Lower Extremity Review
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
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
The terms “hallux limitus” and “hallux rigidus” refer to a degenerative process of the great toe joint that was first described by Davies-Colley1 in 1887 and termed hallux flexus. Cotterill later coined the term hallux rigidus.2 The two terms represent a progression in…
By Howard Kashefsky, DPM, FACFAS
After an Australian study raised questions about the conventional practice of elevating the heel to decrease Achilles tendon load, researchers and clinicians have been revisiting what is known about the many factors—including pain—that can affect tendon load and function.
by Cary Groner
Reported effects of estrogen on knee ligaments and the Achilles tendon raise questions about how the plantar fascia might be altered during the menstrual cycle and how those changes might affect injury risk.
By Jerrold Petrofsky, PhD, JD; and Haneul Lee, PT, DSc
Accelerated knee osteoarthritis (OA), defined by very rapid radiographic disease progression, is also associated with earlier and more severe symptoms than traditional OA. Identification of…
By Jeffrey B. Driban, PhD, ATC, CSCS
Strict glycemic control is the most reliable treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, but expanding knowledge of central and peripheral nervous system processes may help identify therapeutic methods…
By Sarnarendra Miranpuri, DPM, MD; Kush Patel; Gurwattan Miranpuri, PhD; Abhishek Chopra; and Ravinderjit Singh
Cleated sports are associated with a high incidence of lower extremity injuries. American football and soccer are particularly troublesome due to unique risk factors involving footwear design, loading patterns, and sport-specific biomechanics.
By Patricia Pande, MClScPT, CSCS, CPed
In a recent editorial in The Lancet Diabetes-Endocrinology,1 Lipsky and colleagues wrote that diabetic foot disease “…is not a one doctor disease—it demands multidisciplinary care. Furthermore, as a notoriously unglamorous problem, the disease depends on…
By Terrence P. Sheehan, MD
Obese patients have an increased risk for falls and fall-related injury, not just because of the loads involved, but also because of the strategies they use to recover from a trip or slip. Findings from a growing body of research will help in developing interventions to minimize that risk.
By Hank Black
Identifying loading patterns associated with Jones fractures and other common sports-related injuries can assist with the development of custom modifications to footwear, insoles, and training programs to help reduce injury rates and enhance athletic careers.
By Yannick Goeb, Nate Wilcox-Fogel, and Kenneth J. Hunt, MD
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