Category Archives: Archives
February 2019
OPTP Soft Movement Ball
OPTP has added the Soft Movement Ball to its lineup of therapy and fitness products. The Soft Movement Ball is an inflatable 12″ exercise ball with an easy-grip texture. It is designed to assist with body positioning during stretching and stability moves and can be used to perform a variety of movements that increase strength and mobility during physical therapy, Pilates, and general fitness routines. Continue reading
February 2019
2019 DMEPOS Fee Schedule Available
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has made available the 2019 fee schedule for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS). The fee schedule is effective for dates of service beginning January 1. A 2.3% increase has been applied to DMEPOS items that are not part of the Competitive Bidding Program. Continue reading
February 2019
Shear Alpine Boots
Some boots are warm. Some boots offer great traction. And other boots are just eye candy. Samuel Hubbard offers a new boot that encompasses all three distinctions. The Shear Alpine is fabricated from water-resistant Nubuck uppers and designed with a genuine shearling lining and collar for warmth and comfort. Buttery-soft glove leather sock linings provide comfort and breathability. Continue reading
February 2019
Conservative Management of Freiberg’s Disease
Key options include immobilization, weight bearing restrictions, NSAIDS, orthotics, padding, and shoe modifications. The first report of osteochondrosis of the second metatarsal head was in a series of six cases presented by Dr. Alfred H. Freiberg at the Southern Surgical and Gynecological Association in 1913. The data was published the following year.
By Kerry Sweet, DPM, FACFAS; Rebecca Omana-Daniels, DPM; and Valerie Marmolejo, DPM Continue reading
February 2019
Gait and Balance Dysfunction in Older Adults: Challenges and Interventions
Falls are a significant—yet preventable—health issue among older adults. Each year, 3 million older Americans over the age of 65 are treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries which often result in disability, loss of independence, reduced quality of life, and death.1 The number of falls is expected to rise as Americans live longer and the number of older adults continues to grow at an unprecedented rate.
By Aisha Cobbs, PhD Continue reading
February 2019
Updated Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults Now Available
The 2019 AGS Beers Criteria® includes 5 lists of nearly 100 medications or medication classes to avoid or use with caution for some or all older adults. The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) recently unveiled its latest update to one of geriatrics’ most frequently cited reference tools: The AGS Beers Criteria® for Potentially Inappropriate… Continue reading
February 2019
Anterior Femoral Ligament Thickening Seen 3 Years Post-ACL Surgery
Osteoarthritis (OA) affects nearly 50% of patients who undergo anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) within 2 decades after surgery. The mechanism of OA development has been elusive; many experts theorize that disruption of knee–joint tissue homeostasis is key. Now, researchers, using ultrasonography (US), have found an increase in the thickness of the anterior femoral cartilage and cross-sectional area 3 years postoperatively. Continue reading
February 2019
Compression in Lymphedema
In a narrative review of old and innovative concepts concerning pressure and stiffness in lymphedema therapy, the authors of a study just published in Phlebology found that the current literature does not appear to be in sync with the array of options available today. Continue reading
February 2019
Diabetes Updates: Amputations Increasing; Insomnia as Risk Factor
Amputations on the Rise – After decades of decline, diabetes-related lower-extremity amputations appear to be on the rise in the United States, according to new data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample of the US Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project and the National Health Interview Survey of the National Center for Health Statistics, part of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Continue reading
February 2019
Bringing Medical Cannabis Into Skilled Nursing Facilities
When New York state legalized medical cannabis, geriatrician Zachary Palace, MD, CMD, realized that many of the conditions that qualified for the drug were those that he saw regularly in the elderly—like chronic or neuropathic pain, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
By Nicole Wetsman Continue reading
February 2019
The Power of a ‘Sit to Stand’: An Infographic
Infographic by Chris Tuckett, Physiotherapist BSc MCSP. Tuckett is based in The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, based in Harlow, Essex, UK. Based on: Harvey JA, Chastin SFM, Skelton DA. Breaking sedentary behaviour has the potential to increase/maintain function in frail older adults. J Frailty Sarcopenia Falls. 2018;3(1):26-34. doi: 10.22540/JFSF-03-026.
