Furthermore, cold weather can sometimes directly affect prosthetic devices, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Your components might shift around, knocking alignment out of place. These small changes affect how your device interacts with your body, making even basic movement more difficult. Signs It’s Time to Visit Howard Orthotics and Prosthetics • Slipping or reduced confidence on snow or ice • Unusual discomfort
• Skin irritation or redness • Uneven wear on the device • Reduced range of motion • A feeling of instability during longer walks • Difficulty shoveling or performing winter chores How Orthotic and Prosthetic Adjustments Can Improve Winter Safety Simple Adjustments
Our certified prosthetists and orthotists can review how your device is responding to added seasonal stress and perform any adjustments as needed, such as updating the alignment or fine-tuning the fit. These changes offer: • Better traction and stability • More even pressure across joints
• Safer stepping on snowy or uneven ground • Reduced strain on the back, hips, and knees • More efficient movement during long days of winter activity Brand New Parts
If you’re really struggling, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need an entirely new device. Even just updating older parts can make a big difference. For example, you might benefit from: • Improved foot designs for firmer grip • Shock-absorbing components for uneven winter terrain • New padding materials for better comfort in cold temperatures Skin Protection Another winter risk is that the cold air dries out your skin, increasing the likelihood of irritation inside a socket or brace. If you’ve been dealing with more redness or irritation, we can offer effective solutions, including: • Moisture-balancing liners
• Updated cushioning • Improved device fit • Cold-weather skin care routines
Made with FlippingBook Converter PDF to HTML5