Silicone Interdigital Wedge
When should it be used?
If you have a patient whose toes are rubbing together, then consider using a silicone interdigital wedge.
1 Mixing the Silicone
Start by taking your silicone and mix in your catalyst by rubbing it into a ball between your hands.
![siliconinterdigital1](https://www.osgolearning.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/siliconinterdigital1.png)
2 Fitting the Wedge
Place the wedge in between the two toes that need separating (if the patient were to have a corn for instance).
- Make the device before you remove the corn as it will make an indentation in the device, which will result in better pressure relief.
![siliconinterdigital2](https://www.osgolearning.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/siliconinterdigital2.png)
3 Moulding the Silicone
Squeeze the top and bottom of the wedge, as it’s between the toes, to ensure that it is being spread along the length of the toe.
![siliconinterdigital3](https://www.osgolearning.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/siliconinterdigital3.png)
4 Make a mark
Make a small mark on the top of the wedge, so that the patient knows which way round it goes when they go to take it on and off.
- If the patient has two devices. then make two marks in the first and one mark in the second.
![siliconinterdigital4](https://www.osgolearning.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/siliconinterdigital4.png)
5 Leave to set
Leave the device to set.
- Adjustments can be made to the device once it has hardened, such as using a drill to create a bigger cavity or shortening its length.
- To prevent the device from deforming, make sure that it has set completely before removing it from the foot.
![siliconinterdigital5](https://www.osgolearning.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/siliconinterdigital5.png)