Category Archives: Archives
December 2009
The Home Stretch: Paths to pain relief
Stretching and splinting have long been treatment strategies for plantar fasciitis. However, new research and ongoing clinical experience are calling into question older methodologies and providing evidence for some new approaches.
by Cary Groner
December 2009
Underuse, overuse both can lead to PTTD
Ongoing research into posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) has revealed risk factors that include female sex, increasing age, overweight, unsupportive footwear, and even metabolic syndromes such as diabetes. Although typically associated with older, inactive patients, PTTD is also seen more rarely in young athletes.
by Cary Groner
December 2009
CP gait studies document AFO efficacy
Clinicians who treat ambulatory cerebral palsy patients rely heavily on ankle-foot orthoses, which are the most effective treatment option for improving gait mechanics. But because CP encompasses such a wide range of symptoms, selecting the most appropriate corrective brace for a patient’s specific gait abnormality or abnormalities can present clinical challenges. Recent studies that shed light on ankle-foot orthoses’ impact on gait are characteristic of crucial ongoing research.
By Linda Weber
December 2009
Sport-specific advances benefit all amputees
Whether it’s rock climbing, triathalons, cycling, running or the high jump, advances in prosthetic design have made high-caliber athletic competition a reality for some amputees. One such athlete testified in the September issue of Prosthetics and Orthotics International, “Snowboarding with the new prosthesis is like it was before the amputation!”
by Barbara Boughton
December 2009
Early, active ACL rehab maximizes ROM
Achieving full range of motion is a key outcome of any rehabilitation program after ACL reconstruction. But what are the ingredients of a rehabilitation program that produces the best outcomes in terms of ROM?
By Barbara Boughton
November 2009
Market Mechanics
• Ascent-descent studies show benefits of Proprio-Foot adaptive technology
• WalkAide effects persist for 11 months
• Fillauer expands with OTS acquisition
• ProLab launches orthotic web resource
November 2009
Orthofeet tie-less lace line
Orthofeet is adding new designs to its Tie-Less Lace line of shoes. This patent-pending system combines laces with hook-and-loop straps that offer an easy way of fastening without the need for tying laces, which can be challenging for patients who … Continue reading
November 2009
Pro-Tec Roller Massager
The Pro-Tec Roller Massager with Trigger Point Release Grips is designed to reduce muscle tightness, soreness, and pain. Features include raised Vynafoam sections that “sink” into soft tissue to roll out tightness, rounded grip ends to provide precision trigger point … Continue reading
November 2009
T505 Cold Therapy Unit
In response to new CMS Never Events Legislation, DeRoyal introduces its T505 Cold Therapy Unit. CMS Never Events Legislation prevents hospitals from being reimbursed for cost of care resulting from preventable injuries. DeRoyal’s ATC (automatic temperature control) Units provide consistent … Continue reading
November 2009
Richie Ulcer Guard
The Richie Ulcer Guard, designed to prevent and treat diabetic foot ulcers, is a patch that can be readily attached to footwear opposite an area of concern on the diabetic foot: a callus, for example. The Richie Ulcer Guard provides … Continue reading
November 2009
Sher E-Z Post Orthotic Kit
Sroufe Healthcare Products offers the Sher Brand E-Z Post orthotic system for lateral or medial posting. The E-Z Post is available as a kit with color-coded posting plates that easily snap in to post the shell accurately at three different … Continue reading
November 2009
Out on a limb: Knowing better
I have a confession to make: I’m one of those women. The kind of woman who is the subject of this month’s cover story on high heels.
By, Jordana Bieze Foster, editor
November 2009
Balancing Act: A real-world approach to high heels
High heeled shoe wear alters biomechanics over time in undeniable, painful ways. But practitioners also know that asking women to give up their heels is an exercise in futility. Instead, they focus on finding a balance.
By Cary Groner
November 2009
Managing turf toe in football players
Grade 1 and 2 turf toe hyperextension injuries have good outcomes when treated non-operatively, but the optimal treatment for grade 3 is unclear.
By Seth C. Gamradt, MD, and Robert H. Brophy, MD
November 2009
Kinematics of PTTD dictate management
Researchers are only starting to examine how orthotic management of PTTD affects foot and ankle kinematics.
By Jeff Houck, PT, PhD, Christopher G. Neville, PT, MS, and Adolph Flemister, MD
November 2009
Feedback-based rehab could lower risk of OA
Feedback-based gait retraining may help reduce rates of loading by improving joint kinematics and proprioception.
By Jody L. Riskowski, PhD
November 2009
Diabetes: Offloading difficult wounds
If foot pressures are to be reduced, healing to progress, and prevention of ulceration to be a realistic
goal, offloading is imperative. Part one of two.
By Robert J. Snyder, DPM, FACFAS, CWS, and Karen K. Lanier, CPed
November 2009
Achilles tendinopathy: A four-part approach
Treatment program includes patient education, deep friction massage, eccentric exercise, and Mulligan taping.
By Russell Woodman, FSOM,OCS,MCTA, DPT, and Juan C. Garbalosa, PhD, PT
November 2009
In the Moment: Sports Medicine
November 2009
In the Moment: Foot Care
Wedges assist stroke rehab
Plus: • Kids, footwear and gait • Teens and running shoes
November 2009
In the Moment: O&P
November 2009
Alpha Medial Midfoot Brace
Alpha Orthotics announces the launch of its Medial Mid-foot Brace in the United States. It provides longitudinal arch support, relieving mid-foot pain caused by general foot stress and strain, including splayfoot and fallen arch. The Medial Mid-foot Brace system consists … Continue reading
November 2009
OAK Orthotic Knee Joint
The OAK (Osteo-Arthritis Knee) polycentric orthotic knee joint is engineered to provide motion that better approximates normal physiologic knee movement for use in a custom Osteoarthritic Knee Orthosis. Unlike simple pivot knee joints, the polycentric action of the OAK provides … Continue reading
November 2009
SureFit Adventure Series
SureFit, a division of SPS, has designed its new Adventure Series footwear collection as a marriage of originality and classically inspired styling. The new footwear collection has rich colors with innovative detailing, in designs that deliver unbeatable comfort with SureFit’s … Continue reading
October 2009
Out on a limb: Ahead of the curve
It isn’t often discussed in the medical literature or in scientific sessions, nor is it mentioned in this month’s cover story on bracing and athletic performance. But the extent to which an athlete can benefit from orthotic management depends at least in part on his or her skill level.
by Jordana Bieze Foster
