Lower Extremity Review
Recent research supports the idea that increased patellofemoral stress is a contributing factor in runners with patellofemoral pain, and that gait retraining to promote a…
By Jenevieve L. Roper, PhD; Deborah L. Doerfler, PT, DPT, PhD; Christine M. Mermier, PhD; and Janet S. Dufek, PhD
Rotating the foot in or out during gait is associated with significant decreases in frontal plane knee load during early or late stance, respectively, and can be effective for reducing pain and potentially slowing the progression of…
By Kevin Alan Valenzuela, ABD, CSCS; and Hunter Jared Bennett, PhD
The results of a retrospective chart review suggest that the use of plasma-mediated bipolar radiofrequency-based arthroscopic microdebridement is associated with notable decreases…
By Renato Giorgini, DPM, FACFAS; Stephanie Giles, DPM; Omer Aci, DPM; and Christopher Japour, DPM, MS
Turf toe is a common injury in football players competing on artificial turf, but it also occurs in soccer and baseball players on natural grass and other playing surfaces. Turf toe is a sprain of the capsule of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint; increasing grades of injury may include…
By Patricia Pande, MClScPT, CSCS, CPed
Support is growing, in the medical literature and in clinical practice, for the use of skin substitutes and other advanced biologic therapies in chronic diabetic foot ulcers. But researchers and practitioners remain uncertain as to which of these advanced products are best for…
By Hank Black
Study findings regarding strengthening interventions in runners with patellofemoral pain syndrome have been inconsistent, perhaps because specific subgroups are more responsive than others. Preliminary research suggests high school runners may make up…
By Lace Luedke, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, CSCS
Limb length discrepancies (LLDs) as small as 1.5 cm can significantly affect gait, and some clinicians choose to intervene in cases of even smaller discrepancies. Many LLDs can be addressed orthotically, but surgical techniques are becoming less invasive and more effective.
By Cary Groner
With the rise of a new crop of young stars and the anticipation of its Olympic debut this year, golf continues to be immensely popular for players and spectators alike. Golfing is a highly coordinated sport that, by its nature, is associated with risk of…
By Patricia Pande, MClScPT, CSCS, CPed
In worker’s compensation cases, including those involving knee osteoarthritis, an expert witness often will be asked to use his or her knowledge of biomechanics to provide an opinion supporting or refuting a causal relationship between work conditions and an overuse injury.
By Steven T. McCaw, PhD
Multiple techniques can help improve gait speed after stroke, from therapeutic exercise to task-specific training to orthotic devices. Despite a growing body of research in this area, however, it is still not clear which intervention is most appropriate for which patients.
By Hank Black
Recent research suggests that training designed to maximize strength at deeper knee flexion angles during landing may be warranted, especially in female athletes, to help reduce the risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury without inadvertently compromising jump height.
By Boyi Dai, PhD; Jacob S. Layer; and Taylour J. Hinshaw
When calluses or ulcers develop on the distal aspect of the lesser toes, offloading pressure from the distal end of the digit is essential for healing to occur. Research suggests that toe crest pads offer an inexpensive but effective means of offloading and healing these distal wounds.
By Monica Melo, DNP, RN, ACNS-BC, CWOCN, CFCN
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
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