Category: Aircast

Cold Therapy and Compression for Post-Operative Knee Recovery: What the Latest Evidence Says

Posted on | by Matthew Blackwell

Effective post-operative recovery following knee surgeries represents a significant challenge for healthcare providers as well as their patients. Procedures such as total knee arthroplasty (TKA), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, and arthroscopic interventions require comprehensive recovery protocols to ensure optimal outcomes. Among the various supportive modalities available, cold therapy and compression have emerged as approaches worthy of consideration within orthopedic recovery protocols. 

This article aims to summarize the current clinical evidence surrounding cold therapy and compression techniques in post-operative knee recovery and provide insights for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance patient care following these common orthopedic procedures. 

The Clinical Challenge: Pain, Swelling, and Rehabilitation 

Post-operative knee patients commonly face several challenges that can impede their recovery trajectory. Inflammation at the surgical site often leads to significant pain, which may limit mobility and delay rehabilitation milestones. Additionally, many patients develop a reliance on pain medications, particularly opioids, which carries risks of dependence and side effects. 

These complications underscore the importance of implementing effective, low-risk adjunctive therapies that can support recovery, potentially reduce medication requirements, and improve overall patient outcomes. As healthcare providers continue to refine recovery protocols, evidence-based approaches to managing these challenges become increasingly valuable. 

What the Research Shows: A Summary of Key Studies 

Studies supporting cold therapy after Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) 

Several studies support the application of cold therapy following total knee arthroplasty. 

In a 2015 study by Bech et al.1, it was found that although there was no additional benefit of using the DonJoy Iceman over ice bags for pain reduction, TKA patients using the device were significantly more satisfied, used the device more consistently, day and night, and were more likely to recommend this method of cooling.

In 2006, Kullenberg et al.2 demonstrated that the Aircast Cryo/Cuff achieved better pain control, ROM improvement, and shorter hospital stays amongst 86 patients undergoing TKA than with epidural analgesia, NSAIDs, and opioids. 

Holmström et al. (2005)3 found that Aircast Cryo/Cuff is a viable alternative for pain management following TKA, as it was shown to be as effective as epidural anesthesia for pain reduction, while also being well tolerated, non-invasive, and risk-free. 

In a meta-analysis of studies on cold therapy for pain in total knee replacement patients, Yildiz et al. (2024)4 found that the application of cryotherapy was important in relieving patients’ pain, reducing it by a factor of 2.9.

Studies supporting cold therapy after ACL reconstruction

There is good evidence to support the use of cold therapy following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. 

In their 2022 study, Yonetani et al.5 found that film dressing enhanced the effect of the Aircast Cryo/Cuff and Ice bags with respect to pain control immediately after ACL reconstruction surgery compared with traditional gauze dressing with elastic wrap. 

Hart et al. (2014)6 demonstrated that after ACL reconstruction, patients with arthrogenic muscle inhibition AMI who received cryotherapy immediately before performing rehabilitation exercises experienced greater strength gains than those who performed cryotherapy or exercises alone. 

Raynor et al.’s 2005 study7 showed that cryotherapy reduces post-operative pain significantly and being fairly inexpensive, easy to use, and satisfactory to patients, is therefore beneficial in the post-operative management of knee surgery. 

Furthermore, Kotsifaki et al.’s 2023 study8 resulted in the publication of new Aspetar guidelines that recommended the use of cold and compression therapy, along with neuromuscular electronic stimulation (NMES) in the early rehab protocol of ACL reconstruction.

Studies supporting cold therapy after knee arthroscopy 

According to these studies, knee arthroscopy is another procedure that can benefit from post-operative cold therapy.

In 2011, Stalman et al.9 found a significant decrease of knee temperature and associated pain and inflammation marker PGE2 with post-op Knee Cryo/Cuff application.

Martin et al.’s 2001 study10 showed a significant decrease of intraarticular temperature of the knee after arthroscopy with Aircast Cryo/Cuff application.

And Song et al.’s 201611 meta-analysis found that cold and compression is more beneficial for reduction of pain and swelling at the early post-operative period for knee surgery than cold alone. 

Conclusion

The growing body of evidence surrounding cold therapy and compression for post-operative knee recovery provides healthcare professionals with valuable insights for enhancing patient care. Across multiple procedure types, research consistently demonstrates benefits in pain management and potentially decreased reliance on pharmacological interventions. 

