Keep Your Prosthesis in Good Shape
Wearing the Proper Shoes Your prosthesis is specifically designed for your lifestyle, including its design to be worn with certain shoes and a specific heel height. Using a different shoe with a different heel height can cause a number of comfort and safety issues. Please contact us before using a different shoe with another heel height. Sweating Your residual limb is subject to perspiration when it is in the socket of your prosthesis. This can cause odor and skin irritation. To prevent this, keep a supply of prosthetic socks on hand to change more than once a day to get rid of excess perspiration. Call us today to discover how we can help you use your prosthesis to the maximum and maintain it’s longevity.
Your prosthesis takes a lot of daily wear and tear. With good care, it will last you a long time and with periodic visits to us, we can help maintain the longevity of it, until a new one is required. Here are some tips to help you maintain your prosthesis in tip top shape: Daily Cleansing Always keep your residual limb cleansed daily, especially after wearing your prosthesis. Using a mild antibacterial soap and warm water, gently wash your limb, rinse it and dry with a clean towel. Do not soak your limb, shave it or apply creams as it is important to keep the integrity of your skin and the prosthesis. Examining your limb You should examine the surface of your residual limb for red or tender areas, abrasions or blisters every day. This is especially important if you have diabetes or vascular disease. If you see any signs of skin irritation, be sure to contact us for a consultation and possible adjustment right away. Caring for your socket Your socket is as much a part of you as is your residual limb. It needs to be cleaned daily with antibacterial soap and water or rubbing alcohol. It is recommended to do this at the end of the day, allowing the socket to dry overnight. Swelling fluctuations It is normal for your limb to change shape during the course of the day as you use your prosthesis. Therefore it is important that you add or subtract prosthetic socks to account for the change in volume. Usually your limb starts out the largest in the morning and as the day goes on you will need to add a small number of sock ply to maintain a proper fit in the socket.
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