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Best Supports, Slings and Splints

Valerie Paxton — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 18:59:10 +0000

We’re here to support you! After all, support for your body parts can be just as important as any other type, especially when you are in pain.

Allegro is well-known for its great prices and wide selection of pain reducing orthotic splints, braces, slings and supports. We’ve helped support thousands of customers suffering from sprains, sports injuries, post-surgery, fibromyalgia, flat feet, plantar fasciitis, carpel tunnel, tennis elbow, golf elbow, knee pain, back pain – you name it.

Foot and Ankle Supports

Shop all Ankle/Foot Orthotics

Shop all Insoles and Heel Cups

Shop all Foot Care

Shop by Condition: Ankle Pain, Foot Pain, Heel Spurs, Plantar Fasciitis and Shin Splints

Back and Abdominal Supports

Shop all Back/Abdominal and Hip Orthotics

Shop by Condition: Back Pain, Hip Replacement

Hand and Wrist Supports

Shop all Hand Supports

Shop all Wrist Braces

Shop by Condition: Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel, Cerebral Palsy

Knee Braces

Shop all Knee Orthotics

Shop all GenuTrain Knee Braces

Shop all Cho-Pat

Shop by Condition: Knee Pain, Knee Replacement

Elbow Supports

Shop all Elbow Supports

Shop all Imak Products

Shop by Condition: Tennis Elbow (Golfer’s Elbow)

More Orthopedics/Orthotics Categories

10 Essential Products for Bedridden Patients

Valerie Paxton — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:28:15 +0000

Being confined to bed can be tough on both the patient and the caregiver. The good news is that there are bedridden aids that make daily care much easier on everyone.

Whether it’s a long-term illness, short-term bed rest or post-surgery recovery – we recommend these essential products for the highest levels of safety and comfort.

Best Products for

Bed or Chair Confinement

Bedpads and Underpads -Machine washable and dry-able, reusable bed pads offer layers of protection against wetness from incontinence, spills or bed baths.

Allegro also offers a large selection of convenient disposable underpads to protect beds, chairs, floors and car seats. Great for pets and kids, too.

Shop all Incontinence

No-Rinse Cleansing Products – These products will clean all your parts with no rinsing required. A must for any lengthy bed stay. You’ll be squeaky clean head to toe, without the mess of bed baths.

Shop all Bath and Shower Aids

Shop all Hygiene Items

Shop all No-Rinse Shampoos

Bed Rope Ladder- Makes sitting up soooo much easier. You just use the rungs to pull yourself up.

Shop all Bed Accessories

Seat Assists and Lift Chairs - When standing is too hard on your own, these uplifting cushions and chairs will help you onto your feet and save energy for both you and your caregiver.

Shop all Uplift Technologies

Shop all Daily Living Aids

Pillows & Bed Wedges – Elevate your upper body or legs to whatever position is best for your recovery, better sleep or comfort.

Shop all Bed Positioners and Wedges

EggCrate or Memory Foam Mattress Overlays – A cost effective way to reduce pressure and bed sores while increasing comfort.

Shop all Pressure Reduction products

Over Bed Tables – Eat, work, use the computer, play cards, scrapbook – all from the comfort of your bed with a convenient table that fits perfectly around your bed. We have tilt, pivot, split top, raised edge, and deluxe wood over bed tables to choose from.

Bed Rails – Position yourself while in bed or gain stability in getting in and out of bed. Check out the longer rails if you’re trying to stay ‘in bed’.

Shop all Beds and Bed Products

Transfer Boards and Discs - Help pivot and transfer patients from the bed to a wheelchair or bedside commode.

Bedside Commodes – Comfortable bedside toilets with the features of the real thing – just more accessible.

Shop all Bed Accessories and Bed Pans

Shop all Bathroom Assists

Shop our entire Bedridden Catalog of Products

Thank you for your business and a big Allegro smooch to anyone confined to bed. Get well soon.

