Harry Hlavac

Harry F. Hlavac, DPM, MEd, (b. 1944) is a podiatrist, author, consultant, and inventor. Dr. Hlavac is the proprietor of Footguru, LLC, and Hlavac Podiatry, a specialized biomechanics private practice, based in Mill Valley, California. He is a past president of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, and a former Clinical Professor of Biomechanics at the California School of Podiatric Medicine. Along with Drs. Richard Schuster and Steven Subotnick, Dr. Hlavac is considered to be a pioneer in the modern use of podiatric clinical biomechanics for the management of foot, knee, hip and back pain and treatment of athletic injuries.

Inventions

The "Footspring" formerly known as the 'Lavac Strap' was patented by Hlavac for relief of plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and to control foot function, as an alternative to sports taping commonly used by athletic trainers, and is available at footguru.com. The Footspring prevents foot expansion and relieves plantar fasciitis, heel and arch conditions, restoring "spring" in the step. Regular use of the Lavac Strap during daily activities prevents recurrence of heel and arch pain. The Lavac Strap reduces tension on the plantar fascia. According to Hlavac, the Neoprene strap relieves pain and prevents injury as it cushions and supports the foot. Patients can use it while barefoot or in water. It is washable, reusable and fits either foot.

The 'Biopedal' is a patented adjustable orthotic bicycle pedal for balanced performance on bicycle and rehabilitation equipment. The Biopedal can be used on any pedal powered devices and can be adjusted to fit foot/pedal position in three planes of movement ( inversion-eversion, intoe-outtoe) and in leg length height. Published research papers by Moran, Robertson, and Einhorn-Dicks (1992) determined that the use of the Biopedal foot pedal position was successful in improving pedal power and in rehabilitation of knee pain in bicyclists, and papers by Drs. Hannaford and Hlavac based on improved body/bike alignment with video analysis.

The 'Hlavac Heel', also marketed under other trade names including 'Sports Wedge' and 'Gait Wedge', is a wedged heel cup designed to reduce pronation stresses caused by ankle and foot imbalances.

Publications

External links