Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
Visco Spot I Visco Heel N/ Visco Heel K I Visco Ped S/ Visco Ped I MalleoTrain
AchilloTrain I MalleoLoc I GenuTrain I GenuTrain P3 I SofTec Genu
EpiPoint I EpiTrain I ManuTrain I LumboTrain I LumboLoc I Venotrain
Visco Products
General Questions
Q. What are they made of?
A. Medical grade, viscoelastic silicone. The blue areas are less dense for added cushioning at the pressure points of the foot.
Q.Is there Latex in the Visco Products?
A. No.
Q. What are the advantages of the material?
A. Doesn't lose its shape or compress, doesn't absorb odors, durable, comfortable, doesn't exude oil like some other silicone products, excellent shock absorbing qualities.
Q. How long do they last?
A. It depends on how often and vigorously they are used, but they usually last the lifetime of the shoe. Some people have used them five years or more!
Q. Is there a guarantee?
A. If the product was prescribed or recommended by a medical professional and they determine it is not therapeutically effective, we will accept a return or correct the problem to the customer's satisfaction. Otherwise, we cannot extend a guarantee.
Q. Is a prescription required to buy the products?
A. No, you can buy our products without a prescription, although we cannot extend a guarantee.
Q. Are there any contraindications (reasons not to wear these products)?
A. Hypersensitive reactions harmful to health have not been reported to date. In the following conditions, such aids should only be fitted and worn after consultation with your doctor: Skin disorders/injuries in the relevant part of the body, particularly if inflammation is present. Any raised scars with swelling, redness and excessive heat build-up. Please check with a medical professional before trying this or any other medical product.
Q. Why are they sold in pairs? Can I buy just 1 cushion/insole?
A. Bauerfeind heel cushions and insoles are always sold in pairs to prevent leg length discrepancies, which can cause back or joint problems. In the case of ViscoHeel N, you can wear just one heel cushion per your doctor's recommendation to compensate for an existing leg length discrepancy.
Q. How thick are they? Can I wear them in women's high heel shoes?
A. ViscoSpot has about a ¼ lift at the back of the heel. They fit best in sports or casual shoes. They may not work well in heels, as they may push the heel out of the shoe and put too much pressure on the toes.
Q. Can I wear them with custom orthotics?
A. We do not recommend putting them on top of or under custom orthotics, as it may alter the effectiveness of the orthotic. Please check with a medical professional.
Q. Should I take out the existing insole in my shoe before putting in your product?
A. Our ViscoSpot, ViscoHeel N and ViscoHeel K heel cushions can be placed on top of your existing insole. When using our ViscoPed or ViscoPed S insoles, the wearer should remove the existing insole if possible and replace it with our insole. We do not recommend putting them on top of or under custom orthotics, as it may alter the effectiveness of the orthotic. Please check with a medical professional.
Q. How are they sized?
A. Sizing is based on men's and women's shoe sizes.
Q. How are they cleaned?
A. They should be washed often with soap (hand or dishwashing soap) and warm water to cut down on residue and grit which decreases the life of the product. The silicone is stable and will not ooze out.
Q. Can I use them playing active sports?
A. Absolutely. They are great shock absorbers. ViscoPed and ViscoPed S will, however, break down faster when playing a sport with a lot of side to side movements, like tennis.
ViscoSpot
Q. What can they be used for?
A. Heel pain, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, leg length discrepancies, shock absorption and fat pad atrophy.
Q. What makes them better than what I've tried in the past?
A.Clinically proven 95% effective in a study conducted by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society; Rated more effective than any of the other heel cushions tested including $300-$400 custom orthotics. Comfortable, durable materials Softer, blue spot correctly placed in the area most sensitive to heel pain Wedged to redirect pressure away from painful area Approx. 12 lift takes tension off of Achilles tendon and plantar fasciia
Q. Why do they cost more than heel cushions I see in retail stores?
A. They are a medical product with proven effectiveness and durability; therefore, they are an excellent value. The material is also the highest quality available.
ViscoHeel N/ViscoHeel K
Q. What's the difference between N and K?
A. ViscoHeel N and K are made of the same materials and are basically the same design. ViscoHeel N is flat and ViscoHeel K is wedged 4 degrees to correct pronation (bow legged condition) or supination (knock-knees). K stands for the German word Korrectiv, which means it corrects a condition.
