Alpha Orthotics Bunion Aid User manual

READ PRODUCT INFORMATION & INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE.
Intended use: Hallux valgus (bunion): mal-positioning
of the big toe.
Bunion Aid is used as both preventative and corrective
measures for mild to moderate mal-alignment of the
big toe, and stabilization following hallux valgus
surgery.
Bunion Aid relieves bunion pain and helps restore
the foot’s natural range of motion while walking.
The hinged splint’s padded lining protects irritated
tissue, distributes pressure, and provides corrective
support. The dual strapping systems realign the big toe
and stabilize the metatarsal arch.
Following surgery, Bunion Aid helps maintain the
surgical fixation of the big toe.
Bunion Aid comes pre-assembled (see Fig. V on other
side). The set (Fig. I) consists of:
1. Splint with hinge and reversing slit
a. Toe blade
b. Metatarsal blade
2. Hook & loop toe strap
3. Hook & loop metatarsal strap
4. Two foam side cushions
•Thick cushion for extra comfort and protection
•Thin cushion for an alternative fit
5. Metatarsal pad
CAUTION:
Not recommended
for those with diabetes
or poor circulation.
User instructions:
• Begin with 20 minutes per day and increase gradually
until you can wear the splint daily 2 - 3 hours while
walking and/or nightly while sleeping.
• Recommend wearing the splint 4 - 8 weeks or until
realignment is achieved. Thereafter, wear 2 - 3 times
per week for maintenance.
• Wear barefoot, or splint may fit in wide-fitting slippers
or shoes.
• The splint is designed to fit most foot sizes and can
be worn on either the right or left foot.
How to apply the splint:
1. Loosen metatarsal and toe straps.
Slip your foot into the loosened
metatarsal strap. Then slip big toe
into the small loosened toe strap.
2. Press the splint to the inside of
your foot aligning the hinge with your bunion while
holding ends of both straps with your other hand
(Fig. II). Tighten metatarsal straps with equal tension
around the mid-foot to prevent slippage.
Adjust straps with equal tension
around your big toe (Fig. III).
Adjust the tension to a comfort
level so it can be worn for the
full session. Do not attempt to
over-correct at the beginning;
correction occurs over time.
OPTIONAL: (Recommended for
those with hammertoe or claw
foot.) For additional lift and
support, place metatarsal pad in
center of the underside of your
foot, slightly below level of ball of
foot (Fig. IV). The pad (A) should
not extend beyond the line of your
bunion (B) and should be
comfortable while walking. To test whether it is in
the right place, stand on the pad up to three
minutes. As you put pressure on the pad, your toes
should lengthen.
Contraindications:
• There are no known hypersensitivity or allergic
reactions associated with this product when used
correctly. If it is not possible to correct the angle
(<20°) of the base joint of the big toe passively, we
advise against wearing the splint and recommend
consulting your healthcare professional.
• Please consult your healthcare professional before
applying and wearing.
• Discontinue use of Bunion Aid in case of the
following conditions: skin diseases or injuries in the
affected area, especially inflammation, as well as
scarring with swelling, redness or increased skin
temperature, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, tenderness
to pressure, polyneuropathy, or swelling of the leg.
Helpful information:
• Bunion Aid can be worn while barefoot. In order to
avoid soiling, wear a sock over the splint and foot.
• Bunion Aid can be worn in shoes that are
non-restrictive, provide a wide opening towards the
front of the shoe, and are a comfortable fit.
• Bunion Aid should not be worn while swimming, on
the beach, or in salt water. Salt and sand may cause
damage to the splint.
• In case of improper use, product liability is precluded.
• The product must not be altered. Only original
Bunion Aid parts may be used to ensure complete
functionality and to uphold product liability.
• Returns are accepted within two weeks of purchase
in original package. All parts must be included.
1
2
3
5
1a
1b
4
Bunion Aid
™
The Flexible Splint for Bunion Relief
I
II
III
B
A
IV
Please turn over
3.
4.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR RE-ASSEMBLING
THE STRAPS
1. Threading the toe straps into splint:
Place the toe strap in front of you (Fig. I).
The hook & loop end (X1) of the toe strap (2) is
drawn from below through the right opening of the
toe blade (1a) and is fastened to the toe strap (2)
as in (Fig. II).
The second hook &
loop end (X2) is also
drawn through the
left opening of the
toe blade (1a) and
fastened to the toe
strap (2).
2. Threading the
metatarsal strap
into the splint:
Place the splint (1)
and the metatarsal
strap (3) in front of
you (Fig. III). The
metatarsal strap is drawn
from above through the
reversing slit (R1) and then
from below through the
reversing slit (R2) and then
fasten to the metatarsal
strap (3) (Fig. IV).
As identified in (Fig. III),
the second end of the
metatarsal strap (3) is
drawn from above
through the reversing slit
(L1), fed back through
the slit (L2) and then
fastened to the metatar
sal strap (3). Completed
strap assembly is shown in Fig. V.
3. Applying the foam side cushion:
The side cushion, as delivered in the original
package, is fastened securely to the splint with hook
& loop. Should you fasten it yourself (e.g. after
washing), please ensure that the side cushion is
placed on the long part of the splint; the shape of the
cushion fits the shape of the splint. An additional
slim cushion is included for an alternative fit.
Side effects:
There are no known side-effects when used
properly. In the event of local pressure or circulatory
disturbance, please ensure Bunion Aid is worn
correctly or discontinue use and contact your
healthcare professional.
Care instructions:
• Hand wash only. No fabric softener or bleach.
• Wash as an entire unit or in separate parts.
• Close straps before washing to avoid damage.
• Air dry only.
• Store in a dry place.
• Avoid contact with fats and acids.
.
Alpha Orthotics Corp.
PO Box 1107
Tiburon, CA 94920
www.alphaorthotics.com
Toll Free 1.877.389.7969
Bunion Aid is a quality-assured product.
Should you have any questions, please contact us at
[email protected] or one of our experts.
Made in Germany
Patent US 7,396,338 B2
Bunion Aid™, Bunion Aid Plus™ and Alpha Orthotics™
are trademarks of Alpha Orthotics Corp.
Bunion Aid
™
The Flexible Splint for Bunion Relief
AlphaOrthotics
INNOVATIVE ORTHOTIC SOLUTIONS
™
X1
2
1a
X2
I
II
3
1
III
IV
V
R2
R1
R2
L2
L1
L2
3
Part # 106001-ins02
Bunion Aid Plus™replacement set is available
at www.alphaorthotics.com.
Hand wash in warm water
Do not bleach
Do not iron
Do not dry clean
Do not tumble dry