Lower Extremity Review
Functional rehabilitation training protocols typically consist of stability and postural control exercises aimed at recovering from the proprioceptive defect that occurs after an ankle injury and preventing recurrent sprains by improving stabilometric results.
By Audris Tien, DPM, Jarrod Shapiro, DPM, FACFAS, FACFAOM, Jonathan Labovitz, DPM, FACFAS, CHCQM
Equinus is the primary mechanical cause of acquired non-traumatic foot and ankle pathology—plantar fasciitis, AT, and MSS—in running sports. The three most common lower-extremity overuse injuries among those who participate in running-related sports such as basketball have all been linked to the…
By Patrick A. DeHeer, DPM, FACFAS, FASPS, FFPM RCPS (Glasg)
How many practice trials are needed to achieve functional performance in static and dynamic balance and hopping tests among those with chronic ankle instability (CAI)? That was the question Jordan Read, a student at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, and colleagues looked to answer in his poster, Recommended Number of Trials for Balance and Hopping Tests between Male and Female CAI.1
Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a common issue in the athletic population. Although there are many prophylactic taping methods used to prevent repetitive ankle sprains, the effects of these taping methods in dynamic postural control are not clearly understood.
In the poster, Altered Movement Neuromechanics during Jump Landing and Cutting in Patients with Chronic Ankle Instability,3 Hyunsoo Kim, assistant professor of the Department of Kinesiology, West Chester University, West Chester, PA, and colleagues looked at altered movement pattern in patients with CAI to examine biomechanical factors for CAI.
Even though there have been numerous studies regarding prophylactic ankle taping, the way to control the increased mechanical laxity associated with their condition during dynamic activity is not clear. To investigate the effects of traditional tape (TT), fibular repositioning tape (FRT), and kinesiology tape (KT) on joint angles of the lower extremity, Songah Chae, a student in the Department of Movement Sciences at the University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, led a research team on the study, Influence of Prophylactic Ankle Tapes on Lower Extremity Kinematics during Stop-jump in Chronic Ankle Instability.4
Looking to identify specific movement strategies and describe lower extremity stiffness of the subgroups of patients with CAI compared to an uninjured control group, J. Ty Hopkins, PhD, professor of human performance research center at Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, examined 200 CAI participants (109 male) and 100 controls (54 male).
Definitions are important because words can make the difference between understanding and misunderstanding. I prefer a simple definition of footwear: that which covers the foot. This definition does not say it is a top covering of the foot—just a covering of the foot. In the definition of something as fundamental as footwear, I believe that less is more.
By Joseph M. Mozena
Med Spec introduces the new Supinator PTT Stabilizer, a comfortable and relatively low-profile brace for the treatment of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD). With its patent-pending design, the Supinator reduces overpronation by applying a supinating force.
Mastercare – The Swedish Back Care System, Model Mini is a professional therapy table that can be used to reduce injury risk for runners. The unit strengthens and decompresses the muscles of the back to relieve pressure on the lower extremity joints, as well as the back. The table is easy-to-use and folds away for convenient storage when not in use.
Tekscan’s Strideway has simplified the gait analysis process with easy access to essential gait parameters and a platform that is flexible in length. Unlike other systems, Strideway provides pressure information, as well as spatial, temporal and kinetic parameters for a complete gait analysis.
The Pro Select Full Shell Air Walker from Elite Orthopaedics, Inc.features a full circumference shell design that provides controlled immobilization of the lower leg, ankle, and foot. A breathable insole, featuring patent-pending technology, allows for air to circulate to prevent the accumulation of heat during patient usage.
New from Elite Orthopaedics is the Fracture Sock, designed to reduce skin irritation while wearing an ankle walker. The latex-free fracture sock is composed of 100% synthetic knit for superior moisture absorption. An improved cross stitch provides better compression, which helps reduce the risk of friction and lessens the risk of sock bunching.
Vim & Vigr offers a line of stylish, high-quality compression socks for men and women. Developed in partnership with vascular surgeons and vein clinics, the compression socks are engineered to help energize the legs, prevent swelling, alleviate fatigue, speed muscle…
The BRD Sport Plantar Fasciitis Brace, which provides compression and stability for those suffering from plantar fasciitis, is now easier for patients to put on. The sock-like design allows the brace to slip easily onto the foot, and the 3D knit structure now is looser in certain areas to…
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