Prosthetic Limb Research Paper
How to Care for Prosthetic Limbs
By an eHow Contributor
I want to do this! What 's This?
If you 're an amputee, you may have chosen to be fitted for a prosthetic limb. You must care for it properly, or you can develop problems with your residual limb, which may mean months of trying to get along without your prosthetic.
[pic]Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
1. 1 Check your prosthetic daily for tears, cracks or other signs of wear. If you find any, have your prosthetic repaired by your prosthetist before the damage gets worse and you can 't use it.
2. 2 Lubricate your joint. If the joint seems too loose, have it adjusted or repaired by your prosthetist.
3. 3 Keep the prosthetic clean, paying special attention to the inside of the socket. Use mild soap …show more content…
• For the first several weeks, use an assistive device like a cane or crutch to gradually increase the amount of weight you are placing on your prosthesis. • Even when you are not wearing your prosthesis, work at being active and building up your stamina.
Day-to-Day Concerns
Your residual limb
As the connecting point for your prosthesis, your residual limb is very important. Examine it closely each day, and if you have persistent redness or pain, call your practitioner. Simple adjustments to the prosthesis can often correct these issues.
Swelling and volume fluctuation
It is not unusual for the size of your residual limb to fluctuate, especially in the early stages. A shrinker sock is useful to reduce swelling and should be worn when you are not wearing your prosthesis. If the size of your limb reduces, it is often necessary to adjust the fit of the prosthesis. The most common technique involves adding or subtracting the number of prosthetic socks. If your prosthesis doesn’t utilize socks, set up an appointment for an adjustment.
Heel
By an eHow Contributor
I want to do this! What 's This?
If you 're an amputee, you may have chosen to be fitted for a prosthetic limb. You must care for it properly, or you can develop problems with your residual limb, which may mean months of trying to get along without your prosthetic.
[pic]Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
1. 1 Check your prosthetic daily for tears, cracks or other signs of wear. If you find any, have your prosthetic repaired by your prosthetist before the damage gets worse and you can 't use it.
2. 2 Lubricate your joint. If the joint seems too loose, have it adjusted or repaired by your prosthetist.
3. 3 Keep the prosthetic clean, paying special attention to the inside of the socket. Use mild soap …show more content…
• For the first several weeks, use an assistive device like a cane or crutch to gradually increase the amount of weight you are placing on your prosthesis. • Even when you are not wearing your prosthesis, work at being active and building up your stamina.
Day-to-Day Concerns
Your residual limb
As the connecting point for your prosthesis, your residual limb is very important. Examine it closely each day, and if you have persistent redness or pain, call your practitioner. Simple adjustments to the prosthesis can often correct these issues.
Swelling and volume fluctuation
It is not unusual for the size of your residual limb to fluctuate, especially in the early stages. A shrinker sock is useful to reduce swelling and should be worn when you are not wearing your prosthesis. If the size of your limb reduces, it is often necessary to adjust the fit of the prosthesis. The most common technique involves adding or subtracting the number of prosthetic socks. If your prosthesis doesn’t utilize socks, set up an appointment for an adjustment.
Heel