Category Archives: Archives
November 2020
WEARABLE MOVEMENT-ANALYSIS SOLUTION
PodoSmart is an easy-to-use web-based solution that allows healthcare professionals to clinically assess patients with mobility disorders. Using smart insoles connected to a mobile application via Bluetooth, objective measurements of… Continue reading
November 2020
NURVV COACHING APP AND INSOLES
NURVV is the pioneer of foot-based wearable technology using biomechanics. It’s on a mission to provide runners with the power to understand what their bodies are truly capable of and find their true potential. Continue reading
November 2020
KISS ANKLE SAFETY AND REHAB SYSTEMS
US surgeons prescribing Australian KiSS Ankle Systems are redefining orthopedic bracing use post-injury and avoiding immobilization for lateral ankle sprains (LAS). KiSS is a biomechanically customized intervention prescribed for… Continue reading
October 2020
How Well Did You Read This Issue?
Test your knowledge of information from this issue of Lower Extremity Review and the world in general with our new crossword puzzle feature.
October 2020
Secrets of Speed: Seven Smart Steps to Getting Faster
Athletes in all sports are constantly looking for an edge. Often, the focus is on increasing speed. The importance of high-intensity training cannot be underestimated, but there are prerequisites. These are part of the MAF Method, allowing athletes to develop a lasting individualized plan to improve fitness — including speed — while also maintaining optimum health.
By Phil Maffetone, DC
October 2020
Studies Show Masks, Gaiters Work to Prevent Spread of Coronavirus
Since the spring, it has been demonstrated that masks are a critical deterrent to the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that leads to COVID-19, the worldwide pandemic that has claimed more than 240,000 American lives, and more than 1.25 million lives globally. Experts are agreed now that transmission of the virus is predominately by respiratory droplets when people sneeze, sing, talk, or breathe. Continue reading
October 2020
Using Shockwave, Foot Core Exercises to Manage Tibialis Posterior Tendinopathy
Tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction/tendinopathy (PTTP) is a common debilitating condition. The diagnosis is largely clinical with physical examination sufficient to make the determination. Patients will commonly complain of pain in the medial foot and behind the medial malleolus that worsens with prolonged standing and activity. Continue reading
October 2020
5-year Mortality, Costs of Diabetic Foot Complications Comparable to Cancer
The purpose of this brief report was to refresh a 2007 data summary comparing diabetic foot complications to cancer with the best available data as they currently exist. Since that time, more reports have emerged both on cancer mortality and mortality associated with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), Charcot arthropathy, and diabetes-associated lower extremity amputation. Continue reading
October 2020
Gait Speed as Risk Tool for Falls
Keeping older adults physically active is critical to health maintenance and walking is a key form of exercise for this population. However, foot pain represents a leading cause of mobility limitations and lower quality of life in older individuals. Nearly 25% of adults report foot pain, and those with frequent foot pain are at double the risk of falling. Continue reading
October 2020
Improved Patient-Provider Relationship Boosts Outcomes
While a good patient-provider relationship has been the bedrock of today’s much-needed patient satisfaction scores, such relationships are also proving to boost functional outcomes. In a recent study published in the Annals of Family Medicine, physician researchers from Case Western Reserve University… Continue reading
October 2020
“Renal Foot” – Angiographic Patterns in Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia + Renal Disease
Patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have greater risk of limb loss compared to those with CLTI alone. These researchers investigated angiographic patterns in patients with CLTI and evaluated for differences based on ESRD status. Continue reading
October 2020
Wound Care Update: Can Bioabsorbable Borate-based Glass Fibers Support Wound Healing?
With increasing demand for biomaterials that have the ability to support wound healing, tissue engineers have been challenged to develop innovative bioactive scaffold materials. In general, bioactive materials have the mechanical properties of the tissue to be replaced while supporting biological activities such as cellular adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and angiogenesis.
By Windy Cole, DPM, CWSP Continue reading
October 2020
Foot Drop: A Primer
Foot drop, a complex condition that can have a significant impact on independent ambulation, can have many causes. Treatment options vary by cause. These authors provide a review of the condition from etiology through treatment. Foot drop (also known as steppage gait) is an inability to lift the forefoot due to the weakness of dorsiflexors of the foot. This, in turn, can lead to an unsafe antalgic gait, potentially resulting in falls.
