Let’s take a quick stroll through – how to identify that your socket isn’t ideal. It is extremely important to re-evaluate your socket priorities time and again to prevent any issue from arising. We completely understand how defining the not so ideal consequences of using your device becomes difficult without any set parameters.

We’re here to help, here are 6 signs that you can refer to assess how you’re feeling with your current device. Take a look below :

• Pain and Discomfort – Pain and discomfort can arise due to various reasons that are all connected to the socket fitting. Sometimes, you might feel your stump move or slide inside the socket which is a sign that your socket does not fit and further causes problems. Other times, the ill fitted socket might hinder your gait along with an accompanying pain with each step.

• Ability to pinpoint the bone supporting your weight – With a good fitted socket, you cannot differentiate the body part that is supporting your weight.

• Skin damage –  Research shows that around 74% amputees have skin issues associated with prosthetic wear. They can be minor at times but may progress further as well. It includes blemish, redness, scab, and pigmentation.

• Balance issues – Balance is not solely affected by alignment, but significantly due to the fitting as well. If your socket is malaligned or loose it will result in instability, further leading to poor balance and a fear of falling.

• Wearing multiple socks to make your device stay in place is a clear sign that your socket needs adjusting!

• Back Pain – If your socket is loose/ill-fitted, it could lead to an improper gait and eventually cause structural and muscular changes. This in most cases causes muscular pain, especially back pain.

These signs not only affect the confidence of an amputee while using a prosthetic but also makes the rehabilitation process much more complicated.

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!

We understand that as new amputees a great deal of time is spent thinking about all the things that can go wrong, without actualizing the precautions one is ought to take. There’s no denying that limb and skin care for an amputee is of utmost importance while using a prosthetic. It can help you prevent problems and issues that may arise due to negligence.

Using a prosthetic requires a thorough process of rehabilitation, and to optimize the same there are a few steps one must follow. Some tips for a new prosthetic users are mentioned below :

• Wash your limb with mild soap and water every day to keep your stump clean and healthy. A gentle wash will reduce the chances of infection.
• Make sure to check your limb for red pressure patches, skin breakdown, marks, blisters, sore spots, or any abnormal occurrence.
• In case of reduced or no sensation in your stump, do regular checks and avoid putting it in hot water or extended sun exposure as it may lead to burns and blisters.
• Don’t sleep with a pillow below your knee as this might lead to a contracture (Joint stiffness). This affects the process of rehabilitation and optimum prosthetic use.
• As a new amputee, use a shrinker as prescribed. To aid that you can also try to take a bath at night as your leg might swell with hot water, making it difficult to put on your prosthetic.
• Don’t hang your leg down for longer hours, it might lead to swelling as well.
• You can also place a bandage on your stump to reduce swelling when you’re not using your device.
• Do stretching exercises regularly. Stretching of your limbs (both lower extremities) is extremely important to maintain mobility and health of your joints and muscles.
• Remove your device before sleeping. Also, examine your device for loose parts and contact your Prosthetist in case of any damage.
• Always wear clean and dry socks with your device, it will further aid in preventing your stump from any kind of bacterial infection.

These tips that can help you to maintain your limb and stump health. To begin your healthy journey as an amputee, it is important to take maximal care of your amputation site, device as well as your health in general.

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!