February 2019
FDA Adds Boxed Warning to Uloric
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has concluded there is an increased risk of death with Uloric (febuxostat) compared to another gout medicine, allopurinol. This conclusion is based on its review of results from a safety clinical trial that found an increased risk of heart-related death and death from all causes with Uloric. Continue reading
February 2019
Book Review: Pedorthic Footwear: Assessment and Treatment
Pedorthic Footwear: Assessment and Treatment, a 578-page resource with 550 illustrations, is the result of an ambitious and unique collaboration of international authors and is edited by Klaas Postema, Karl-Heinz Schott, Dennis Janisse, and Gerardus M. Rommers. In total, 54 authors (physiatrists, pedorthists, movement scientists, and physiotherapists) from 7 countries contributed. Continue reading
February 2019
3 Can Be Better Than 6 When It Comes to Weber B Fractures
In medical school, we were taught that Weber B ankle fractures required the 6-week cast immobilization protocol. But for many of us, that protocol has felt excessive due to concerns of increased ankle stiffness, decreased ankle strength, and the possibility of a thrombotic event. However, the thought of possible suboptimal healing of the fracture [malunion or nonunion] with less than 6 weeks of immobilization or use of less rigid forms of immobilization provided anxiety to many of us treating physicians.
By Jeffrey R. Baker, DPM, FACFAS Continue reading
February 2019
The Power Forward and the Exploding Shoe
Nowadays, when we see a headline about an “exploding shoe,” we instinctively think of an alarming situation involving the Transportation Security Administration—the TSA. Thankfully, that was not the case at a memorable February 20 Atlantic Coast Conference basketball game between Duke and North Carolina.
By Robert M. Conenello, DPM Continue reading
February 2019
Type 2 Diabetes in Youth: A 21st Century Disorder
As obesity and overweight affect more adolescents, this disease, once attributed to middle age and older, is striking an aggressive course that all clinicians will need to address. With the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity and with 18.5% (or 13.7 million) of youth already being obese,1 type 2 diabetes (T2D) in youth is becoming an important part of every healthcare practitioner’s daily practice.
By Neil H. White, MD Continue reading
February 2019
Experience 40% Less Pressure with Duo Med Surg Shoe
Darco International is pleased to announce the latest addition to our line of products, the DUO Med Surg Shoe. The DUO is a high quality shoe that offers exceptional pressure relief to a wound or post operative site. The DUO features a dual injected EVA sole that provides FOUR TIMES better shock absorption and up to 40% less pressure than cheaper post op shoes. Continue reading
January 2019
Performance Graphite Orthotic
The new Performance Graphite orthotic was designed by Foot Management with athletes and low-volume shoes in mind. The latest technology allows engineered nylon to be blended with carbon graphite, creating a lightweight shell that offers functional control with less bulk. Continue reading
January 2019
Medi-Dyne ProStretch NightSock
Medi-Dyne’s new ProStretch NightSock is said to help alleviate heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, calf muscle cramps, and runners’ cramps. By keeping the foot in a slightly flexed position, the ProStretch NightSock elongates the muscles and soft tissues of the calf and foot to help speed up recovery while sleeping. Continue reading
January 2019
Unna Boot Zinc Oxide Compression Dressing
Oasis Medical now offers the Unna Boot, named after German dermatologist Paul Gerson Unna, who specialized in diagnosing and treating skin diseases. The Unna Boot is a cotton compression dressing with a zinc oxide paste applied uniformly to the entire bandage; zinc oxide does not harden or cake. Continue reading
January 2019
OPTP Stability Trainer
The Stability Trainer balance pad is the latest addition to OPTP’s line of balance pads, stability equipment, and exercise mats. The trainer is made from soft yet durable, nearly 2.5-inch thick, high-quality foam and features a non-slip, textured surface for sure footing and security during use. Continue reading
January 2019
Swede-O PowerWrap Ankle Brace
The patented, positive tensioning–system on the Swede-O PowerWrap Ankle Brace provides a personalized fit with no-tie laces, and the center wedge allows for natural ankle movement during activity. This brace is said to be ideal for athletes who tape their ankles to help protect or prevent ankle injuries and for individuals suffering from weak or injured ankles. Continue reading
January 2019
Therafirm Ease Microfiber Chevron-Patterned Knee Highs
Therafirm has added a new chevron pattern to its Ease Microfiber Knee Highs line. Like other Ease Microfiber hosiery products, the chevron-patterned knee highs are made with super soft, high-stretch microfiber yarns, making them easier to don than other higher-compression garments, and they include a… Continue reading
January 2019
Kintrol Hydraulic Ankle/Foot System
Freedom Innovations’ new Kintrol Hydraulic Ankle/Foot system combines advanced Kinterra hydraulic ankle technology with aerospace-grade fiberglass to provide K2-level ambulators with comfort and control. K2 ambulators are prosthetic users who are typically defined as having the ability or potential for ambulation with the ability to traverse low-level environmental barriers such as curbs, stairs, or uneven surfaces. Continue reading
January 2019
Precise AT for Underfoot Stability
Precise AT (Arch Truss) insoles from Amfit were developed to provide the level of underfoot stability that consumers crave. These insoles are designed with an H-1-5 Stability Triangle philosophy that provides a flat, planed area under the heel and first through fifth metatarsal heads to offer a solid platform that… Continue reading
