For many patients, the ability of an ankle foot orthosis to enhance propulsion is key to improving gait efficiency and reducing fatigue. But experts are only beginning to understand the biomechanical complexities that influence propulsion, which start with push-off but don’t end there. By Cary Groner

Lower extremity clinicians have known for decades that the total contact cast (TCC) is the most effective means of offloading plantar ulcers in patients with diabetes. Now research has given us a much better understanding of why—an understanding that could inspire a new generation of more effective prefabricated offloading devices. By Jordana Bieze Foster

Clinicians should advocate for the cost-effective, judicious use of foot orthoses for runners with plantar fasciitis, in accordance with the present body of knowledge. By Patricia Pande, MClScPT, CSCS, CPed

Studies presented at the Patellofemoral Pain Research Retreat in Manchester, UK, illustrate the progress researchers are making toward the ultimate goal of being able to tailor exercise protocols and other interventions to best address the needs of specific patient subgroups. By Jordana Bieze Foster

High degrees of rotational traction associated with athletic footwear can increase the risk of noncontact lower extremity injury following an unexpected neuromuscular perturbation, possibly by increasing biomechanical joint loading at the ankle and knee. By John W. Wannop, PhD; Ryan Madden, MSc; and Darren J. Stefanyshyn, PhD, PEng

Although the medical literature has not yet provided definitive evidence of effectiveness, a number of existing studies suggest that yoga interventions are associated with improved physical and mental health outcomes among adults with knee osteoarthritis. By Monica R. Maly, PT, PhD

Hemostatic activation following a marathon is lower in athletes who run with compression socks than those who run with typical athletic socks, suggesting the garments may help reduce the risk of postexercise clot formation in athletes who travel to events. By Amanda Zaleski, MS; and Beth Taylor, PhD

A two-year prospective study of female heel-strike runners found that those who suffered medically diagnosed injuries had higher impact variables at baseline than those who had never had an injury. By John C. Hayes

Most professional basketball players who sustain Jones fractures are able to return to elite competition with no significant effect on their performance, according to a recent study that should please fantasy basketball players as well as lower extremity practitioners. By Jordana Bieze Foster

After unilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), mechanical loading in the affected limb is associated with altered patterns of collagen metabolism, according to research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill that could help explain the development of knee osteoarthritis in patients with a history of ACLR. By Jordana Bieze Foster

Nail Creations are an attractive, safe, temporary cosmetic solution for damaged, infected, or missing toenails. These temporary, cosmetic grade cover-ups create the illusion of a healthy, beautiful toenail for a day at the beach or an evening out in open-toed shoes, while…

Spenco and Unequal Technologies have collaborated to produce insoles for athletes at risk for lower extremity stress injuries. Unequal Protective Cushioning provides ultra-thin comfort, and Unequal Protective Stability has a lightweight orthotic cradle.

ComfortFit Labs, with technology partner Tom-Cat Solutions, is now offering the iTom-Cat, an iPad Air 2-based, full-function foot and ankle scanning system with integrated hardware and software. The system uses a structured sensor to quickly and easily capture a 3D image that has an accuracy of less than .2 mm.

Topical BioMedics has launched MyPainAway Fibro Cream powered by Topricin, a new product for the topical treatment of fibromyalgia pain. Naturally formulated to address the issues causing the aches and pains of fibromyalgia, the cream is intended to help the body rid itself of toxins and…

Swede-O announces a new generation of Thermal Supports engineered with MVT2 (Micro Ventilated Thermal) technology, which is designed to provide compression and warmth for pain relief in patients with sports injuries, repetitive strain injuries, arthritis, and other painful conditions.

The OdysseyK2 from College Park has a curved hydraulic ankle, Intelliweave composite foot base, and customizable dual StrideControl. The ankle provides 12° of smooth hydraulic motion that works in tandem with the foot base.

Balance Walking Poles are designed to align the spine during gait, keeping patients comfortably erect and allowing them to walk longer with better form. The poles offer an easy way to increase muscle engagement while decreasing joint loads.

Kano-Labs has updated its KanoPrint Direct Forming Station, designed for the creation of custom total contact corrective orthotic devices—with the foot either in a subtalar-neutral, nonweightbearing position or in a corrected position—while accounting for soft tissue expansion.

Total Vein Systems recently introduced Boost, its new line of athletic compression therapy hosiery. The Boost socks use graduated compression to help increase blood circulation and enhance oxygen delivery to working and recovering muscles, in order to accelerate recuperation and reduce muscle soreness.

Sigvaris North America has announced Microfiber Shades, a fun new line of microfiber compression socks for people who need to wear graduated compression but want more playful socks with a pop of color.