DK173977B1 - Sock or stocking for therapeutic use - Google Patents

Description

, DK 173977 B1

The invention relates to a sock or stocking for therapeutic use, and more particularly to the kind set forth in the preamble of claim 1.

5 Kneading and similar pressure ulcer problems on the feet are known to be treated with pressure-relieving dressings of a type consisting of a soft, elastomeric padding which is held above the affected point on the foot by an elastic bandage or by a patch. In this way, the exposed and often very pressure-sensitive area of the foot is protected from direct leaks from the outside and from the irritation which, for example, the friction against the footwear can cause, or - in the case of a pressure ulcer on the inside of a toe-like rubbing. towards the neighbor toe can cause. The elastomeric insert or padding is usually made of a soft, almost viscous plastic. This resin, which may, for example, consist of a silicone-based gel or other suitable elastomer, is characterized by being extremely soft and malleable, and ensures in this property an optimum pressure relief and relief at the sore point. The insert is usually shaped (prefabricated) as a flat, circular piece which is placed above the sore point and fixed by the dressing as indicated. The insert or padding is hereinafter referred to as a cushion.

For the treatment of a single crushed or single pressure ulcer with limited physical extent, the prior art is widely applicable. However, in practice, it is a problem that the bandage used to fix the pad 20 is often very bulky, whereby the dressing itself can appear irritating and at worst cause new pressure ulcers. For the prophylactic treatment of the groups of patients who are experienced at high risk of developing pressure ulcers on the feet, including patients with diabetes, heart patients and patients with paralysis, the known pressure relief treatments are unsuitable, as a prophylactic use of the known treatment agents in the nature of the case would require the use of a large number of single dressings and pressure pads on the foot simultaneously, and this is of course not possible in practice without great inconvenience to the patient.

From the specification of U.S. Patent No. 5,823,195, a therapeutic stocking is provided which is provided with two ankle inserts. The two ankle posts protect the ankle and the ankle area down to the heel against 30 ulcerations. The elastic stocking provides even pressure distribution over the affected area of the foot. The ankle inserts are made of a silicone elastomer and are hydrophobic. For use in prophylactic treatment of pressure ulcers between the toes, the therapeutic stocking is unsuitable for obvious reasons. The ankle inserts are inserted as loose inserts into the therapeutic stocking. In practice, this is done by the patient first wearing the stockings, after which the inserts are inserted into them.

35 The procedure is cumbersome and means that many patients, for example with movement disabilities or paralysis, will find it difficult to manage the task without assistance.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved form of pressure-relieving bandage or dressing which, based on the known form of treatment based on punctual pressure relief of particularly exposed areas of the foot, allows simultaneous pressure relief at several points or areas of the foot simultaneously. Specifically, a solution is sought which can be used in daily life as normal preventive treatment, among other things by the above mentioned group of particularly vulnerable patients, whereby these patients problems with pressure ulcers on the feet and between the toes can be prevented in a simple and effective way. The pressure-relieving dressing according to the invention should be easy to take off and put on, the dressing should be able to be worn discreetly under the garment (under stockings or the like), and the dressing should not cause discomfort or other discomfort to the patients. This and other objects are achieved according to the invention by arranging the joint as set forth in the characterizing part of claim 1.

2 DK 173977 B1

The new feature of the invention is that on the inside of the foot-shaped sock or stocking, which is preferably made of thin, flexible and preferably also elastic material (textile material of natural or synthetic material), a number of elastomeric, cushion-like inserts are attached to 5 the area (s) of the foot to be relieved of pressure. In this way, with a single dressing, the patient can at once achieve a pressure relief at all points of the foot which are exposed to ulceration (pressure ulcer problems) or who are sore or pressurized for any other reason. The dressing is easy to wear for the patient thanks to the elasticity of the textile material and the foot-adapted shape of the dressing. The elastomeric inserts that are stuck on the inside of the bandage will immediately sit '' right '' in relation to the pressurized areas of the foot when the bandage is pulled, and in particular, the pads to protect the inside of the toes and the outside. of the knots, is positioned correctly only as a result of the bandage's "foot shape". During use, bandages ensure that the pads are held in the correct position and that there is no unintended displacement relative to the pads and pressure points respectively. Preferably, the dressing is used prophylactically.

