Gaiter

What is a gaiter?

Gaiters are used to:

• Keep an arm or leg in a specific position
• Stretch a muscle or stop a muscle becoming tighter
• Reduce pain

How do I put on a gaiter?

Undo all Velcro straps and lay the gaiter out with the lining facing up.

A leg gaiter is ideally fitted when lying down. An arm gaiter can be fitted when sitting down.

Place the gaiter under the arm or leg. The gaiter will have 2 or 3 stiffening bars inside the fabric. The 2 outer stiffening bars go either side of the leg or arm. If there is a central steel bar, this runs along the back of the leg or arm.

Gently straighten the leg or arm as much as possible and place it onto the gaiter.

Make sure that the narrowest part of the gaiter (the bottom) is in line with the ankle or wrist.

Wrap the gaiter around the limb, making sure the tongue section is placed underneath the overlap. The gaiter should be at least 2 centimetres below your groin or armpit.

Fasten all Velcro straps securely but be able to slide 2 fingers comfortably underneath the straps.

When do I wear the gaiter?

Your physiotherapist or orthotist will advise when to wear the gaiter.

How do I care of the gaiter?

Gaiters can be wiped with a damp cloth and left to air dry. Please do not try to adapt or fix the gaiter yourself. As they have been made just for you, they should not be used by anyone else.

Problems to be aware of

If any of the following is noticed, please contact the Orthotic Department or Physiotherapist as soon as possible and stop using the gaiter:

• skin discolouration that does not fade after 30 minutes
• sores or blisters on your skin
• pain, irritation or rubbing
• any damage to the gaiter
• gaiter no longer fits