Starting a new journey and deciding whether you want to get a prosthetic/artificial leg or not. If yes, then what kind. How to decide amongst a great number of options that are in front of you. Every professional might have a different opinion, which might not guide you to the best fit.

To begin with the technicality of choosing the right leg, among various factors that determine the usage of a prosthetic leg, some are mentioned below:

1. Level of the amputation and its location – For eg: If your stump starts from your thigh then you’ll need an above knee artificial leg. In case your knee is secure in your stump, you’ll need a Below knee artificial leg.
2. The condition of the residual limb – The condition of your residual limb/stump refers to the stability in terms of size and swelling. If your stump volume is highly unstable you might have to wait and use techniques like bandaging to stabilize before getting a device.
3. Your activity level, mainly for a prosthetic leg or foot – Activity level highly matters as it determines the need for the kind of suspension system/socket you will require.
4. Your specific goals and needs – This includes your activity level, future rehabilitation plans, fitness level etc and will carry significance while deciding the right fit for you.

Now, what exactly is an Artificial leg?

A prosthetic or artificial limb, is basically an external device that replaces a missing body part in our body, in this case a missing leg.

This leg can have a varied number of designs and usage, when it comes to lower limb prosthetics there is a similarity in the basic structure of a prosthetic. The common parts are –

• Socket – The initial contact between the prosthetic and stump, often lined with a liner (foam / silicone / cotton liner)
• The Pylon –  internal frame or skeleton of the prosthetic limb
• The Foot – can be of different types depending upon movement / flexibility
• A covering for cosmetic appearance
• Different types of socks – to improve comfort within the socket 

Here, Socket is the most powerful part of the prosthetic. It is the primary contact between the prosthetic and residual limb i.e the stump along with a sleeve liner or sock in most cases. The significance of a socket lies in its fit, the better the fit – the better is the distribution of your body weight allowing the proper ease in your movements.

As a new artificial leg user, here are some tips you must cater to :

• Find the best Prosthetist and trust them – (The best way to take care of your stump and aid your rehabilitation is to follow your PO’s commands and recommendations)
• Take utmost care of your stump (residual limb)
• Clean your Prosthesis properly 
• Create achievable goals for your rehabilitation and follow them without procrastination
• Reach out to your prosthetist immediately if your face any issue 
• Have a positive outlook in life
• Exercise on a regular basis to maintain your stump and body health

To view these in detail – tap here!

As an amputee you must have access to all the answers you need or might need in the future, here is a one stop guide for every amputee. 

If you’re looking for a new artificial leg, interested in free test fitting, confused if your socket is the right fit, finding the best Prosthetist, or any other queries – This is the time to reach out to us and try a test socket free of cost. Step it up with Instalimb – Contact us today!

Every device needs maintenance and a regular check. Similarly, your Artificial leg is a mechanical device in its core, and to ensure proper functioning a routine care is essential. Today, we’ll be sharing a few tips with you that will help you to elongate your prosthetic’s life. 

Mentioned below are the tips to help you achieve that : 

1. Do not attempt adjusting your prosthetic by yourself – Ask for support as self adjustment might lead to worsening in the alignment and comfort.

2. Add a reminder for daily cleaning – The parts of your liner that come in contact with your skin can be wiped with normal soap/water to ensure cleanliness and prevent bacteria from proliferating.

3. Don’t submerge your Artificial leg under water unless advised i.e don’t swim without consulting your Prosthetist.

4. Don’t lift anything beyond the weight limit given by your Prosthetist.

5. Examine the parts daily to ensure proper functioning of your device.

6. Contact your Prosthetist (PO) – if you face any difficulty either mild or major.

Wondering where to find a good PO? – Call us! Our experienced and certified Prosthetists are waiting for you.

In addition to maintaining your device, you need to take ample care of your stump as well. Reach out to your POs or rehabilitation professionals to keep your exercises at par with your fitness goals. To begin with for below knee amputees and for above knee amputees – refer to these. 

For nutritional guidance – refer to our “Top 10 ways to lead a healthy lifestyle as an amputee”

For further queries you can reach out to us and we’ll be there to guide you through-out. It’s time to Step it up with Instalimb – Contact us today!

We know how confusing it gets as an amputee to find the huge pile of information you need, whether it is about your health, stump care, exercises, nutrition, motivation, and so on. Not to worry, because we at team Instalimb understand your plight. Here’s a quick guide to address you issues in one go : 

1. Starting a new phase of your life can be scary, but we’re here to guide you through every step – If you’re a new amputee, click here!

2. Just had an amputation and was wondering how to actually take care of your amputated limb? – A must read guide to understanding limb and stump care

3. As an amputee we go through a multitude of changes, it’s up to us in the end on what things to keep constant and on what aspects to live life, then on – Here’s something you should know about Disability – It’s just a state of mind!  (Create a healthy environment for yourself)

4. Googling the easiest way to keep your stump healthy?  – Look no further : 
   • Simple exercises for Above Knee Amputees
   • Simple exercises for Below Knee Amputees

5. It’s pretty common to get all confused on how to actually consume proper nutrition after amputation – So, here are top 10 ways to lead a healthy lifestyle after amputation!

6. Are you a new Artificial leg user? – Don’t skip these tips!

7. Is your socket feeling tight one day and loose the other? – It might be a sign of stump volume fluctuation. Take a look here to avoid the mistake you might make!

8. Despite taking the right care of your stump, are you still not comfortable with your socket? There might be signs of skin redness, scabs, instability, back pain – Analyse your socket by answering these questions and seeing the signs that your socket isn’t the right one!

9. Being an Amputee and Prosthetic user you need to be on guard and do regular checks to prevent any mishap that might occur, don’t ignore the warning signs. – Here is a quick guide for when to seek emergency medical attention and when to contact your PO.

10. Do you know about the only clinic that provides Free Test Socket Fitting? – So, don’t miss out on a golden opportunity to get the best device for your stump. Read more about them here!

If you’re looking for a new device, interested in free test fitting, confused if your socket is the right fit, or any other queries accordingly. – This is the time to reach out to us and try a test socket free of cost. Step it up with Instalimb – Contact us today!