15

Preferably, the elastomeric inserts according to the invention are made of a soft, almost viscous resin, for example of a known silicone-based, gel-like type. Alternatively, the insert may be made of foamed plastic, foam rubber, natural rubber or other suitable material for the purpose. The elastomeric inserts are attached to the inside of the dressing by thermosetting, sewing, adhesive or other suitable means. The sock or stocking itself is made of NYLON or a similarly thin and elastic textile product, preferably of a kind having a suitable permeability to water vapor, which fills and generates as little as possible so that the dressing can be worn under ordinary footwear (socks, socks, footwear, etc) without bothering the patient.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dressing is provided with spaced apart voids for the individual toes, i.e. voids which are analogous to the "fingers" of a finger glove. On the inside of these toe cavities are elastomeric inserts intended for therapeutic pressure relief of the inside of the toes, ie in the spaces between the toes. These areas of the feet are, in experience, very prone to pressure ulcer formation. The bandage allows 30 pressure relief of the exposed areas in a very gentle and yet effective manner, and without this the bandage becomes bulky and uncomfortable to carry. Conveniently, the toe cavities are open at the ends so that the bandage is completed at the outer joints of the toes. Popularly, the bandage's toes are cut off. From the toes, the bandage extends to the back of the foot to approximately the center of the forefoot. It is therefore a bandage in semi-stocking form. In this embodiment, the dressing becomes particularly convenient for the patient to carry, as is the minimum cost of manufacturing the dressing.

Examples of preferred embodiments of the dressing according to the invention are set forth in claims 5 to 8. The dressing itself may, as needed, be in the form of a full sock, a half sock or a knee sock, and the elastomeric inserts may be freely placed in the dressing as needed. for pressure relief.

Claim 8 relates to an embodiment provided with a full footplate, that is, where the elastomeric insert forms almost an inner sole of the dressing. This type of therapeutic stocking is advantageously used by patients with mid-foot depression.

In order to intensify the therapeutic effect of the dressing, it is possible according to the invention to supplement the pressure-relieving effect with some form of medication. To this end, the measures set forth in claims 9 and 10 serve to consist of the elastomeric inserts containing a pharmaceutical which is delivered successively to the patient during treatment, either by diffusion, evaporation or swelling.

According to the invention, the invention may be a hormone agent, an antibiotic 3 for example for wound healing, a morphine preparation for pain treatment in combination with the soothing effect of the pressure pad, or another suitable drug for the purpose.

The invention will be explained in more detail in connection with the drawing, in which FIG. 1 shows a forefoot dressing according to the invention with pressure pads inserted between the toes, viewed diagonally from the front for use on a patient; FIG. 2 Same shown separately, viewed diagonally from above, fig. 3 The front foot dressing seen from the front, 10 fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional view showing a toe portion of the dressing with associated pressure pads; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view, FIG. 6 shows the same in an embodiment with a circular, annular pressure pad which completely encloses the toe; FIG. 7 is a side view of a sock-shaped knee-length bandage according to the invention; and FIG. 8 underside of same shown with marked footplate inserts.

15 In the FIG. 1 - 5, the sock or stocking consists essentially of an elastic bandage 1 shaped like a "foot glove" and intended to cover the forefoot from the outer joints to the middle of the forefoot as shown. The bandage is called a forefoot stocking. The bandage, which is made of an elastic textile material (nylon or equivalent), is formed with separate 20 '' fingers' for the toes, ie cavity 2, in which the toes fit when the stocking is worn. These "fingers" or cavities 2 are open at the ends 2a, so that the toes of the toes are kept free of the bandage. In experience, the outer joints are rarely exposed to pressure ulcers or similar problems.

The bandage is provided on the inside with elastomeric inserts 3 at the points where the foot and toes 25 are to be relieved. In the illustrated embodiment, there are a number of spaced apart inserts 3 in the toe cavities 2 intended for pressure relief of the inner faces of the toes.