By Subhadra L. Nori, MD, and Michael F. Stretanski, DO Continue reading
October 2020
A New Ankle–Foot Orthosis Using Wire for Stroke Patients with Foot Drop
Researchers from Korea have developed a new type of AFO that uses neoprene and a novel wire configuration for use with foot drop after stroke. Foot drop can be a sequela of stroke. An ankle–foot orthosis (AFO) is the most widely used method to prevent foot drop in patients with stroke, and is used during weight-bearing training of the limb on the affected side or when there is ankle spasticity or deformity.
By Jung-Hoon Lee, Im-Rak Choi, and Hyun-Su Choi Continue reading
October 2020
Pain Reduction Methods for Peripheral Neuropathy
As obesity and type 2 diabetes continue to be growing public health burdens, clinicians will be faced with increasing numbers of patients who suffer from their complications, in particular, peripheral neuropathy. These authors review the multiple medications available to help. A 2015 report published in the Journal of Pain, found that…
By Shana Shetty, DPM PGY3, and Marshall G. Solomon, DPM FACPM, FACFAS Continue reading
October 2020
Inventor’s Corner: BioSensics’ Wearable Technology Supports Aging in Place
In 2007, wearable sensor technology was just gaining traction. Applications (known as apps) largely focused on fitness and wellness, measuring things like numbers of steps and hours of sleep. However, Ashkan Vaziri, Ph.D., and a few friends had an idea for a different approach: They believed that wearable sensors with medical applications could help older adults remain independent as they age. Continue reading
October 2020
ASU Team Creates Soft, Robotic AFO
Most ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are stiff and uncomfortable, so a team of student researchers at Arizona State University (ASU)—Marielle Debeurre, Tiffany Hertzell, and Carly Thalman—has been working to create a dynamic, soft robotic AFO, or SR-AFO, that assists with gait rehabilitation by adjusting itself with each step. Continue reading
October 2020
PodiatryInternational Launches News Website
PodiatryInternational has launched a dedicated news website to support and promote podiatrists and foot care professionals so they can grow and advance their practices and businesses through increasing awareness of the profession and developing greater global access to new advances and technology within the profession. Continue reading
October 2020
High Schooler Creates App to Help Reduce Risk of ACL Injuries in School-aged Athletes
Research has proven that participation in stretching courses can reduce the possibility of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in play by about 72%. After implementing these stretching courses at many Chicago, Illinois, public schools in basketball and soccer… Continue reading
October 2020
Hanger Announces Executive Appointments
Hanger, Austin, Texas, announced that Regina Weger has been promoted to president, products & services, and Pete Stoy will join Hanger in the newly formed position of chief operating officer (COO), to lead the patient care segment. Continue reading
October 2020
First-in-Human Trial Completed for a Novel Treatment for Osteoporosis
Haoma Medica, London, England, announced the completion of a first-in-human trial for NaQuinate, a naphthoquinone carboxylic acid, which is being developed as a novel orally administered therapeutic for osteoporosis. The first-in-human trial initiated last year in healthy adults studied single and multiple doses of the drug. Continue reading
October 2020
AFO Puts Spring-cam Back into Stroke Patients’ Steps
A research group from Tohoku University in Japan has developed a new, lightweight and motor-less device to aid stroke patients in their rehabilitation, improving their gait, and preventing falls. The new device can be easily attached to an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO). Continue reading
October 2020
RevoFlex DorsiFlexion AFO
RevoFlex by Click Medical is an AFO solution for safely progressing a patient through therapy. The dorsiflexion kit can be easily fabricated into plastic-hinged AFOs to give on-demand support while enabling patients to safely dial in when fatigued or in unstable situations. Continue reading
October 2020
Aetrex Next-Gen 3D Foot Scanning System
Aetrex has launched the Albert 2, the company’s next-generation intelligent 3D foot scanning technology; it will be available to retailers in February 2021. This system is engineered to help customers find the right-fitting footwear and orthotics and provide an enhanced customer experience at retail. Continue reading
October 2020
Podimetrics SmartMat
Podimetrics is a virtual care management company dedicated to preventing diabetic amputations, one of the most debilitating and costly complications of diabetes. The company combines its FDA-cleared SmartMat with wraparound care management to spot… Continue reading
