What to watch out for when wearing orthoses:

Build-up period: When you get a new Silversplint, you need to take some time to get used to it. It is important to slowly increase time you wear the orthosis to build up tolerance; do not immediately wear the orthosis all day. It is quite normal to experience some irritation and see pressure points on the skin. These should disappear after half an hour of taking off the orthosis.

Pain and/or pressure points: At first, wearing the orthosis in combination with carrying out your daily activities may cause painful pressure points. If that happens, we recommend that you take off your orthosis and contact your orthopaedic instrument maker to check whether adjustment is needed.

Numbness: If you experience numbness, it may be that the orthosis is pushing against a nerve branch. We recommend that you take off your orthosis and contact your orthopaedic technician to check whether adjustment is needed. The area where the nerve is irritated must be unpressured. Sensation will return by itself after the orthosis is taken off. How long this takes, depends on how long you have been wearing the orthosis despite the numbness. It can take a week or more for normal sensation to return. It is important to follow the advice and take off the orthosis immediately!

Anatomical changes: If you are wearing your orthosis and the fit becomes tighter during the day, take off the orthosis using soap or hand cream. Cool your hands with water. Anatomical changes may occur due to exertion or temperature changes. After resting, you can put the orthosis back on. If the change in circumference of your finger(s) persists, it is wise to contact your orthopaedic instrument maker. He can help you find a solution and see whether adjustment is needed.

Changes: Over time, your joints may change, causing the orthosis to feel uncomfortable and lose its original function. Make sure you contact your orthopaedic instrument maker for advice.

Driving: Wearing an orthosis can give some wearers more grip, while others indicate they have reduced grip on the steering wheel. For this reason, it is important that you have your driving ability assessed by the relevant authorities. This is important to ensure your own safety on the road as well as the safety of others. A entry will be made on your driving licence, and It will help you assess whether it is better for you to wear the orthosis or keep it off while driving.

DIY and other activities where you need to have a grip on objects in your hands: We Design recommends that you observe the applicable safety regulations and assess whether you have more grip when wearing the orthosis or when you take off the orthosis when carrying out these activities.

Chains and/or straps on the orthoses: In some cases, a chain or strap may be necessary to keep the orthosis in place. You then have to take extra care during your daily activities, to prevent the straps and/or chains from catching.

Clasps and hinges on the orthoses: In some cases, the orthosis has a clasp and hinge for proper fitting. With these types of orthoses, you need to take extra care during your daily activities to prevent them from catching.

Heat: Silver can get hot! Watch out for stoves, ovens and/or any other heat sources. When the orthoses are exposed to heat, take them off immediately to avoid scalding.

Rotating and moving parts: If you are near rotating and moving parts, take off your orthosis to prevent it from getting caught and causing damage and/or injury. Also, always observe the safety regulations of the equipment you are working with.

Scratches: Silver is a metal and it can scratch softer objects and surfaces, such as tables with frosted glass tops.

Allergies

Silver allergy: Usually, you will already be aware that you have a silver allergy, in which case you will not select a We Design orthosis. However, if you only discover that you have a silver allergy after having had a We Design orthosis fitted, take off the orthosis immediately.

How do you find out whether you have an allergy? If you have an allergy, wearing silver will immediately irritate your skin and cause it to turn red. The skin may also be itchy. We Design has good agreements with orthopaedic instrument makers about returning orthoses in the event of allergies. Make sure you contact the Orthopaedic technician immediately for advice.

Copper allergy: The silver in the We Design orthoses contains a small amount of copper, namely 75/1000th parts.

Zinc allergy: in orthoses with soldered elements, a tiny amount of zinc is used in the solder. This allows us to fuse two silver parts together.

Contact

If you have questions and/or complaints, don't hesitate to contact your Orthopaedic technician. They will then contact We Design and we will try and find a solution together with you.

Liability

Consequences of wearing orthoses: We Design is not responsible for the choice of orthosis, and therefore cannot be held liable for any injury resulting from the use of the orthosis supplied. We Design therefore refuses all liability for the consequences of wearing an orthosis.

Lifespan of the We Design orthoses

Silver is a durable precious metal. As a result, the We Design orthoses can be worn for a very long time. However, despite having a medical purpose, orthoses are consumer items intended for daily use. The orthoses apply pressure to provide the support needed. This can cause material wear. The degree of wear is largely dependent on the intensity of use and the activities during which the orthoses are worn. Frequent bending and re-bending of the orthosis during use causes the silver to harden and it may then crack and break.

Warranty

We Design Warranty: We Design has filed its general terms and conditions with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK). We Design provides a warranty on all of its orthoses; the specific warranty conditions are known to our customers. We Design works with medical professionals - within the legal framework - to ensure that you get a medical device that is suitable for your condition. The management of We Design thanks you for placing your trust in our products. Every day, our team takes great pride in creating a functional and beautiful orthosis for you, applying all their knowledge and skill. Our staff is 100% committed to providing a great service.