Lower Extremity Review
Two recent literature reviews underscore the lack of high-level evidence to support the various treatments available for idiopathic toe walking. But new research is starting to fill that void, and is also engendering new theories about factors that may contribute to the condition.
By Larry Hand
Some evidence suggests that, if ankle braces limit athletes’ motion in the sagittal plane, the risk of knee injury could be increased, but other studies have found no association between ankle bracing and knee injury rates. The conflicting findings have made for a clinical conundrum.
By Cary Groner
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
Corflex announces the release of its Contender Post-Operative Knee Brace. The ZipTrak, X-Flex, and QuikZip systems work together to ensure the Contender knee brace stays in place, which maximizes its ability to control range of motion to aid in healing and rehabilitation following an injury or a surgical procedure.
Footmaxx offers the MaxxLife premium custom-made foot orthosis for comfort and stability. The MaxxLife features a natural leather topcover, a low-profile Duramaxx semirigid orthotic module, a polyurethane mid-layer reinforced with a suede bottom, and a polyurethane heel cushion and cap.
ModulaRx Orthotics Corp has introduced a new computer technology, MxXpress, to facilitate the accurate design and manufacture of customized foot orthoses based on plantar pressure measurements.
Hersco announces availability of the Arch Suspender from Richie Labs as an ankle foot orthosis modification to control the midtarsal joint and hindfoot. The Medial Arch Suspender is an adjustable lifting strap under the talonavicular joint to resist collapse of the medial arch as well as eversion of the ankle and hindfoot.
The bodyblock is a light, comfortable multipurpose support block that can be used to elevate a limb or as a spacer between the knees. Made of polyurethane, it weighs just 300 g and can be easily cleaned and disinfected between patients.
Topical Gear has released the ACL Tube. Inventor Bill Bue and his team developed the light- weight (2 oz) brace that applies topical pressure on the medial quadriceps and hamstring muscles.
PressureGuardian, developed by Tillges Technologies, is a compact portable pressure sensor device with a compatible data-collecting app. The information can be used to adjust orthotic and prosthetic devices to offload pressure on a diabetic wound or inside a prosthetic socket.
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