As a low-risk, cost-effective adjunct to established recovery protocols, cold therapy merits consideration within comprehensive rehabilitation approaches. This data may offer clinicians additional perspectives to consider when evaluating their current post-operative management approaches, with cold therapy and compression representing potential options within comprehensive rehabilitation frameworks. 

By implementing evidence-based approaches to post-operative care, healthcare providers can continue to enhance recovery experiences and outcomes for knee surgery patients, supporting their journey toward restored function and improved quality of life. 

Healthcare professionals interested in Enovis’s portfolio of cold therapy products can contact their local sales representative here.

References

  1. Bech M, Moorhen J, Cho M, Lavergne MR, Stothers K, Hoens AM. Device or ice: the effect of consistent cooling using a device compared with intermittent cooling using an ice bag after total knee arthroplasty. Physiother Can. 2015 Winter;67(1):48-55. 
  2. Kullenberg B, Ylipää S, Söderlund K, Resch S. Postoperative cryotherapy after total knee arthroplasty: a prospective study of 86 patients. J Arthroplasty. 2006 Dec;21(8):1175-9. 
  3. Holmström A, Härdin BC. Cryo/Cuff compared to epidural anesthesia after knee unicompartmental arthroplasty: a prospective, randomized and controlled study of 60 patients with a 6-week follow-up. J Arthroplasty. 2005 Apr;20(3):316-21. 
  4. Yildiz T, Topcu O, Avcu C. The effect of cryotherapy on pain in patients with total knee replacement surgery: a meta-analysis. Acta Orthop Belg. 2024 Mar;90(1):123-129. 
  5. Yonetani Y, Kurokawa M, Amano H, Kusano M, Kanamoto T, Tanaka Y, Horibe S. The Wound Dressing Influenced Effectiveness of Cryotherapy After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Case-Control Study Comparing Gauze Versus Film Dressing. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil. 2022 Mar 8;4(3):e965-e968. 
  6. Hart JM, Kuenze CM, Diduch DR, Ingersoll CD. Quadriceps muscle function after rehabilitation with cryotherapy in patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. J Athl Train. 2014 Nov-Dec;49(6):733-9. 
  7. Raynor MC, Pietrobon R, Guller U, Higgins LD. Cryotherapy after ACL reconstruction: a meta-analysis. J Knee Surg. 2005 Apr;18(2):123-9. 
  8. Kotsifaki R, Korakakis V, King E, Barbosa O, Maree D, Pantouveris M, Bjerregaard A, Luomajoki J, Wilhelmsen J, Whiteley R. Aspetar clinical practice guideline on rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Br J Sports Med. 2023 May;57(9):500-514. 
  9. Stålman A, Berglund L, Dungnerc E, Arner P, Felländer-Tsai L. Temperature-sensitive release of prostaglandin E₂ and diminished energy requirements in synovial tissue with postoperative cryotherapy: a prospective randomized study after knee arthroscopy. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2011 Nov 2;93(21):1961-8. 
  10. Martin SS, Spindler KP, Tarter JW, Detwiler K, Petersen HA. Cryotherapy: an effective modality for decreasing intraarticular temperature after knee arthroscopy. Am J Sports Med. 2001 May-Jun;29(3):288-91. 
  11. Song M, Sun X, Tian X, Zhang X, Shi T, Sun R, Dai W. Compressive cryotherapy versus cryotherapy alone in patients undergoing knee surgery: a meta-analysis. Springerplus. 2016 Jul 13;5(1):1074. 

The link between COVID-19 and heel pain

Posted on | by Matthew Blackwell

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, the number of patients reporting heel pain has risen. The condition is now so common it has come to be known as “pandemic foot”. Is there really a link between COVID-19 and heel pain, and if so, what treatment options are available?

What is plantar fasciitis?

While “pandemic foot” might be a catchy name, the correct medical term is plantar heel pain, or plantar fasciitis. This condition presents as pain felt on the bottom of the foot around the heel and arch. It is an overuse condition often associated with runners, especially those over the age of 40.

Excessive pressure on the foot, along with a tight calf or Achilles tendon, can cause inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot connecting the heel to the toes.

The pain is commonly felt during the first step, as well as during weight-bearing tasks, particularly after periods of rest.1 Patients often report the pain at its worst as they take their first steps of the day after getting out of bed. It typically decreases as the calf and Achilles tendon become looser during activity, only to return the following day after things have tightened up again during the night.

Does COVID-19 cause plantar fasciitis?

