Abstract: Apparatus is provided to cushion between a prosthetic socket and an amputee's residual limb. A plurality of putty-filled packets are assembled into a liner that, when assembled, provides a generally smooth contact surface toward the residual limb. At least one of the packets has a fluid bladder positioned between the putty material and the socket, and the fluid volume in the bladder can be adjusted to affect the fit of the assembly on the residual limb. Methods of fabrication, fitting, and use of such prosthetic devices are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structural multilayer composite comprising a layer of leather in contact with at least one monolayer comprising parallel aligned fibers and a matrix material. The composite may further comprise film layer(s) that may be breathable and/or waterproof. The structural multilayer composite material is suitable for use in clothing and outdoor gear and apparel.

Abstract: A device is configured to treat ulcers/chronic wounds. First, and intermediate insoles are constructed from including the semi-compressed felt. A third sole serving as the base of the device is made constructed from including Ethylene Vinyl Acetate EVA. A cavity with beveled edge in the first insole is configured to over-lap the chronic wounds or ulcerations. The cavity channels the drainage or extrude from the ulcerations to the intermediate insole where it is absorbed.

Abstract: A sensor system is adapted for use with an article of footwear and includes an insert member including a first layer and a second layer, a port connected to the insert and configured for communication with an electronic module, a plurality of force and/or pressure sensors on the insert member, and a plurality of leads connecting the sensors to the port.

Abstract: A pad assembly comprises a padding defining first and second surfaces, and includes a first layer being resilient and accessible from the first surface and a second layer being resilient and underlying and secured to the first layer. The first and second removable sections are formed from at least one of the first and second layers and are arranged in a pattern and separated by edge clearances. Each of the first and second removable sections is tearable from the padding such that a residual portion of the removable section remains when at least one of the first and second removable sections is removed from the padding. The pad assembly may include a strap, and a substantially rigid or rigid shell connecting to the padding and strap.

Abstract: A kicking shoe attachment for use by the rider of a kick scooter having an elongated core with a flat upper surface with an upper sole thereupon, and an opposing curvilinear lower surface with a wear resistant lower sole disposed thereupon. Optionally a heel cup connected to a heel cup carrier plate is slidably supported in a heel cup carrier plate receiver. A latching mechanism allows securing the heel cup and carrier plate in a desired position along a major axis of the elongated core. The elongated core may be split apart horizontally and two or more springs, a block of a resilient material or a scissor jack mechanism may be placed between the portions. An opening may be placed in the upper surface of the elongated body to receive the protruding heel of typically a woman's heeled shoe or boot. A removable plug may fill the hole when unneeded.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a base shell having ankle and foot receiving portions. The base shell forms an opening over a dorsal aspect of the base shell. A dorsal shell is contoured to generally correspond to the opening in the base shell. The dorsal shell includes a proximal member connected to distal member via a flexible or resilient connecting portion arranged to accommodate a portion of a user's lower leg or ankle. A first flexible edge portion is attached to a distal terminal end of the distal member. The first flexible edge portion is arranged to bend or flex relative to the distal member so as to reduce the likelihood of pressure points on the user's toes from the distal member.

Abstract: A protective member having a substantially flat base portion, and a substantially cup-shaped member extending from a forward end of the base portion. The base portion is attachable to a shoe, such that the cup-shaped member substantially encapsulates and protects a forefoot and toe region. Further, at least one opening is provided in a forward portion of the cup-shaped member to allow access to the forefoot and toe region. The cup-shaped member is further defined by an anterior portion extending upward from the base portion, a dorsal extension portion extending from an upper end of the anterior portion, where the dorsal extension portion provided to substantially cover a top portion of the forefoot and toe region, and at least one lateral extension portion extending from a side end of the anterior portion, where the at least one lateral extension portion provided to substantially cover a lateral portion of said forefoot and toe region.

Abstract: A cushioning boot for bed-ridden patients. The boot includes a thickly-padded leg engaging portion and foot engaging portion with a front opening for easy insertion of a patient foot and leg. A series of stretchable, adjustable closure panels are removably secured to the boot for positioning and inserted leg in the proper orientation and retaining it in place.