ViscoPed S/ViscoPed
Q. What can they be used for?
A. Shock absorption, foot, joint and back pain, metatarsalgia (irritation of the metatarsals), diabetic foot, fat pad atrophy (thinning of fat pad of foot), hyperkeratosis (thickening of outer layer of skin).
Q. Do they have an arch support?
A. They have slight contouring in the arch area to gently support this region, much like a preformed insole in a sports shoe. They are not arch supports.
Q. How much can it be trimmed?
A. They may be trimmed along the trim lines or in the clear silicone area. The blue areas should not be cut, as this may cause the softer spots to come out of the product. You should also avoid trimming the ventilation holes as to leave rough edges that may tear.
Q. Is there an easy way to put it in my shoe?
A. The wearer should remove the existing insole in the shoe, if possible, and replace it with this insole. The insole can be folded like a taco and inserted into the shoe or rolled up from toe to heel and allowed to unroll, from heel to toe, in the shoe.
Q. Will I need a bigger shoe?
A. These insoles should fit your normal shoe size. Some people prefer a ½ size larger shoe. It's a good idea to take them with you when you shop for new shoes.
Q. I have a very narrow heel. Will these fit in my shoe?
A. Our insoles fit in most shoes. The heel of ViscoPed and ViscoPed S is about 2 ½ inches wide.
Q. Where is the metatarsal pad positioned under the foot?
A. The metatarsal pad fits under the ball of the foot and should cause the metatarsals/toe joints to separate slightly and land on the softer blue spots for extra cushioning.
Q. What are the differences between ViscoPed and ViscoPed S?
A. The biggest difference is that ViscoPed has a raised metatarsal pad to correctly align the metatarsal heads. Some people find this raised pad therapeutic; others find it irritating. Therefore, ViscoPed S uses different densities of silicone to align the metatarsal heads. A very soft dark blue silicone is surrounded by soft light blue silicone and the met heads naturally fall and align on the dark blue areas because they are the least dense. In addition, ViscoPed S is available in 7 sizes, accommodating a women's size 4 shoe to a men's size 14 ½. ViscoPed is available in 5 sizes, so it fits a smaller range.
Q. What makes them better than what I've tried in the past?
A. Made of the same medical grade, viscoelastic silicone as the clinically proven ViscoSpot Comfortable, durable materials Softer silicone correctly placed in the areas most sensitive to foot pain Slightly contoured arch for comfort Ventilation holes allow for air circulation Trim lines for a personal fit Easily cleaned with soap and water, long-lasting Knitted Products/Joint Supports
General Questions
Q. Can I play sports while wearing the product?
A. Absolutely. All Bauerfeind knitted products provide measurable compression to help increase circulation which decreases pain and swelling. Many Bauerfeind knitted products also have silicone or viscoelastic inserts that fit around the affected joint. During activity, the insert massages the soft tissue of the joint to further decrease pain and swelling. Bauerfeind knitted products are also breathable, so they allow sweat and heat to be transferred away from the body. This is more comfortable and avoids any skin irritations.
Q. Can I wear the product during the day when I am not active?
A. Yes. Even when you are not active, the support will provide compression to help increase circulation which decreases pain and swelling. To get the most benefit from the silicone inserts, movement is required.
Q. Can I wear the product all night while I am sleeping?
A. This is not recommended. The products provide a lot of compression to counter the affects of gravity. This is not necessary when lying down.
Q. How do I determine my size/What if I am between sizes/How can I tell if it fits correctly?
A. Sizing for knitted supports is determined by loosely measuring the circumference at specific points on the body, depending on the product. If you are between 2 sizes, go with the larger size. The product fits correctly if it feels comfortable, doesn't bunch, pinch or constrict, or doesn't slip and seem baggy. It should fit like a second skin.
Q. How are they washed and dried? Will they shrink?
A. They are machine washable on a gentle cycle and machine dryable on low heat. To extend the life of the product, you may opt to air dry. With proper care, they do not shrink.
Q. What is the compression?
A. The knit provides 25.13 32.18 mm Hg compression.
Q. What are the differences between the various knitted supports?
A. Please see detailed chart (Matching the Right Product to Your Needs) showing the differences.
Q. How long do I need to wear it?
A. If a medical professional prescribed the product, please refer to their directions. Otherwise, the products can be worn as long as you have pain or swelling in that joint.
