Lower Extremity Review
Diabetic foot ulcers and other skin conditions such as blisters, calluses, and general skin irritation pose significant health challenges. These issues often stem from excessive friction and shear forces acting on vulnerable areas of the skin. Individuals who rely on specialized footwear, orthopedic braces and prosthetic devices are particularly susceptible to…
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have become central to the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity, with proven benefits in glycemic control, weight loss, and cardiometabolic risk reduction. Despite emerging hypotheses suggesting possible skeletal benefits, long-term effects of GLP-1 RA exposure on…
Approximately 15–20% of patients undergoing conventional total knee arthroplasty (cTKA) report dissatisfaction one year after surgery. Robotic-assisted TKA (raTKA) provides greater precision in bone resection and ligament balancing, which may improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of raTKA on…
Single-sport specialization during adolescence has been increasingly adopted by youth athletes in pursuit of collegiate scholarships and professional careers. However, this early commitment to one sport has been associated with increased exposure to repetitive stress, potentially contributing to higher injury rates at elite levels. While the short-term musculoskeletal risks of…
Electronic bicycle (E-bike) use is on the rise in the United States. E-bikes are a convenient, cost-effective, environmentally friendly transportation option that do not require a license to operate. However, these conveniences come with significant injury risks. The aim of this study is to quantify the rates and patterns of orthopaedic injuries related to e-bike use compared…
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Registry Program highlighted new findings from the American Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR) during the 2026 AAOS Annual Meeting in New Orleans. Analyses presented at the meeting examined implant survivorship, complication trends, and outcomes associated with…
I recently explored and explained the use of mobilization and tactile stimulation (MTS) in the previous article titled, “Sensory Input is Needed for Motor Output–The Foot of the Matter.” In this article, I focus on self-mobilization of the foot and ankle to promote self-efficacy for individuals with lower extremity (LE) sensory impairment resulting in…
By Dr. Jennifaye V. Brown
Consumers of high-end running/walk footwear products are coming to you not only to fit them with footwear, but also to solve problems and enhance their performance, prevent injuries and enhance wellness. Some retail shoe stores, and certainly online direct purchases, do not offer the expertise that is required to provide the solutions the consumer is seeking to justify…
By Teresa Alpert
The doctor-patient relationship is dead, at least in the format we were all taught in school and during training. Today, there’s a moment, when you walk into an exam room that just didn’t exist 20 years ago. It’s no longer just you and the patient. There’s a third presence sitting between you. It is the electronic health record (EHR), that often-maligned party…
By Mikel D. Daniels, DPM, MBA, President and Chief Medical Officer, WeTreatFeet Podiatry
Advances in ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are revolutionizing how podiatrists, physical therapists and O&P clinicians support lower-limb mobility and rehabilitation. In this 3-part series, we explore the latest evidence, cutting-edge materials, and innovative design strategies that are shaping the future of AFOs. This short series offers a look at how today’s breakthroughs are improving function, comfort and compliancy in the lower extremity world.
By Keith Loria
Surgery, especially in the world of foot and ankle reconstruction, is like solving a complex, 3-dimensional puzzle. Our goal is to take a structure that has adapted over a lifetime into a painful position and restore its original, functional architecture. One of the most powerful tools we have for this is the Lapidus procedure, which corrects a complex bunion deformity…
By Marie Keplinger, DPM, FACFAS
This article synthesizes the key findings, surgical techniques, and clinical insights from a lerEXPO’s 2025 Gait Keepers Journal Club regarding the use of intramedullary fibular nails for distal fibula fractures. The primary focus is on a retrospective multi-center study published in the Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery (JFAS) in 2023, which represents the largest cohort of its kind to date.
The transition from traditional Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) with plates and screws toward intramedullary fibular nailing represents a significant paradigm shift in ankle fracture management. While historically reserved for “train wreck” patients–those with compromised soft tissue, diabetes, or advanced age–current clinical evidence suggests that fibular nails are highly effective for simpler fracture patterns, such as stress-positive Weber B fractures.
By Brian Burgess, DPM with Brad Abicht, DPM, FACFAS and Jeff Dikis, DPM
Chronic ankle instability (CAI), a prevalent injury among female volleyball players, can negatively affect functional performance and increase the risk of further injury. The aim of this study was to compare functional movement quality, dynamic balance, vertical jumping performance, hip muscle strength, and risk of injury between…
Ankle sprains and acute Achilles tendon ruptures are common injuries among recreational tennis players. Patients who sustained an ankle sprain (n=39) or an Achilles tendon rupture (n=7) while playing tennis were retrospectively evaluated. Ankle sprain patients were younger (39 years), smaller and lighter…
Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain and functional limitations; conservative treatment typically includes plantar fascia and calf stretching. High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) offers deeper photobiomodulation and potential tissue-healing benefits. In this study participants were randomly allocated into…
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