Category Archives: Archives
November 2011
Early stage rearfoot eversion effects bolster theory of PTTD progression
Two measures of pronation typically associated with later stages of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction are also apparent in its earliest stage, according to University of Calgary research with possible implications for early intervention. Investigators analyzed static anatomical foot structure, ankle … Continue reading
October 2011
OHI acquires Arizona AFO, adding third franchise brand to company
On September 23, Markham, Ontario-based Orthotic Holdings, Inc., a leading lower extremity orthotic company, acquired Arizona AFO, which is the third franchise brand under the OHI umbrella, alongside The Orthotic Group, also headquartered in Markham, and Ronkonkoma, NY-based Langer Biomechanics. … Continue reading
October 2011
Reebok settles deceptive advertising suit, will refund $25 million to customers
Canton, MA-based Reebok International settled in September a complaint filed by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), agreeing to refund $25 million to customers who bought specialized shoes the company claimed would tone muscles. The $25 million settlement is one … Continue reading
October 2011
SureFit adds XtremityOne software
Coral Springs, FL-based therapeutic footwear company SureFit will distribute PAL Health’s software system for computer-assisted orthotic management of diabetic foot ulcers. The new offering will complement SureFit’s existing lines of diabetic footwear and orthoses. Version 3 of the XtremityOne, a … Continue reading
October 2011
Website for Natural Step shoes debuts
Miami, FL-based Nobile Shoes, distributor of Natural Step shoes, has created a new website, www.naturalstepshoes.com, that highlights its Natural Step line of multidensity rocker soles, which are designed by pedorthists and manufactured in Brazil. Reseller applications and order forms can … Continue reading
October 2011
Quality Outcomes launches charting tool
Fredericksburg, VA-based Quality Outcomes introduces Q-Chart, a simple efficient, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant patient charting tool designed to help smaller O&P and pedorthic practices document patient care and cut down on charting errors that can cost time and … Continue reading
October 2011
ABC publishes accreditation guide
The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics has added a resource tool. The ABC Facility Accreditation Standards Compliance Guide provides useful easy-to-comprehend resources to guide facility owners through the accreditation process. The no-cost guide is available only … Continue reading
October 2011
Euro International Wound Care Shoe
Euro International has launched a new holistic wound care shoe, the Pluto. The Pluto is specifically designed to provide forefoot relief and helps protect wearers from injury, infection, and temperature fluctuations while reducing and redistributing pressure. It’s intended for patients … Continue reading
October 2011
Superfeet Orthotic Sandal
Superfeet’s new FLP Orthotic Sandal combines a functional orthotic with true sandal look. Its deep heel cup supports the heel’s natural fat pad to optimize shock absorption and its high-density hybrid EVA foam top layer increases shock absorption and energy … Continue reading
October 2011
Toe Spacer Plus Bunion Guard
PediFix has collaborated with GelSmart to offer the new Gel Dual-Action Toe Spacer/Bunion Guard. The combination toe spacer and bunion guard cushions and protects the hallux prominence and separates the first and second digits to reduce painful interdigital irritation. The … Continue reading
October 2011
Kano Exam Chair
New from Kano Labs is the Sigma Podiatric Examination Chair. The examination chair is engineered to provide both ergonomic and mobility solutions in one unit. The Sigma exam chair has three low-voltage electromechanical engines, surface mounting technology, digital control electronics, … Continue reading
October 2011
Strutz Foot Cream, Gel Socks
Strutz’s has enlarged its foot care line with the addition of two products designed to help smooth a foot’s rough edges, Sole Angel Gel Socks and Soothing Foot Cream. The gel socks help repair damaged skin and eliminate cracked heels, … Continue reading
October 2011
OTC Pediatric Orthotics