Best Bathroom Assists

Valerie Paxton — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 20:00:01 +0000

Potty humor aside, bathroom business is serious business no matter who you are. And for those with mobility or other health issues, trips to the bathroom require actual planning. Believe me, there are products to help. AllegroMedical.com has the best priced, highest rated, selection of bathroom assists around.

Bath assists can help you safely navigate the tub, sit down in the shower, get on and off the commode, manage your hygiene or assist in your bowel program. Generally, bath assist products are designed to help you do your business safely and within your means, with limited or no help from others.

If you can’t get to the bathroom, no fear. We have portable commodes, rinse-free shampoo and cleansing products, plus inflatable tubs and sinks. A caregivers dream! Take a look (and pardon the potty humor) . . .

Best Bathroom Assists

Magic Bullet Suppository - Prepare for a short evacuation! This water based laxative stimulant works fast – usually within 15 minutes.

Shop all Laxatives

Shop all Magic Bullet

Toilevator Toilet Riser, 500 lb Capacity - Gives new meaning to the term throne. This king of toilet risers – this hip-pampering, knee-saving gem of a product – raises your existing toilet a full 3.5″ off the ground, as if to meet you. As it should. Dignified, stable and cost effective.

Hinged Elevated Toilet Seat – 3″ - An alternative to raising your toilet off the ground, this hinged toilet seat incorporates the riser into the existing toilet seat. Handy for men when Number 1 calls, they simply raise the hinged elevated seat instead of completely removing it. All it needs is a automatic lid lowering mechanism, right ladies?

Shop all Raised Toilet Seats

Invacare Shower Chair – 400 lb Capacity - Stability, comfort and tool-less assembly in seconds. It has everything – adjustable height, rubber tipped legs, deep contoured seats and an ergonomic backrest. Let’s face it though, the best part is that you can sit down in the shower.

Shop all Shower Chairs

Don’t forget the Hand-Held Shower Sprayer!

Bath + Safe Adjustable Transfer Bench - Slide on over, ‘lil trucker. This bath transfer bench provides easy access to the tub/shower for those who have difficulty getting in and out. Decked out with height adjustable legs, removable back and arm, built-in hand held shower holder and suction feet, you’re all set.

Shop all Bath Transfer Benches

Suction Rail – Heavy Duty Suction, 19 3/4″ - Stability is within reach wherever and whenever you need it with this heavy-duty, non-marring, portable suction cup grab bar. Installs in seconds, with no drilling. Reposition as needed. Red light/Green light indicator lets you know when it is secured to the wall. Get one!

Shop all Grab Bars and Tub Rails

Comfort Bath Rinse-Free Shampoo and Conditioner Cap - Wash and condition your hair without ever getting wet? The Comfort Bath Cap is the first complete, one-step rinse-free hair care system in a microwavable cap (one time use). Remarkable invention.

Shop all Bath and Shower Aids

Shop all Wipes and Washcloths

Shop all Personal Care Hygiene

All-In-One Steel Commode - Instead of going to the toilet, let the toilet come to you. This bedside commode features a large 16″ wide-snap on seat with a lid and a greater seat opening depth. And with the backrest removed, it becomes a toilet safety frame or raised toilet seat.

Shop all Commodes

Shop all Commode Accessories

Shop all Bed Pans

Swash 1000 High-Tech Bidet Toilet Seat – Seriously, folks, this is great for everyone. Believe me, I’ve tried it. The ultimate in bathroom comfort and hygiene, the Swash 1000 high-tech toilet accessory washes and dries your nether regions in style, with warm water, no less. The perfect gift.

Shop all Brondell

Shop all Sitz Baths & Bidets

Shop all Toilet Seat Accessories

Carex Toilet Safety Frame - It fits around your toilet, helping to stabilize your comings and goings. Adjusts both in width and height. Weight capacity of 300 lbs.

Shop all Carex Bathroom Assists

Shop all Toilet Safety Frames

The Freedom Wand- This portable toileting aid grasps toilet tissue (self-wiping aid), a razor, loofah or an oitment applicator and lets you reach places you have trouble reaching otherwise. Great for those with limited mobility!