Q. Is a prescription required to buy the products?
A. No, you can buy our products without a prescription, although we cannot extend a guarantee.
Q. Will my insurance reimburse me?
A. It depends on your policy and condition. You must also have a doctor's prescription when sending in your claim.
Q. Is there Latex in the product?
A. The only supports that do not have Latex are Compro AB, MalleoLoc and EpiPoint. ViscoSpot, ViscoHeel N, ViscoHeel K, ViscoPed S, and ViscoPed also do not have Latex. All of the others have Natural Rubber Latex.
Q. Why do they cost more than the ones I've seen in the store? How are they different from ACE brand bandages?
A. They are a medical product with proven effectiveness and durability; therefore, they are an excellent value. They also provide measurable compression to decrease pain and swelling. Many incorporate silicone or viscoelastic inserts to further massage the joint and increase circulation for reduced pain and swelling and faster healing. Many also incorporate features to ensure a good, comfortable fit, including anatomical knitting, stays, right and left versions and decreased compression at the edges to avoid constriction of circulation.
Q. Are there any contraindications (reasons not to wear these products)?
A. Hypersensitive reactions harmful to health have not been reported to date. In the following conditions, such aids should only be fitted and worn after consultation with your doctor: Skin disorders/injuries in the relevant part of the body, particularly if inflammation is present. Any raised scars with swelling, redness and excessive heat build-up. Impaired lymph drainage, including soft tissue swelling of uncertain origin located remotely from fitted product. Impaired sensation or circulatory disorders in the relevant part of the body. Any supports or orthoses applied externally to the body can, if tightened excessively, lead to local pressure signs or, rarely, constrict the underlying blood vessels or nerves. Please check with a medical professional before trying this or any other medical product.
Q. Can they be put in the freezer and used as a cold pack?
A. Yes, they will remain cold for about 15 minutes.
Q. Do they retain heat? Can they be put in the microwave? Will the silicone melt?
A. No, they do not retain heat. Nothing happens when they are put in the microwave. The fact that the product doesn't retain heat is a benefit. The knit is breathable and allows heat and sweat to escape to avoid skin irritations. The silicone is very high quality and will not melt.
Ankle Products
MalleoTrain
Q. Can I wear this product with shoes/Will it fit in shoes?
A. Yes. It can be worn with or without shoes.
Q. Should I wear socks under the product?
A. Not thick socks, although hosiery/stockings are o.k. MalleoTrain should be worn against the skin for the maximum massage and compression effect. A sock can be worn over the support.
Q. Why do they come in left and right versions?
A. The left and right ankle are anatomically different. Therefore, they require differently shaped supports for optimal fit and therapy. MalleoTrain also has 2 silicone inserts that are shaped differently to accommodate the inside and outside of the ankle bones. The silicone on the inside is thicker and shorter to fill in the more concave area on this side of the ankle bone.
Q. Will it stabilize the ankle?
A. MalleoTrain's main function is to provide compression and massage to decrease pain and swelling. The knit also promotes proprioception (knowing where your body is in Venotraince) so in that respect it increases natural stabilization. However, it is not designed to prevent ankle sprains/strains. MalleoLoc is our ankle stabilizing product.
AchilloTrain
Q. What is the other heel cushion for?
A. The AchilloTrain support has a heel cushion built in to take pressure off the Achilles tendon. Every AchilloTrain product comes with an extra heel cushion for the unaffected foot. This is to keep one leg from being longer than the other which would cause a person to walk abnormally and create other biomechanical problems (back pain, joint pain, etc.).
MalleoLoc
Q. Will the plastic rub my foot?
A. The plastic is lined with foam for cushioning and comfort. It should not rub or irritate the skin.
Q. Can it be worn against the skin?
A. MalleoLoc can be worn against the skin or with socks, depending on your preference. Most people prefer wearing a sock under the orthosis.
Q. Will it fit in my shoe?
A. Yes, it is very streamlined and fits comfortably in casual and athletic shoes.
Q. Does MalleoLoc contain Latex?
A. No.
Q. Do they come in pairs?
A. MalleoLoc is sold as a single unit for either the right or left ankle. You can definitely buy one of each to make a pair.
