In spite of advancements in research and subsequent modifications to running footwear design, rates of running-related injuries have not decreased. That may be because researchers and designers have been focusing on the wrong variables. By Joseph Hamill, PhD, and Gillian Weir, PhD

Recent efforts to reduce utilization of opioid pain medications for lower extremity joint injuries and surgical rehabilitation have mostly focused on reducing the risk of addiction. But there’s another important reason to be concerned about the use of opioids in these patients—and other popular pain medications as well. By Jordana Bieze Foster, Editor

Anterior-direction Star Excursion Balance Test performance may most appropriately discriminate between collegiate athletes who are and are not at risk for lower extremity injury, though… By Mikel R. Stiffler-Joachim, MS; David R. Bell, ATC, PhD; and Bryan C. Heiderscheit, PT, PhD

The ankle is a frequent site of arthropathy  in patients with hemophilia, but orthotic devices and orthopedic shoes can help relieve this pain. New research suggests that… By David Oleson, PT, PCS; Katherine Stribling, PT, DPT, PCS; Jamie Beckwith, PT, DPT; Laura Fox, PT, DPT, PCS; Felicity Case, PT, DPT, PCS; Nancy Durben, MSPT, PCS; and ...

Soft braces are not designed to change lower extremity alignment or joint forces, but research suggests they may influence knee and ankle biomechanics in other ways, including by enhancing proprioception. This line of investigation could open the door to new therapeutic opportunities. By Stephanie Kramer

Achilles tendon lengthening and gastrocnemius recession both increase ankle joint dorsiflexion and reduce plantar forefoot pressures in patients with diabetes and equinus deformity, but experts continue to debate which is best for managing forefoot ulcers and minimizing reulceration. By Barbara Boughton

Single-leg standing heel-rise test performance one year after Achilles tendon rupture is associated with the long-term recovery of ankle biomechanics, according to research from Gothenburg, Sweden. The findings may have implications for rehab­ilitation after Achilles injury, particularly with regard to relatively demanding activities such as jumping. By Katie Bell

An online program designed to educate trail runners about injury prevention is associated with a significant decrease in running-related injury rate, even if runners don’t significantly change their preventive behaviors, according to research from the Netherlands. By Jordana Bieze Foster

National Football League (NFL) prospects with a history of navicular injury are significantly less likely to be successful at the professional level than those without such an injury history, according to research that underscores the importance of restoring gait and function after a navicular stress injury in athletes. By Jordana Bieze Foster

Age and body mass index (BMI)—as well as their interactions with glucose concentration and static femorotibial alignment—contribute to increased risk of accelerated knee osteoarthritis (OA), according to research from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston that could have implications for early diagnosis and intervention in this population. By Chris Klingenberg

The old adage about an apple a day keeping the doctor away may need to be expanded to include other fruits, in light of new findings that a high level of daily strawberry consumption can relieve pain and reduce markers of disease progression in obese adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA). By Jordana Bieze Foster

Treating lower extremity joint pain with intraarticular non­steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioid medications may contribute to cartilage cell death, which could accelerate the progression of osteo­arthritis, according to an in vitro study from Stanford University in California. By Jordana Bieze Foster

Feetz is a shoe company that leverages advanced technology to produce a full 3D-printed, wearable shoe using a customized app. Clients can customize the color and arch support on any available Feetz styles.

OPTP has introduced a new product for use as an adjunct to manual therapy methods: the OPTP Joint Distractor. The product’s hook-and-loop strap design fastens a patient’s ankle securely in place, allowing for complete isodynamic joint distraction for the lower extremities.

Caretta Therapeutics is intro­ducing Venodol, a nonaddictive alternative to opioid and steroi­dal analgesics for patients with moderate to severe chronic pain associated with inflammation.

The TayCo ankle brace is an external, over-the-shoe ankle foot orthosis for adults and teens. Developed by a University of Notre Dame team physician and trainer, it is an easy-to-use alternative to walking boots or in-shoe AFOs.

The AllPro prosthetic foot from Fillauer crosses all boundaries, combining high flexibility and dynamic performance to allow the user to work and play like a pro. This “do-it-all” foot easily transitions from the gym to tennis and basketball courts, as…

Össur has launched its Unloader One Lite Brace, for patients suffering from mild to moderate knee pain associated with osteoarthritis and degenerative meniscal tears. The Unloader One Lite is based on the technology behind the original Unloader brace, including the 3-Points of…

Developed by Becker Orthopedic, the Pediatric Triple Action Ankle Joint is designed to provide control of the lower limb through all phases of gait. This advanced orthotic ankle joint is engineered to keep pace with active patients…

Freedom Innovations has released the complete portfolio of its Maverick fiberglass prosthetic feet, showcasing the durability and flexibility of fiberglass. These include the Maverick Xtreme and Xtreme AT feet for use in extreme activities, such as…

New to the market is the ProtecTozz Cleat Guard, developed and field-tested over five years by Mark Tozzi, DPM, and his son Michael Tozzi, former captain of the John Carroll University football team in University Heights, OH. Made of polycarbonate material, the ProtecTozz is lightweight (1.5 oz) and…

New from Dr. Comfort, the women’s Cara chukka boot features a roomy, protective toe box to help prevent skin irritation and toe stubbing. With a firm heel counter, this stylish lace-up ankle bootie provides extra medial and lateral support and stability.