Can parents order Fast Fit products directly?
Yes! That's why you're here.
Is it better to go through an orthotist when ordering Fast Fit products?
If you are working with one now, an orthotist can add value by giving you advice on measuring and evaluating bracing needs. This is especially important when you aren't sure which product is the best solution for your child's needs. A physical therapist can also be a helpful professional when considering FastFit products.
If you are comfortable with your choices, you can order directly.
If I'm not going through insurance, do I need a prescription to order Fast Fit products?
If you don't need reimbursement, you can simply order a Fast Fit product with your credit card. No prescription is needed unless you want insurance reimbursement.
What will insurance cover?
Most insurance companies will cover above-ankle orthoses for children if prescribed by a physician. (HotDogs, PattiBobs, PollyWogs and JumpStart Crickets, which are not above-ankle orthoses, are generally not covered.)
Please note that Cascade Dafo, Inc., does not bill insurance companies. If you’d like your insurance billed, DO NOT place an order in cascadeshop.com. Instead, consult your practitioner.
What is the difference between the PollyWog and the JumpStart Cricket, and when would you choose one over the other?
The Cricket is less bulky in the shoe; its trimline is cut higher around the foot, giving better stability through wraparound design. However, size is a factor. The Cricket currently goes up to only size 9.00, whereas the PollyWog goes up to size 10.75.
Can my child wear regular shoes with JumpStarts?
Yes! They usually fit into the shoe the child is currently using or one size larger.
How long does it take to get my JumpStarts?
It takes about 24 hours from when we receive your order to when we ship it. Of course, the shipping method you choose will affect delivery time.
Does the size mean shoe size?
No. Fast Fit product sizes are inch measurements. For best results, measure using our printable foot sizing jig. Be sure to measure each foot: both length and width.
Can I size Fast Fit products without a sizing jig?
Yes. Stand the child on a piece of paper (in weight bearing) and trace the feet. Then mail (don't scan or fax) that tracing, or measure the length of the traced foot (adding ¼ to ½ in. for growth) and order that size.
Do you make sizes bigger than 7.75 for JumpStart products?
Yes; JumpStart products are now available up to size 9.00.
Why do some products have Narrow and Medium widths and other products have Medium and Wide widths?
Some of these product families developed separately. We plan an eventual migration to just two widths. Typically, small children have wide feet, so the widest width is the usual choice.
What is the full (90-day)warranty?
Our prefabricated devices are guaranteed for fit, materials and workmanship for ninety (90) days beginning fourteen (14) days after the date of shipment. During that time, at our sole option, we will replace the brace or insert if a problem exists. The ninety (90) day warranty period is meant to allow ample time for fitting and troubleshooting. If the device is being delivered by a medical practitioner, we recommend scheduling the fitting appointment within the first two weeks after receipt of the device.
Abuse, undue rough wear, or loss voids the warranty. This includes not wearing shoes over braces, and/or destruction from outside sources such as heat, cold, impact or undue abrasion beyond normal wear and tear.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from State to State.
If a problem exists that requires Cascade to repair or replace the brace during the warranty period, please notify our Customer Service staff prior to taking any action. After gathering specific information on the problem(s) experienced, we will determine the most efficient course of action to remedy the problem, and direct you on any action you may need to take.
You can reach Customer Service by email at customerservice@dafo.com or by telephone at: 800-848-7332 (Intl: +00 1 360 543 9306).
Is it necessary to use the straps on JumpStarts?
The Cricket is designed to be used without straps. It remains in the shoe and the foot slides in. With snugly fitting lace-up shoes, the straps are not necessary on the Leap Frog if the child walks well without them. This opens the possibility of leaving the Leap Frog in the shoe and sliding the foot in.
However, when your child uses straps on the Leap Frog, Bunny and Kangaroo, arch support and control of alignment through compression of the foot are enhanced.
Make sure to tighten the JumpStart straps and the shoe around the foot as you would when preparing to ice skate or roller skate.
Should I remove the existing insoles in the shoe before using a JumpStart?
Yes. Sometimes they simply lift out. Or there may be glue holding them in place. A little help from the straight end of a screwdriver can separate the glue from the insole. In rare cases, the insole is well stitched into place and cannot be removed. When that happens, try loosening the laces and placing the JumpStart on top of the insole.
What do I do if my child is having problems with a Fast Fit product?
Why and how would I trim the height of the Kangaroo?
It's important that the posterior of the Kangaroo not come up as high as the child's knee crease. To find out how to trim the posterior, see adjusting JumpStarts for height.
My child is allergic to latex. Can she use these products?
Yes. All of our materials and processes for the Fast Fit line are latex-free.
The JumpStart fits well, but the toe shelf is too long. It sticks out way beyond the child’s toes. What can I do?
It’s normal to trim the toe shelf to fit. Have the child stand in weight bearing and look at the end of the toes. Put a finger down to add room for growth (1/4-in. to 1/2-in.). For more, see Donning a JumpStart.
Can I extend the toe shelf of a JumpStart?
If the toe shelf on a JumpStart you just received is too short, please send it back for a larger size.
If your child has had the JumpStart for a while and has had a growth spurt, and the toes now extend beyond the toe shelf, first consider buying a larger sized JumpStart. Though you can extend toe length, a longer foot usually means a larger foot. JumpStarts are carefully proportioned for the necessary volume and stability in each size, and if the foot is bigger, the contours and edges of the product may not line up as well as they should.
To extend the toe shelf, use duct tape. (It comes in all colors now, including white.) Sandwich the toe shelf between two layers of duct tape sticky side up and two layers of tape sticky side down. Then trim to the desired length. This might buy you enough time to keep your child in JumpStarts while you consider ordering the next size.
When should I use an instep pad in a JumpStart?
An instep pad is beneficial for high tone patients with strong plantarflexion tendencies.
When should I put a toe rise on a JumpStart?
When toe clenching is a problem, a toe rise may help a high tone foot to relax. It can add to full plantar surface contact when trying to increase proprioception. It can also extend the length of a brace, though duct tape also works well for this.
Should I use an anterior strap on the Kangaroo?
An anterior strap is not recommended on the Kangaroo when the patient is walking or running. The plastic is not strong enough to withstand active use under pressure from the strap and will likely crack at the ankle area.
Very small patients using the brace for limited or supported standing may find the strap helpful. When used as a night stretching or resting splint where the leg will not be actively pressing against it, the anterior strap can help to hold the foot, leg and ankle in place.
How should I clean the JumpStarts?
Use mild soap and water; air dry.
How long do JumpStarts last?
Usually about one year or until your child has outgrown them.
Can I donate old braces?
Yes. We collect "gently used" braces and ship them to quite a few locations in developing nations. If your braces have at least 6 months of good wear in them, send them to Donations, Cascade Dafo, 1360 Sunset Ave, Ferndale, WA 98248. If you have questions, email merryr@dafo.comor call Customer Service at 800-848-7332.
|