An article in the June 2010 issue of Runner’s World magazine, entitled “Surface Tension”, discusses strategies for preventing & treating blisters, chafing, black toenails and other “war wounds of running”. It’s a worthy read, with good advice by opinion leaders in the podiatry arena, including Dr’s. Stephen Pribut, D.P.M., Paul Langer, D.P.M. and Bruce Williams, […]
Over the years, we’ve had quite a few customers inquire about the difference between Tamarack’s blue and beige-colored ShearBan® Sheets. We want to let everyone know that there aren’t any physical differences between the two products beyond the colors. So which option is right for you? ShearBan® Sheets & Precut Oval Patches are available with […]
On Saturday April 17th, 2010, two representatives from Tamarack™ Habilitation Technologies will display a few of Tamarack’s newest products to the Minnesota Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (MN APTA). While Tamarack’s primary product line focuses on the orthotic/prosthetic and pedorthic industry, a growing number of physical therapists in the USA are seeing patients […]
Michael Smith of Carbon Express in Land-O-Lakes, Florida, has been fabricating very minimalistic ankle foot orthoses using carbon fiber. Michael’s core business is central fabrication of low extremity orthotics using carbon fiber. The pictured ankle foot orthosis (AFO) includes Tamarack™ Dorsi Assist Flexure Joints. Orthotists commonly use Tamarack Dorsi-Assist joints in AFOs intended for people […]
Over the past 15 years Tamarack Habilitation Technologies has done extensive lab research to learn about the static coefficient of friction (CoF) of materials commonly used in the Orthotic and Prosthetic industry. We have always been curious about bare skin as a comparison material. The CoF is the force resisting the relative lateral (tangential) motion […]
Today’s blog post highlights one of the most common locations for friction-induced skin trauma – the brims of orthotic devices such as an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) or prosthetic socket. These locations are notorious for causing painful rubbing against the skin due to significant shear & pressure forces. Using a low-friction, adhesive-backed material such as […]
A few simple preventative measures can go a long way to keeping your feet healthy. Daily foot care is particularly important for diabetics; especially for those with peripheral neuropathy, although everyone should wash, inspect and care for their feet daily. Here are a few highlights from a recent WebMD article about Diabetic Foot Care: Wash […]
A wearer of an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) may experience skin redness, blisters, or rubbing. These three forums for people with spina bifida (myelomeningocele), multiple sclerosis (MS), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) give many examples of various skin integrity problems associated with wearing an AFO. In addition to modifications of the orthosis, a clinician may […]
There has been a lot of debate over the recent spike in barefoot running across the world. It’s undoubtedly an interesting subject. Just take a look at the running, podiatry and pedorthic footwear blogs, Facebook and Twitter posts. They’re littered with respectful discussion, heated arguments and somewhat scientific claims. Regardless of which belief system you […]
Several material and technical expert industry leaders discussed thermoplastics used for O&P applications in the March 1020 O&P Business News ( http://www.oandpbiznews.com/201003/2.asp) . While there is some need for O&P specific formulations (such as thinner and stronger) the economics of development makes it very difficult to attract suppliers because the O&P industry is so small. […]