Roi Painceira-Villar

Background: The biomechanical interaction within the foot–footwear system plays a critical role in load distribution, impact attenuation, and locomotor function. While footwear and orthoses have been widely studied, the role of socks as an interface component remains poorly understood. Objective: This study aimed to systematically review the evidence on the biomechanical effects of socks on human gait, including their influence on plantar pressure, impact attenuation, postural control, and functional performance. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261344641). PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception to March 2026. Experimental, observational, and clinical studies evaluating the effects of socks on foot or lower limb biomechanical variables were included. Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by two reviewers using adapted Cochrane RoB domains. Results: Twenty-five studies were included. Socks with cushioning or specific designs consistently reduced plantar pressure, particularly in the forefoot, with peak pressure reductions of up to 49% in high-risk populations. Socks also contributed to impact attenuation, reducing peak forces by 6–20%, although this was less than that of footwear. Effects on postural control were heterogeneous: compression socks improved balance and neuromuscular response, whereas thick socks impaired plantar sensitivity and stability. Regarding functional performance, high-friction socks improved performance in sports settings by reducing in-shoe foot displacement, although results were inconsistent. Overall risk of bias was high, mainly due to limitations in randomization. Conclusions: Socks are an active component of the foot–footwear system, capable of influencing key biomechanical parameters, such as plantar pressures. However, further high-quality studies are needed to strengthen the evidence.

Introduction: Although gait alterations associated with excess body weight have been widely studied, most available evidence comes from laboratory-based analyses, which limit ecological validity and the translation of findings into clinical practice. This study addresses this gap by examining gait biomechanics across BMI categories using portable sensor-based insoles that allow gait assessment in real-world conditions. Methods: A cross-sectional study including 96 adults categorized as normal weight (NW), overweight (OW), or obese (OB) was conducted. Gait biomechanics were recorded using PODOSmart^® intelligent insoles, which capture spatiotemporal and angular parameters during natural walking. Foot health, quality of life and comorbildities were evaluated throught valeted questionnarires. Differences between groups were analyzed using ANOVA and chi-square tests. Age and sex, known to influence gait, were comparable across BMI groups and were considered in the interpretation of the results. Results: Overall, the participants in the OB group exhibited reduced stride length, gait speed, and swing time, increased double-support time, and greater pronation–supination and progression angles than OW and NW participants. Partial eta-squared values (η²p) were predominantly medium to large, reinforcing the robustness of these between-group differences (e.g., double-support time, p > 0.001; η²p = 0.19). Individuals with obesity reported poorer general and foot health and more difficulty finding suitable footwear. BMI was also significantly associated with hypertension, dyslipidemia, arthritis, and depression (all p <0.05), whereas diabetes, cardiopathies, knee pain, and fatigue andwalking or social activity limitations showed no significant differences. Conclusions: By using portable gait analysis technology in ecological conditions, this study provides novel evidence of clinically meaningful gait impairments across BMI groups. Higher BMI is associated with clinically relevant gait impairments, poorer perceptions of foot and general health, and a higher prevalence of several comorbidities.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a high‐capillarity dressing on chronic wound healing, using hyperspectral imaging to assess biophysical parameters. This quasi‐experimental pilot study involved eight adults with chronic ulcers treated with the high‐capillarity dressing for 4 weeks. Primary outcomes included pH, temperature, and oxygen saturation, measured using hyperspectral imaging, along with wound area assessed with ImageJ. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, evaluated using the EQ‐5D‐5L and Wound QoL‐17 scales. Data were collected at baseline, 7, 14, and 21 days, and analysed using SPSS. Results showed a significant reduction in lesion size (p < 0.05) and pain (p < 0.001) following treatment. Biophysical assessments revealed a significant decrease in pH (p = 0.004), but no significant changes were observed in other parameters (oxygen saturation, NIR, TWI, TLI). A significant correlation was found between oxygen saturation and pH (p < 0.005). The results suggest that the high‐capillarity dressing improves chronic wound healing by reducing lesion size, promoting pH acidification, and improving superficial oxygenation. Additionally, the dressing controlled edema and eliminated infection signs without antibiotics, suggesting its potential in optimising the wound healing environment. These findings highlight the need for further research into the clinical application of this dressing in chronic wound management.