Shop all Toileting Aids

Want to see everything at once? Shop all Bathroom Assists

Thank you for doing your business with Allegro. Did that come out right?

Shop by Body Part at Allegro Medical

Valerie Paxton — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 23:12:54 +0000

Is your knee bothering you? How about your thumb? Perhaps you are having difficulties with your head . . . or maybe you want to know what your heart is doing. Whatever the case we may have something to fix it, lift it, bandage it, monitor it or save it.

Shop by Body Part is one of the many ways to find products at AllegroMedical.com along with Shop by Category, Shop by Brand, Shop by Condition and Shop by Stores. And of course, everyone’s favorite, the search box.

Try shopping by body part. It’s fun!

Shop by All Body Parts

Feet and Foot Care

Mouth and Oral Care

Here’s to making all your body parts happy and uplifted! And as always, we appreciate your business.

Mobility Equipment Buyer’s Guide

Valerie Paxton — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:58:42 +0000

Diminished mobility, temporary or otherwise, can be a real show stopper when it comes to your independence. The reality is, you don’t need to miss another minute of your life because of mobility issues. Just ask any of the millions of wheelchair, mobility scooter, walker and cane users worldwide.

With the large range of mobility products available today, it would be a shame for anyone capable of using them to sit idly by. Let Allegro help you take control of your life, reduce your pain, improve your safety and lessen your dependence on others with a mobility device.

Which Mobility Equipment is Best for You?

Canes

Canes – Canes are most often used to improve your balance as you walk, or to compensate for an injury or disability. No longer whittled out of any old tree branch, walking canes have come a long way in their engineering, usability and comfort.

Your cane should be long enough that you don’t have to bend down to use it (save your back!). You’ll want your elbow to bend at a comfortable angle. Measure from the floor to the crease in your wrist when your arm is hanging straight down from your side. That is the optimal height for the top of the cane.

Stock up on rubber tips so you’ll always have replacements on hand. Check the cane’s weight capacity to ensure it can support your weight. Choose from Standard C Canes (min support, best if used for balance), Specialty Canes, 4-legged Quad Canes (weight bearing) and Hemi Walkers (max support) depending on your stability. Remember when walking with a cane, you hold the cane in the hand opposite of your injured or weak foot. It is used as a counter-balance, not a foot replacement.

Shop all Canes

Shop all Cane Accessories

Shop all Crutches

Walkers

Walkers – If you are ambulatory, but you have poor balance or are at risk for falling you are a good candidate for a walker. If you are extremely wobbly, you will want to consider a Standard Walker (no wheels) because of their stability, but keep in mind that they are not as easy to push forward as a two-wheeled walker or a 4-wheeled rollator.

2-Wheeled Walkers let you put weight on the walker as you move. The two back legs have no wheels so the walker won’t roll away while you’re stepping forward, but the wheeled front legs allow you to easily move the walker forward. Brilliant.

If balance isn’t a concern, you’ll move along more quickly with a 4-wheeled walker also called a Rollator. My 96-year old grandmother loves her rollator because it has hand brakes, a seat and a basket . . . and it looks snazzy. Make a fashion statement, dontate to a great charity and support breast cancer awareness by choosing a pink rollator!

Knee Walkers are for those with foot/ankle injuries or surgeries. A great substitute for crutches, a knee walker lets you get around without putting any weight on your foot. We recommend the ones with turning wheels (steerable).

Check the Specialty Walkers category if you’re looking for a child’s gait trainer, a bariatric walker, hemi walker, transport chair/rollator combos and specialty parts.

Shop all Walkers

Shop all Walker Accessories

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs - Before choosing a wheelchair you must review your goals, lifestyle, current and future needs, living environment, how you will use the wheelchair, whether you will drive a car or transport the chair as a passenger. This evaluation process will help you decide which type(s) of chair will work for you.

For passengers weighing more than 250 lbs, take a look at the manual Heavy Duty Wheelchairs as they are built to hold more weight than a Standard Weight Wheelchair.

