Supplies Central - www.orthotape.com

Repair a broken or dirty leg or arm cast! Or simply change the color!

2011-08-10T17:29:00.000-04:00

If you are ever in an orthopedic cast. You will want to know how to repair a broken cast. A good many people end up with a cast either get it dirty or broken. Or sometimes some idiot writes something stupid or obscene on your cast and you want to remove it. Usually if you have to have an orthopedic cast on for 6-8 weeks. It is bound to get dirty or broken and in need of cleaning or repair at some point. Especially if you're a kid or someone who has to continue to work despite being in a cast.

Watch what they write on your cast!

Now hopefully your cast is just broken slightly or a little dirty.

Very dirty broken cast!!

The cast in that last photo is a little too dirty. But it can be fix and cleaned up a bit.
I'm going to suggest how you go about repairing your own orthopedic cast.

(Don't tell your doctor or they will get mad and feel only an ego inflated person can repair a cast with 20 years of college)

Remember this is at your own risk. Most of the time a doctor will want you to come back for an expensive cast change so they can charge you a ton of money to fix your broken leg or arm cast with a cast change.

First, clean the cast up a bit by using a sponge or rag to wipe away the dirt.
If you have a waterproof cast, then it's easy to just get in the shower to hose it off.

Now to fix your broken or cracked cast.
First you need to order 1 or 2 rolls of Fiberglass casting tape. You can also change the color of the cast if you ever feel like it using this method too.

Second. Once you order your roll or two of casting tape (always better to buy extra in case you make a mistake) ALSO MAKE SURE YOU USE GLOVES!! I don't want to hear anyone say, I have resin all over my fingers how do I get it off!
If you do get your hands dirty from Fiberglass tape, You can use Acetone, nail polish remover to get it off. You may have to soak you fingers.
Third, Take the roll out of the pack, and dip it in room temp water. Make sure you have gloves one. Now start to roll around the dirty cast or broken cast area. You need to go over it about 2 layers to get it think enough to be repaired.

Hey you did it! now let it dry and it should be a solid repaired cast in a few minutes.

Order the casting tape by the roll and your latex gloves here:
http://orthotape.com/fiberglass_casting_tape.asp

BrokenLeg Tibia Fibular Fracture Story of a Broken Leg or Arm

2011-07-03T18:07:00.000-04:00

Ouch! Yes it's a brokenleg or broken arm. If you have ever broken your leg or arm you know how difficult it can be to get around. Most of the time you are stuck sitting on the couch surfing the net until your broken leg heals and the leg cast is removed.

Through your search you find many different thing regarding a broken leg. What color cast you might get? How you might decorate your leg cast? Ways to take care of your cast? Even little accessories for your crutches and ways to keep your cast clean and water free. But often what is missing is to be able to communicate with another person who is going through the same thing you are going through. Sitting on the couch with you brokenleg elevated on a pillow encased in fiberglass from your toes to your thigh.

What if you could tell your story of what happened? How it happened? and also what you're feeling while stuck in this temporary body jail cell. Often you wish you could simply record your story so you wouldn't have to play it for everyone who asked you what happened? Seem everywhere you go, all you get is a stare and a WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?? Kind of seem like the same question over and over again you almost get sick of telling it. Maybe even at times your tempted to embellish the story a bit of how you were skiing in Colorado or mountain biking in France. But more than likely it's not as glamorous as that and you just want to find someone who may have a similar story as you. Perhaps they are looking for your broken leg story right now.
We'll I found it! The perfect place to tell your story and hear from others who are broken and stuck in a cast just like you:

Broken Bone Diaries

The Broken Bone Diaries were created for the user to be able to tell their story and pour their heart out of the frustration they are facing. Go ahead get it a try. It's sure to pass the time and help you get better!

http://brokenbonediaries.com/

Itching Cast. Stopping the Itchy Cast

2011-07-03T15:58:00.000-04:00

OMG my itching cast is driving me crazy! Is there any way to get relief from it.

At this very moment you'll put anything down there to get some relief from that itching cast to stop the itchy.

There are many different options out there to give you relief.