Redi-Thotics introduces its over-the-counter (OTC) pediatric orthotic line, the Awesome Kids Orthotic. The orthotic is the first in an upcoming line of OTC kids orthotics that offer low profile rearfoot control for children whose insurance doesn’t cover custom orthotics. A … Continue reading
October 2011
Spenco Support Sandals
Spenco Medical has launched several new products in its Total Support Sandal line. The new additions include three different styles—the Yumi, the Kholo, and the Fusion—all designed to provide relief for a variety of foot-related issues, including plantar fasciitis, shin … Continue reading
October 2011
Össur Proprio Foot
Össur’s redesigned Proprio Foot with EVO (energy vector optimization) features intelligent ankle flexion so patients don’t need to think about each step to avoid tripping and falling. The lifelike ankle movement allows the Proprio Foot to adjust for normal sitting … Continue reading
October 2011
Adjustable Revolution AFO
American Orthopedics has introduced the Revolution AFO, an easily adjustable ankle foot orthosis that dynamically corrects misalignment in the hindfoot complex. The Revolution’s custom-molded dynamic arch suspension system allows the fitting practitioner or the wearer to easily adjust the amount … Continue reading
October 2011
Cascade Dafo Chipmunk
Cascade Dafo has added a new product to its Fast Fit line of prefabricated shoe inserts, which are engineered to control moderate pronation of the pediatric foot. The low-profile Chipmunk combines the internal alignment provided by molded contours with the … Continue reading
October 2011
Med Spec Phantom Splint
Med Spec has updated its line with the new, lower profile Phantom Dorsal Night Splint. Its reduced medial and lateral aspects enhance patient compliance and reduce contact with the opposing leg during sleep. The adjustable toe strap lifts the hallux … Continue reading
October 2011
Simply Jerry Custom Shoes
The new Jerry Miller I.D. Shoes collection, Simply Jerry, includes four styles of custom-molded shoes designed for active patients. The line, which falls outside Therapeutic Shoe Bill eligibility requirements, is appropriate for patients with third-party payer insurance who have with … Continue reading
October 2011
Out on a limb: Arming at-risk kids
Nothing scares parents more than knowing their child is in danger and being powerless to do anything about it. For parents whose children play sports associated with injury risks, every practice and every game might as well be Halloween.
Jordana Bieze Foster, Editor
October 2011
Vascular Viewpoint: Improving superficial thrombophlebitis care
Superficial thrombophlebitis (STP) is a common and controversial condition largely overshadowed by its big brother, deep vein thrombosis (DVT).1 Frequent reports of concomitant STP and DVT, with or without pulmonary embolus, align the two pathophysiologies closely.
By Marlin W. Schul, MD, MBA, RVT
October 2011
FUTURE SHOCK: Youth sports and osteoarthritis risk
There’s no question that exercise is good for kids. But the trauma associated with some youth sports can dramatically increase the risk that those kids will develop knee or ankle osteoarthritis by the time they reach adulthood. The key next step is to determine what can be done about it.
By Yvonne M. Golightly, PT, PhD, Stephen W. Marshall, PhD, and Dennis J. Caine, PhD
October 2011
Rotational mechanics: Bracing’s next frontier
This two-part series explores the role of rotational forces in athletic injuries and the extent to which bracing can help control those forces and, in turn, prevent those injuries. This first installment examines ankle sprains, PTTD, patellofemoral pain, and osteoarthritis.
By Cary Groner
October 2011
Orthotic management of the pes cavus foot
Published studies on pes cavus are in short supply, making evidence-based orthotic management a challenge. This author proposes a theory of pes cavus etiology based on muscle imbalances and reactions, which may support the concept of early orthotic intervention.
By Paul R. Scherer, DPM
October 2011
Conference coverage: 2nd PFP research retreat
Two years after their inaugural event, experts on patellofemoral pain syndrome congregated in Belgium to once again dissect and analyze the latest research on the mechanisms underlying PFP and the effectiveness of such interventions as bracing, foot orthoses, and exercise.
By Cary Groner
