Cover Story
Devices that improve proprioception, balance, and biomechanics can help patients avoid the significant morbidity and mortality associated with falls. But in some cases, a device may actually increase risk. That’s why matching the right intervention to the right patient is essential.
By Cary Groner
Editor Message
Many of us were surprised by how cold it was in San Diego this past February. But nobody got an icier reception at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons than Alexandra Soroceanu, MD.
by Jordana Bieze Foster, Editor
Feature Articles
Malalignment or dysfunction of the foot can increase the risk of landing-related trauma such as ACL injury, but the biomechanical effects of foot orthoses and bracing may decrease that risk.
By Douglas Powell, PhD, and Nicholas J. Hanson, MS
Use of unstable footwear to strengthen the typically underused small muscles of the foot and ankle can help improve posture and gait, potentially decreasing pain and risk of injury.
By Scott Landry, PhD
Despite established indications, compression therapy is widely underutilized in all settings of venous thromboembolism due to a substantial education gap among practitioners.
By Marlin W. Schul, MD, MBA, RVT
Research suggests that redirecting ground reaction forces relative to the knee joint’s rotational center can be achieved by repositioning the foot through a number of different mechanisms.
By Roy H. Lidtke, DPM, CPed
The effect of hallux valgus on a patient’s quality of life starts with a frustrating inability to find fashionable shoes that fit—but evidence suggests it doesn’t end there.
By Larry Hand
Evidence-based standardization of yoga postures will improve outcomes and acceptance. Downward facing dog offers an opportunity to illustrate the underlying alignment precepts.
By Ginger Garner, MPT, ATC
Most practitioners are aware that controlling glucose levels through diet is one way to manage symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. What’s less widely known is that there is also evidence to support the use of nutritional supplements in the same patient population.
By David Shofler, DPM and Jonathan Labovitz, DPM, FACFAS
Industry News & Updates
Featured Products
New from Spinal Solutions is the Schwartz Dynamic Carbon Fiber Ankle Foot Orthosis. This floor-reaction AFO was developed in conjunction with Nathan Schwartz, DPM, a board certified surgeon and podiatrist. By making the traditional “in-shoe” device an integral part of the shoe, the Schwartz AFO is designed to minimize fitting issues and maximize patient compliance. ...
For all-day comfort on the job, even on wet, slippery floors, Z-Coil now offers new slip-resistant versions of its two most popular footwear styles: the Freedom athletic shoe and the Z-Walker lace-up Oxford. The outsoles of both the Freedom SR and Z-Walker SR were found in independent testing to exceed the minimum slip-resistance standard of ...
Zotefoams has responded to medical industry customer request by adding Healthcare Pink to the available colors in its Evazote EV30 foam. Plastazote polyethylene foam has been available for many years in Healthcare Pink, which is the most requested color for medical and healthcare applications. Now Evazote EV30 grade is also available in this popular color. ...
Thorlos, an originator of activity specific socks, introduces the Thorlos 84N Runner sock. The sock is specifically designed for the serious runner, especially the runner in pain, providing maximum pad protection with minimal weight. The Thorlon acrylic pad technology under the ball and heel and over the toes reduce pressure and shear and help prevent ...
Levy & Rappel announces the release of the Levy-Diabetic insole, a custom molded product that is machine-milled for added efficiency and cost savings that are passed on to the practitioner. The Levy-Diabetic custom molded full contact diabetic inserts are 100% manufactured from your patient cast or foam impression. The 35 durometer EVA base layer provides ...
Health Enterprises introduces new Tru-Ice cold therapy for sprains, strains, arthritis, tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis. Tru-Ice provides cold therapy in five to seven minutes, one-third the time of an ice bag, to help reduce swelling and relieve pain. The ergonomic, reusable design is easy to use on a knee, ankle, or foot. Thanks to its plastic ...
ALPS new EZ Flex Liner is designed to provide greater elasticity over the patella while limiting the vertical stretch posteriorly. An anterior fabric with unlimited stretch reduces pressure on the knee, while a posterior fabric with 80% less vertical stretch than other ALPS gel liners minimizes pistoning. The flexibility of the anterior fabric reduces the ...
Gurnick Podiatry Supply offers the FootBufferPro for everyday foot hygiene and foot comfort, particularly for patients with such dermatologic issues as tinea pedis, hyperhydrosis, bromhidrosis, and onychomycosis. Designed for use in the shower or tub, the FootBufferPro is a double-sided durable sponge and buffer. The sponge side is infused with a gentle cleanser that moisturizes, ...
WBC Industries, a materials supplier to the orthotic and prosthetic professions, offers the new Silifoam Hook material as a specialty hook-channeled alternative for O&P device fastening needs. The hook-channeled, soft coated foam material is designed for close to the skin applications. The soft, plush Silifoam Hook material is available with or without a non-slip silicone ...
Ward Medical Innovations offers the patented Hawk (Heightened Above Weight Keeper) C-Brace. The Hawk C-Brace is an orthopedic brace designed to off-load the entire foot and ankle, facilitating ulcer healing in patients with diabetes. Worn on the lower leg, the Hawk C-Brace transfers the load of the patient’s body weight from the bottom of the ...
