The biomechanical implications of high-heeled shoes are well known, and now dramatic weight-bearing images and new study findings are taking practitioner and patient awareness to the next level. But many women are still sacrificing their feet for fashion. By Emily Delzell

High fashion typically means bad news for lower extremity health. But that may be starting to change, and in ways that might surprise you. By Jordana Bieze Foster

Preliminary research suggests the use of a kinetic return ankle foot orthosis is associated with small but significant short-term increases in calf circumference, which in turn suggests this type of device might reduce or protect against the risk of disuse muscle atrophy. By Robert H. Meier, CO, BOCO; David C. Ruthsatz, CO, CPA; and Daniel Cipriani, ...

There is considerable debate in medical circles as to whether healthcare practitioners should embrace social media, but online aficionados say they welcome the opportunity to exchange information, educate, connect, and potentially attract more patients. By P.K. Daniel

Increasing body mass index is associated with significantly increased peak plantar pressures regardless of the type of off­loading device used. However, it is possible to decrease plantar pressures in some regions of the foot with the use of offloading devices. By Andrew J. Meyr, DPM, FACFAS; Kelly Pirozzi, DPM, AACFAS; and Matthew R. Wagoner, DPM

The increasing utilization of total knee arthroplasty has led to increased efforts to identify variables that can be modified to help improve postoperative functional outcomes. These risk factors include patient weight, smoking, diabetes, infection, and joint range of motion. By John Ryan Quinn, MD, and Ran Schwarzkopf, MD, MSc

Findings of a randomized controlled trial published in the September issue of Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation suggest a 12-week yoga program modified for older fallers may be as effective as tai chi and… By Greg Gargiulo

Customized foot orthoses are no more effective than sham orthoses for improving pain and function in patients with Achilles tendinopathy when used in combination with eccentric calf exercises, according to research from… By Jordana Bieze Foster

Twelve weeks of exercise therapy can significantly reduce pain and improve function in patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA), according to a randomized controlled trial from German researchers. By Jordana Bieze Foster

End-stage ankle arthritis patients who receive a newer-generation total joint implant function slightly but significantly better when walking on uneven surfaces than patients who undergo ankle arthro­desis, according to a recent pro­spective study. By Hank Black

Moderate to severe medial knee osteoarthritis (OA) is associated with limited range of motion at the midfoot and hallux during barefoot walking—gait alterations that may influence the effects of footwear and orthoses in this… By Jordana Bieze Foster

Increasing running speed in recreational runners has greater kinetic effects at the ankle than the knee, according to research from Denmark that may have implications for injury prevention. By Jordana Bieze Foster

NZ Manufacturing has released its newest catalog of 
resistance exercise products designed for rehabilitation, physical therapy, sports training, and fitness applications. The catalog includes a variety of in-water and dry-land swim training…

New from the Leeder Group is the Kydex-Pro ankle contracture boot. Kydex is a strong and relatively hard thermoplastic material, with a hardness of 90 on the Rockwell R scale, but can be easily molded and reformed in the field.

The Freedom Cover is JAFO’s lightweight prosthetic limb cover that is designed to fit 90% of above-knee amputees. The product is designed to meet the needs of patients who are tired of heavy metallic covers and dislike waiting week…

On September 1, ComfortFit Labs released the new ComfortFit Stabilizer Brace. With falls being the leading cause of injury-related morbidity and mortality in older adults, ComfortFit is pleased to offer a product that will increase lower extremity…

Ottobock announces the launch in the US and Canada of the Genium Protector cover for its Genium Bionic Prosthetic System. The Genium Protector cover’s shin component is combined with a protective footshell.

Thorlo introduces its new Extreme Cold foot protection socks, engineered for maximum protection and comfort in the most extreme cold conditions. A cushioned instep and arch help provide a better fit, more support, and less pressure on…

Orthofeet has introduced the new Big Easy line of stretchable shoes as a solution for patients with medical footwear needs. The washable shoes are available in both men’s and women’s sizes with widths of M, W, XW, and XXW.

Brownmed introduces the Vibrating Knee and Elbow Wrap and the Vibrating Shin and Calf Wrap—two new products under the Intellinetix brand that harness the power of vibration therapy to help relieve arthritis pain and joint swelling

Arcopedico USA introduces its fall 2014 line of women’s shoe styles. W12 is a school-inspired Oxford trouser shoe that features across-the-arch support to bolster tired feet, a lace-up upper that conforms to the shape of the foot, and an…

The new Quickthotics Component Insole System from Spenco allows practitioners to dispense high-quality, prescription orthotic devices in the office in less than 10 minutes with no need for glue or a grinding machine.