO
Adult and pediatric patients with gross lower extremity weakness and knee instability have a new Adjustable Dynamic Response (ADR) option. The ADR knee ankle foot orthosis (KAFO), featuring the UltraSafeStep KO knee component, is designed to address quadricep weakness or … Continue reading
June 2011
NonyX Clarifying Nail Gel
Xenna’s new NonyX nail gel is designed to clear discoloring keratin debris from under nails. When applied to dark or yellowed nails the clarifying nail gel breaks down and removes discolored build up. With regular use the gel helps keep … Continue reading
June 2011
KeepingPace Sport Sandal
KeepingPace, manufacturer of children’s orthopedic footwear, has launched a sport sandal designed to accommodate inserts and ankle foot orthoses. The KPSAND sandal has a rear heel Velcro strap for easy donning and doffing. An ultra lightweight EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) … Continue reading
June 2011
Footwear Line From Langer
Langer’s therapeutic footwear line for 2011 is selected to provide the closest fit and maximum comfort. Langer’s catalog explains which shoes can accommodate foot orthotics and ankle foot orthoses, as well as those that meet Therapeutic Shoe Bill criteria. The … Continue reading
June 2011
Fabrifoam Toe Fx Wrap
Fabrifoam introduces the Toe Fx wrap, a safe, conservative treatment for minor nondisplaced fractures or for postsurgical use. Its adjustable compression and support secures two or three toes, stabilizing fractures and immobilizing toes during healing. It can be wrapped around … Continue reading
June 2011
Breg Square Toe Post-Op Shoe
The Post-Op Shoe with Square Toe is the latest entry in Breg’s line of shoes for foot protection. This post-op shoe features a square toe that acts as a bumper to maximize forefoot and toe protection. The shoe has a … Continue reading
June 2011
Pronation in runners: Implications for injury
Pronation is a necessary component of normal running biomechanics, facilitating shock absorption and stabilization. But abnormal levels of pronation, whether restricted or excessive, can alter gait patterns in ways that can potentially increase the risk of running-related injuries.
By Tracy A. Dierks, PhD
June 2011
Mysteries of O&P devices and energy expenditure
Ankle foot orthoses and other O&P devices allow patients to walk faster, for longer periods of time, with a more biomechanically efficient gait. It seems logical that energy costs would decrease as a result. But that’s been surprisingly difficult for researchers to prove.
By Cary Groner
June 2011
Global lessons improve amputation prevention
Interdisciplinary foot screening and limb salvage programs in this country and around the world have successfully reduced diabetic foot ulceration and amputation rates, and in doing so have inspired others to initiate similar prevention programs in their own countries.
By Emily Delzell
June 2011
Functional knee bracing and athletic performance
Functional knee braces can’t be effective if athletes won’t wear them, and many athletes won’t wear them because they fear their athletic performance will be negatively affected. But early research suggests that athletes accommodate to knee brace wear almost immediately.
By Neetu Rishiraj, ATC, PhD, Jack E. Taunton, MSc, MD, Robert Lloyd-Smith, MD, William Regan, MD, and Navin Prasad, MSc, MD
June 2011
Lack of laxity in CAI
Revised approach may be needed
Patients with chronic ankle instability demonstrate impaired plantar sensation but, surprisingly, do not exhibit increased ligament laxity, according to two studies presented in June at the annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine.
June 2011
Data suggest lateral patellar mobility differentiates tendinopathy, PFPS
Lateral mobility of the patella is associated with patellar tendinopathy and may be a key determinant of whether an at-risk athlete develops PT as opposed to patellofemoral pain syndrome, according to research from the University of California, San Francisco presented … Continue reading
June 2011
Single-season neuromuscular training benefits disappear three months later
A single sports season of neuromuscular training is not long enough for athletes to have retained any adjustments to landing technique three months later, according to a study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill presented in June … Continue reading
June 2011
Angling for at-risk kids
Predicting flexible flatfoot symptoms
A recent paper on variations in midfoot alignment offers a tantalizing new piece of information in the treat-or-don’t-treat puzzle that has long been an issue in management of asymptomatic pediatric flexible flatfoot.
June 2011
Findings link poor physical function outcome scores to painful or stiff feet
Treating aching or stiff feet may help patients prevent or cope with declines in physical function, report researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In more than 2500 participants, investigators looked at three measures of physical function: … Continue reading
June 2011
Testing toning shoes
Potential benefits include balance
So-called toning shoes may be best known for ads promising a better butt, but research presented in June at the annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine suggests the real benefits may lie outside the gluteus maximus.
June 2011
Pressure-based diabetic footwear modifications reduce plantar loads
Shoe modifications based on plantar pressure measurements in patients with diabetic neuropathy can substantially reduce regional elevated loading associated with ulceration risk, according to research from the Netherlands. Investigators from the University of Amsterdam analyzed dynamic plantar pressures in 23 … Continue reading
June 2011
Out on a limb: Rear views
Let’s face it: The words “toning shoes” have the same evocative effect as “Kim Kardashian” or “Jennifer Lopez.” They’re all about the butt.
And that may be fine for Kim and J-Lo. But it’s too bad about the shoes, because they could be about so much more.
by, Jordana Bieze Foster, Editor Continue reading
June 2011
Custom Orthotic Insoles Technology Forum
Perhaps the most predominant theme echoed by speakers at the conference was the need to understand and carefully weigh the pros and cons of investing in digital technology, as well as the pros and cons of different individual systems, to facilitate decision-making for individual situations.
