Lower Extremity Review
Current research suggests that relatively small but statistically significant changes are associated in the short term with the use of unstable shoes. However, it is unclear if those changes are clinically meaningful, or whether long-term use would yield greater or diminished results.
By Jacob Gardner, PhD
Multiple descriptive studies have demonstrated the clinical benefits of eccentric exercise interventions in patients with Achilles tendinopathy, but researchers have not yet identified the cause-and-effect mechanisms leading to decreased pain or increased function.
By Matthew Crill, MS, MBA, PT
A pilot study has demonstrated the feasibility and potential success for employing the Internet to deliver targeted individualized exercise routines for patients with knee osteoarthritis, which may help…
By Alison Brooks, MD; Bryan Heiderscheit, PT, PhD; and John E. Beaulieu, PhD
The Y Balance Test (YBT) is a reliable tool and may be used to predict injury risk. However, clear cut-points have not been sufficiently defined, and more research investigating the mechanics and muscle activation strategies used during the YBT is needed.
By Craig A. Smith, DPT, and Meghan Warren, PT, MPH, PhD
Patients with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy can benefit from participation in mild to moderate aerobic, resistance, and balance activities. But they must take precautions to ensure exercise is safe as well…
By Steven Morrison, PhD, and Sheri R. Colberg, PhD
Findings of an association between hip mobility and patellofemoral pain suggest practitioners may be putting the cart before the horse by implementing strength programs in individuals with PFP without first measuring and addressing deficits in hip extension.
By Sean Roach, PhD, DPT, ATC
Despite the ongoing development of new treatments, onychomycosis is still an extremely recalcitrant disease with high rates of relapse and reinfection, and the associated physical and cosmetic implications can negatively affect patients’ quality of life and self esteem.
By Greg Gargiulo
Preliminary research suggests the use of a kinetic return ankle foot orthosis is associated with small but significant short-term increases in calf circumference, which in turn suggests this type of device might reduce or protect against the risk of disuse muscle atrophy.
By Robert H. Meier, CO, BOCO; David C. Ruthsatz, CO, CPA; and Daniel Cipriani, PT, PhD
There is considerable debate in medical circles as to whether healthcare practitioners should embrace social media, but online aficionados say they welcome the opportunity to exchange information, educate, connect, and potentially attract more patients.
By P.K. Daniel
Increasing body mass index is associated with significantly increased peak plantar pressures regardless of the type of offloading device used. However, it is possible to decrease plantar pressures in some regions of the foot with the use of offloading devices.
By Andrew J. Meyr, DPM, FACFAS; Kelly Pirozzi, DPM, AACFAS; and Matthew R. Wagoner, DPM
The increasing utilization of total knee arthroplasty has led to increased efforts to identify variables that can be modified to help improve postoperative functional outcomes. These risk factors include patient weight, smoking, diabetes, infection, and joint range of motion.
By John Ryan Quinn, MD, and Ran Schwarzkopf, MD, MSc
A growing body of research is demonstrating that the focus of actions or movements is critical to how well athletes and patients respond to feedback from instructors or clinicians, and one of the central issues is the distinction between internal focus and external focus.
By Cary Groner
Some practitioners find plantar fasciitis patients respond to corticosteroid injection when other treatments have failed, but concerns about complications make others cautious. With evidence-based guidelines in short supply, the decision often comes down to clinical experience.
By Larry Hand
Interface use has long been the subject of study and clinical emphasis in prosthetics, but too little attention has been given to the role of interfaces—padded socks in particular—in protecting the skin and soft tissues from forces experienced during ankle foot orthosis use.
By Harry “J.R.” Brandt Jr, CO, LO, BOCO
Excess body weight is considered by many experts to be the primary modifiable etiological factor in knee osteoarthritis (OA) development. However, the relationship among body mass index (BMI), the anatomical manifestations of knee OA, and knee pain is not clear-cut.
By Elizabeth Weiss, PhD
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