Category Archives: Feature Article
November 2021
Submaximal Force Steadiness and Accuracy in Patients With Chronic Ankle Instability
Lateral ankle sprains (LASs) often result in damage to the lateral ligaments of the ankle, reducing both static and dynamic ankle stability and resulting in a continuum of disability.
By Hyunwook Lee, MS, LAT, ATC*; S. Jun Son, PhD, ATC†; Hyunsoo Kim, PhD, ATC‡; Seunguk Han, MS, ATC*; Matthew Seeley, PhD, ATC*; and J. Ty Hopkins, PhD, ATC* Continue reading
November 2021
lerEXPO.com Conversations: Wound Care Technology Expert Panel
Wound care is a growing public health burden with new clinical products emerging seemingly daily. But how to know which products are useful for which patients and how to access such information can be a challenge for busy clinicians. lerEXPO recently hosted a wound care technology expert panel sponsored by vTail. Continue reading
November 2021
The Importance of Obtaining Wound Photographs
A picture is worth a thousand words – how many times have you heard that old adage? There is no bigger truth in wound care documentation. Wound photos serve as a visual reference and act as a testimonial on wound progression in the medical record. Wound photos supplement the EMR and encourage accurate documentation of the wound healing trajectory.
By Windy Cole, DPM, CWSP Continue reading
October 2021
Talocrural Joint Laxity and Range-of-Motion Following an Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain
The many articulations of the human ankle joint can be easily disrupted by “a mere sprain.” This research examines 2 specific deficits and their impact in the 6 months after an initial sprain.
By Bethany A. Wisthoff, PhD, ATC; Carrie L. Docherty, PhD, ATC, FNATA; Joseph J. Glutting, PhD; Geoffrey P. Gustavsen, MD; Todd D. Royer, PhD; Charles B. Swanik, PhD; and Thomas W. Kaminski, PhD, ATC, FNATA, FACSM Continue reading
October 2021
Are Static and Dynamic Postural Balance Assessments Two Sides of the Same Coin? A Cross-Sectional Study in the Older Adults
These authors investigate the impact of static and dynamic postural balance assessments and the effects of a cognitive-interference task on balance control performance in older adults. Postural balance control has been defined as the ability of a subject to maintain the center of pressure (CoP) within the…
By Alex Rizzato, Antonio Paoli, Marta Andretta, Francesca Vidorin, and Giuseppe Marcolin Continue reading
October 2021
Wound Care Update: The Importance of Antimicrobial Stewardship in Wound Care
Despite advances in wound dressings and best practices, hard-to-heal wounds still remain. Increases in the number of chronic wounds have led to greater antibiotic usage, more hospitalizations, and increased amputations.1 It is therefore necessary to understand the continuum of wound contamination and effectively address…
By Windy Cole, DPM, CWSP, FAPWH Continue reading
October 2021
Sleep Series Part III: Strategies to Improve Sleep Hygiene • The Importance of Sleep for the Student Athlete
These authors summarize the critical take-home points from sleep-related research in 2 key areas: strategies for everyday and those relevant for student athletes—both delivered as easy-to understand infographics.
By Jeremy R. Hawkins, PhD, LAT, ATC; Michael Reeder, DO; and Alli Powell, DAT, LAT, ATC Continue reading
September 2021
The Future of Bike Fit
With cycling’s growing popularity—as a recreational hobby, an athletic pursuit, and a commuting alternative—making sure the bike fits the rider is key to preventing future injuries. With the pandemic, the past year has seen people of all ages and fitness levels seeking outdoor activities and alternatives to driving and public transport, resulting in a renewed popularity of cycling for health…
By Happy Freedman Continue reading
September 2021
Study Examines Moisture-Management Dressing For Venous Leg Ulcers
Use of an antimicrobial moisture management dressing paired with a gellable fiber technology under a two-layer compression system in the treatment of heavily exudating VLUs improves clinical outcomes and cost savings. Chronic venous insufficiency is the 7th most…
By Windy Cole, DPM, CWSP Continue reading
September 2021
Plantar Flexor Activation in Multi- and Single-Joint Resistance Exercises
These authors hypothesize that calf raises would elicit superior activation of soleus, lateral, and medial gastrocnemius muscles in comparison to leg press.
By Paulo Gentil, Daniel Souza, Murillo Santana, Rafael Ribeiro Alves, Mário Hebling Campos, Ronei Pinto, and Martim Bottaro Continue reading
September 2021
How to Strengthen Your Ankle After a Sprain
Ankle sprain is one of the most common ankle injuries. Every day in the U.S., 25,000 people sprain their ankle. And more than 1 million people visit emergency rooms each year because of ankle injuries. The most common ankle injuries are sprains and fractures, which involve ligaments, tendons, and bones in the ankle.
