Category Archives: Cover Story
November 2021
Ankle Foot Orthoses: The Impact of Appearance, Function, and Fit in Individuals with Stroke
In their own words, 2 stroke survivors who use different AFOs, discuss the mismatched perception of how the ankle foot orthosis represents long-term disability but is a resource for independent safe mobility. Three-fourths of all strokes occur in adults older than 65 and as age increases…
By Jennifaye V. Brown, PT, PhD, NCS, Steven Best, PT, DPT, CSCS, and Julie Suhr, PhD Continue reading
October 2021
A Case for Hypochlorous Acid Solution as a Replacement for NSS in Wound Hygiene: A Review
Given its lack of efficaciousness in decreasing bioburden, normal sterile saline may not be the best solution for this important task. Chronic hard-to-heal wounds pose a significant burden on both patients and the health care system. Chronic wounds, whether pressure, arterial, venous, or wounds from multiple causes…
By James McGuire DPM, LPT, LPed, FAPWHc; Madeline Hobbs, BA, and Yunkyung Jessica Ho, BA Continue reading
September 2021
Recent Advances in the Application of Blood Flow Restriction for Health and Performance
With benefits similar to traditional training practices but with less work, BFR exercise is gaining ground in rehabilitation settings as well as athletic training rooms. The intentional manipulation of blood flow during exercise, commonly referred to as blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise, has piqued the interest of scientists and practitioners alike over the past two decades.
By Chris Pignanelli, PhD(c) Continue reading
August 2021
Changes in Product-related Lower Extremity Injuries Treated at Emergency Departments During the COVID-19 Pandemic
During 2020, emergency department (ED) visits in the United States (US) not related to COVID-19 declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for certain populations and certain types of illness or injury. This study described product-related lower extremity injuries managed at EDs during 2020 and compared it to previous years.
By Mathias B. Forrester, BS Continue reading
July 2021
2020’s Struggles Shine Light on New Opportunities—for LER and Readers
So much has happened, I don’t even know where to begin. This is time for reflection and appreciation for where we have been and where we are going. All our lives and businesses have been changed forever. This pandemic has affected us in so many ways personally and professionally. In many ways, our eyes and hearts were opened.
By Rich Dubin, Publisher Continue reading
June 2021
Pregnancy Part 1: Is Walking Adequate Fitness During Pregnancy?
There is no question that walking is generally a good form of exercise. However, it is not always appropriate during all phases of pregnancy, nor does it adequately prepare a woman for delivery or the fourth ‘Tornado’ Trimester. Long gone are the days of no lifting and putting your feet up during pregnancy. Pregnancy is the time to ‘train’ for a postnatal marathon that will last several years in a sleep-deprived state.
By Tracie Smith-Beyak Continue reading
May 2021
Pickleball-related Injuries Involving the Lower Extremity Treated in Emergency Departments
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines many of the elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is reported to be increasingly popular in the United States (US), particularly among older adults. There is limited published information on pickleball-related injuries, including those involving the lower extremity.
By Mathias B. Forrester, BS Continue reading
May 2021
The Challenges with Pickleball: A Clinician’s Perspective
Pickleball has exploded in popularity the past decade or so. Especially with seniors! More than 3 million people of all ages in the United States alone play and that number is growing by 10% every year, according to Athletic Business. The allure of the sport, especially for seniors, is that there isn’t a lot of running, but there is a lot of competition.
By Robert Weil, DPM Continue reading
April 2021
Gait and Balance Academy: How Do We Use Gait Analysis to Measure Walking Consistency?
Have you ever asked yourself this simple question: why do we measure and analyze gait? Overall, the answers will revolve around the same ideas: to gauge the functional status of a person; to follow-up the natural history of a disease; to determine immediate or long-term treatment requirement and effects.
By Arnaud Gouelle, PhD, and Patrick Roscher, MS Continue reading
March 2021
Guest Perspective: Why We Participate In National Biomechanics Day
National Biomechanics Day (NBD)—April 7, 2021—is a worldwide celebration of biomechanics in its many forms for high school students and teachers. Sponsored by The Biomechanics Initiative, NBD is in its 6th year of celebrating all things biomechanics. NBD’s goal is to accelerate the growth and impact of biomechanics science and application by introducing biomechanics to young people, namely high school students. Continue reading
February 2021
BEHOLD the Human Arch! Biomechanics of Longitudinal Arch Load-Sharing System of the Foot
The human foot is an engineering marvel, consisting of 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. But it is the unique and elegant load-sharing system of the longitudinal arch that makes human locomotion possible. This author explains how.
By Kevin A. Kirby, DPM Continue reading
January 2021
Skiing-Related Injuries: Who, What, How, When, And a Bit of Prevention
More popular than ever, skiing remains a complex sport with a high risk of injury. Here we detail some of the pertinent data. Skiing, a sport that has been around since Cro-Magnon man, is among the most popular winter sports in the United States. There were nearly 15 million skiers in the US in 2017 alone.
By Janice T. Radak Continue reading
November 2020
Clinical Applications of Custom 3D Printed Implants in Complex Lower Extremity Reconstruction
The authors present four cases of complex lower extremity reconstruction involving segmental bone loss and deformity – failed total ankle arthroplasty, talus avascular necrosis, ballistic trauma, and nonunion of a tibial osteotomy.