There is no current evidence to suggest there is a direct link between COVID-19 and heel pain. Instead, the rise in plantar fasciitis is more likely to be due to the changes in our daily lives the pandemic has brought about.

Gym attendances have declined since the beginning of the pandemic, with outdoor running and walking becoming more popular instead. More running and walking mean more stress on the plantar fascia, which, due to an increase in flexible working, can be exacerbated by more time spent walking around at home in bare feet, slippers, or flip-flops.

Without the additional support that a heeled shoe can provide, like those typically worn in office environments, the foot spends more time in a flat position, which, for extended periods, can put additional strain on the fascia. Add to this stiff muscles and tendons from running, and you have a recipe for plantar fasciitis. This is the indirect link between COVID-19 and heel pain.

How can heel pain be treated?

There are a number of conservative treatment options for plantar fasciitis. They range from relatively simple orthotics to more advanced rehabilitation devices.

Taping for heel pain

Physio tape (also known as kinesiology tape) like Chatt-Tape is elastic adhesive tape that can be applied to parts of the body to aid healing and recuperation of the soft tissue.2

Tape can be applied to the heel, ankle, and underside of the foot to release tension in the plantar fascia as well as stabilize it. A study by Tezel et al. (2020) showed that kinesiology tape provided pain relief and improved quality of life for patients with plantar fasciitis, as well as improved functionality.3

Chatt-Tape plantar fasciitis
Aircast AirHeel and Dorsal Night Splint

Bracing for heel pain

Plantar fasciitis can be relieved by wearing an orthotic during the night to help reduce the tightening of the calf muscles and Achilles tendon.4 One such device is Aircast’s Dorsal Night Splint; this product is worn while the patient sleeps, to maintain the position of the foot at 90°, thereby helping to stretch the calf and Achilles tendon.

Another type of foot orthosis for plantar fasciitis is a pneumatic ankle brace. Also from Aircast, the AirHeel is designed to treat plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and heel pain. Using two interconnected aircells located under the foot arch and in the back of the heel, the brace applies pulsating compression with every step to help reduce swelling and discomfort and enhance circulation.

Kavros’s 2005 study showed that patients with higher plantar fasciitis pain experience faster relief with the Airheel than with a shoe insert.5

Shock wave therapy for heel pain

Shock wave therapy is an electronic modality that uses acoustic waves to stimulate the body on a cellular level for healing purposes. Generally divided into focused shock wave (F-SW) and radial pressure wave (RPW) therapy, shock wave therapy has been shown to be a clinically proven treatment option for plantar fasciitis, especially when treatments like taping have not been successful.1

In a 2022 study by Wheeler et al., RPW treatment provided significant improvement of pain and function in patients with chronic plantar fasciopathy.6

Intelect 2 RPW
LightForce laser therapy

High power laser therapy for heel pain

High power laser therapy, like that offered by LightForce, uses the energy of focused light to trigger the body’s natural healing processes, thereby speeding recovery.

Ordahan et al.’s 2018 study demonstrated that high power laser therapy provided improvement of pain and function in patients with plantar fasciitis.7

Combining laser therapy with shock wave therapy has shown to be even more effective.8

To learn more about products for heel pain, visit enovis-medtech.eu

References

  1. Morrissey, D., Cotchett, M., Said J’Bari, A., Prior, T., Griffiths, I. B., Rathleff, M. S., Gulle, H., Vicenzino, B., & Barton, C. J. (2021). Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. British journal of sports medicine, 55(19), 1106–1118.
  2. Homayouni, K., et al. (2013). Comparison between kinesio taping and physiotherapy in the treatment of de Quervain’s disease. J. Musculoskelet. Res. 16(4).
  3. Tezel, N., Umay, E., Bulut, M., Cakci, A (2020). Short-Term Efficacy of Kinesiotaping versus Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Study. Saudi J Med Med Sci. Sep-Dec;8(3):181-187.
  4. Powell, M., Post, W. R., Keener, J., & Wearden, S. (1998). Effective treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis with dorsiflexion night splints: a crossover prospective randomized outcome study. Foot & ankle international, 19(1), 10–18.
  5. Kavros, S. J. (2005). The efficacy of a pneumatic compression device in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Journal of applied biomechanics, 21(4), 404–413.
  6. Wheeler, P. C., Dudson, C., & Calver, R. (2022). Radial Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (rESWT) is not superior to “minimal-dose” rESWT for patients with chronic plantar fasciopathy; a double-blinded randomised controlled trial. Foot and ankle surgery : official journal of the European Society of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, 28(8), 1356–1365.
  7. Ordahan, B., Karahan, A. Y., & Kaydok, E. (2018). The effect of high-intensity versus low-level laser therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis: a randomized clinical trial. Lasers in medical science, 33(6), 1363–1369.
  8. Takla, M. K. N., & Rezk, S. S. R. (2019). Clinical effectiveness of multi-wavelength photobiomodulation therapy as an adjunct to extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis: a randomized controlled trial. Lasers in medical science, 34(3), 583–593.

