August 2021

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Cover Story


Changes in Product-related Lower Extremity Injuries Treated at Emergency Departments During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Changes in Product-related Lower Extremity Injuries Treated at Emergency Departments During the COVID-19 Pandemic
During 2020, emergency department (ED) visits in the United States (US) not related to COVID-19 declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for certain populations and certain types of illness or injury. This study described product-related lower extremity injuries managed at EDs during 2020 and compared it to previous years. By Mathias B. Forrester, BS

Features


Lower Extremity Compression Garments Use by Athletes: Why, How Often, and Perceived Benefit
The popularity of lower extremity compression garments (CGs) amongst athletes continues to increase. Initially CGs were mainly prescribed to patients with chronic venous disorder. Using graduated lower extremity CGs with a degrading pressure from distal to proximal parts of this extremity increases venous flow velocity… By Thierry P. C. Franke, Frank J. G. Backx, and Bionka ...
Wound Care Update: New Uses for Adipose Grafts in Podiatry and Wound Care
Diabetic foot ulcers and the resultant skin defects caused by delayed wound healing are a common and costly challenge for healthcare providers. Recent advances in tissue engineering have given rise to new promising treatment options to help with wound repair and tissue augmentation. Newly available adipose tissue grafts can help clinicians solve troublesome issues… By Windy ...
Effects of Offloading Devices on Static and Dynamic Balance in Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major problem worldwide, especially among elderly. Diabetic patients are prone to develop neuropathy at their feet and ankles. The incidence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) among newly diagnosed diabetic patients is approximately 30%. By Koen Andre Horstink, Lucas Henricus Vincentius van derWoude, and Juha Markus Hijmans

Meeting Highlights from NATA

About NATA: Athletic trainers are health care professionals who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and sport-related illnesses. They prevent and treat chronic musculoskeletal injuries from sports, physical and occupational activity, and provide immediate care for acute injuries. Athletic trainers offer a continuum of care that is unparalleled in health care. The National Athletic Trainers’ Association represents and supports more than 40,000 members of the athletic training profession. Visit nata.org for more information.


MIDDLE SCHOOL CONCUSSION RATES HIGHER THAN HIGH SCHOOL, COLLEGE
New research presented at the National Athletic Trainers’ Associations’ 2021 NATA Virtual Clinical Symposia & AT Expo, held virtually this year due to COVID-19, found that middle school sports have an overall higher rate of concussion than reported in high school and collegiate settings. The research also concluded that middle school athletes playing…
Middle School Wrestling Injury Rate Higher Than Previous Reports
Another study from the ACHIEVES project reported at the National Athletic Trainers’ Associations’ 2021 NATA Virtual Clinical Symposia & AT Expo described the epidemiology of injuries sustained by middle school age wrestlers in a large metropolitan school division as limited data about wrestling existed at the middle school level.
Study Reports Injury Rates Across High School and College Sports
In an analysis of more than 26,000 injuries across high school and college sports, the sports with the most injuries were male football (25.6%), female basketball (8.5%), female soccer (8.1%), male basketball (7.1%), and female volleyball (6.5%). However, even though gymnastics and lacrosse accounted for fewer injuries, those injuries were typically associated with a…

Patient Guidance


Common Skin and Nail Conditions of the Lower Extremity: Part 3
Common Skin and Nail Conditions of the Lower Extremity: Part 3
Many foot and ankle specialists focus on the musculoskeletal conditions of patients. Skin and nail conditions of the feet, however, are some of the most common complaints that patients have. This 3-part series describes the most common conditions patients present with to my office and provide some effective treatment options. By Paul J. Betschart, DPM

COVID-19 Update


Intranasal COVID-19 Vaccine Effective in Animal Studies
Vaccines are greatly reducing the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths. Vaccines developed early in the pandemic continue to provide protection against severe disease caused by new variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the disease.
With Face Masks Off, Cold/Cough/Allergy OTC Med Sales Soar
With Face Masks Off, Cold/Cough/Allergy OTC Med Sales Soar
During the four weeks following May 13, 2021 when the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention relaxed its guidelines on mask wearing for those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, sales of Over The Counter (OTC) medications for easily transmitted ailments like colds and coughs experienced sharp increases as people’s social circles start ...
Experimental Vaccine Protects Against Multiple Coronaviruses
Three pathogenic coronaviruses have emerged in the past two decades: the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. Both SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 are Sarbecoviruses. 

From the Literature


Vegans Face Greatest Fracture Risk
Vegans Face Greatest Fracture Risk
Data from the prospective EPIC-Oxford Study show that non-meat eaters, especially vegans, had higher risks of either total or some site-specific fractures, particularly hip fractures. This is the first prospective study of diet group with both total and multiple specific fracture sites in vegetarians and vegans, and the…

Terry Talks Tech


To Scan or Not to Scan? A Clinical and Business Decision
To Scan or Not to Scan? A Clinical and Business Decision
Entering the digital world of orthotics and prosthetics begins with a decision on how to scan a patient. So we should first consider the scanning equipment. There are many choices for different applications in the world of digital scanning outside of orthotics and prosthetics. By Terrell S. Tate, BOCP,CO

Industry News & Updates


The Last Word


Compression Garments Reduce Muscle Movement & Activation During Running
Compression Garments Reduce Muscle Movement & Activation During Running
Source: Broatch JR, Brophy-Williams N, Phillips EJ, et al. Compression Garments Reduce Muscle Movement and Activation during Submaximal Running. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2020 Mar;52(3):685-695. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000002182.

Featured Products


Fitterfirst Balance Aids
Fitterfirst Balance Aids
Roam Robotics’ Ascend Smart Knee
Roam Robotics’ Ascend Smart Knee
Arize Digital Orthotic Solution
Arize Digital Orthotic Solution
CEP Compression Hiking Merino and Light Merino Socks
CEP Compression Hiking Merino and Light Merino Socks
Smart Crutch Tips
Smart Crutch Tips
Cheetah Xceed
Cheetah Xceed
Game Ready’s Full Leg Boot Wrap
Game Ready’s Full Leg Boot Wrap
Friendly Excursion Shoes
Friendly Excursion Shoes