A contoured sandal made by San Francisco, CA-based Vionic is as effective for relieving heel pain symptoms as an in-shoe orthosis with a similar footbed and more effective than a flat sandal, according to an Australian randomized controlled trial.
Lower Extremity Review
Balance Walking Poles
Balance Walking Poles are designed to align the spine during gait, keeping patients comfortably erect and allowing them to walk longer with better form. The poles offer an easy way to increase muscle engagement while decreasing joint loads.
AAOS issues guidance on TKR, hip fracture and rehab, OCD knee in kids
The Rosemont, IL-based American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) in December released updated clinical practice guidelines on surgical management of knee osteoarthritis, as well as several appropriate use criteria (AUC).
Flexible flat foot: Effects of orthoses during gait
In this original investigation, researchers analyzed the biomechanical effects of a foot orthosis in patients with flexible flat foot during walking and the extent to which those functional effects are consistent with proposed theories about the device’s mechanism of action.
By Bruce Elliott, PT, DPT, COMT, and Juan Garbalosa, PhD, PT
NY Orthopedic Manufacturing opens
Vadim Yatsunsky and Sergey Prokhorov, former general manager and production manager, respectively, of Brooklyn, NY-based American Orthopedic Manufacturing Corporation, have opened an orthopedic laboratory in the Bronx, NY.
Total Vein Boost Hosiery
Total Vein Systems recently introduced Boost, its new line of athletic compression therapy hosiery. The Boost socks use graduated compression to help increase blood circulation and enhance oxygen delivery to working and recovering muscles, in order to accelerate recuperation and reduce muscle soreness.
DRFOP offers online Capabilities archive
The Digital Resource Foundation for the Orthotics & Prosthetics Community, popularly known as DRFOP.org, in December added the 22-year Capabilities archive to its database.
Benefits of balance: YBT is associated with history of injury
Deficits in single-leg balance may contribute to the high rate of injuries among endurance athletes, but hip strength may not, according to two studies presented in February at the American Physical Therapy Association’s annual Combined Sections Meeting in Anaheim, CA.
By P.K. Daniel
STS revamps website, adds e-ordering
Mill Valley, CA-based STS in January launched its new website at stssox.com. The casting sock manufacturer’s online site offers detailed product information, including educational videos and a chart to match each STS product to its recommended clinical applications.
iTom-Cat from ComfortFit
ComfortFit Labs, with technology partner Tom-Cat Solutions, is now offering the iTom-Cat, an iPad Air 2-based, full-function foot and ankle scanning system with integrated hardware and software. The system uses a structured sensor to quickly and easily capture a 3D image that has an accuracy of less than .2 mm.
FDA approves Integra matrix for DFUs
The US Food and Drug Administration on January 7 approved Plainsboro, NJ-based Integra’s Omnigraft Dermal Regeneration Matrix to treat diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) that haven’t healed after six weeks and don’t involve exposure of the joint capsule, tendon, or bone.
Test for lower extremity asymmetry identifies risk in recreational runners
Asymmetrical lower extremity neuromuscular control is predictive of repetitive stress injury in recreational runners, according to findings presented at the Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association in February in Anaheim.
By P.K. Daniel
BOC announces slate of 2016 leaders
The Owings Mills, MD-based Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) on January 14 announced its 2016 board of directors, chair, and executive committee.
Surestep, Midwest Orthotics convert to employee stock ownership plan
South Bend, IN-based Surestep and Midwest Orthotics employees on January 13 celebrated the 50th birthday of founder Berne Veldman, CO, but got their own gift when Veldman and his wife Pam Veldman announced the companies had transitioned to a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), a qualified retirement benefit that holds company stock.
Sensoria pairs apps with its smart socks
Redmond, WA-based Sensoria in January announced two new apps that will pair with its smart socks, which integrate textile pressure sensor technology and send gait and walking activity data to an electronic anklet.
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