Category Archives: Archives
May 2010
Tri-Series AFOs
Eastern Podiatry Laboratories introduces three new AFOs: the Tri-Lock, Tri-Flex, and Tri-Motion. The Tri-Lock AFO is a plastic reinforced, leather covered ankle gauntlet. It is available in 11 leather colors and three nubuck colors, four closure types, two standard heights … Continue reading
May 2010
Digital Foot Scanning
iStep Wave Aetrex Worldwide introduces the iStep Wave – a completely wireless foot scanning technology that captures three essential elements of feet: foot size, arch type, and pressure points. The iStep Wave features 3,744 gold-plated barometric sensors and 1,326 infrared … Continue reading
May 2010
Economic downturn has upside for your practice
Call it rose colored glasses, or simply being the eternal optimist. Whatever you call it, historical evidence suggests that certain companies can trace their phenomenal business successes to decisions made during severe recessions.
By Jason Kraus
May 2010
Runners and shoes: The knowledge gap
Long-distance running continues to be a popular recreational pursuit in the U.S. The running boom of the 1970s opened the door for mass participation in road races and marathons, and today there are an estimated 36 million runners in the U.S. Increased participation, however, has led to an increased number of injuries as well. The yearly incidence of running injuries is estimated to be between 37% and 56%.
by Ryan C. Enke, MD
May 2010
PLANTER’S PUNCH: Kicking and ACL injury risk
Most studies of kicking in soccer have focused on the kicking leg. But the biomechanics of the plant leg, which often functions at odd and unexpected angles, may have greater implications for injury.
By Sarah E. Clagg, DPT, Angela R Warnock, MPT, and James S. Thomas, PT, PhD
May 2010
Out on a limb: Weakness in numbers
Sometimes it’s hard to tell when it’s spring in New England, particularly when there are frost warnings in late April and the local hockey and basketball teams are still playing well into May. But one telltale sign is when the air is abuzz with baseball statistics. By Jordana Bieze Foster, Editor
May 2010
Plantar shear: Casting light on ‘dark matter’
Researchers and practitioners are gradually realizing that peak plantar pressure may not be as useful for predicting and preventing diabetic foot ulcers as previously thought, and are beginning to refocus their attention on plantar shear.
By Metin Yavuz, PhD
May 2010
Yoga practice enhances management of knee OA
Research suggests that a tailored yoga practice can help reduce pain and improve function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Potential mechanisms include strengthening, improving flexibility, and altering gait biomechanics. by Richa Mishra, MD, and Sharon L. Kolasinski, MD
May 2010
Balance assessments for ankle instability
Identifying balance deficits associated with functional ankle instability may help practitioners design proper rehabilitation protocols. But when it comes to accuracy and clinical utility, not all balance assessments are created equal.
by Scott E. Ross, PhD, ATC, Shelley W. Linens, PhD, ATC, and Brent L. Arnold, PhD, ATC
May 2010
Strength in moderation: Finding synergy in CP
Strength training can help address weakness in children with cerebral palsy, but it can’t restore lost motor signals. Orthoses can help balance muscle activity while providing stability, but in some patients can hinder normal motion. Ultimately, the ideal synergy between the two approaches may be different for each patient.
by Cary Groner
May 2010
In the moment: O&P
Net gain for ankle bracing – Rigid and semi-rigid ankle braces may help prevent inversion ankle sprains in female volleyball players with no previous history of sprain, according to research published in the April issue of Foot & Ankle International. Plus: • Neuropathyandgait • Partialweightbearing • Erratum
May 2010
In the moment: Footcare
PTTD prognostication – Four variables, identifiable at an initial clinical evaluation, can help predict whether bracing will be successful in patients with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, according to research from the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, NY.
Plus: • Athleticshoetraction • OrthosesandMTSS
May 2010
Market Mechanics
April 2010
NelMed Knee Support
Core Products International offers the NelMed Knee Support. Constructed of a heavy duty, surgical stretch material, the flexible support allows a full range of joint flexion and extension. It is designed to provide firm support for patients with damaged ligaments … Continue reading
April 2010
Rocktape Kinesiology Tape
Rocktape kinesiology tape is designed to treat common injuries and enhance performance and recovery. Rocktape can be used for compression, to promote recovery, or decompression, to relieve pain and swelling. Engineered for the demands of endurance athletes, the Rocktape Active … Continue reading
April 2010
New Balance 1226
This fall, Boston-based New Balance will expand its NBx running collection with the introduction the New Balance 1226, a high mileage trainer for the runner looking for moderate stability and exceptional cushioning. N-ergy cushioning diffuses heel strike impact for a … Continue reading
April 2010
Nail Balm Kit
Dr. Swaim’s Natural Skin Care introduces the Anti-fungal Nail Balm Kit. Made from all natural ingredients, the kit is designed to provide safe and effective topical treatment for onychomycosis. The Anti-fungal Nail Balm Kit includes two push-up tubes of anti-fungal … Continue reading
April 2010
Superstep Orthotic Insoles
KLM Orthotic Labs, experienced in the design and manufacture of custom and prefabricated foot orthotics and ankle-foot orthotics, introduces Superstep Orthotic Insoles. Based on KLM’s System Rx Technology (US Patent No. 5,746,952), the insoles have a comfortable, shock absorbing top … Continue reading
April 2010
Diabetic and Medical Grade Socks
Doctor Specified offers a new line of diabetic and medical grade hosiery. The line features true hand linked toe seams and deep heel pockets. High performance synthetic yarns are utilized with selective “half cushion” construction to maintain comfort and protect … Continue reading
April 2010
Element Sport Ankle Brace
DeRoyal introduces the new Element Sport ankle brace. The brace is engineered to provide subtalar control through calcaneal stabilization and positioning. A unique heel strapping system holds the calcaneus under the talus, which controls subtalar inversion and talar rotation to … Continue reading
April 2010
Compex Performance US
DJO introduces the Compex Performance US electronic muscle stimulator designed to complement training and exercise regimens. An over-the-counter, portable electronic muscle stimulator, the Compex Performance US features technology approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2002. The product utilizes … Continue reading
April 2010
Vancouver 2010: Behind the scenes
Qualifying for the Olympic Games or the Paralympics is about taking athletic performance to the next level. Sometimes it’s also about taking rehabilitation to the next level. That’s where lower extremity practitioners come in. By Cary Groner
April 2010
Out On a Limb: Up from the wreckage
Have a bad day at the office? At least you didn’t have to worry about not having any electricity. Or clean water. Most of us take these things for granted. But for some practitioners, in places devastated by war or by natural disaster, they are very real concerns that go hand in hand with lower extremity care. By Jordana Bieze Foster, Editor
April 2010
The epidemiology of plantar fasciitis
Up to 10% of the population may present with heel pain, which underscores the importance of practitioner familiarity with the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis and the associated risk factors.
By Capt. Danielle L. Scher, MD; Lt. Col. Philip J. Belmont, Jr., MD; and Maj. Brett D. Owens, MD
April 2010
The quest to improve rocker effects in O&P
The roll-over shape, a means of directly measuring rockers during gait, can help determine ways of optimizing orthotic and prosthetic devices so that the resulting gait is as natural as possible.
By Andrew H. Hansen, PhD
