Read our answers to frequently asked questions:

• I have gone to several retailers that sell FUTURO products, but I cannot find the item I am looking for. Are there other ways to find these products?
  

  An easy way to purchase FUTURO items that you do not see on shelf at your local retailer is to ask your pharmacist to “special order” the needed product directly from their wholesaler.

• Does repeated washing impair or reduce the wearing properties of the FUTURO supports?
  

  FUTURO supports should be hand-washed only. If cared for and treated properly, the wearing properties remain unchanged.

• Can the materials in the products cause allergic reactions?
  

  FUTURO supports are latex-free. Currently, no allergies have been observed. FUTURO supports contain natural rubber. People with a latex allergy may experience corresponding reactions. If in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

• Are FUTURO supports also available in children sizes?
  

  Special children sizes are not available. However, the S sizes will usually fit children aged 10 years or older.

• How long do FUTURO supports last?
  

  The life of a support depends on use and correct care. With proper care and average use it is comparable with that of other textile products.

• Can the FUTURO knee support be worn in spite of vein problems?
  

  In case of vein problems, please consult your doctor before wearing a FUTURO support.

• When should the tan colored FUTURO supports be used versus the black FUTURO Sport supports?
  

  The tan colored FUTURO supports are designed for everyday-day and mid to long-term use. They are very thin and are barely visible under clothing. Choose the black FUTURO Sport supports for short, strenuous and sweat-inducing activities, e.g. sports.

• Does the metal bar in the FUTURO Knee Support and in the Wrist Support contain nickel?
  

  The metal bars of the FUTURO supports are nickel-free.

• What can I do in case of quality complaints?
  

  Return the product to the outlet where you bought it. They will handle your complaint further.

• May I go swimming with FUTURO bandages applied?
  

  It is not recommended to expose the FUTURO bandage to sea or pool water because the material conditions will be influenced negatively.

• When should I use Cold Therapy? Hot Therapy?
  

  Use Cold Therapy during the first 72 hours after injury to reduce swelling, relieve pain, and decrease blood flow. Use on bumps, bruises, minor burns, headaches/toothaches, skin irritations, and minor strains and sprains. Use Heat Therapy once swelling or inflammation has subsided. This increases blood flow, helps reduce pain, and helps speed healing. May also be used to help relieve cramps, muscle aches, tension and stiffness. Both Hot and Cold Therapy are good for muscle “spasms”, chronic pain, and muscle tension syndromes. Ask your doctor if you are unsure which therapy method to choose.

• Should the support be worn during the day or at night?
  

  Supports usually should be worn only during the day and during activities. This does not apply to immobilizing splints such as the FUTURO Splint Wrist Brace, which can be worn day and night.

• What is R.I.C.E.R.?
  

  Sometimes a health condition or injury can make your muscles or joints ache or swell. The “R.I.C.E.R.” method is an effective, at-home treatment that can be applied within the first 72 hours of the occurrence.
  Rest – Rest reduces further damage. Avoid as much movement as possible to limit further injury. Don’t put any weight on the injured body part.
  Ice – Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the injury for 20 minutes every 2 hours. Continue for the first 48-72 hours (ice cools tissue, reduces pain, swelling and bleeding). Do not apply cold pack directly to the skin.
  Compression – Apply a heavy crepe bandage, covering the injured area, as well as the areas above and below (compression reduces bleeding and swelling).
  Elevation – Elevate the injured area to stop bleeding and swelling. Place the injured area on a pillow for comfort and support.
  Referral – Refer the injured person to a qualified professional such as a doctor or physiotherapist for precise diagnosis, ongoing care and treatment. A full recovery is then more likely with less scarring.