Lightweight Wheelchairs are easy to maneuver (reduces upper body stress) and to lift for transport. The frames and components are made of aluminum or titanium so they are very strong, but light. The only drawback may be the passenger weight capacity, so be sure to check. Ultra Lightweight Wheelchairs offer the ultimate freedom and are great for active paraplegic and quadriplegic users.

Many active manual wheelchair users participate in sports using a Sports Chair, designed with cambered wheels and light, tough frames for ultimate contact and maneuverablility on the baskeball or tennis court. If you’re up for the challenge, check out the racing wheelchairs as well.

Transport chairs are a good choice for those who cannot roll themselves in a manual chair. The transport wheelchairs have handles on the back allowing someone to push the passenger. They are a wonderful solution for transporting someone out of the house, to the car, down the hall, around the zoo, through the airport, etc. See all transport chairs, along with pool wheelchairs, transport/rollator combos, beach wheelchairs and travel chairs in Transport/Specialty Chairs.

Power Wheelchairs may be the perfect solution for those who are completely incapable of rolling even a lightweight manual wheelchair. They generally have a tight turning radius so they can get in and out of small spaces. On the flip side, they are generally very heavy and difficult to transport.

Lift and transport your wheelchair (up to 100 lbs) on your trailer hitch with a Wheelchair Carrier.

Shop all Wheelchairs

Shop all Wheelchair Accessories

Mobility Scooters

Mobility Scooters - For those with limited mobility, poor upper body strength but good manual dexterity, an electric mobility scooter (power scooter) is a fun alternative to a wheelchair. They travel on battery power and have lots of options – which means they demand special consideration when purchasing.

Choose from 3 Wheel Mobility Scooters or 4 Wheel Mobility Scooters, but first please read these helpful buyers guides:

Mobility Scooter Buyers Guides

Whether it is a cane, walker, manual wheelchair, power chair or mobility scooter, we wish you all the best in maintaining your independence and living life to the fullest.

Allegro has mobility experts ready to assist you in choosing your mobility equipment. Please feel free to call our customer service department, toll free at 1-800-861-3211.

Choosing a Raised Toilet Seat

Valerie Paxton — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 21:38:35 +0000

Raised toilet seats are divine inventions for those who have trouble bending to sit on a standard toilet seat. These elevated devices are routinely prescribed for short term use upon hospital discharge, usually to accommodate fractures or post-hip replacements and knee surgeries. Elderly individuals and those with chronic arthritis, hip pain, knee pain, back pain or mobility issues may require a more permanent solution to maintain independence in the bathroom.

Sizes, prices and safety mechanisms vary considerably so you need to know your options.

Optimal Seat Height: Raised toilet seats sit atop the stool and typically add between 2 inches and 6 inches in height. The higher the seat, the less flexion is required in your hips and knees, making it easier to sit down and stand up. If your toilet seat is too high, however, you will feel unstable. The ideal height is one where your feet are flat on the floor.

You can also elevate your toilet seat by raising the entire toilet from underneath. Allegro Medical sells a toilet seat riser that doesn’t change the look of your standard toilet but will raise it about 3.5″ off the ground.

See the Toilevator Toilet Riser, 500 lb Capacity

Most Popular Raised Toilet Seat

Hinged Elevated Toilet Seat – 3″ - Perfect for the men in the house, this device raises the seat by 3 inches but also allows the ring to be lifted the same as your standard toilet seat. It barely changes the look of the toilet.

Use the following “Raised Toilet Seat Buyer’s Guide” to help decide which toilet seat is right for you or your loved one.

Raised Toilet Seat Buyer’s Guide

Short Term Use – Non-locking Raised Toilet Seats - For short recovery times, occasional use or some post-surgery, the raised toilet seats without locking devices work fine. They are portable and very easy to use.

Depending on the stability of the user, we recommend that these be used along with a Toilet Safety Frame since these elevated toilet seats are attached by reliable methods, but not clamped or bolted on for increased security.

Medium Term Use – Locking device - Special locking devices, front-clamps and brackets keep these raised toilet seats from shifting providing a secure, comfortable toileting experience. A fantastic alternative to permanent fixation.

