Category Archives: Pediatric Feature
February 2016
Mobility-enhancing care in CP helps strengthen bones
Cerebral palsy (CP) can decrease mobility, which is key to quality living. Children with CP and compromised mobility are at risk for low bone mineral density and fragility fractures, but physical therapy programs and orthoses can help kids be more active to build stronger bones.
By Hank Black
February 2016
Keeping kids in braces can prevent clubfoot relapse
More than a third of Ponseti-corrected clubfeet relapse and require additional treatment. Making a complete initial correction, ensuring optimal brace comfort, and encouraging parental buy-in to bracing over the long term reduces brace nonadherence, a major cause of recurrence.
By Barbara Boughton
November 2015
Barefoot running: Debate moves to developing feet
The most public battles about barefoot running and minimalist footwear have been fought over their use by adult athletes and the clinicians who treat them. There is, however, a separate discussion underway regarding barefoot and minimally shod running in children.
By Cary Groner
November 2015
Biomechanical care for juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) affects nearly a quarter of a million US kids younger than 16 years. The hallmarks of the autoimmune disorder include joint inflammation, stiffening, and damage, as well as changes in joint growth, all of which can prove painful.
By Shalmali Pal
August 2015
Growing pains: Adapting O&P devices to maturing patients
Accommodating growth without compromising fit and function is a challenge for practitioners who prescribe orthotic devices for young patients. Adjustments and add-ons—as well as educating parents about expected changes—can make for smoother transitions.
By Shalmali Pal
August 2015
Childhood obesity and OA: Can early care reduce risk?
Osteoarthritis (OA) risk factors and symptoms seen in adults have been found in obese kids, who often have musculoskeletal pain. Weight loss may help, but preventing OA may also require gait and exercise interventions, particularly those that reduce pain that leads to inactivity.
By Erin Boutwell
May 2015
Hip disorders in children with Down syndrome
As hip arthritis becomes a growing concern in adults with Down syndrome, clinicians are also becoming more attuned to hip issues in children with DS, in hopes that early intervention in the pediatric population will help reduce the risk of disability later on.
By Shalmali Pal
May 2015
Sever disease: Intervene early to relieve symptoms
Once pain and inflammation have been addressed, clinicians can implement interventions—including orthotic devices, stretching, and strengthening—to address the biomechanical factors that are believed to contribute to heel pain and other symptoms in this population.
By Erin Boutwell
February 2015
Treating and preventing ankle sprains in children
High rates of chronic ankle instability in children suggest a need for better prevention and treatment of ankle sprains in young patients, but researchers are just starting to explore whether clinical approaches designed for adults will also be effective in their younger counterparts.
By P.K. Daniel
February 2015
Cerebral palsy and knee pain: management tips
Knee pain is common in children with CP, but given the many health challenges facing this patient population, knee symptoms may not be given high priority. Proper diagnosis and treatment of knee pain, however, can be key to maximizing a childʼs mobility and quality of life.
By Shalmali Pal