The inserts are in the form of circular or rectangular pads that are attached to the inside of the dressing by sewing, thermosetting, or adhesive. Alternatively, the inserts in the toe cavities 2 may be annular (inserts indicated by 4) for complete enclosing of the toe when the dressing is applied, see fig.

30 6. Also posts placed next to the nipples, ie on the outside of the big toe and small toe, can be discussed at the front foot in question (posts indicated by 5 and 6).

In FIG. 7 and 8, the dressing is shown in one embodiment as knee socks 7, though still with separate and open cavities 2 at the ends for the toes. In addition to the already mentioned toe inserts 3, the knee socks may be provided with inserts 8 next to the heel portion and next to both ankle bones. In a special edition, this knee sock may also be provided with a full footplate 9 of elastomeric material intended for therapeutic treatment of patients with middle foot immersion. In other embodiments not shown, the dressing may take the form of a short sock, and the coating with inserts may be combined in various ways according to the individual needs of the patient. The inserts may, as already mentioned, contain a pharmaceutical which is delivered successively during treatment by the direct contact of the pressure pad with the skin.

Claims (10)

A sock or stocking for therapeutic use, wherein the therapeutic treatment consists essentially of a partial covering and pressure relief of particularly exposed points or areas of the foot, under which a pressure-relieving pad of soft, elastomeric material is placed which is placed over the subject concerned. area of the foot and fixed by an elastic bandage which encloses the foot or at least the portion of the foot where the exposed (sore) point is located and which encloses Sock or stocking according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastomeric inserts are made of a soft, almost viscous resin, for example of a known silicone-based gel type, which is secured to the inside of the dressing by thermosetting, sewing, adhesive or in another suitable manner. 10 Sock or stocking according to claim 1, characterized in that the sock (1) or the stocking (7) is itself made of NYLON or a corresponding thin and elastic textile product, preferably of a kind having an appropriate water vapor permeability, and which fill and bother as little as possible. Sock or stocking according to claim 1,2 or 3, characterized in that the bandage, i.e. the foot-shaped sock or stocking, is formed with spaced apart cavities (2) for the individual toes (ie cavities analogous to the fingers). "In a finger glove), and that elastomeric inserts (3) are provided on the inside of these toe cavities intended for therapeutic pressure relief of tender points on the toes, preferably in the spaces between the toes. 20 4 DK 173977 B1 dressings consist of a generally foot-shaped sock or stocking (1,7) which is made of thin, flexible and preferably also elastic material (textile material of natural or artificial fibers). characterized in that a number of elastomeric, cushion-like inserts (3, 5,6) for pressure relief of the toes of the toes are attached to the inside of the toe cavities of the foot-shaped sock or stocking. 5 Sock or stocking according to claim 4, characterized in that said toe cavities (2) are open at the ends (2a), the bandage being terminated at the outer joints of the toes, so that the toe outer joints with the toenails protrude outside the bandage (1) that elastomeric inserts are provided between all toes, and preferably also adjacent to the nipples on the inside and outside of the forefoot, and that the bandage extends backwards to about the middle of the forefoot (Fig. 1). Sock or stocking according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the elastomeric inserts (4) in the toe cavities (2) each form a circular, annular enclosure of the toe in question. Sock or stocking according to one or more of the claims 4,5 or 6, characterized in that the dressing is extended rearwardly to an actual sock, so that the dressing encloses both the forefoot and the heel and that in addition to the toe inserts (3), placed different inserts in the sock according to the patient's needs, which may include, for example: one or more inserts (8) next to the heel portion, one inserts throughout the foot underside (tread insert 9), and inserts for both ankle knots (inserts 8). 35 Sock or stocking according to one or more of claims 4-7, characterized in that the dressing has increased length, preferably with closure immediately below knee height, ie as a knee stocking (7). Sock or stocking according to claim log2, characterized in that the elastomeric inserts contain a pharmaceutical which is delivered successively during the therapeutic treatment either by diffusion, evaporation or swelling. Sock or stocking according to claim 9, characterized in that said pharmacone may be a hormone agent, an antibiotic for example for wound healing, a morphine preparation for pain treatment in combination with the soothing effect of the typhoid, or another suitable drug for the purpose.