Category Archives: Special Section
June 2017
ANKLE FOOT ORTHOSES: Efforts to optimize outcomes focus on stiffness, alignment
Given the heterogeneity of many patient populations for whom ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) are indicated, it’s not surprising that AFO experts are at the forefront of the current trend favoring customization of devices to meet individual patient needs. Research presented in May at the 2017 International Society of Prosthetics & Orthotics (ISPO) World Congress in Cape Town, South Africa, illustrated some of the many ways AFO stiffness and alignment can be optimized in the interest of patient-centric care. Continue reading
June 2017
NONMECHANICAL EFFECTS: Sleeves showcase softer side of knee pain management
Less may be more when it comes to knee bracing in some patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and patellofemoral pain (PFP), according to studies of soft knee braces presented in May at the 2017 ISPO World Congress in Cape Town, South Africa. Continue reading
June 2017
DIABETIC FOOTWEAR: Scientific approach to insole design helps reduce pressure
A scientific approach to insole design can help reduce plantar pressures associated with diabetic footwear, in turn reducing the risk of plantar ulcerations, according to research presented in May at the 2017 ISPO World Congress in Cape Town, South Africa. Continue reading
June 2017
OSTEOARTHRITIS: Studies explore mechanisms for distal knee OA therapies
Studies presented in May at the 2017 ISPO World Congress in Cape Town, South Africa, added to knee experts’ understanding of the mechanisms underlying distal interventions to reduce pain and joint loading in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis (OA). Continue reading
June 2017
INSOLE MODELING: Computer analysis facilitates foot orthosis development
Computer modeling is facilitating advances in insole development for patients with diabetic neuropathy and rheumatoid arthritis, according to data presented in May at the 2017 ISPO World Congress in Cape Town, South Africa. Continue reading
April 2017
Sports injury prevention experts revisit risk factors and advocate for adherence
Despite strides, gaps between lab and practice remain
It’s an exciting time for clinicians involved in preventing sports injuries. Increasing numbers of studies are identifying risk factors associated with specific injuries and documenting the effectiveness of preventive interventions for reducing injury rates. Continue reading
April 2017
Online counseling helps reduce injuries in highly specialized youth athletes
Early single-sport specialization in youth athletes is associated with increased risk of reinjury in addition to primary injury, but online counseling can help to reduce those risks, according to two studies from Atlanta presented at the IOC World Conference on Prevention of Injury and Illness in Sport, held in Monaco in March. Continue reading
April 2017
Proximal and distal factors may affect 5th met fracture risk in soccer players
Clinicians looking to prevent fifth metatarsal fractures (Jones fractures) in soccer players may want to consider proximal as well as distal factors, according to studies from two separate Japanese research groups presented at the IOC World Conference on Prevention of Injury and Illness in Sport, held in Monaco in March. Continue reading
April 2017
By itself, zero drop in a running shoe does not translate to barefoot-like gait
A zero drop is not enough to notably alter the biomechanics of running in a cushioned shoe but may affect injury risk in some runners, according to research from Luxembourg presented at the IOC World Conference on Prevention of Injury and Illness in Sport, held in Monaco in March. Continue reading
April 2017
Landing biomechanics may contribute to ankle sprain in basketball, volleyball
Two studies presented at the IOC World Conference on Prevention of Injury and Illness in Sport, held in Monaco in March, shed light on the complex ways in which aspects of landing contribute to risk of ankle sprain in volleyball and basketball—both sports in which ankle sprains often occur when one player lands on another’s foot. Continue reading
June 2016
Region-specific foot pain doesn’t always match pressures, forces
Gait compensation may play role – The location of foot pain doesn’t always correspond with elevated plantar pressures and abnormal forces, which suggests the availability of region-specific compensatory gait mechanisms may play a role, according to recent research using Framingham Foot Study data.
