Category Archives: Pediatric Feature

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

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Posted in Pediatric Feature, May, 2015 | Leave a comment

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

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Posted in Pediatric Feature, February, 2015 | Leave a comment

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

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Posted in 2015, Pediatric Feature, February | Leave a comment

Parents: How to make them your clinical allies

While the patient is always the practitionerʼs first priority, establishing a convivial relationship with a childʼs parents can mean the difference between victory and failure when it comes to diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating lower extremity problems in pediatric patients.

By Shalmali Pal

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Posted in Pediatric Feature, 2014, November | Tagged | Leave a comment

Toe walking researchers revisit idiopathic label

Two recent literature reviews underscore the lack of high-level evidence to support the various treatments available for idiopathic toe walking. But new research is starting to fill that void, and is also engendering new theories about factors that may contribute to the condition.

By Larry Hand

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Posted in Pediatric Feature, 2014, November | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Prevention of ACL injuries targets youngest athletes

Some evidence suggests that neuromuscular training before puberty can help further reduce anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury rates. But young children respond differently to instruction than their older counterparts, which means early intervention requires some creativity.

By P.K. Daniel

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Posted in Pediatric Feature, 2014, August | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Outcome studies continue to support Ponseti method

Clubfoot researchers have begun to report long-term data that continue to solidify the superiority of the conservative method over surgical intervention in most cases. But variations to the traditional Ponseti method are arising, particularly in developing countries, and may alter outcomes.

By Larry Hand

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Posted in 2014, August, Pediatric Feature | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Kids, clothes, and AFOs: Finding just the right fit

When a child is required to wear ankle foot orthoses (AFOs), his or her clothes have to be more than just cute. Trying to match the logistical requirements of AFOs with fashion concerns and psychosocial development can be a challenge for patients and parents alike.

By Shalmali Pal

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Posted in Pediatric Feature, 2014, May | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Juvenile hallux valgus: Shoe fit and other considerations

Austrian research suggests too-short shoes may contribute to the development of bunions in children, and genetics also appear to play a role. Most clinicians try to avoid surgery in young patients, instead turning to conservative strategies such as…

By Christina Hall Nettles

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Posted in May, Pediatric Feature, 2014 | Tagged , | Leave a comment

New flatfoot data rekindle debate over role of obesity

Australian researchers found no correlation between body mass index and prevalence of pediatric flatfoot, but used a different methodology than previous studies that reached an opposite conclusion. The conflicting results have revitalized the ongoing debate on this topic.

By Cary Groner

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Posted in Pediatric Feature, 2014, February | Tagged , | Leave a comment