STUDY DESIGN Experimental laboratory study supplemented by a case series. OBJECTIVES (1) To assess the effect of a 4-week intervention with a full-length insert on functional outcomes in patients with midfoot arthritis; (2) to examine the effect of the custom molded three-quarter-length (3Q) and full-length (FL) carbon graphite insert on plantar loading in patients with midfoot arthritis. B...

Shoe cushioning technology is expected to protect runners against repetitive loading of the musculoskeletal system, and therefore, running-related injuries (RRI). It a common belief that heavier...

Methods Fifteen patients with midfoot arthritis aged between 20 and 60 years participated in the study. Foot function index (FFI) was assessed to evaluate pain before and after the walking activity. Lower leg muscle activity, GRF and gait cycle time during walking were measured under two conditions: “shoe only”, and “shoe with FCF insole”. Electromyography (EMG) activities of the tibialis anter...

Background Off-loading of plantar pressure is a key intervention strategy to prevent the formation of or to heal existing neuropathic plantar ulcers in diabetes. Walking casts (e.g. total contact cast) that reduce plantar pressures are currently considered the gold-standard for treating such neuropathic ulcers. However, alternative methods for off-loading that are as effective, but cheaper and ...

OBJECTIVES External ankle support has been successfully used to prevent ankle sprains. However, some recent studies have indicated that reducing ankle range of motion can place larger loads on the knee. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of external ankle support (braces and high-top shoes) on the ankle and knee joint loading during a netball specific landing task. DESIGN A r...

BACKGROUND Forefoot offloading shoes are special orthopaedic footwear designed to protect and unload the injured part of the foot after surgery and for conservative treatments. The offloading action is often achieved by transferring plantar load to the rearfoot via rocker shoes with reduced contact area between shoe and ground. While these shoes are intended to be worn only for short periods, a...

BACKGROUND Midfoot osteoarthritis (OA) is more prevalent and strongly associated with pain than previously thought. Excessive mechanical loading of the midfoot structures may contribute to midfoot OA and studies suggest that functional foot orthoses (FFO) may relieve pain through improving function. This exploratory study aimed to evaluate the mechanical effect of two off-the-shelf FFOs, compar...

A shoe was designed to combine the advantages of a reverse shoe and an adjustable heart bar shoe in the treatment of chronic laminitis. This reverse even frog pressure (REFP) shoe applies pressure uniformly over a large area of the frog solar surface. Pressure is applied vertically upward parallel to the solar surface of the frog and can be increased or decreased as required. Five clinically he...