Has your stump decreased to half its size and is going further? Does your prosthetic leg become looser day by day? This may be due to the lack of proper bandaging – a common mistake amputees do.

In fact, various studies have shown that stumps can decrease in size by upto 30% in the first few months after surgery and your stump can undergo a great deal of changes either in the girth or the shape in general. 

This happens because your residual limb use has become far less than it used to be before surgery. In more technical terms, a reduction in stump size or shrinkage occurs due to postoperative muscle atrophy, that is your muscle becomes inactive and reduces in size overall.

One more prominent reason for stump size changes is post-operative oedema. It develops as a swelling that results from excess fluid in the stump’s soft tissues. 

Although, this decrease should stabilise almost entirely within 6-8 months after amputation, these size changes can act as a hurdle in terms of rehabilitation and prosthetic socket fitting.This will not only decrease your comfort while wearing a prosthetic but it may even result in the need of a new prosthetic in about 6 months. (i.e. worst case scenario)

Thus, it is significantly important for new amputees to control edema right after amputation and be prepared to get a prosthetic leg. Many amputees are suggested – compression socks, shrinkers, or bandaging for their stump. 

So what exactly you should do?  Don’t worry, we’re here to assist you throughout.

Go through our step by step instruction manual on how to bandage your below knee stump in 4 easy steps. Also, to aid your understanding we have some tips for bandaging that you must take a look upon.

It is really important to start early with bandaging as prescribed. 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!

Limb care and skin care are essential for an amputee’s health and mobility. Prosthetic sockets usually trap sweat and prevent air from circulating to your stump which can make bacterias find a hub to prosper. Here are some ways to maintain the betterment of the same from a new prosthetic user perspective :

• Wash your limb with mild soap and water every day.

• Check your limb for red pressure patches, skin breakdown, and marks every day.

• In case of reduced or no sensation in your stump (residual limb), do regular checks and avoid putting it in hot water or sun exposure as it will lead to burns and blisters.

• Don’t sleep with a pillow below your knee as this might lead to a contracture.

• As a new amputee, use a shrinker as prescribed. Try to take a bath at night as your leg might swell with hot water, making it difficult to put your prosthetic on.

• Don’t hang your leg down for longer hours, it might lead to swelling as well.

• It is important that you take an active role in your rehabilitation. 

• Stretching – Stretching of your limbs (both lower extremities) is extremely important to maintain mobility and health of your joints and muscles. It will also help in preventing any further injury.

• Strengthening – Maintaining muscular strength helps does not only to maintain the muscular form of the residual limb. Although, more importantly it provides ample strength to withstand the prosthetic wear and aid in daily activities. It also provides ease in walking and helps in achieving a normal gait.

Do these exercises – Below Knee Amputee / Above Knee Amputee

These are some of the essential tips that one should follow in order to maintain their stump as well as limb health.

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!

As a new amputee, we understand that there’s a lot going through your mind. As we’ve said all along, we’re here to help you and ease you through the process. Below are a few tips to guide you, these will not only help you to enhance the use of your prosthetic but also improve your general health.

• Trust your Prosthetists – The best way to take care of your stump and aid your rehabilitation is to follow your PO’s commands and recommendations. This will help you gain ample confidence to use your prosthetic device.

• Take utmost care of your stump (residual limb) – Always examine your stump on a regular basis, you can clean your stump with normal soap and water everyday to prevent any infection from budding.

• Clean your Prosthesis properly – Clean the insides of your liners regularly, and examine your socket and socks (if you wear any).

• Create achievable goals for your rehabilitation and follow them without procrastination – With the help of your Prosthetist (PO) make a set of goals that you need to achieve. It may be walking a certain distance everyday, exercising regularly, examining your gait with the help of friends/family/PO/yourself, and more such activities that fasten your rehabilitation process.

• Reach out to your prosthetist immediately if you face any issue – In case any issue arises in your device, immediately reach out to your Prosthetist (PO) to ensure safe usage of your device. Don’t work through the issue on your own without surety.

• Have a positive outlook in life – As a new amputee and the bundle of questions and doubts that surround you, it’s really important that you focus on your future goals. Things may seem bleak at first, but with a positive attitude and the right guidance you can achieve all your goals. We’re here to help you throughout.

• Exercise on a regular basis to maintain your stump and body health – There is no doubt in the fact that exercise is of utmost importance in the process of your rehabilitation. You need to follow your healthcare providers commands and work towards your health.

It is really important to create achievable goals for your rehabilitation. 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!