Abstract: An orthopedic walking boot, comprising a base to support a user's foot, the base having a section configured to support the user's posterior portion of the heel; a support assembly extending from the base to support the user's lower leg; and a heel cushion arranged with said section of the base to engage the user's posterior portion of the heel, the heel portion having a free edge configured to flex.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for measuring an under foot load profile of a patient during a period of partial weight bearing are described. The system may include a walking boot cast. A housing, including an inner surface and an upper surface that cooperate to define an inner cavity, may be oriented with respect to a patient's leg. The upper surface may be slidably received within the inner cavity in a piston and cylinder configuration or may be otherwise configured. The system may include a pressure sensor configured to monitor the load profile of a patient during the desired period of partial weight bearing. The pressure sensor may be located below the upper surface. The system may include a noncompressible force transmitter positioned within the inner cavity and at least partially encapsulating an upper portion of the pressure sensor to transmit pressure within the housing to the pressure sensor.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for measuring an under foot load profile of a tibial fracture patient during a period of partial weight bearing are described. The system may include a walking boot cast. A housing, including an inner surface and an upper surface that cooperate to define an inner cavity, may be oriented with respect to a patient's tibia. The upper surface is slidably received within the inner cavity in a piston and cylinder configuration. The system may include a pressure sensor configured to monitor the load profile of a patient during the desired period of partial weight bearing. The pressure sensor may be located below the upper surface. The system may include a noncompressible force transmitter positioned within the inner cavity and at least partially encapsulating an upper portion of the pressure sensor to transmit pressure within the housing to the pressure sensor.

Abstract: An accessory device for an external orthopedic fixator where the fixator has an external frame made up of frame components which surround the lower leg and ankle of a patient with one or more transfixation wires fixed thereto. The accessory device includes a walking plate which connects to one of the fixator frame components for supporting the sole of a patient's foot. The accessory device also includes a companion shroud which is wrapped about the fixator with the fixator being received within the interior of the shroud. The shroud has a width and height which are sufficient to conceal the fixator within the shroud interior. The shroud has fasteners which allow it to be easily installed and removed from about the fixator.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method of orthopedic footwear for post-surgical or diabetic patients or for sanitary use. The footwear has an ambidextrous bottom sole. In a higher part thereof, there is a groove of at least 10 mm, in which an off-loading plantar insoles or medicine or bandages can be inserted. These have been built-in the bottom sole using an ortho-dynamic concept which allows the patient a controlled deambulation. To that end, the present invention prevents sheer force on the plantar part of the bottom sole and the foot and in particular on the metatarsal and/or tarsal part of the foot.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for treating a foot using a medical shoe and interchangeable insoles. A plurality of interchangeable insoles is provided, including a surgical insole and a wound care insole. The surgical insole provides rigidity for a patient's foot. The surgical insole comprises a first upper layer and a rigid second lower layer. The wound care insole offloads weight from a wound region on the foot. The wound care insole comprises a first upper layer of stretchy, thin film, a second, middle, layer that is moldable, and a third, lower layer that is spongy and provides support.

Abstract: A leg lift device is provided for attachment to a shoe. The leg lift device includes a sole, an optional lift insert and a shoe receiver attached to the sole. The shoe receiver includes a first section to engage a toe of a shoe and a second section to engage a heel of a shoe. The device also includes an attachment strap. A selected method is also provided.

Abstract: An orthopedic walking boot promotes rapid healing of diabetic foot ulcerations by lowering the maximum peak pressure imposed upon the foot. The walker has a hard unyielding shell which is designed for walking. The shell closely and rigidly supports a mid-sole in a foot-shaped bed. The mid-sole has a foot-shaped cavity with rounded sides adapted to form resilient support for the heel, arch and sides of a foot in addition to the bottom of a foot. A conformable inner-sole is adapted to fit over the foot-shaped cavity in the mid-sole and be compressed in response to foot pressure between the sides and bottom of the foot and the sides and bottom of the foot-shaped cavity in the mid-sole thereby compensating for small differences between the shape of the foot and the shape of the cavity.