Long Term Use – Bolt on Toilet Seat - Perfect for disabled, elderly or those with a chronic need for an elevated toilet seat. These raised toilet seats are super secure and have many helpful features to make getting on and off the toilet much easier.

Specialty Toilet Seats

Hip Replacements, Post Surgery, Leg, Hip and Knee Injuries and Fractures often require a unique, asymmetrical shaped toilet seat riser with one side “cut out” to allow one leg to remain in the prescribed position while sitting (knee should be lower than the new hip during hip replacement recovery).

See Hospital Discharge Favorites

Bariatric, Heavy Duty, Extra Wide Raised Toilet Seats- Choose from styles that accomodate users up to 600 lbs.

Wheelchair Transfer Toilet Seats - Convert your toilet into an elevated wheelchair transfer seat. Bolts onto most standard toilets.

Please call an Allegro Customer Care agent at 800-861-3211 if you require further assistance in choosing the right raised toilet seat or see all Raised Toilet Seats for more ideas.

See all Bathroom Assists

Thank you for your business. We appreciate it.

Top 10 Arthritis Products

Valerie Paxton — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:37:36 +0000

Getting older is a blessing, for sure, but even longevity has its price. Creaky, sore joints. Sometimes when I stand up I sound like an old rocking chair making a bag of popcorn. And how about when it rains, or your hands get cold and you can barely bend your fingers? For some, these are just minor aches and pains, but for others they are the result of Osteoarthritis, or Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) – the most common type of arthritis. There are many types of arthritis, some more debilitating than others.

Did you know that arthritis affects millions of Americans after the age 50 and women are more often effected by arthritis?

Arthritis is caused when the cartilage in the joint deteriorates over time, causing bones to rub against each other which causes stiffness, pain and loss of movement in the joint. Arthritis typically affects weight bearing joints such as hands, hips, knees and the spine. Unfortunately, there is no “cure” for arthritis, though there are many treatments and products that can relieve pain.

Here is a list of Allegro’s customers’s favorite arthritis remedies, arthritis aides and arthritis pain relief products.

10 Most Popular Arthritis Products

1. Biofreeze – The Biofreeze 4 oz Tube, Biofreeze Roll-on 3 oz , Biofreeze Spray and Biofreez Gel Pump all make on the first page of our Arthritis Products Page and gets very high ratings so it must be good. It is a long lasting topical analgesic & pain reliever that contains ILEX, an herbal extract from South America. See all Biofreeze.

2. Car Caddie Helping Hand – Need a little help getting in and out of the car? This is made just for you. Super popular and highly rated, we’ve sold thousands. Even works to help get kids in and out of your SUV or pickup. Also in the Top 10, a similar product called the Handybar 3 in 1 Car Aid. 5 star rating!

3.Neckpro Cervical Traction Device - At-home traction for relief of neck pain. Uses a unique ratcheting device that delivers a more precise amount of cervical traction tension than the old conventional overdoor neck traction systems. Similar to what you would experience in a clinical setting.

4. Arthritis Gloves- Made of soft breathable cotton lycra, these gloves provide mild compression that warms your hands and helps increase circulation. Open fingertips for full freedom. Wear day or night. For edema, try the Norco Edema Glove that provides compression past your wrist.

5. UpEasy Lifting Cushion – Converts any chair into an automatic lift chair that will lift 80% of your body weight. Adjusts for various weights. Easily transportable with built-in handle.

6. Bamboo Shower Seat and Bath Bench- Its compact triangle shape fits into the shower stall or bathtub and it looks great! Made of eco-friendly bamboo, a 100% renewable resource. Height adjustable, with slip-resistant rubber tipped legs.

7. Light Relief Light Therapy- One of Allegro’s top products for several years now, this light therapy device emits energy in the infrared spectrum to provide topical warmth. A natural alternative to pain medication, the Light Relief eases arthritis pain and stiffness. Includes a travel bag.