(1) You could try putting a wooden spoon down the cast and getting to that area.
I've seen where people even make a specific type of wooden spoon to fit inside your itchy cast just for that reason. A ruler can often work for the itching cast as well. Helping you to reach the area that is inflicting its death grip on your skin.

One of the reasons you are having itching cast symptoms is due to bacteria on the skin. You have not been able to clean that part of your leg or arm for some time. The itch monster is now unleashing his buddies causing you to have an itch cast.

(2) This option will help you to keep your cast clean an fresh while you are in that leg or arm cast. The folks at Sani-Cast came up with the idea to use a moist disc or pad on the end of a stick to allow you to clean the inside of your orthopedic cast. The pad is has a pre-moistened formula quickly evaporates leaving your skin/cast liner smelling powder fresh and clean.

Having a clean cast is not only sanitary, but it helps keeps the itching cast under control. So if you are looking to stop an itchy cast look no further. Try Sani-Cast today:

Order at http://orthotape.com

MobiLegs Cool Crutches The crutch with flair.

2011-07-02T13:09:00.001-04:00

MobiLegs Ultra Cool Crutches

For years crutches have always been a difficult orthopedic medical device to use. Often patients complain of how they rub the underarms and also how the palms of your hands end up with blisters from long term use. More than likely the original crutch was made from the branch of a tree to help a patient get mobile. From that original design of the crutch till now, not much has changed other than going from wooden crutches to aluminum. Aluminum crutches are lighter

MobiLegs Ultra take comfort and style for crutches even further making them cool crutches to use. The Mobilegs Ultra crutch include an Ultra Plush Saddle, Ergonomic Handgrips and Ultra Rocker Feet. If you need to be on crutches for an extended period of time or just want the best the crutches on earth. The Ultra MobiLegs are a must have.

Get your mobilegs cool crutches at:
http://orthotape.com/mobilegs_ulltra_crutches.asp

Here are some of the unique features of this new crutch.

Articulating Underarm Saddle Pivots and Rotates.

Natural grip to your underarm and ventilated for air circulation.

Ergonomic Handgrips, no more sore palms like traditional crutches.

Increase hip clearance decreases tripping potential

A size to fit anyone and up to 300lbs capacity.

Casttoo Cast Tattoo Stickers to Decorate your leg or arm cast

2011-07-02T13:04:00.000-04:00

Cast Decorating with Casttoo

Casttoo is an unique cast decorating tattoo decal sticker created to improve your outlook while stuck in a cast. Patients often experience frustration while in a leg or arm cast. The goal of a Casttoo is to help your overall well being and improve your mood during the rehabilitation process. There are many different styles of Casttoo cast tattoo's to choose from. With Casttoo cast tattoos, you can give your cast a cool new makeover.

For instructions on how to apply Casttoo click below

Here is just a sample of the casttoo cast tattoo stickers available:

Casttoos are Unique fun way to decorate your orthopedic cast with stickers.

Get your cast tattoo at:

http://orthotape.com/casttoo_cast_decorating.asp

Swim Cast Waterproof Cast Padding

2011-06-29T11:02:00.002-04:00

Swim Shower or Bath in a waterproof orthopedic cast material called Gore Procel Castliner.

AquaCast ™ Liner will soon replace the PROCEL® Cast Liner.

Gore Will discontinue in January of 2012
Doctors and Cast techs Email us at sales@orthotape.com to find out how to get this new exciting product.

Save your summer vacation even if your in a cast. Now with a unique waterproof cast padding you can swim in a cast, shower in a cast, bath in a cast, or do outdoor chores in a completely waterproof cast.

Gore Procel Waterproof Cast Liner is a completely waterproof material that keeps your cast dry and germ free! Making it a Completely Waterproof cast! Gore Procel Waterproof Cast Liner is a unique waterproof, breathable cast padding that allows you to continue your normal routine at home and at work without worrying about keeping your cast dry. Coming Soon AquaCast liner soon to replace Gore Procel as an alternative.

A waterproof cast is basically made up of:
(1) Waterproof Cast Padding and
(2) Fiberglass Casting tape.

Both of these items are completely waterproof.