By Nathan Lloyd, MSc Continue reading
August 2021
Lower Extremity Compression Garments Use by Athletes: Why, How Often, and Perceived Benefit
The popularity of lower extremity compression garments (CGs) amongst athletes continues to increase. Initially CGs were mainly prescribed to patients with chronic venous disorder. Using graduated lower extremity CGs with a degrading pressure from distal to proximal parts of this extremity increases venous flow velocity…
By Thierry P. C. Franke, Frank J. G. Backx, and Bionka M. A. Huisstede Continue reading
August 2021
Wound Care Update: New Uses for Adipose Grafts in Podiatry and Wound Care
Diabetic foot ulcers and the resultant skin defects caused by delayed wound healing are a common and costly challenge for healthcare providers. Recent advances in tissue engineering have given rise to new promising treatment options to help with wound repair and tissue augmentation. Newly available adipose tissue grafts can help clinicians solve troublesome issues…
By Windy Cole, DPM, CWSP Continue reading
August 2021
Effects of Offloading Devices on Static and Dynamic Balance in Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major problem worldwide, especially among elderly. Diabetic patients are prone to develop neuropathy at their feet and ankles. The incidence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) among newly diagnosed diabetic patients is approximately 30%.
By Koen Andre Horstink, Lucas Henricus Vincentius van derWoude, and Juha Markus Hijmans Continue reading
August 2021
Common Skin and Nail Conditions of the Lower Extremity: Part 3
Many foot and ankle specialists focus on the musculoskeletal conditions of patients. Skin and nail conditions of the feet, however, are some of the most common complaints that patients have. This 3-part series describes the most common conditions patients present with to my office and provide some effective treatment options.
By Paul J. Betschart, DPM Continue reading
July 2021
The Future of Orthotics Manufacturing
3D printing has been waiting to disrupt the orthotics market for years. Only time will tell if the pandemic’s pause afforded clinicians the opportunity to understand the benefits this technology can bring to their practice and their patients. Recent decades have seen a proliferation of technological advances that promise to transform traditional methods of fabricating in-shoe foot orthoses.
By Cary Groner Continue reading
July 2021
The Coming Renaissance Will Unlock the Innovation Vault in Orthotics
I joined Langer Biomechanics toward the end of 1979. I believe the orthotic industry was about halfway through the first of 3 distinct periods in its evolution: the development phase. The science, education, and product development work of that era created a level of utilization by clinicians that forever altered the previous use of “arch supports” and replaced…
By Jason Kraus Continue reading
July 2021
Embracing the Transformation Brought by a Black Swan
We see the signs of COVID-19 loosening all around us. Protocols are relaxing, stores are opening, social events are happening, and people are traveling again. At a personal level, we are experiencing a series of post-COVID firsts. Some are small, such as a first trip to the store without a mask, first in-person meeting, or first sporting event.
By Gerald Stark, PhD, MSEM, CPO/L Continue reading
July 2021
Now We Know: Virtual Is Real
Lower Extremity Review reminds us of Bob Dylan’s famous line, “the times they are a-changin’,” as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. But one has to wonder a bit why it took the pandemic to induce 1 very large change we all experienced: the shift from centralized to decentralized workspaces, at least for those of us in academia.
By Paul DeVita, PhD Continue reading
July 2021
2021 “Normal” Same as 2019, Just Different
In 2019, I worked in an office/clinic setting seeing multiple patients per day. On a normal day, I would shake their hand, touch as clinically necessary, fit and adjust prostheses. I would talk with colleagues in the breakroom while reaching for adjoining coffee mugs and exchange pleasantries with the patients of colleagues I passed near shoulder-to-shoulder in the hall.
By Robert Lin, CPO Continue reading
July 2021
Pandemic’s ‘Marathon Journey’ Forces Change
Forcing Change…The intensity, uncertainty, and rolling grip of the COVID-19 pandemic has, without doubt, challenged many of us, both professionally and personally. The arrival of innovative vaccines at the end of 2020 and early 2021 has enabled many countries to slowly return to some degree of normality.
By Sarah Curran, PhD Continue reading
July 2021
Limb Preservation in a Post-pandemic World: Virtually or Physically We’re all in this Together
The past 18 months have proven challenging for everyone; however, those afflicted with diabetes have borne a heavier load than most. The increased mortality associated with diabetes1 has justifiably received much attention.
By Ryan T. Crews, PhD, CCRP; Brian D. Lepow, DPM; and David G. Armstrong, DPM, MD, PhD Continue reading
July 2021
Making the “New Normal” a “Smarter Normal”
The times are definitely changing and will continue to change for the better. As the rest of the world pulls down their masks, we in the medical community will continue to stay masked, prepared, and ready for change.
By Philip Stotter, CEP Continue reading
July 2021
‘Thank You Note’ from the Future Deepens the Meaning of Essential
The COVID-19 pandemic became an unwelcome defining factor of 2020 and into 2021. Now, we’re seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. And this makes it a good time to reflect on the pandemic’s effect on podiatric medicine and surgery. It’s also time to ask how we can be prepared for future events that may affect how we practice.
By Andrew Schneider, DPM Continue reading
July 2021
Pandemic’s Effects Ripple Into Practices Large and Small
The COVID-19 pandemic’s profound effect on the healthcare system will produce a ripple across all healthcare industry sectors, including podiatric medicine and surgery. Some of these changes are obvious and currently taking place, and many are still to be determined.
By Patrick DeHeer, DPM Continue reading