8. Thermophore Moist Heat Pack - Moist heat is most often recommended by doctors. Why? Because moisture transfers the high heat deeper into tissues than ordinary dry heat pads providing temporary relief from rheumatic and arthritic pain. Increased blood flow is als a result of moist heat, which can relieve inflamed joints and help maintain flexibility. The heating pad draws moisture from the air and requires no water. Includes soft flannel cover. Also see the highly rated Thermophore Arthritis Pad.

9. Cando Gel Hand Exercise Balls - Recommended for arthritis, these exerise balls are used to help grip, strength, dexterity and mobility, as well as fine and gross motor skills. Can be microwaved or put in the freezer. Very soothing.

10. Spa-N-A-Box Portable Spa – A super economical way to have your own above-ground spa. Soothes arthritis pain for hours. Sets up on about 20 minutes and plugs into a regular household outlet. Put it on your patio, deck, on your boat or even in your c0ndo or apartment! Quiet operation. Seats 4 or 5 people.

BONUS: The Freedom Wand – Toilet Tissue Aid

See hundreds of arthritis products including braces, supports, over-the-counter remedies and medications, daily living aids, bed wedges, pillows, canes and much more in Shop By Condition: Arthritis.

Caregivers: Let us Help You

Valerie Paxton — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 18:16:46 +0000

Allegro is celebrating ‘Patient Safety Week’, the week of March 9th, with an eye towards safety products for everyone, including patients. Besides making your life easier, many of these simple products will help avoid slip-n-falls, accidents and household injuries or even death.

Caregivers, we know that you’re exhausted most of the time and your job is difficult no matter what the situation. Here are some products that will relieve some of the stress, improve the independence of your patient, resident or loved one and make everyone’s environment safer.

Gait & Transfer Belts - A gait belt is a safety device that goes around someone’s waist and aids the caregiver in moving the person from one place to another, like from a chair to the bed. It can also be used to help hold a weak person up while they walk. The belt, when used right, reduces strain on the caregivers back and keeps the patient from falling over. How do you use a gait belt? The belt goes outside the person’s clothing with the buckle in front. Thread the belt through the buckle and lock it in place. Make sure it fits snuggly, but with room for your fingers under it. Always bend your knees and keep your back straight when helping to lift or move someone. Don’t twist. Lift with your arms and legs, not your back.

Transfer Devices – These safety boards and discs come in all shapes, forms and price ranges. Essentially, a transfer device helps someone slide from one place to another or, pivot to one position or another. They are great for transfering someone from a chair to the tub or commode, or in and out of bed, or in and out of the car, etc. There are also Patient Turners and Boosters to painlessly and easily move them in bed.

Post-Surgery – Recover safely and comfortably with products designed to accomodate your special needs. We also have safety products for bedridden and post- knee replacement and hip replacement surgeries.

Bathroom Assists – I can’t guess how many injuries and fatalities could be avoided if the bathrooms had been equipped with a few simple products! Choose from a variety of shower chairs & bath benches, toilet safety frames, bath mats and grab bars to get your bathroom up to snuff in one fell swoop. Oh, and if you’ve ever wondered where to find those non-slip strips to stick on the bottom of your bathtub, they are called bath safety treads.

Mobility Items – If they can walk, but they’re weak or unstable you may consider a cane, rollator, standard walker or wheeled walker. For knee surgeries and other special situations, check out our selection of specialty walkers and pediatric walkers.

Transport Wheelchairs – an easy and safe way to get from here to there, especially during travel and outings.

Syringe Disposal – Get all of your Sharps containers at Allegro for safe containment, transport and disposal of needles, lancets & syringes.

Bed Rails – No more worry about falling out of bed! Great for kids or the elderly.

Child Safety – Let us help you keep your kids safe in the home, car and when you’re out and about. We have unique safety gizmos that even you parents-of-the-year probably haven’t imagined.

Personal Protection – For everyone’s sake, keep the germs and other critters at bay.

See more safety and general care products in our Patient Care, Personal Care, Daily Living Aids, Children/Pediatric and Maternity Care categories.

Take care! -v