You'll be happy you tried the Gore Procel Waterproof cast padding. We have seen other imitations and even tried to sell them before. We ended up choosing Gore Procel Waterproof cast padding for our product line as it out performed any other waterproof cast padding on the market. The other waterproof cast padding product on the market appear to work well. But it has been our experience that these items only received complaints from users regarding how the product worked. We ended up discontinuing carrying those product and stuck with Gore Procel Waterproof Cast Padding. So far to date we have never had a complaint about the product. Both my wife and I have had the unfortunately experience of being in a cast. Both times, we used the Gore Procel Waterproof Cast padding and were very happy we could still take a bath and soak. Also very happy I could still swim in the cast as well.

If you want to take your chances with those other cheap padding options, feel free. But remember "I TOLD YOU SO!" when it causes you irritation.

If you want to try a successful waterproof cast product.

Give the Gore Procel Waterproof liner a try:
Click on the pictures to place an order now!

Gore Procel Cast Liner

http://orthotape.com/gore_procel_cast_liner_waterproof_padding.asp

Get your waterproof Swim Cast kit at:
http://orthotape.com/gore_procel_cast_liner_waterproof_padding.asp

As a side note, Gore Procel is soon to be discontinued. However a cool company called AquaCast is creating a similar product as an alternative to the Gore Procel product. The company is run by previous employees of Gore so they are working on a product of exactly the same quality as the Gore Procel product.
We look forward to a transition to this new product. The company is ready to back up the product quality.

Casttoo Cast Tattoo - Cast decorating ideas.

2011-01-25T16:02:00.000-05:00

Casttoo Cast Tattoo - Cast Decorating

If you have ever had the unfortunate experience of being in a leg or arm cast. You know how difficult and embarrassing it may be when you have to go into the public. However, you can now feel good about showing off your cast. Casttoo and Supplies Central www.orthotape.com have teamed up to offer a unique decal you can apply to your orthopedic cast. Casttoo cast tattoos are fun and easy to apply to any cast.
There is a variety of designs in the casttoo brand and something will surely fit your style. One cool Casttoo for guys may be to have a Camouflage cast.

For the ladies, perhaps your appeal is more on the flowery side. Casttoo Butterfly and Sunflower seems to be a big hit and make quite the cool looking cast tattoo

For those into the tribal bands, this unique look is surely for you.

ORDER CASTTOO BY CLICKING HERE

Casttoo cast tattoo is very easy to apply. First you peel off the decal from its backing. Then you simply place it on your cast where you would like it to be. Simply plug in a hair dryer and start warming up the Casttoo. The casttoo will begin to shrink some from the head and start to confirm to the bends in the cast. Casttoo is completely waterproof, so if you get it wet you won't have any troubles. In addition, you can always remove it very easy by prying under the edge and peeling it off. This way you can get another casttoo design if you change your mind during your term of wearing a cast.

Casttoo also makes a great gift. So if you know anyone who has broken a leg or arm. Why not cheer them up by sending them a cool casttoo.
Casttoo decals can ship out in about 3-4 business days by priority mail. If you choose 1st class mail you get the shipping for free.

Order Casttoo By Clicking Here

So if your in a leg cast, arm cast or know someone with a broken bone. Why not tell them about the fun they can have with Casttoo!

Darco Body Armor Night Splint for Plantar Fasciitis foot

2010-07-24T12:54:00.000-04:00

The DARCO Body Armor Night Splint engages the windlass mechanism resulting in a specific and sustained stretch to the plantar fascia ligament and a sustained low load stretch to the flexor tendons, Achilles tendon, and calf muscles.

Order the Darco Night Splint Here:
http://orthotape.com/night_splint_for_plantar_fasciitis.asp

Toe Strap dorsiflexes the 1st MPJ to provide a specific and sustained stretch to the Plantar Fascia and a sustained low load stretch to the flexor tendons, Achilles tendon and calf muscles.
Loading the Windlass Mechanism naturally brings the foot/ankle to a near 90 degree angle thus eliminating the “lever effect” and the resulting pressure on the apex of the ankle.
Elastic Connector Ring allows for natural flexion of the foot and toes during sleep, returning to the dorsiflexed position when muscles relax.
Low Profile Design allows for maximum user comfort and compliance.
One-size-fits-all Design reduces inventory and ensures the right size is always on hand.