Managing ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability with bracing

Posted on | by Matthew Blackwell

An ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries experienced in physically active populations1 and one of the most frequent sport-related injuries,2 with indoor/court sports having the highest incidence.3

Such injuries can result in the ankle joint becoming abnormally loose, which can then lead to chronic ankle instability (CAI). The pain, stiffness, and loss of confidence associated with CAI can be a major hindrance to physical activity, and the condition may require surgery to remedy.

However, functional ankle braces offer patients a conservative way to manage both acute and chronic ankle injuries. This article examines the evidence for these products.

What is an ankle sprain?

Lateral ankle sprains can occur due to forceful ankle plantarflexion and inversion,4 when the foot suddenly rolls inward, resulting in damage to the ligaments of the ankle. In addition to pain, the patient may experience swelling, bruising, and additional discomfort when attempting to put weight on the foot.

There are three categories of sprain, increasing in seriousness:

  • Grade I (Mild):  Features slight stretching and microscopic tearing of the ligament fibers, resulting in mild tenderness and swelling around the ankle
  • Grade II (Moderate): Partial tearing of the ligament occurs, resulting in moderate tenderness and swelling around the ankle. When the ankle moves in certain ways, there is an abnormal looseness of the ankle joint
  • Grade III (Severe): The ligament is completely torn, resulting in significant tenderness and swelling around the ankle. When the ankle moves in certain ways, substantial instability occurs

What is chronic ankle instability?

40% of those who experience an ankle sprain go on to develop chronic ankle instability (CAI) and complain of chronic symptoms.5,6 This is a condition characterized by the feeling, or the actual occurrence, of the ankle giving way.7

Grades of ankle sprain

Individuals with CAI often experience persistent swelling, pain, weakness, reduced ankle range of motion (ROM), ankle instability, diminished self-reported function, and recurrent ankle sprains.7,8

CAI has been identified as a precursor for ankle osteoarthritis (OA), and onset usually occurs a decade earlier than knee or hip OA.9

Chronic ankle sprains may require surgery in the form of arthroscopic ligament reconstruction. Individuals with CAI have been identified as having mechanical instability, relating to structural changes around the ankle, and functional instability which has been associated with a reduction in sensorimotor and neuromuscular control.10

Bracing for chronic ankle instability

An ankle brace is a garment designed to stabilize the ankle before or after injury. Available in soft or semi-rigid types, these braces are designed to perform some or all of the following functions:

  • Improve ankle stiffness and thus mechanical stability11
  • Improve neuromuscular control12
  • Improve grounding of the foot12
  • Decrease excessive ROM11
  • Enhance proprioceptive acuity (the body’s ability to sense its own location, movement, and actions)13

Several clinical studies have been carried out to determine the effectiveness of ankle bracing in these areas.

Hals et al.’s 2000 study showed the Aircast® Sport Stirrup® significantly improved shuttle-run performance in subjects with post-acute, unilateral, mechanically stable but functionally unstable ankle sprains.14

Habadi et al. (2014), demonstrated that soft and semi-rigid ankle orthoses are beneficial for dynamic balance of individuals with functional ankle instability.15

In their 2020 systematic review, Reyburn and Powden found that the current literature supports a strong effect of ankle braces on the dynamic balance of those with CAI.16

In 1998, Vaes et al. discovered the Aircast Air-Stirrup® brace significantly decreased talar tilt of unstable ankles in static and dynamic test conditions and slowed down the simulated sprain speed.17

A randomized controlled trial by Janssen et al. (2014), including 384 athletes who had sustained a lateral ankle sprain, revealed that bracing with an Aircast A60™ brace was superior to neuromuscular training for reducing the incidence of ankle sprain recurrence.18

Introducing ActyFoot™ by Aircast® – the ankle support putting patients in control of stability

The latest ankle support from Aircast, ActyFoot™ provides a functional, modular management option to help protect existing ankle injuries or prevent them from occurring in the first place.