Q. Are there replacement straps?
A. A replacement strap set including a liner is available for purchase. Please specify size and right or left version.
Q. How does it work?
A. MalleoLoc is a stabilizing support that counteracts ankle twisting without restricting movement. The stirrups fit in front of the ankle bone on the outside of the leg and behind the ankle bone on the inside to prevent the outward rolling of the ankle joint. The unique design does not put pressure on the ankle bones and leaves the front of the foot and heel free for natural stabilization.
Q. How do you put it on?
A. Detailed directions are included with every product.
Q. Can it be worn over an ankle sleeve?
A. Yes. An ankle sleeve, such as Bauerfeind's Compro Plus AB or Compro AB, will provide compression to decrease swelling and speed healing.
Knee Products
GenuTrain
Q. Does it have a seam?
A. Because the product is anatomically knit to best fit the body, it has a seam on the side of the support. The seam is very flat and not irritating.
Q. What's the difference between GenuTrain and GenuTrain P3?
A. GenuTrain P3 was specifically designed to treat patellar subluxation (shifting). Therefore, the silicone insert in the P3 has a tracking guide to prevent the patella from shifting out of place. It is also a little bit longer and has 4 stays, rather than 2, because the silicone insert is a lot larger than the GenuTrain insert.
Q. What are the stays made of and what are they for?
A. The stays are made of spiraled stainless steel (like a slinky toy when it is flat) so they are very flexible and won't rust when wet. The stays have plastic tips on the ends so they won't make holes in the material. The stays help prevent the support from rolling.
Q. Why is the kneecap covered?
A. The knit material lightly covers the patella to prevent swelling from developing in this area. GenuTrain's unique, 3 dimensional knit does not put excess pressure on the kneecap, which is a benefit.
GenuTrain P3
Q. Why does the GenuTrain P3 come in right or left versions?
A. GenuTrain P3 is anatomically knit to fit the right or left leg for comfortable, effective therapy. It also has a silicone insert with a tracking guide to prevent the patella from shifting out of place. The guide is always on the lateral (outside) of the insert, because the patella shifts in this direction. Therefore, there is a left and right version to ensure that the tracking guide is on the correct side.
Q. What are the stays made of and what are they for?
A. The stays are made of spiraled stainless steel (like a slinky toy when it is flat) so they are very flexible and won't rust when wet. The stays have plastic tips on the ends so they won't make holes in the material. The stays help prevent the support from rolling.
Q. How does it stay up? (others have Velcro straps)
A. GenuTrain P3 is anatomically knit to fit the right or left leg so it won't slide like some other products. It also features 4 stainless steel stays to help prevent the support from rolling. When properly measured and fitted, the product will stay comfortably in place.
SofTec Genu
Q. Can I get it wet/wear it for water sports?
A. Yes.
Q. What are the sidebars made of?
A. Aluminum.
Q. At what degree intervals can extension/flexion be set?
A. 10 degrees.
Q. What does the silicone insert do?
A. The insert provides targeted compression around the joint to decrease pain and swelling. An integrated tracking guide controls patella shifting. Nodules at the top of the insert stimulate the quadriceps to increase circulation and prevent atrophy.
Q. Where should the brace be placed on the leg to ensure correct positioning?
A. The patella should always fit in the recess of the silicone insert.
Q. Can the medial/lateral sidebars be shaped and how?
A. Yes, they can be contoured to the anatomy using pressure or a bending iron.
Q. How do you wash and dry SofTec Genu?
A. Remove the hinges. Close all Velcro straps. Machine wash on gentle cycle or hand wash. Lay flat to dry.
Elbow Products
EpiPoint
Q. What is the purpose of the red area?
A. EpiPoint is an elastic band that provides targeted compression to the forearm. Many people tend to pull elbow straps too tightly which constricts circulation. A red warning section has been incorporated on the EpiPoint band to indicate when the band has been pulled too much and the compression is too tight.
EpiTrain
Q. Can it be used for lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?
A. Yes. It can be used for lateral or medial epicondylitis. Lateral is commonly called tennis elbow and medial is golfer's elbow. The incorporated viscoelastic inserts provide compression and massage on both the lateral and medial sides on the flexor and extensor muscles.