Night splint for plantar fasciitis Foot Splint Treatment

2009-09-29T10:42:00.000-04:00

Night splints for plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammatory condition of the foot caused by excessive wear to the plantar fascia that supports the arches of the foot or by biomechanical faults that cause abnormal pronation. The pain usually is felt on the underside of the heel, and is often most intense with the first steps of the day. It is commonly associated with long periods of weight bearing or sudden changes in weight bearing or activity. Obesity, weight gain, jobs that require a lot of walking on hard surfaces, shoes with little or no arch support, and inactivity are also associated with the condition.

Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis

Most cases of plantar fasciitis can be treated with relatively simple conservative methods. Only in rare cases is surgery actually necessary. Conservative methods such as a combination of night splints, rest and ice, orthotics, and stretching exercises have been repeatedly proven to be effective in treating plantar fasciitis.

View different brands of night splint here: CLICK HERE

Stuck at home with a Broken Leg, Arm, Ankle, or any other broken bone.

2009-07-17T18:51:00.000-04:00

So you broke a bone and you're stuck at home. The most commonly asked question is, now what do I do with all this down time? We have heard many suggestions in the past about how to decorate your cast to improve its look and give you something to do. That often works for so long but your stuck for about 6-8 weeks in a leg cast or arm cast with nothing but TV and a computer.
Why not tell your story of what happened? Often talking about a situation will help you to heal. You also have the opportunity to meet others who may have had a similar break. You can discuss set backs you had in recovery and maybe even meet someone who has fully recovered from their injury. Perhaps they can offer you some optimistic encouragement to help you through the healing process. You may also find it is a learning experience to hear what others have gone through on their road to recovery. You will hear what type of treatment options they have had and their outcomes. Consider it an overall support group for those with broken bones.

So what are you waiting for?
Get on that road to recovery!

Tell your story at www.brokenbonediaries.com

It's currently at ground level but we predict it to grow. So you can be one of the first to start a discussion or start a diary about how you broke a bone and your road to recovery.

You will need to log in to view or comment on any discussion and your email and information will never be used or shared with others unless you request it.

XeroSox WaterProof Cast Protection Cover

2009-03-27T09:29:00.000-04:00

If you're ever in a cast this is a must have. The only other alternative to keeping your cast dry during summer activities to to get the waterproof cast padding mentioned in our earlier post.

XeroSox was the original patent holder of this wonderful device. It has been sold under many other names. It features some unique properties:

Get your XEROSOX Cast cover here:
http://orthotape.com/XeroSox_waterproof_cast_cover_xero_sox.asp

XeroSox^® Uses:

Plaster casts – water simply destroys a plaster cast, and the wet skin underneath becomes macerated and breaks down.

Fiberglass casts – if you get a fiberglass cast wet, it stays wet and cold for hours afterwards. And it gets your clothes wet too!

PICC line protection – preventing PICC line infection is serious business, and keeping it clean and dry is essential.

External fixation, healing wounds – must be kept clean and dry to prevent infection.

Prosthesis protection – easier than prosthesis removal, and you can stand up in the shower, or in the waves.

Immediate post op hydrotherapy – prevent swelling from developing, increase joint mobility, speed recovery. Used by physical therapists and trainers for professional athletes.

Safe: No leaks!

With the patented vacuum seal, XeroSox^® is the only protector that cannot leak. XeroSox^® fits snugly and comfortably, telling you that it is maintaining an airtight, absolutely waterproof seal before you even get in the water. There are no surprises. You feel this watertight seal while you are showering, bathing, or even swimming and splashing about. It fits so well, you can’t even pull it off!

You know that it isn’t leaking because you can feel it!

All other cast protectors are loose bags that just try to keep water out with a tight cuff. You can’t tell if they are leaking or not, and when they move around or slip down, you get a leak. Not good enough.

Safe: Nonslip sole.