By Rishin J. Kadakia, MD, Colleen M. Wixted, Nicholas B. Allen, Andrew E. Hanselman, MD, and Samuel B. Adams, MD Continue reading
October 2020
Foot Drop: A Primer
Foot drop, a complex condition that can have a significant impact on independent ambulation, can have many causes. Treatment options vary by cause. These authors provide a review of the condition from etiology through treatment. Foot drop (also known as steppage gait) is an inability to lift the forefoot due to the weakness of dorsiflexors of the foot. This, in turn, can lead to an unsafe antalgic gait, potentially resulting in falls.
By Subhadra L. Nori, MD, and Michael F. Stretanski, DO Continue reading
October 2020
A New Ankle–Foot Orthosis Using Wire for Stroke Patients with Foot Drop
Researchers from Korea have developed a new type of AFO that uses neoprene and a novel wire configuration for use with foot drop after stroke. Foot drop can be a sequela of stroke. An ankle–foot orthosis (AFO) is the most widely used method to prevent foot drop in patients with stroke, and is used during weight-bearing training of the limb on the affected side or when there is ankle spasticity or deformity.
By Jung-Hoon Lee, Im-Rak Choi, and Hyun-Su Choi Continue reading
September 2020
Expanding Our Understanding of Chronic Ankle Instability
Research is showing that it’s not “just an ankle sprain,” but rather the first step on a perilous journey to physical instability and lower quality of life. The clinical presentation of chronic ankle instability (CAI) has been defined as the perceived or subjective instability with feelings of giving way, pain, and recurrent sprains. Continue reading
September 2020
Gait Biofeedback and Impairment-based Rehabilitation
In a study that debuted at the National Athletic Trainers Association virtual meeting and was subsequently published later, a multidisciplinary team of clinicians sought to analyze the effects of visual gait biofeedback along with impairment-based rehabilitation on gait biomechanics in a group of patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Continue reading
August 2020
An Update on Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Part I
This 2-part series examines the current state of peripheral artery disease. This article focuses on disease burden, risk factors, and clinical presentation. Part 2, which will appear next month, will examine current recommendations for diagnosis and treatment.
By Aisha Cobbs, PhD Continue reading
August 2020
Diagnostic Accuracy of PADnet Xpress® in the Detection of Peripheral Artery Disease
With existing knowledge, much of the cardiovascular risk burden of peripheral artery disease (PAD) is preventable. PAD is a common atherosclerotic syndrome that is estimated to affect 12.5 million Americans and 237 million people worldwide.1 One in five Americans over the age of 65 has PAD.2 Based on national treatment patterns, more than half of all patients with PAD do not know they have it.
By Sue Duval, PhD Continue reading
July 2020
Functional Ankle Instability Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors in Male Football Players
Reported incidence rates for ankle sprains range from 15% to 45%. This study looked at self-reported ankle instability in regional European football players and found that age and injury repetition as well as exposure time and position on the field were associated with instability rates, suggesting the need for specific prevention strategies.
By A. Cruz, R. Oliveira, A.G. Silva
June 2020
Manipulation of the Myofascia: Motivations, Methods, and Mechanisms
Foam rolling and roller massage, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, and percussion massage are all the rage amongst consumers all along today’s fitness continuum. But what is the evidence base for the countless claims proponents offer? These authors provide a review of the peer-reviewed literature.
By Linden A. Lechner, BSc; Michael A. Rosenblat, PT, PhD(c), CEP; and Leanne M. Ramer, PhD Continue reading
May 2020
The Utility of External Fixation for Midfoot Charcot Neuroarthropathy
When conservative therapies fail, surgical reconstruction of the foot is often required to restore function, heal ulcerations, and decrease risk of amputation in patients with CN. External fixation remains a reliable method, with plenty of advantages.
By P. Tanner Shaffer, DPM, Jonathan Hook, DPM, FACFAS, and Ben Potter, DPM Continue reading
April 2020
Using The “Reformer,” “Wunda Chair,” and “foot Corrector”: The Pilates Method Enhances Alignment and Core Awareness
A trained Pilates professional in a fully equipped studio can help your patient make significant improvement in strength and flexibility by addressing postural habits and alignment problems. Joseph Hubertus Pilates began development of his method – a body–mind approach to exercise –in the early 1920s. As a child, Pilates suffered from asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever.
By Marianne Adams, MA, MFA Continue reading
March 2020
Injury Prevention Keeps Dancers on Their Toes
Unique partnership between University Hospitals’ Sports Medicine Team and the Cleveland Ballet focuses on performer preparation to avoid long-term problems. Efficient movement in ballet is easy to recognize, as every step the dancer takes flows seamlessly into the next, representing a perfect balance of muscular engagement and release.
By Douglas J. Guth Continue reading
February 2020
White Paper: Foot Pronation
Over the past decades, pronation has been discussed as a potential risk factor for injuries or as the mechanism behind impact damping. However, little is understood about pronation. The objectives of this paper were to (a) define and differentiate between the terms of pronation and eversion, (b & c) underline the importance and problematic aspects of pronation.
By Benno Nigg, Anja-Verena Behling, and Joseph Hamill Continue reading