Q. Should I buy EpiPoint or EpiTrain?
A. EpiPoint is a forearm band for targeted compression and focuses on lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). EpiTrain is a support that can be used for medial or lateral epicondylitis. It also provides compression to the entire joint and forearm to decrease pain and swelling.
Q. Can it be worn on either arm?
A. Yes. There is no right or left version. The incorporated viscoelastic inserts provide compression and massage on both the lateral (outside) and medial (inside) parts of the forearm.
Wrist Products
ManuTrain
Q. Can I use it without the stay?
A. ManuTrain comes with a thermoplastic stay that can provide extra stabilization. Use of the stay depends on your condition. Please refer to your medical professional.
Back Products
LumboTrain
Q. How wide is it?
A. LumboTrain is about 7 inches wide in the front and 9 inches wide in the back.
Q. What is the insert made of? What does it do?
A. Soft silicone with 36 nodules to stimulate back muscles and increase circulation and movement.
LumboLoc
Q. How wide is it?
A. LumboLoc is about 6 1/2 inches wide in the front and 11 inches wide in the back.
Q. What are the stays made of?
A. The stays are made of metal and are covered with a terrycloth liner for comfort and sweat absorption.
Venotrain Compression Hosiery
General Questions
Q. How do I wash them?
A. Hand or machine wash daily with a mild soap (Ivory flakes, bar or hand soap). Use delicate cycles and warm water. Do not soak. Do not use fabric softeners, bleach or dry clean, as this will deteriorate the fibers. Rinse in warm water. Avoid twisting and lay flat to dry on a towel. Do not put them in the dryer or iron them.
Q. Is there Latex in the product?
A. No. The products are made with Nylon, Lycra and some include cotton.
Q. Will a stocking donner tear the material?
A. No. Although the material is fine, it is very durable.
Q. Is the material different for the 20-30 mm Hg version vs. the 30-40 mm Hg?
A. No. Only the compression level is different.
Q. Can I wear a regular, non-compression sock on top of Venotrain Hosiery?
A. Yes, although it may cause the Venotrain Hosiery to slip or wear a hole in it.
Q. The hosiery is gathering behind my knee. What can I do?
A. The hosiery may be pulled too far up or not stretched enough. Pick up the extra material behind the knee and work it back down or up the leg. It should stay put after you work with it.
Q. What shoe size will the hosiery fit?
A. All hosiery products are measured and sized using circumference measurements along the leg. They will fit most feet lengths and widths.
Q. My measurements fit in 2 different size categories. Which size should I choose?
A. We always want the ankle to be the closest measurement, since this is where the compression is the highest. If the calf or thigh measurement is within a few inches, then go with the size that accommodates the ankle. If the measurements are vastly different, a custom garment may be needed.
Q. If I get a run in the hosiery, can I put nail polish on them?
A. No. The polish will destroy the fibers. The hosiery can be sewn together with a needle and thread.
Q. How long do they last?
A. Compression hosiery typically lasts up to 6 months with proper care.
Q. Is a prescription required to buy the products?
A. No, you can buy compression hosiery without a prescription up through products with 39 mmHg of pressure. However, all custom-made products and all products with 40 mmHg or greater pressure require a prescription.
Q. Are there any contraindications (reasons not to wear the hosiery)?
A. You should not wear compression hosiery if you have a skin infection, wet dermatosis, congestive heart failure, active Deep Venous Thrombosis or severe arterial insufficiency. Please check with a medical professional before trying this or any other medical compression hosiery.
Venotrain soft
Q. Can I get a different band on the Thigh-hi?
A. The honeycomb band is standard on the Ready-To-Wear product. A silicone dot band or no band is available on a Custom-made garment.
Q. Is Venotrain soft available in other colors besides Barely Beige?
A. Venotrain soft is also available in black. People can wear regular, non-compression socks over them to achieve a different color.
Q. Why does it have an open toe? Is it available in closed toe?
A. An open toe is often preferred by many customers because they are easier to get on. Some doctors prefer that their patients wear an open toe product so the toes are visible to detect any circulatory problems. Venotrain soft is only available in open toe in Ready To Wear. It is available in closed toe in Custom.
Q. If the Knee-hi is too long, can I fold it over at the top?
A. No. Hosiery should never be folded back down on itself. This doubles the compression in that area and restricts circulation. Simply work the material back down if needed.