The unique nonslip molded sole is specially designed for smooth, wet, slippery surfaces. And because the nonslip tread is fitted snugly against the foot and cast, there is no slipping around inside XeroSox^® either. The foot covered with XeroSox^® actually has much better traction and stability than your bare foot.

Other cast protectors are incredibly slippery on wet surfaces, and also allow the foot and cast to slip and slide freely inside the loose bag. You basically have to balance on the uncovered “good” foot which is not a safe situation, especially when you are already recovering from an injury.

Get your XEROSOX Cast cover here:
http://orthotape.com/XeroSox_waterproof_cast_cover_xero_sox.asp

Cast Decorating Ideas Casttoo Castoo Tattoos arm leg cast draw repair broken cast

2009-03-04T08:24:00.002-05:00

How can I decorate my cast?
If your ever in a cast. Decorating the cast can be a fun way to keep your mind off the injury.

In a cast or have to have a cast put on your arm or leg. Here are some ideas to think about prior to getting your cast applied. There are a variety of different ways to decorate an arm or leg cast. Most doctors and cast technicians don't have access to all the new ideas for arm or leg cast decorating ideas and tips. Here we list a few ideas on how to decorate your cast or improve the look of your leg or arm cast.
1. Get a cool cast color
There are a variety of color choices to choose from. Colors such as purple, pink, red, green, orange, yellow can brighten your arm or leg during your duration in a cast. If you might have trouble keeping your cast clean you may want to choose a color like black or any of the other darker colors. Here is a link to a list of colors you may want to check out. If your doctor does not supply your color choice you may want to have it rush delivered to your home prior to your casting appointment so your doctor can apply the color you would like. Be sure to speak with them prior to any purchase.
http://orthotape.com/fiberglass_casting_tape.asp

2. Get a Casttoo Tattoo for your cast!

Casttoos are tattoos for your leg or arm cast. Trying to draw a design on your cast, especially a fiberglass cast can be difficult. Casttoos are very easy to apply. A simple hair dryer and a cast is all you need. The tattoo can be removed if you desire to change the design later and it is also waterproof. There are many designs and colors to choose from and a gift to a friend will surely make their time in a cast a happy one. Ship one to a friend or order one for yourself.
http://orthotape.com/casttoo_cast_decorating.asp

3. Choose printed casting tape.

Printed casting tape is can create a unique look to any cast. There are a variety of prints available from soccer, camouflage, pastel, and even dinosaurs and teddy bears. Most orthopedic cast room clinics will not carry printed casting tape due the cost of stocking it as inventory. However you can always purchase this item and have it shipped to your home prior to cast application. You can then take it to your appointment and your doctor can apply it to your cast. Be sure to speak with about this prior to making a purchase. You really only need 1 roll for a short arm cast, 2 rolls for a long arm cast or short leg cast, and maybe 3-4 rolls for a long leg cast. The printed casting tape can be applied on top of an existing cast. So the under layers can simply be white casting tape in color and then you can apply the printed casting tape on top or a unique design and look. You can purchase it by the single roll form by going to the following link.
http://orthotape.com/ALTOCAST_by_the_Roll.asp?Format=

Links:
Casting Tape by the roll:
http://orthotape.com/ALTOCAST_by_the_Roll.asp?Format=
http://orthotape.com/techform_casting_by_roll.asp?Format=
Cast Padding by the roll.
http://orthotape.com/gore_procel_cast_padding.asp

night splints for plantar fasciitis

2009-02-17T10:59:00.000-05:00

Night splint for plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammatory condition of the foot caused by excessive wear to the plantar fascia that supports the arches of the foot or by biomechanical faults that cause abnormal pronation.The pain usually is felt on the underside of the heel, and is often most intense with the first steps of the day. It is commonly associated with long periods of weight bearing or sudden changes in weight bearing or activity. Obesity, weight gain, jobs that require a lot of walking on hard surfaces, shoes with little or no arch support, and inactivity are also associated with the condition.

Plantar fasciitis was formerly called "a dog's heel" in the United Kingdom. It is sometimes known as "flip-flop disease" among US podiatrists. The condition often results in a heel spur on the calcaneus, in which case it is the underlying condition, and not the spur itself, which produces the pain.

Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis
Most cases of plantar fasciitis can be treated with relatively simple conservative methods. Only in rare cases is surgery actually necessary. Conservative methods such as a combination of night splints, rest and ice, orthotics, and stretching exercises have been repeatedly proven to be effective in treating plantar fasciitis.

Types of Night Splints available:

DeRoyal Night Splint

(http://orthotape.com/DeRoyal_Night_Splint.asp)

Airform Night Splint

(http://orthotape.com/Airform_Night_Splint_plantar_Fasciitis.asp)

Form Fit Night Splint

(http://orthotape.com/Night_Splint_Planter_Fasciitis_Achilles_Tendon.asp)

Exoform Dorsal Night Splint

(http://orthotape.com/Exoform_Dorsal_Night_Splint.asp)

CAM Walkers

2009-02-17T10:33:00.000-05:00

A ankle CAM Walker is a medical walking boot that limits the movement of the ankle and or foot. An adjustable ankle joint can be set to restrict movement or allow a set amount of movement
to occur. A CAM Walker may be prescribed for a severe sprain or after cast removal.
Cam Walkers differ by either being non-inflated or by an having an inflatable bladder.

Adjustable inflation allows the patient to inflate the air bladder to the needed compression and stabilization (often called AIR Cam Walkers). Air cam walkers accommodate the swelling patterns that occur throughout the rehabilitation process.

Pre-inflated cam walkers are at a fixed compression providing extra support.

Non-inflated cam walkers have no compression but, provide basic support for patients with minor injuries.

ROM (Range-of-Motion) Cam Walkers allow the ankle angle to be fixed at a set point or allowed a range of movement between a set angle. There is also a rocker bottom cam walker, thus its name, which allows a natural rocking motion of your foot. You may need to ask your health care provide if the ankle needs to be fixed or allowed to move.

Cam Walkers also differ by the base of the foot. Some are wide for a comfort fit and some have memory foam to conform to the foot. CAM walkers are also designed to fit either foot and come in HIGH and LOW top depending on your desired look.

http://orthotape.com/cam_walkers.asp

Adjustable Inflation CAM WALKERS
Royce Medical Equalizer Premium Air Cam Walker
(http://orthotape.com/Equalizer_Premium_Air__CAM_Walkers.asp)
This cam walker offers OSSUR's best supporting cam walker with easy inflation adjustment to the desired support level needed for the patient.
DeRoyal Pacesetter Air Cam Walker
(http://orthotape.com/DeRoyal_Pacesetter_Air_CAM_Walker.asp)
This is the runner up next to Royce / Ossur's cam walker. Pacesetter Air Cam Walker our premium of the Pacesetters has inflatable bladder for desired stability and compression. Wide foot plate for patient comfort and stability. Also has a rocker bottom that allows for a natural rolling pattern while walking.

The Equalizer Premium Air Walker is a simple, adjustable solution that combines functionality and superior fit into a comfortable product.

WaterProof Casting

2009-02-17T10:20:00.000-05:00

There are many ways to make a cast waterproof. The best is to use Gore Procel Waterproof cast padding. (http://orthotape.com/gore_procel_cast_liner_waterproof_padding.asp).
For waterproof casting you will not need any stockinette. You will only need procel waterproof cast padding. For short arm casts, an easy to use form fit castliner has been developed. (http://orthotape.com/GORE_PROCEL_FORM_FIT_.asp) Simply apply either the padding or form-fit cast liner to the body part needing casting. You can use scotch tape to hold the form-fit liner in place. Then apply the fiberglass casting tape.
For Gore Procel Waterproof casts you will need to use either a deflex protective strip or a zip stick during cast removal.
The deflex protective strip (http://orthotape.com/GORE_DE_FLEX_Protective_Strip.asp) is applied under the fiberglass layer and on top of the padding. This will protect the patient during cast removal from any heat generated by the cast saw. This type of cast is much thinner than a traditional cast so you can see why this added protection is needed.
The Zip Stick (http://orthotape.com/GORE_Zip_Stick_CAST_REMOVAL_TOOL.asp) simply slides under the cast to protect the patient during cast removal.