Lower Extremity Review
Experts say perplexing studies suggesting that smoking may be protective against the development of knee osteoarthritis (OA) should not deter clinicians’ efforts to discourage smoking—even in patients who are at risk for OA.
By Barbara Boughton
Metatarsalgia is a common foot disorder. The term metatarsalgia refers to a pain syndrome in the forefoot and not to a specific diagnosis. Pain is confined to the area across the plantar forefoot, including the second through fourth metatarsal heads.
By Howard Kashefsky, DPM, FACFAS
The care and prevention of skin issues may not get as much attention in orthotics as in prosthetics, but such issues can significantly affect patient outcomes. Here, lower extremity experts share the tips and tricks they use to manage dermatological challenges related to orthotic devices.
By Lori Roniger
Using specially designed insoles to deliver stochastic resonance to the plantar surface of the feet has the potential to significantly improve static balance, dynamic balance, and gait mechanics in healthy…
By Daniel Miranda, PhD; Wen-Hao Hsu, ScD; and James Niemi, MS
Hip strength asymmetry has been observed in patients with existing patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) and potentially could be used to screen for at-risk individuals.
By Franklin Caldera, DO, MBA; and Christopher Plastaras, MD
For individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI), the somatosensory feedback necessary for postural adjustments, walking, and running may be hampered by a decrease in soleus spinal reflex excitability, according to a new study in the Journal of Athletic Training.
By Larry Hand
Long-term periodized strength training has physiological performance benefits in distance runners, according to research from the University of Limerick in Ireland.
By Jordana Bieze Foster
A multicenter functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study indicates that no single exercise activates all of the hamstring and synergist muscles in professional soccer players, suggesting a combination of exercises may be optimal for hamstring injury prevention.
By Jordana Bieze Foster
Women with and without knee osteoarthritis (OA) demonstrate greater knee abduction and hip adduction during gait than their male counterparts, according to research from Canada that supports the concept of gender-specific rehabilitation in this population.
By Katie Bell
Leg strength and speed of leg movement are predictive of functional decline in older adults with poor mobility, according to research from Boston, MA.
By Jordana Bieze Foster
Metabolic activity evident six months after an Achilles tendon rupture—when rehabilitation protocols typically allow running and other high-load activities—suggests the tendon is still healing at that time, according to research from Denmark.
By Jordana Bieze Foster
Platelet-rich plasma injections. Kinesiology tape. Foam rolling. Compression garments. Blood-flow restriction training. Elite athletes have always been at the leading edge of the latest techniques believed to help speed recovery from injury, often long before they’ve been…
By Jordana Bieze Foster, Editor
Allied OSI Labs has added the FS6 Compression Sleeve to its growing catalog of products for foot and ankle practices. The FS6 Compression Sleeve is designed to relieve the pain and swelling associated with plantar fasciitis by offering six zones of compression and support: firm compression…
Orpyx’s flagship product, the SurroSense Rx, is a wearable tool to help manage and track complications associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The SurroSense Rx system alerts the user via a smartwatch when plantar pressures are detected above a threshold level for a prolonged period, so…
New from Tekscan, the SportsAT 2.0 software provides essential information for complete balance and concussion assessments. Sports medicine professionals can use SportsAT 2.0 to complete objective baseline and postinjury tests, quickly assess injury risk, identify asymmetries, and…
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