Prosthetic devices have helped people who have lost a limb.You can get your life back on track with the help of these artificial limbs.You will need to care for, wear and clean your prosthesis in order to get the most from it.Your prosthetist will give you guidance on caring for your implant.Proper maintenance of your Prosthetics can keep you comfortable and in great shape.
Step 1: If you have any issues, report them to the prosthetist.
If you encounter a problem that you don't know how to fix or are unsure of what to do, contact your prosthetist.If you don't know what you're doing, you can cause your prosthesis to break, wear out faster or even cause you personal injury.Ask your prosthetist for help when you need it.
Step 2: If there are loose screws, bolts or other mechanical parts, you need to check them out.
Some parts of your implant may come loose over time.Because of this, you will want to check for any parts that may need to be tightened, adjusted or replaced.Ensuring a comfortable fit, continued function and long-term durability are all things that can be achieved by keeping parts in their proper position.Before you go to bed, make sure to look for loose parts or damage.You will need the help of your prosthetist to make adjustments.If you don't know how to make a small adjustment at home, ask your prosthetist for help.
Step 3: There are unusual noises coming from your prosthesis.
An unusual noise may be made by your prosthesis if it isn't functioning correctly.Any noise that is out of the ordinary should be discussed with your prosthetist.Any noises that are not normal should be investigated.There are new clicks or sounds that might indicate a problem.
Step 4: You should keep an eye out for any cracks or breaks on your implants.
You will suffer from daily wear and tear over time.You'll want to check for any signs of cracking or breaking on a regular basis.Let your prosthetist know if you notice cracks or if your implant is in danger of falling apart.A small crack should be addressed by a prosthetist.Before you wear it for the day, make sure it is free of cracks or tears.Before you leave, make sure your prosthesis is in good shape.
Step 5: The gel liner should be cleaned.
Your limb will be in constant contact with the inside of the gel liner.To prevent health issues and make your liner last longer, you'll want to make sure your gel liner is kept clean.You should clean your liner every day.Cleaning the liner is simple and can be done by following the steps.If necessary, clean the outside of the liner.The liner should be turned inside out.Use warm water and anti-bacterial soap to wash the gel section of the liner.Remove the soap from the liner and dry it with a clean cloth.Store the liner on the right side.
Step 6: Your socks and sheaths should be clean daily.
If you wear a sheath for more than a day, it can cause the sheath to quickly wear out and pose a health risk.It's important that you wash your socks daily and always wear a fresh one.Most manufacturers will give you their own instructions on how to properly clean and care for your sheath or sock.If your socks become soaked with perspiration, you should change them as soon as possible.It is possible to keep a sock clean and restore it to its intended shape by washing it.
Step 7: It's a good idea to keep the prosthesis clean.
Although your skin won't come into direct contact with the sockets, you still need to keep it clean.Cleaning the sockets can help reduce unnecessary wear on your artificial limb.At least once a week you should clean the inside of the sockets with soap and water.It's a good idea to lightly spray the sockets with an alcohol-based cleaner.The sockets should be wiped dry.Make sure the locking or pin mechanisms are free of obstructions.
Step 8: It is a good idea to be careful when cleaning your prostheses.
Some parts of your implant may be damaged or ruined during a cleaning.Water or corrosive cleaning agents can cause damage to electrical components.Talk to your prosthetist about how to clean your unique prosthesis.Long-term exposure to salt water can cause problems.If your model has that feature, make sure there is no dirt stuck in the pin lock system.It's a good idea to remove and clean the inside of a foot shell.If you have electronic components, don't get it wet.
Step 9: It's important to make sure your implants fit correctly.
Prosthetic limbs need to be fitted in order to function.A proper fit is likely to require daily adjustments.If you want your limb to stay comfortable and not damage it, make sure it fits properly.Your prosthetist will help you fit your unique prosthesis.Simple adjustments will be made by adding more layers of padding.Unless your prosthetist shows you how to do it, don't make any changes to the prosthesis.
Step 10: You should be prepared to fit your prosthesis each day.
It is likely that the fit will change over the course of the day, even though you may have properly attached your prosthesis in the morning.An uncomfortable fit may be caused by your limb having slightly changed shape.You should be prepared to make small adjustments during the day to keep you comfortable.Humidity can cause your limb to swell.When you're not wearing the prosthesis, place a bandage on the stump to decrease swelling.Cold temperatures can cause your limb to shrink.
Step 11: Extra supplies are useful.
Extra supplies are a good idea because you never know when you'll need to make an adjustment to your limb.You can use these supplies whenever you need to.If you want to learn more about what your kit might look like, take a look at these items.
Step 12: It's a good idea to keep your implants dry.
It's important to keep your prosthesis dry during the day.Keeping your limb dry will help keep it safe from infections and will also help protect it from additional wear.Whenever you wear your prosthesis, keep it as dry as possible.Before you wear it again, take it off and dry it completely.It can build up in hot temperatures.If you notice any perspiration, you'll want to clean and dry your prosthesis.
Step 13: Don't forget to wash your limb.
Your skin is at risk due to the fact that your limb will be kept inside during the day.To prevent a skin condition from developing, you will need to take extra care to properly and completely clean your limb.Make sure your limb is kept clean and dry both before and after you use it.If you have a small rash or irritation, it could turn into an ulcer or cut, preventing you from using your prosthesis until it heals.You should check your limb daily for blisters, sores or other signs of irritation.You might need a mirror or someone to help you do a thorough check.Put a small amount of lotion on the limb and massage it gently into the skin before bed.It is important to keep your limb clean and dry.
Step 14: Bathe at night instead of in the morning.
Some swelling may occur because of hot water or the position you place your limb in.The fit of your prosthesis can be affected by this swelling.It's a good idea to bathe in the evening when you're ready to go to sleep.It is possible that bathing in the morning will make it difficult to put on your prosthesis.Bathing can cause a new amputee's limb to swell and change their fit.
Step 15: Check your skin for signs of irritation or infections.
Keeping a close eye on the health of your limb is very important.Contact your prosthetist or physician if you notice any changes to your limb.If you notice any of the following symptoms, keep an eye out for them to help keep your limb healthy.