Thanks to its modular design, ActyFoot allows patients to control the level of stability their ankle needs. By simply adding the attachable lateral stay, patients can receive the benefit of increased immobilization and protection to aid recovery following injury or for added confidence during activity.

Without the stay, the unique strap system provides sufficient support for sports and daily activities while allowing greater freedom of movement.

ActyFoot ankle support from Aircast

How ActyFoot helps to provide ankle stability

The brace’s three integrated straps provide proprioceptive feedback and work together with semi-rigid elements to stabilize the ankle and restrict excessive range of movement.

Learn more
How ActyFoot helps to provide ankle stability

References

  1. Hootman, J.M., Dick, R. & Agel, J. (2007). Epidemiology of collegiate injuries for 15 sports: summary and recommendations for injury prevention initiatives. Journal of athletic training, 42(2): 311.
  2. Fong, D.T.P., Hong, Y., Chan, L.K., Yung, P.S.H. & Chan, K.M. (2007). A systematic review on ankle injury and ankle sprain in sports. Sports medicine, 37(1): 73-94.
  3. Doherty, C., Delahunt, E., Caulfield, B., Hertel, J., Ryan, J. & Bleakley, C. (2014). The incidence and prevalence of ankle sprain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective epidemiological studies. Sports medicine, 44(1): 123-140.
  4. Hubbard, T.J. & Wikstrom, E.A. (2010). Ankle sprain: pathophysiology, predisposing factors, and management strategies. Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine, 1: 115.
  5. Anandacoomarasamy, A. & Barnsley, L. (2005). Long term outcomes of inversion ankle injuries. Br J Sports Med, 39(3): e14; discussion e14.
  6. Konradsen L., Bech L., Ehrenbjerg M. & Nickelsen T. (2002). Seven years follow-up after ankle inversion trauma. Scand J Med Sci Sports, 12(3): 129-135.
  7. Hertel, J. & Corbett, R.O. (2019). An updated model of chronic ankle instability. Journal of athletic training, 54(6): 572-588.
  8. Ahn, C. S., Kim, H. S., & Kim, M. C. (2011). The Effect of the EMG Activity of the Lower Leg with Dynamic Balance of the Recreational Athletes. The Journal of Physical Therapy Science. 579–583.
  9. Saltzman, C.L., Zimmerman, M.B., O’Rourke, M., Brown, T.D., Buckwalter, J.A. & Johnston, R. (2006). Impact of comorbidities on the measurement of health in patients with ankle osteoarthritis. J Bone Joint Surg Am., 88(11): 2366-2372.
  10. Hertel, J., (2002). Functional anatomy, pathomechanics, and pathophysiology of lateral ankle instability. Journal of athletic training, 37(4): 364.
  11. Zinder, S.M., Granata, K.P., Shultz, S.J. & Gansneder, B.M. (2009). Ankle bracing and the neuromuscular factors influencing joint stiffness. Journal of Athletic Training, 44(4): 363-369.
  12. Kobayashi, T., Saka, M., Suzuki, E., Yamazaki, N., Suzukawa, M., Akaike, A., Shimizu, K. & Gamada, K. (2014). The effects of a semi-rigid brace or taping on talocrural and subtalar kinematics in chronic ankle instability. Foot & Ankle Specialist, 7(6): 471-477.
  13. Raymond, J., Nicholson, L.L., Hiller, C.E. & Refshauge, K.M. (2012). The effect of ankle taping or bracing on proprioception in functional ankle instability: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 15(5): 386-392.
  14. Hals, T. M., Sitler, M. R., & Mattacola, C. G. (2000). Effect of a semi-rigid ankle stabilizer on performance in persons with functional ankle instability. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 30(9), 552–556.
  15. Hadadi, M., Mousavi, M. E., Fardipour, S., Vameghi, R., & Mazaheri, M. (2014). Effect of soft and semirigid ankle orthoses on Star Excursion Balance Test performance in patients with functional ankle instability. Journal of science and medicine in sport, 17(4): 430–433.
  16. Reyburn, R. J., & Powden, C. J. (2020). Dynamic Balance Measures in Healthy and Chronic Ankle Instability Participants While Wearing Ankle Braces: Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis. Journal of sport rehabilitation, 30(4): 660–667.
  17. Vaes, P. H., Duquet, W., Casteleyn, P. P., Handelberg, F., & Opdecam, P. (1998). Static and dynamic roentgenographic analysis of ankle stability in braced and nonbraced stable and functionally unstable ankles. The American journal of sports medicine, 26(5): 692–702.
  18. Janssen, K. W., van Mechelen, W., & Verhagen, E. A. (2014). Bracing superior to neuromuscular training for the prevention of self-reported recurrent ankle sprains: a three-arm randomised controlled trial. British journal of sports medicine, 48(16): 1235–1239.

