Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Night splint for plantar fasciitis Foot Splint Treatment

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

Friday, July 17, 2009

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


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.

Friday, March 27, 2009

XeroSox WaterProof Cast Protection Cover

















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

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

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

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

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

night splints for plantar fasciitis



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



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



    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.