Abstract: A foot and ankle protective apparatus provides support and protection with simultaneous pliability. The apparatus is especially helpful to those who have recently had a cast removed and still require protection of the applicable area while allowing for walking. The apparatus comprises a thick, durable sole. Pliable leg, ankle and foot support is provided. The foot cover shell covers a stadium plate shaped cushion with a convex outer for fit to the identical shape of the shell. The concave inner of the cushion provides for comfortable fit to the top of the foot. The ankle opening between the foot surrounds and the leg surround overlaps allows for limited dorsi flexion and plantar flexion of the ankle, while still providing ankle support both laterally and against extreme flexion. The apparatus is especially useful in lieu of total immobilization.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method of orthopedic footwear for post-surgical or diabetic patients or for sanitary use. The footwear has an ambidextrous bottom sole. In a higher part thereof, there is a groove of at least 10 mm, in which an off-loading plantar insoles or medicine or bandages can be inserted. These have been built-in the bottom sole using an ortho-dynamic concept which allows the patient a controlled deambulation. To that end, the present invention prevents sheer force on the plantar part of the bottom sole and the foot and in particular on the metatarsal and/or tarsal part of the foot.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing a limb, typically when the limb is in a therapeutic boot. A wedge-shaped stabilization block includes an outwardly-extending tether. A fastener in the form of spaced fastener elements is located on the tether for securing the stabilization block in place.

Abstract: A method and device to provide support devices to distribute pressure over a contact area; for example, an insole support device to distribute pressure over the insole of a person's foot are described. The support device is a visco-elastic material having a sufficient density and thickness to provide a relatively uniform pressure to the insole when compressed.

Abstract: A removable boot/protector for a foot or ankle that has been placed in a brace, cast or orthotic device comprising of a flexible, substantially weather-resistant body portion having a an inner sole; an enclosed toe section that extends upwardly from a front end of said inner sole and terminates in a first toe fastening means; a pair of side sections each of which extend upwardly from said inner sole and terminate in a flap that extends from the toe section, upwardly along an upper arch region of the foot and toward a front region of the ankle, each of said side section flaps connecting together at least partially along said upper arch region; and an enclosed heel section that extends upwardly from a rear end of said inner sole, said inner sole, toe, heel and side sections defining a cavity into which the human foot may be inserted and removed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a therapeutic shoe which comprises a sole assembly having a tread surface (6) having a curved profile in a sagittal plane of the shoe and an upper surface (17) which comprises a location for the toes and a location for the heel. The sole assembly of the therapeutic shoe according to the invention is longitudinally flexible in the sagittal plane and is shaped so that the curved profile of the tread surface (6) extends opposite the location for the heel and the location for the toes. Furthermore, the therapeutic shoe according to the invention comprises at least one removable rigid reinforcement component (15) which acts counter to the longitudinal flexion of the sole assembly in a sagittal plane.

Abstract: An orthopedic walking boot promotes rapid healing of diabetic foot ulcerations by lowering the maximum peak pressure imposed upon the foot. The walker has a hard unyielding shell which is designed for walking. The shell closely and rigidly supports a mid-sole in a foot-shaped bed. The mid-sole has a foot-shaped cavity with rounded sides adapted to form resilient support for the heel, arch and sides of a foot in addition to the bottom of a foot. A conformable inner-sole is adapted to fit over the foot-shaped cavity in the mid-sole and be compressed in response to foot pressure between the sides and bottom of the foot and the sides and bottom of the foot-shaped cavity in the mid-sole thereby compensating for small differences between the shape of the foot and the shape of the cavity.

Abstract: A foot covering for medical use is described. The foot covering includes a sole that also has an upper insert tongue. The upper insert tongue covers approximately half of an individual's foot after the foot has been placed on the sole. Once a foot is placed within the foot covering, a pair of straps can be used to secure the upper insert tongue to the individual's foot so that the foot covering does not fall off while in use. The foot covering further includes a gripping tread to provide slip-resistance characteristics while in use.

Abstract: A healing shoe includes a shoe sole, a shoe upper attached to the shoe sole, and at least one portion that folds over a wearer's foot. A strap is selectively attachable to the at least one portion and secures the shoe on the wearer's foot. At least one decorative attachment is secured to the strap.

Abstract: A medical shoe for use in supporting a patient's foot and a method of using same, the medical shoe comprising an out sole, an upper assembly secured to and partially surrounded by the out sole and an insole assembly substantially enclosed by the outsole and the upper assembly. The outsole having a base portion generally corresponding with the plantar aspect of a human foot and of varying thickness and having a substantially rectangular opening in a top surface of the base portion thereof adapted for accommodating a metatarsal shank. The out sole having a circumferential counter portion extending upward circumferentially from the top surface of the base portion thereof around the base portion of the outsole thereby providing a cavity in the outsole. The upper assembly adapted to surround at least the heel, sides and dorsal portions of the human foot.

