Search

Background: Previous studies have shown that eccentric training has a positive effect on chronic Achilles tendinopathy. A new strategy for the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy is the AirHeel brace., Hypothesis: AirHeel brace treatment improves the clinical outcome of patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. The combination of the AirHeel brace and an eccentric training program has a synergistic effect., Study Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial; Level of evidence, 1., Methods: One hundred patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: (1) eccentric training, (2) AirHeel brace, and (3) combination of eccentric training and AirHeel brace. Patients were evaluated at 6, 12, and 54 weeks after the beginning of the treatment protocol with ultrasonography, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle score, and Short Form-36 (SF-36)., Results: The VAS score for pain, AOFAS score, and SF-36 improved significantly in all 3 groups at all 3 follow-up examinations. At the 3 time points (6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 54 weeks) of follow-up, there was no significant difference between all 3 treatment groups. In all 3 groups, there was no significant difference in tendon thickness after treatment., Conclusions: The AirHeel brace is as effective as eccentric training in the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy. There is no synergistic effect when both treatment strategies are combined., Clinical Relevance: The AirHeel brace is an alternative treatment option for chronic Achilles tendinopathy.

Background: It is is well established that gender-specific differences in foot shape exist in adults. However, no information is available whether these differences are present already in children's feet and at what stage in the development these changes become evident., Methods: Plantar pressure patterns and footprints of 42 healthy infants (20 male, 22 female) were evaluated over the course of one year and compared regarding gender-specific differences. The age at initial evaluation of the children was 16.1 months, and they were evaluated every 3 months. Anthropometric data, foot shape, and foot loading parameters for the whole foot, as well as for selected regions of interest, were evaluated., Results: Significant differences in the foot shape and dynamic foot loading parameters were noted between boys and girls already at this young age. Boys demonstrated a broader midfoot, indicating a lower arch. Girls showed a more pronounced dynamic loading, especially in the heel and forefoot regions., Conclusions: The differences seen in this study should be taken into account by the shoe industry responsible for the design of children's shoes to support healthy development of the growing foot. Foot disorders are not only caused by hereditary factors but may be due to disturbances during foot growth and development. Since today's society is dependent on wearing shoes for foot protection, shoes should be designed not only according to the fashion demands of the customers but also to the biomechanical needs. Therefore, it is important to ensure that shoes fit the shape of the feet, which is different for boys and girls already when walking begins.