Category Archives: Special Section
October 2015
Seeking shoe closure: Laces vs alternatives
The footwear industry is teeming with alternatives to traditional shoelaces—including Velcro, no-tie elastic systems, and clutch reel technology—that may offer advantages for certain individuals. But for many people, experts say, laces will work just as well.
By Shalmali Pal Continue reading
October 2015
Bunion surgery: Evolution of postoperative protocols
Research is starting to reveal that early weightbearing, physical therapy, or both after hallux valgus surgery is not as risky as some practitioners once thought, and such new postoperative protocols appear to be associated with improved outcomes.
By Barbara Boughton Continue reading
October 2015
Althea’s Footwear Solutions
Collaborative staff provides stable foothold for growing company – At Althea’s Footwear Solutions in Everett, WA, teamwork is key to building loyal customers and an expanding company.
By Catherine M. Koetters Continue reading
October 2015
Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center
Podiatry practice adds retail component for one-stop service – Like most podiatrists and podiatric surgeons, Tatiana Wellens-Bruschayt, DPM, and Maria Jaramillo-Dolan, DPM, of the Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center in Winter Haven spend a lot of time counseling patients with diabetes on proper foot care.
By Nancy Shohet West | Photos by Denise Budde Continue reading
October 2015
Shoes, orthoses improve muscle activation onset in unstable ankles
Custom insoles have greatest effect – A study of patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) suggests the onset of knee and ankle muscle activity occurs significantly earlier when shoes and orthoses are worn than when the patients are barefoot.
By John C. Hayes Continue reading
October 2015
Survey finds 31% of runners have tried minimalist footwear
Some report more pain, some less – A significant percentage of avid runners have tried running in minimalist shoes, according to a recent survey-based study in which runners reported both positive and negative responses to making the switch in terms of pain and injury.
By Chris Klingenberg Continue reading
August 2015
Taller, heavier children have heightened Sever disease risk
Long-term pain warrants early ID – Children presenting with calcaneal apophysitis (Sever disease) are anthropometrically different from their peers and experience a lengthy period of pain, according to Australian study findings that underscore the importance of early intervention and…
By Katie Bell Continue reading
August 2015
Gait analysis for clubfoot may reveal long-term issues
Surgery more likely to alter gait – Children treated for idiopathic clubfoot by age 2 years may experience subtle changes in gait by the time they are aged 5 years, and nonoperative treatment may confer more normal movement than surgery, according to a recent study.
By Larry Hand Continue reading
August 2015
Robotic gait training doesn’t wow young patients with CP
Kids, parents differ on ‘normal’ gait – Although physical therapists and parents often strive for attaining “normal” gait in children with neuromotor disorders, a new study from researchers at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada, indicates that…
By Brigid Galloway Continue reading
August 2015
Growing pains: Adapting O&P devices to maturing patients
Accommodating growth without compromising fit and function is a challenge for practitioners who prescribe orthotic devices for young patients. Adjustments and add-ons—as well as educating parents about expected changes—can make for smoother transitions.
By Shalmali Pal Continue reading
August 2015
Childhood obesity and OA: Can early care reduce risk?
Osteoarthritis (OA) risk factors and symptoms seen in adults have been found in obese kids, who often have musculoskeletal pain. Weight loss may help, but preventing OA may also require gait and exercise interventions, particularly those that reduce pain that leads to inactivity.
By Erin Boutwell Continue reading
July 2015
Complete Feet: Pedorthist’s new venture emphasizes the customer experience
Michael Duvdevani, CPed, thinks of his newest store, Complete Feet, as a carefully thought-out step in the right direction.
By Catherine M. Koetters | Photos by Michael Moore Continue reading
July 2015
Lamey Wellehan Shoes: Investing in expertise pays off for 101-year-old company
Many foot care professionals would probably confess to a love-hate relationship with the footwear industry. At times, it may feel like the manufacturers of tottering stiletto heels and poorly supported platform shoes are the bane of one’s existence when it comes to…
By Nancy Shohet West Continue reading
July 2015
Extra bodyweight enhances effects of high heels at knee
Lower heels, BMI may reduce OA risk – Walking in shoes with heels higher than about 1.5 inches causes gait abnormalities that are amplified by extra bodyweight, according to recent research that found high-heeled walking creates significant changes in knee loading similar to…
By Emily Delzell Continue reading
July 2015
Foot orthoses for heel pain help improve walking activity
Study supports custom device use – In patients with plantar fasciitis, the pain relief associated with custom foot orthoses (CFOs) appears to result in increased walking activity, as well, according to a recently published clinical trial.
By Barbara Boughton Continue reading
July 2015
Arcopédico Leina
Arcopédico USA debuts three new colors—grey, camel, and purple—this summer for the top-selling Leina collection of sporty Mary Jane walking slides. Featuring a wide, nonrestrictive form and a stay-on elastic band for a secure fit, these shoes are ideal for misshapen feet. Continue reading
July 2015
Mobils Ergonomic by Mephisto
The Mobils Ergonomic Collection by Mephisto is designed to ensure a healthy, natural walk. Three advanced technological comfort features highlight this brand. All-over soft padding between the lining and the natural leather upper cushions the entire foot. Continue reading
July 2015
Vionic Cozy Juniper
For fall 2015, Vionic brings its trusted Orthaheel orthotic technology to a new, premium cozy women’s house slipper. The Cozy Juniper is a luxurious option for the patient/consumer who desires structural security for her feet along with the pampering of a house slipper. Continue reading
July 2015
Dr. Comfort Ruk and Riley
Dr. Comfort is proud to feature two new fashionable shoes that allow customers to feel great: the Ruk and the Riley. The Ruk is a classic dress style shoe for men that is versatile enough to pair with jeans or trousers. It comes with a suede upper material in a rust color or full-grain… Continue reading
July 2015
Ped Lite Valerie
Ped Lite’s newest women’s casual shoe, the Valerie, offers a fashion-forward interpretation of the typical diabetic shoe. Available in black with an all-leather upper, the Valerie looks like a slip-on shoe but has a Medicare-approved adjustable closure that makes it functional as well as stylish. Continue reading
July 2015
Apex Boss Runner
The Apex Boss Runner is a biomechanically designed, straight lasted, motion control running shoe. The shoe features a molded external heel counter extended on the medial side for rearfoot stability, Carboplast footbridge for torsional stability… Continue reading
July 2015
DIABETIC FOOTWEAR: Cinematic symposium explores person-centric communication
Cannes is the French city most often associated with cinema. But several hundred kilometers to the north, in Lyon, a pair of short films debuted in June that sent a clear message about the most effective ways for lower extremity practitioners to interact with their patients. Continue reading
July 2015
AMPUTATION: Patients cite lack of education about partial foot procedures
Patients who have had a partial foot amputation followed by a transtibial amputation on the same limb feel that they were inadequately educated about what the first procedure would involve, according to detailed interviews conducted by researchers at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia. Continue reading
July 2015
PEDIATRICS: CP studies assess potential advantages of flexible AFOs
The flexibility of an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) does not necessarily affect walking economy in children with cerebral palsy (CP), but more flexible AFOs may be particularly beneficial for sports activities in higher-performing children with… Continue reading
July 2015
DROP FOOT: Benefits of FES after stroke are maintained at 42 weeks
Gait speed improvements associated with 30 weeks of functional electrical stimulation (FES) in poststroke patients are maintained at 42 weeks, according to research presented in June at the 2015 ISPO World Congress. Continue reading