Abstract: A foot warmer designed to keep warm the foot of a patient with a foot injury, a patient recovering from foot surgery, a person with chronically cold feet, or a person who lacks the small motor skills to put on regular shoes. The foot warmer, made from soft, cottony material with a non-slip bottom surface as its sole, has a sole attached to a lower member which attaches to an upper member that covers the in-step. Two flaps attached to the upper member fold over on top of the other side of the upper member and fasten together with long fasteners that give a very wide, gentle degree of comfort and warmth to the foot.

Abstract: A cast shoe sized and configured to be worn on a casted foot. The shoe includes an air-insufflated outer sole formed of a resilient polymeric material to absorb impact. The outer sole has a heel portion of substantially uniform thickness, a tapered toe portion that is thinner than the heel portion, an upper surface, and a lower surface that has a tread pattern and is curved as a result of the tapered toe portion to provide a single rocker bottom function in gait. An inner sole overlies and is attached to the upper surface of the outer sole. A strap located adjacent the heel portion of the outer sole is provided for securing the cast shoe to a casted foot. The outer and inner soles lack any rigid member that would stiffen the sole.

Abstract: The toe guard assembly is for use on a surgical boot which is open toed and has an inner sole. The parts of the assembly are the guard and a piece of double stick tape which attaches the guard to the inner sole. The guard has a cup-like toe portion which fits around the toes to be guarded, a sole tab which extends from the bottom of the toe portion over the inner sole, two side tabs, each of which extends from a side of the toe portion along the sides of the boot and an upper tab which extends from the top of the toe portion over the top of the boot. The side tabs may be detachably adhesively attached to the sides of the boot. One or more of the tabs may be a separate part attached to the toe portion. The guard may be a molded part, or have a molded toe portion with tabs attached or made from flat material in a pattern which, when folded, forms the guard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe including an upper section, a flexible sole having first and second opposing surfaces and an opening, wherein at least a portion of a base periphery of the upper section is attached to the flexible sole, and at least one rigid member removably positioned in the opening of the flexible sole. The present invention also relates to a method of making the shoe and a method of treating a foot using the shoe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe including an upper section, a flexible sole having first and second opposing surfaces and an opening, wherein at least a portion of a base periphery of the upper section is attached to the flexible sole, and at least one rigid member removably positioned in the opening of the flexible sole. The present invention also relates to a method of making the shoe and a method of treating a foot using the shoe.

Abstract: The toe guard assembly is for use on a surgical boot which is open toed and has an inner sole. The parts of the assembly are the guard and a piece of double stick tape which attaches the guard to the inner sole. The guard has a cup-like toe portion which fits around the toes to be guarded, a sole tab which extends from the bottom of the toe portion over the inner sole, two side tabs, each of which extends from a side of the toe portion along the sides of the boot and an upper tab which extends from the top of the toe portion over the top of the boot. The side tabs may be detachably adhesively attached to the sides of the boot. One or more of the tabs may be a separate part attached to the toe portion. The guard may be a molded part, or have a molded toe portion with tabs attached or made from flat material in a pattern which, when folded, forms the guard.

Abstract: An orthopedic walking boot promotes rapid healing of diabetic foot ulcerations by lowering the maximum peak pressure imposed upon the foot. The walker has a hard unyielding shell which is designed for walking. The shell closely and rigidly supports a mid-sole in a foot-shaped bed. The mid-sole has a foot-shaped cavity with rounded sides adapted to form resilient support for the heel, arch and sides of a foot in addition to the bottom of a foot. A conformable inner-sole is adapted to fit over the foot-shaped cavity in the mid-sole and be compressed in response to foot pressure between the sides and bottom of the foot and the sides and bottom of the foot-shaped cavity in the mid-sole thereby compensating for small differences between the shape of the foot and the shape of the cavity.

