This presentation focuses on a 2010 White Paper from Tamarack Habilitation Technologies Inc titled Using ShearBan® to Offload Shear on the Diabetic Foot. Below is an outline of this resource, plus links to download the White Paper and a collection of case studies provided by Tamarack.
Learning Objectives
This white paper discusses:
- The importance of shear in the etiology of diabetic foot ulcers
- The principles of shear offloading at locations of high shear loads
- Offloading shear – using traditional methods
- Offloading shear – using ShearBan®
Comments about Shear from Leading Clinical & Research Experts
There is agreement among experts that shear is a primary cause of trauma to the diabetic foot.
- Paul Brand
- David Armstrong
- Metin Yavuz
- J Martin Carlson
The Principles of Shear Offloading at High-Risk Locations
As podiatrists, we’re well-versed in identifying areas of high risk. However, for the sake of clarity, the areas at most risk of tissue breakdown due to high shear loads are:
- Areas of previous ulceration
- Areas of callusing
- Areas of deformities
Traditional Techniques to Manage Shear
The following methods are used to reduce shear-related skin damage in blister prevention, however, are either not suited for diabetic foot management, or are inherently flawed:
- Lubrication
- Moleskin
- Socks
What has been needed therefore is a material that provides:
- substantial reductions in COF
- to targeted locations
- throughout the gait cycle
- through a high number of cycles
- under differing environmental conditions
Introducing ShearBan® to Offload Shear on the Diabetic Foot
Features and benefits of ShearBan®
- Ultra-low friction surface
- Thin
- Supple
- Applies to footwear, not skin
- Peel backing and apply
- Different forms (shapes/sizes)
- Durability
Where to buy ShearBan
Downloads
Q & A
3 great questions received this month:
Question 1
How does the blister pad offload significant pressure?
Question 2
What are the top 3 prevention techniques for long distance events?
Question 3
Short term assistance for painful blisters, permitting sufferer to continue activities
Wrapping Up
Thanks for joining live or watching the session replay.
We’ll have to skip Blister Prevention Office Hours for October as I’ll be providing foot care at the Australian 6-Day Ultramarathon. If you’re in Adelaide, drop in to Thorndon Park from Sept 29th – Oct 5th.