Background and Objectives: Local anesthesia is essential in podiatry, ensuring painless procedures. Technological and pharmacological advances require us to stay updated on the safest and most effective techniques. Lidocaine and bupivacaine are common anesthetics in this field, with the choice of technique tailored to each procedure. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of local anesthesia techniques in reducing pain in podiatric procedures. Materials and Methods: A systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines, searching for studies in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science published in the last 10 years in English and Spanish. Studies focused on local anesthesia in podiatry were included, excluding those unrelated or without validated results. Results: Of 485 initial studies, nine were selected that met all criteria. These studies demonstrated the efficacy and safety of various local anesthesia techniques, such as WALANT and ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks, highlighting their effectiveness in pain control and patient satisfaction. Conclusions: Local anesthesia techniques are effective in reducing pain in podiatric procedures. The safety of these techniques is high, with few serious complications. Local anesthesia without a tourniquet and specific techniques, such as subparaneural injection, are effective for pain control. Individual patient factors and surgeon experience influence results.

Background and Objectives: The Reverdin–Isham osteotomy via minimal incision is a prominent option for the surgical treatment of hallux valgus, a foot deformity characterized by medial deviation of the first metatarsal and lateral deviation of the first toe. This technique is particularly indicated for cases with an elevated proximal articular angle, enabling effective correction and improved foot functionality. However, its efficacy has not been fully established in the scientific literature. Objective: The main objective of this analysis was to evaluate the correction of radiological angles (PASA, IMA, and HVA), the improvement in functionality according to the AOFAS scale, pain reduction, and patient satisfaction. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines in scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, assessing publication biases and heterogeneity. Ten studies were included, covering 579 procedures in 500 patients, with an average follow-up of 33.8 months. Results: The results did not show significant improvements in the PASA (p = 0.14; CI [−1.52, 0.32]), not in the AIM (p = 0.05; CI [−2.63, 0.02]), although the meta-regression was statistically significant (p = 0.0022) with a ratio of 61.2%. It did show significant improvements in the AHV (p = 0.0009; CI [−3.14, −1.33]). An increase of 37.4 points in the AOFAS scale was revealed, and a 5.4-point reduction in pain. Patient satisfaction was high, with 89.3% of patients satisfied and 94.7% willing to undergo the procedure again. However, 20 major complications were reported, primarily recurrences. Conclusions: The Reverdin–Isham osteotomy is a safe and effective technique for treating mild-to-moderate hallux valgus. It offers significant improvements in foot functionality and pain reduction, with high patient satisfaction rates. Although recurrences remain the main complication, their low frequency reinforces the validity of the technique as a surgical option for specific deformities.

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects almost 30% of the adult population. OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare the evolution of symptoms in patients diagnosed with AR and septal deviation prior to and following septoplasty (STP). DESIGN AND SETTING: Quasi-experimental study developed in A Coruna University Hospital. METHODS: Patients aged 18-65 years who had been diagnosed with AR and septal deviation were recruited. Obstruction airflow was evaluated before and after surgery, by means of anterior rhinomanometry (RNM). Severity symptoms and quality of life were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the ESPRINT questionnaire, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 50 subjects underwent STP and 42 were included in this study. Their mean age at the time of surgery was 34.16 +/- 9.74 years (range 18-64). Significant reductions in mean VAS and ESPRINT were observed after surgery (P < 0.01). These outcomes were considered to represent an overall improvement in quality of life. The RNM results also improved significantly, from mean values of 478.07 +/- 165.4 cm(3)/s before STP to 826.4 +/- 175.5 cm(3)/s afterwards (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The negative correlations of VAS and ESPRINT with RNM, from before and to after STP, demonstrate the efficacy of scales and questionnaires as objective methods for determining obstruction in the absence of rhinomanometry. Patients with allergic rhinitis and septal deviation showed improvements in obstruction severity and medication use after STP.