Abstract: A medical shoe for use in supporting a patient's foot and a method of using same, the medical shoe comprising an out sole, an upper assembly secured to and partially surrounded by the out sole and an insole assembly substantially enclosed by the outsole and the upper assembly. The outsole having a base portion generally corresponding with the plantar aspect of a human foot and of varying thickness and having a substantially rectangular opening in a top surface of the base portion thereof adapted for accommodating a metatarsal shank. The out sole having a circumferential counter portion extending upward circumferentially from the top surface of the base portion thereof around the base portion of the outsole thereby providing a cavity in the outsole. The upper assembly adapted to surround at least the heel, sides and dorsal portions of the human foot.

Abstract: The invention comprises a walker having a frame which provides a bottom and sides. Apertures are provided in the bottom, and a sole piece is positionable adjacent the outer surface of the bottom of the frame in a manner such that parts of the sole piece extend inwardly through the apertures. The inwardly extending parts of the sole piece comprise or include a plurality of protrusions which in use support part of the users foot.

Abstract: A post-operation shoe includes an outsole member having first and second end portions, an intermediate portion, an integral wedge member formed at a bottom side of the outsole member at the intermediate portion to be in contact with the ground. The wedge member is tapered in the longitudinal direction so that the second end portion is disposed higher than the first end portion. An upper includes an instep strap, an ankle strap, and left and right end portions extending downward from the instep strap and inserted between the outsole member and a midsole member which overlies and detachably connects with the outsole member via screws.

Abstract: A toe protector for orthopedic foot fixtures comprising a semi-rigid arcuate enclosure that is positioned over a patient's exposed toes extending from within a fabric foot fixture. The toe protector overlies the exposed toes and is secured in place by engagement with portions of the foot fixture.

Abstract: A post operative shoe system facilitating recovery or the foot surgical patient is disclosed. The shoe system includes a first pair of shoes employed immediately following surgery, i.e., up to 6-8 weeks following surgery, and a second pair of shoes employed after this initial convalescent period, for a period up to 3-4 months. The first pair of shoes includes in each shoe a pre-configured rigid shoe sole, a counter assembled to the shoe sole which forms a heel, and a releasably adjustable double closure system between inner and outer vamps attached to the shoe sole and a tongue assembled to one of the vamps for releasable adjustable attachment to the other of said vamps. The second pair of shoes includes in each shoe a pre-configured rigid shoe sole with an inner and outer vamp assembled to each shoe sole which is releasably adjustably attached to one another across the top of and around the heel of a user's foot.

Abstract: The invention comprises a walker having a frame which provides a bottom and sides. Apertures are provided in the bottom, and a sole piece is positionable adjacent the outer surface of the bottom of the frame in a manner such that parts of the sole piece extend inwardly through the apertures. The inwardly extending parts of the sole piece comprise or include a plurality of protrusions which in use support part of the users foot.

Abstract: A wedge outsole of generally triangular shaped configuration as viewed from a side thereof is integrated to an insole and shoe upper of a post-operative surgical shoe. The outsole has a flat top surface integrated to the bottom surface of the insole, with the outsole having a thickest portion of a wedge located under a part of the foot just in front of the heel, preferably centered, with the proximal portion of the arch of the user's foot. An integral, substantially thinner portion extends rearwardly from and underlying the heel of the foot from the thickest portion, thereby defining a rearwardly extending recess.

Abstract: A device and method of use for reducing knee bend, and therefore knee stress, when climbing and descending stairs. The method includes a first step of removably securing to a first foot of a user a device having an elevation of approximately half a step rise. A second method step includes lifting a second foot of the user onto a first stair step while applying full body weight to the first knee. A third method step includes lifting the first foot and the device while applying full body weight to a second knee in order to place the first foot and the device on the first step adjacent to the second foot. Lifting the second foot and lifting the first foot and the device are achieved while the first and second knees are bent no more than an angle necessary to climb approximately half a step rise. The sequential foot lifting is repeated until the user has climbed the stairs. The device includes a foot securing portion for removably attaching it to only one of a user's feet.

Abstract: A body member is held in place over a foot cast by flexible straps having hook-and-loop faster material. A wheel housing supports a wheel such that in a first orientation of the body member relative to a floor the traction pad is in contact with the floor and the wheel is disposed away from the floor so as to provide traction, and in a second orientation of the body member relative to the floor the traction pad is away from the floor and the wheel is disposed in rolling contact with the floor so as to reduce the traction. The wheel housing can include a toe stop. An adjustable fastening arrangement includes the flexible straps which pass through molded slots of the body member to permit sliding of the flexible strips. An O ring can be used in the adjustable fastening arrangement.

