Increasing numbers of patients are finding relief from chronic low back pain with the use of foot orthoses, but the mechanism underlying the positive outcomes is largely unknown. By Larry Hand

“Something bad is going to happen to Percy Harvin today,” I said to my husband during the first quarter of the January 11 playoff game between Seattle Seahawks and the New Orleans Saints. Jordana Bieze Foster, Editor

Many knee injury prevention programs do not focus on ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and hip adductor activation, but research suggests both distal and proximal variables contribute to alterations in frontal plane knee biomechanics and could affect injury risk. By Darin A. Padua, PhD, ATC, and Micheal A. Clark, DPT, MS, PES, CES   

Advocates of surgical nerve decompression in a subset of patients with diabetic neuropathy have published some impressive outcomes, but critics of the procedure point to the conspicuous absence of randomized trials. The issue has become one of the most contentious in diabetes care. By Cary Groner

Physical impairments associated with femoroacetabular impingement include limited range of motion, muscle weakness, and altered biomechanics. Attention to these areas during rehabilitation can improve surgical outcomes and may even reduce the risk of osteoarthritis. By Jerrad R. Guenther, BSc, Michael K. Gilbart MD, FRCS(C), MEd, and Michael A. Hunt PT, PhD

Research suggests that obesity influences the development of Achilles tendi­no­pathy to a greater degree than other types of foot and ankle pain. This phenomenon will become increasingly important to lower extremity practitioners as global obesity rates continue to rise. By Ryan T. Scott, DPM, AACFAS, and Christopher F. Hyer, DPM, MS, FACFAS

Hip strengthening can improve short-term outcomes related to patel­lo­­femoral pain syndrome, but further research is needed to determine the underlying mechanism and whether the same approach will also prove effective in managing patello­femoral osteoarthritis. By Michael B. Pohl, PhD

Switching between different pairs of shoes may help prevent running-related injuries, but switching from a rearfoot strike pattern to a nonrearfoot strike pattern may not, according to two separate studies from Luxembourg and Iowa State University.

Knee extensor muscle development appears to outpace patellar tendon development in elite male adolescent volleyball players, which may increase their risk of patellar tendinopathy and other overuse injuries, according to research from Berlin, Germany.

A Stanford University study suggests that turf toe injury rates in collegiate football players are lower than expected, possibly as a result of improvements in synthetic turf technology.

A balance training program featuring a virtual reality feedback component improves postural stability and coordination in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), which may in turn reduce their risk of falling, according to a study published in the November-December 2013 issue of the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Practitioners should educate patients with diabetes about benefits of custom therapeutic footwear to encourage its use, according to a usability survey conducted by Dutch investigators.

First metatarsal (M1) length after metatarsal head resection influences reulceration risk, according to researchers at Complutense University of Madrid.

Tetra announces the Ventopedic Offloading Boot (Tetra item number TV-19). This offloading boot redistributes pressure to help prevent pressure ulcers, reduce the risk of infection, and promote healing.

The Hatfield Strap was created by former Kansas City Royals trainer Keith Hatfield, ATC, to combine the benefits of a night splint and an incline board for patients with plantar fasciitis.

Dynamic Tape is a unique, strongly elastic tape, developed by an Australian musculoskeletal physiotherapist, which helps reduce tendon load. Dynamic Tape allows the wearer to move through full range of motion without limitation but with strong biomechanical assistance (as opposed to a primary neurophysiological approach).

Duraflex is a soft, transparent, pliable thermoplastic that combines comfort, durability, and strength. Suitable for both adult and pediatric devices, Duraflex is extremely strong but also very soft.

DJO Global announces the launch of the Empi Phoenix, an electrical stimulator designed to help simplify treatment of muscle atrophy as a supplement to physical therapy before and after surgery for total knee replacement or anterior cruciate ligament repair.

The TORCH (total contact orthotic restraining custom hybrid) Walker from ComfortFit Labs combines the support and positioning of a traditional ankle foot orthosis with the accommodation and functionality of custom footwear.

Freedom Innovations has officially launched its new DynAdapt foot–a slim profile, lightweight carbon fiber foot system for amputees. DynAdapt has a slender, anatomic design for easy fit and finish and its advanced multiaxial function is designed to provide maximum comfort.

Delcam has introduced an enhanced version of its OrthoModel design software for ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) custom insoles, now with options for corrective orthotic devices in addition to accommodative devices.

Earthwalk offers Lifestyles custom foot orthoses, a high-tech, low-cost solution for mild to moderate biomechanical deformities. The hand-posted, hand-pressed devices feature a polypropylene shell and an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) top and bottom cover.

FootMind introduces the Elevate Drop Foot Brace. Boa technology, built into a breathable neoprene ankle strap, facilitates a custom lift through cords that hook into the eyelets of a shoe.