How a Splint Can Help Relieve Bunion Pain

Posted on | by Matthew Blackwell

Hallux Valgus – or bunion – is one of the most common foot deformities, especially for women, who are 15 times more likely to have corrective surgery for the condition than men. Because of its weaker connective tissue, the big toe can become misaligned, resulting in an unsightly and painful protrusion from the foot.

As well as being unattractive and making it harder to choose shoes, bunions also cause painful pressure points and inflammation. Without corrective action, they can lead to functional disability, foot pain, impaired gait patterns, poor balance and falls in older adults.

TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR BUNIONS

While only surgery can fully correct a bunion, a range of conservative treatment options has been shown to be effective in helping correct misalignment and provide pain relief, including after surgery1. These include hinged splints, rigid splints, foot braces, toe separators, and foot cushions.

Rigid Bunion Splints

A rigid bunion splint, or night splint, is attached to the affected side of the foot to help provide immobilization and support. While night splints can help relieve pain² and correct malpositioning3, their rigid construction means they are only suitable to be worn during rest periods and at night.

Hinged bunion splints

A hinged bunion splint works on the same principle as a rigid splint, but adds a hinged joint to allow the patient to move while wearing it. This makes hinged splints convenient for bunion patients looking for correction and pain relief while continuing their normal daily activities. 3

Soft braces

Soft braces aim to provide support and pain relief without the inclusion of rigid elements. They may take the form of an elasticated strap or even a supported sock, and offer a low profile to allow them to be comfortably worn with footwear.

Foot cushions

Along with insoles that can be worn inside shoes, small toe and foot cushions are available to help provide comfort and soft protection for bunions and other toe and forefoot conditions. These products can include foot pads and toe spacers and are usually made of soft rubber-like materials.

INTRODUCING THE NEW RANGE OF BUNION SPLINTS AND FOOT CARE PRODUCTS

Medical device manufacturer Aircast® has provided patients with innovative healthcare solutions for over 30 years, and now it’s launching a comprehensive portfolio of hallux valgus and foot protection products. Designed to address bunions and other foot disorders, together they help provide patients with correction, protection and pain relief.

The range comprises of three splints and nine SofToes™ foot protection products:

ActyToe™

A low-profile, lockable hinged bunion splint, ActyToe™ can be worn with shoes for active use, as well as during rest and throughout the night. Whether you’re on the go or on the mend, the adjustable and versatile ActyToe hinged splint helps provide functional pain relief and correction for bunions.

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ActyToe™ Night

A rigid bunion splint for use during rest and throughout the night. For patients with bunions, ActyToe™ Night combines rigid support with adjustability to help provide comfortable pain relief and correction during rest.

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ActyToe™ Lift

A mid-foot bunion and splay foot brace with pad. Thanks to its low-profile design and comfortable arch pad, the ActyToe™ Lift mid-foot brace helps provide adjustable pain relief during activity and rest for a range of foot conditions.

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SofToes™

The innovative Aircast® SofToes range helps provide solutions for a variety of needs in the toe area. These ergonomic cushions help provide gentle protection, soft comfort and secure support, while a subtle hint of menthol helps maintain a fresh, airy smell.

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View our Product Brochure Download

References

  1. Torkki M, Malmivaara A, Seitsalo S, Hoikka V, Laippala P, Paavolainen P. Hallux valgus: immediate operation versus 1 year of waiting with or without orthoses: a randomized controlled trial of 209 patients. Acta Orthop Scand. 2003 Apr;74(2):209-15.
  2. du Plessis M, Zipfel B, Brantingham JW, Parkin-Smith GF, Birdsey P, Globe G, Cassa TK. Manual and manipulative therapy compared to night splint for symptomatic hallux abducto valgus: an exploratory randomised clinical trial. Foot (Edinb). 2011 Jun;21(2):71-8.
  3. Moulodi N, Kamyab M, Farzadi M. A comparison of the hallux valgus angle, range of motion, and patient satisfaction after use of dynamic and static orthoses. Foot (Edinb). 2019 Dec;41:6-11.