Flares for comfort are easy to add
April 05, 2024
Kiddos grow quick, and sometimes braces can get a little tight at the calf or the met heads. If a brace is getting a little snug and the standard cuff or flexible met head trim lines aren’t providing the comfort needed, you’ll be glad to know there’s an easy fix! Adding a flare to a DAFO’s proximal or distal trim lines can greatly increase comfort. While flares can be requested on most of our custom braces, they’re also very easy to add in any clinic.
For adding a flare at the met heads, simply use a heat gun to heat the plastic until it’s just a little glossy. With the plastic soft, you can easily roll the edges of the trim lines out using a dowel, a thick highlighter or permanent marker, or any similar item on hand. Just a little flare at the edge can add plenty of relief for comfort!
Adding a flare at the calf is just as simple. By softening the proximal plastic with a heat gun so that it’s more malleable, the plastic can be rolled against the leg of a table, the leg or back of a chair, or any other suitable surface for a nice full flare. Just be sure to remove any cuff padding first, and never heat the straps directly.
For videos showing the process of adding a flare, be sure to check out cascadedafo.com and search for ‘flare’ in our search bar, or visit our YouTube page. Feel free to reach out to our customer support team if you have any questions about minor brace adjustments or if you would like coaching for how to request these additions for your braces when ordering! And don’t forget that DAFO offers redos under our 90-day warranty for any larger adjustments that you may need. Our team is available and happy to help with any questions you may have when it comes to ensuring the perfect fit and function of your brace. Contact us at customersupport@dafo.com or call 800.848.7332, Monday – Friday 7 AM – 2:30 PM PST.