Regular upkeep is absolutely necessary for maintaining an excellent quality of life with your device. There are several steps you can take to make sure your device is well cared for and continues to function as effectively as possible. • Remove all orthotics from your shoes at the end of each day to make sure they completely dry out. • Keep the area of your skin that attaches to a prosthetic as dry and infection-free as possible. • Keep liners and prosthetics germ-free with a mild antibacterial soap. • If at all possible, never wear a prosthetic or orthotic that is damaged or broken in any way. Schedule Regular Check-ups It’s important to visit your doctor or therapist on a regular basis to make sure your orthotic or prosthetic is working well. There may be signs that your device isn’t working as well as it should that a professional can spot that you’re not aware of. It may be beneficial to see other medical professionals besides those who specialize in prosthetics or orthotics. If you have recently had a limb amputated or have just started using a device, seeing a counselor who can help you cope psychologically can also be part of the process of reaching and maintaining a high quality of life. It’s also recommended to find an orthotic and prosthetic service that provides an on-site laboratory. This means there will likely be quick turn-around times and high quality services. Receiving the best possible fit, taking care of your device, and getting regular check-ups are all part of maintaining the highest quality of life. Ongoing therapy can also help you achieve the most successful outcome possible when using your orthotic or prosthetic device. KEEP YOUR DEVICE CLEANED AND CARED FOR
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