Abstract: An orthopedic cast walker boot, that includes a tubular enclosure formed of a semi-flexible material having a first section member for covering the rear of the calf, ankle, heel, and sole of the foot; and a second section member for interfitting with the first section member; the second section member having an upper section for covering the shin area of the leg, and a lower section for covering the top area of the foot. The upper and lower sections being integrally connected by a pliable and flexible intermediate connecting section having multiple joints. Velcro fastening straps are provided for fastening and enclosing the first and second section members to form the tubular enclosure about the leg, the ankle, and the foot of the wearer; and traction treads means are adhesively attached to the bottom surface of the first section member.

Abstract: A shoe sole which enables the Aori movement of a foot to be readily performed is obtained. According to the invention, the shoe sole is formed of a toe portion 10 and a main portion 20. Toe portion 10 has one upper surface F (first upper surface) and one bottom surface portion (first bottom surface portion). Main portion 20 has one upper plane E (second upper plane), and three bottom surface portions B, C and D (second, third and fourth bottom surface portion). The thickness (t2) of a portion on the lateral side of bottom surface portion C of main portion 20 is formed smaller than the thickness (t1) of a portion on the medial side. Bottom plane C (third bottom surface portion) permits a foot to supinate in a natural manner in dorsiflexial position when the third bottom surface portion touches the plane of walking.

Abstract: Orthopaedic or post-operative footgear is provided with a removable toe piece. The toe piece is secured to the sole of the footgear to protect the toes of a user against cold, dampness, dirt and possible impact, and it is removed from the sole to allow for visual inspection of the user's toes. The toe piece can include an arcuate upper section and a substantially planar lower section, which can be secured to the sole by hook and loop material. The upper of one embodiment of the footgear is open at the toe and has overlapping flaps extending from opposite sides of the sole.

Abstract: A sleeve for the keeping dry of arms, legs, hands or feet while washing, bathing and/or showering of upper and lower section, with the lower section being composed of a waterproof material stretchable in both longitudinal and latitudinal planes, and with the upper section being composed of a waterproof material exhibiting a substantial adherence characteristic, and including an elastic band for sealing-off the upper section when in use.

Abstract: Footgear with an inner sole (66) having a grid of removable resilient elements to permit removal of selected elements (68) to provide relief to ulcerated or injured areas of the foot. An air bladder (64) may underlie sole (66), preferably with additional cushioning material (40) within the air bladder. A walker (12) with a soft support (20) may be provided with the inner sole within the support. Some of the removal resilient elements may have a higher density or height than others. The footgear may include an adhesively-backed resilient pad (212) to provide additional support to a region. The footgear may include means for reducing shear stress on a bottom surface of the foot. An edema patch (240) may be provided for covering an open space (248) left after a user has removed a removable section from the grid. The edema patch applies pressure to the afflicted zone of the foot (250) preventing fluids from building up.

Abstract: An improved adjustable shoe comprising a semirigid sole which is releasably attachable to an upper formed with a bottom portion overlying said sole and having a pair of toe portions which can be overlapped to cover the toes of a foot and which carry releasable fastening means for attaching said toe portions to each other, together with a rear flap projecting beyond the rear end of said sole and foldable upward to define the rear end of the shoe and a pair of rear side flaps which can be overlapped and carry means for releasably attaching said rear flaps together to retain said rear flap.

Abstract: Footgear with an inner sole (66) having a grid of removable resilient elements to permit removal of selected elements (68) to provide relief to ulcerated or injured areas of the foot. An air bladder (64) may underlie sole (66), preferably with additional cushioning material (40) within the air bladder. A walker (12) with a soft support (20) may be provided with the inner sole within the support. Some of the removal resilient elements may have a higher density or height than others. The footgear may include an adhesively-backed resilient pad (212) to provide additional support to a region. The footgear may include means for reducing shear stress on a bottom surface of the foot. An edema patch (240) may be provided for covering an open space (248) left after a user has removed a removable section from the grid. The edema patch applies pressure to the afflicted zone of the foot (250) preventing fluids from building up.