CARING FOR YOUR

CHARCOT RELIEF ORTHOTIC WALKER (CROW)

Your custom designed CROW will help correct and maintain the proper alignment and position of your ankle and foot. Ankle and foot alignment is vital for balancing and distributing your body weight. Your CROW walker will help correct mild to moderate foot problems and reduce associated pain. You may experience slight discomfort as you adjust to the new orthosis and proper alignment position.

WEARING GUIDELINES

WEAR TIME

Unless otherwise instructed by your orthotist, start slowly. Wear your orthosis one hour on the first day and limit yourself to low or moderate activities. Gradually increase your wearing time by one to two hours each day. You should also increase your activity level during this transition period. You will achieve the greatest long-term benefits when you consistently wear your orthosis every day.

PAIN

Remove your CROW walker if you experience any pain or discomfort. Check your skin areas or irritation. Some pinkness is expected in areas of maximum correction or support. However, redness should disappear within 20 minutes after removal of the orthosis. Try wearing the orthosis again after waiting for one or two hours. I f you feel sharp, or jabbing pressure over bony areas, or if skin redness lasts longer than 20 minutes, make an appointment with your orthotist for adjustment as soon as possible.

SKIN CARE

Wash your legs and feet every day with mild soap and warm water. Rinse your skin well with clean water. Towel dry your skin thoroughly. The best time to wash is at night before bedtime. Wearing a cotton sock or stocking (which is a little higher than the top of your orthosis) under your CROW walker will help reduce friction and keep skin dry. During hot and humid weather, sprinkle al little baby powder on your legs and feet before putting on the socks. You may also wish to change socks a few times during the day. These simple tips will help minimize perspiration. Check your leg, ankle, and foot carefully every day for any red or tender areas. Such areas could indicate that your shoes do not fit properly, or your CROW walker needs an adjustment.

CARE

Wash your legs and feet every day with mild soap and warm water. Rinse your skin well with clean water. Towel dry your skin thoroughly. The best time to wash is at night before bedtime. Wearing a cotton sock or stocking (which is a little higher than the top of your orthosis) under your CROW walker will help reduce friction and keep skin dry. During hot and humid weather, sprinkle al little baby powder on your legs and feet before putting on the socks. You may also wish to change socks a few times during the day. These simple tips will help minimize perspiration. Check your leg, ankle, and foot carefully every day for any red or tender areas. Such areas could indicate that your shoes do not fit properly, or your CROW walker needs an adjustment.