By Emily Delzell Continue reading
June 2016
Samuel Hubbard Free
With the Un-Sneaker collection, Samuel Hubbard set out to make an “everyday shoe” for people with an active lifestyle. With soft upper materials, full glove-leather linings, a one-piece vamp, hidden padded collar, removable memory-foam… Continue reading
June 2016
Revere Santa Monica
The Santa Monica for women from revere Comfort Shoes features a stylish V front, a back strap, metal trim detail, and forefoot and rearfoot adjustability to provide a personalized fit. The sandal’s design also features a removable comfort insert, with enough… Continue reading
June 2016
Mephisto Jissy
The Jissy from Mephisto is a casual sandal with a stylish profile. Like all Mobils by Mephisto comfort footwear, it features all-over cushioning between the lining and the upper to pillow the feet, along with soft-air technology in the midsole to minimize shock. Continue reading
June 2016
Gem Caballo from Vionic
Vionic introduces a new silhouette. The Gem Caballo flat for women features a pointed toe with an envelope vamp detail, along with a removable footbed and stylish uppers made of suede, snake-printed leather, or haircalf. Continue reading
June 2016
Drew Tuscany
The Tuscany athleisure shoe for women offers a new, sparkling look from Drew. Tuscany shoes are walking shoes with added depth that can accommodate prescribed foot orthoses. Continue reading
June 2016
On Cloudster
The Cloudster, from Swiss footwear company On, features a very stiff flex and a slightly rockered speedboard, which keep the foot in a natural position while minimizing the loaded flex on the foot. A four-way adaptive-fit stretch material across the toe box allows for a natural toe splay. Continue reading
June 2016
Arcopédico Alice
Arcopédico’s new Alice style for women is designed to be the essence of casual chic while still being ideal for all-day wear at work. Designed in solid-tone suede, this slide-on loafer features a hand-stitched vamp, cushioned insole for superior comfort, metal-free twin… Continue reading
June 2016
Apex Sydney
Apex introduces the Sydney, the newest addition to the company’s Petals line of soft, light, and beautiful shoes for fashion-forward women who need superior support and adjustability. Continue reading
June 2016
Anodyne No. 19 Casual Mary Jane
Incredibly lightweight, the No. 19 Casual Mary Jane from Anodyne weighs in at just 5.6 oz. This A5500-reviewed style also features a full-grain leather upper, an antimicrobial-treated… Continue reading
June 2016
Alicia Slide from Spenco
New from Spenco for fall 2016 is the Alicia Slide for women, which is detailed with embossed floral leather and synthetic suede trim that can complement a casual or dressier look. Continue reading
June 2016
Bail’s Custom Footcare: Resilient business evolves and adapts over five generations
Few businesses can claim a heritage quite as long as the Bail family’s five-generation relationship with the shoe industry. But more than just a long history of selling shoes, the Bail family’s story is one of resilience.
By Nancy Shohet West Continue reading
June 2016
Crary Shoes: Pedorthic expertise complements decades of custom shoemaking
Crary Shoes has a motto: “The last is always first.” With a decades-long commitment to quality, the business provides custom shoes for clients with a spectrum of foot concerns, ranging from diabetes to unusually shaped or sized feet.
By Samantha Rosenblum | Photos by Monty Wolfe Continue reading
June 2016
Importance of intrinsic muscles for foot health
A growing body of research suggests the strength of small muscles in the foot can have big implications for a range of foot-health issues—including running-related injuries, diabetic neuropathy, obesity, flatfoot, and plantar fasciitis—and that interventions for strengthening the intrinsics may help.
By Barbara Boughton Continue reading
June 2016
Materials science targets foot odors and microbes
Silver fibers and other examples of nanotechnology are increasingly turning up in shoes, socks, and orthotic topcovers in an effort to control odors, reduce the risk of infection, and improve foot health by making these devices moisture wicking, breathable, antifungal, and/or antibacterial.
By Shalmali Pal Continue reading
