Frequently Asked Questions

We're sure you have a lot of questions. You’ve just had a traumatic situation occur in your life. It doesn’t matter whether you lost your limb to a disease such as diabetes or to an accident; you still have questions about how prosthetic limbs work, what they look like, what are they made of. You wonder how long it will take you to get used to it, will it hurt and on and on.

Will I Walk Again?

 

Yes!!!  That’s why we’re here.  Come in and talk to us.  We’ll talk about  your particular case and show you what can be done for you.  Take the first step to recovery.  Most amputees look back and realize that it is not as bad as they first anticipated – they can get back to a full and satisfying life.

A prosthesis is a custom made mechanical replacement for a lost limb also known as an artificial limb.   Of course, it will not replace your lost limb, but it will restore lost function and  cosmetic appearance.  Most amputees are satisfied with the look of a finished prosthesis.  Your prosthetist will fit your life style and physical ability to a prosthesis made of the materials and components that will best suit your needs and help you to learn to use your prosthesis in a very natural way.  Keep in mind that, with a pant leg covering the prosthesis, the only indication that a prosthesis is being worn is how you use it.

The first step for a new amputee is the wearing of a shrinker sock.  It is worn to compress the soft tissues of the residual limb to prevent swelling (edema) and to promote healing.    When the incision is healed a plaster cast will be made over your residual limb and promptly removed.  This gives us an exact duplicate of your limb over which we can build your first custom made prosthesis.    It will serve you for a good many months until your residual limb has matured or atrophied to a point that  a replacement socket is necessary to put your body in total contact.

It will require regular maintenance and we will be here to provide it to ensure your comfort and to facilitate the highest activity level we can provide and you can handle.

The relationship between an amputee and his prosthetist is a very close one and usually long lasting.  Each patient requires a unique combination of  component choice, fitting and functional requirements.  We have over  60 years of combined experience in working with amputees from all walks of life and look forward to talking with you and evaluating your particular needs

prosthesis, we can make the modifications and adjustments that are required in the proper fit of every prosthesis.  The modifications and adjustments are taken care of in house in our modern facility.

Below Knee Sock Ply and Fitting Instructions

Below knee socks or stump socks should always be clean and dry to prevent blisters and fungal or bacterial infections. Amputees should have a sufficient supply of socks so that there are always several clean, dry socks available for changing.

Put stump socks on one at a time. Put them on slowly and carefully being sure to eliminate wrinkles which can cause the formation of blisters.

Change your stump socks at least once daily. Always carry an extra should you need to adjust your fit whenever you are away fro home.

If you wear a soft liner, slide it on over your socks and then apply the socket.

Check sock fit every time you put on your prosthesis. Your limb may have changed due to diet, the time of day, or position of your residual prior to putting the prosthesis on again.

You should feel firm pressure all over.

If you feel excessive pressure on the bottom or the bottom edge of your knee cap, it may also feel loose or if the prosthesis feels short, adjust sock fit by adding a sock. Start by adding a 1 ply sock and continue to add as needed.

If you feel excessive pressure along the shaft of the shin bone or if the prosthesis feels too tight or feels too long, adjust fit by removing a sock, 1 ply at a time, until it feels comfortable.

For our Above Knee patients, the same rules apply with the exception that you may feel excessive pressure on the bottom of your limb or in the groin area. It may feel loose or too short. Adjust sock fit by adding a sock. If our AK patients feel that the prosthesis is too tight or feels too long then adjust sock fit by removing a sock – one ply at a time until comfortable.

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