Caring for Your Prosthesis: Tips for Improving Comfort and Durability
Essential Guide to Caring for Your Prosthesis: Tips for Long-Term Comfort and Durability
Caring for your prosthesis is important for ensuring its comfort, functionality and longevity. Maintaining your prosthesis well is key to improving your daily life and maximizing the benefits that your prosthesis offers. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the best practices for prosthetic care, how to keep it in top condition and how to avoid common mistakes that can lead to discomfort or malfunction.
Why Caring for your Prosthesis is Important
Whether you're using a lower limb prosthesis or an upper limb prosthesis, taking the time to maintain it will help you stay mobile, active and independent. This guide will help you understand how to care for your prosthesis effectively, so you can continue to enjoy the lifestyle you deserve.
When you get your prosthesis, it becomes an extension of yourself, giving you the ability to walk, run, and engage in everyday activities. However, like any piece of specialized equipment, prostheses need regular care to function properly. Proper maintenance can help prevent common issues such as skin irritation, discomfort, and mechanical failure.
In addition to the functional benefits, proper care of your prosthesis is essential for your health. Without the right attention, issues such as pressure sores, infections, and alignment problems can arise. This affects not just your prosthesis but your overall well-being.
Understanding Your Prosthetic Limb
Before diving into care tips, it’s important to understand the various components of your prosthesis. Each prosthesis is made up of different parts that serve specific functions. These include:
Socket: The part that fits onto your residual limb. The socket is often regarded as the most important part of your prosthesis. It is the connection between you and your prosthesis. It must be custom-fitted to ensure comfort, proper alignment and good control. This is why Prosthetists take the time and effort to fabricate a socket that is just right for you.
Pylon: This is usually a tube that generally connects the socket to the prosthetic foot or hand. In transfemoral or transhumeral levels, it is used to connect the prosthetic knee or elbow joint to the prosthetic foot or hand respectively. Tubes are often made of aluminum; some are made of carbon or glass composite materials for strength and weight reduction. Adjusting the pylon’s length determines the length of your prosthesis.
Prosthetic Foot: This is a component that replaces your natural foot. It usually has an appearance of a natural foot. The internal structure of modern prosthetic feet are made of composite materials such as carbon fibre as they are lightweight, extremely strong with excellent energy storage capabilities. They offer a more natural walking motion by efficiently storing and releasing energy during the push-off phase of the gait cycle, essentially mimicking the function of a natural foot muscle with its high strength-to-weight ratio.
Prosthetic Hand: This is a component that replaces your natural hand. They allow you to perform various upper limb tasks. There are many different types of prosthetic hands; from simple, natural looking hands to electrically powered, multi-grasp devices. The type of prosthetic hand you need depends on your needs and lifestyle. Your prosthetist will advise you on a suitable hand and guide you on its use.
Suspension System: A prosthetic suspension system is the mechanism that securely attaches the prosthesis to your residual limb. It holds the prosthetic socket firmly onto your residual limb, preventing slippage or movement within the socket. A well fitted suspension system provides optimal comfort, control, and proprioception when using a prosthesis.
Cosmesis : A prosthetic cosmesis refers to the covering installed on the exterior of a prosthesis. It is designed to make it look as life like as possible by mimicking the appearance of natural limb. Highly detailed cosmesis include details like freckles, veins, and skin tone, essentially creating a more aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking prosthesis for the user. It primarily focuses on the visual aspect rather than functional capabilities. Some silicone or PVC cosmetic covers provide water resistance to the internal structure of the prosthesis.
Each component requires different care to ensure the prosthesis remains functional and comfortable. Regular inspections and cleaning of these parts are crucial for long-term comfort and performance.
Tips to Caring for Your Prosthesis
Regular Cleaning and Inspection is Crucial
Caring for your prosthesis is a habit that can significantly prolong its lifespan. Here are some tips for cleaning and inspecting your prosthesis:
Socket: Use a damp towel with a little mild soap to wipe the inside of the socket. Make sure to dry it thoroughly with a clean towel to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause skin irritation or mold. Non-alcohol disinfectant wipes may be used. Allow the socket to dry before putting it on again.
It is normal for your prosthetic limb to wear over time. Regularly check for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks or deformities in the socket. Early detection can prevent more significant damage and prevent costly repairs down the line. Always address any signs of damage promptly by informing your prosthetist.
Prosthetic Foot: The foot or base of your prosthesis is constantly in contact with the ground. For maximum durability clean the foot regularly to remove dirt and debris that can cause damage. If using footwear, first remove them and clean the exterior of the prosthetic foot with a damp towel. Do not use any kind of solvents or strong detergents as they may damage the material.
This is also a good time to inspect the condition of the foot. Inspect for tears or damage to the exterior. If you notice damage or discolouration, consult your prosthetist for repairs or replacement. If your prosthetic foot utilises a foot shell, do not remove it to clean inside the foot. This should only be done by your prosthetist.
Prosthetic Hand: Wipe down the external parts with a dry cloth. If your prosthesis has a cosmetic glove, wipe the exterior with a damp cloth and a little mild soap, if necessary. Do not use any kind of solvents or strong detergents. Your prosthetist may supply you with a cleaner made for cosmetic gloves. Do not remove the glove to clean inside the hand. This should only be done by your prosthetist.
If your prosthetic hand does not include a glove, regularly inspect the fingers, joints and ensure they function properly. Over time, mechanical parts can wear down, leading to decreased grip strength or slow movement.
For those with myoelectric prostheses, keeping the electronic components free from moisture and dust is essential. Clean the electrodes with a dry cloth and check the battery regularly to ensure optimal performance.
Pylon and adapters: These parts are usually durable components, but it’s important to check for any signs of wear or corrosion, especially if you live in a humid environment or regularly exposed to sea water. If you do not use a cosmetic cover, you can clean the pylon and adapters with a dry cloth. If your prosthesis is made to be water resistant, rinse dirt off with fresh water and dry of all parts well before use.
Suspension System: The suspension system is vital for securing your prosthetic limb to your body. If the suspension is loose, it can lead to discomfort, instability, and increased friction on your residual limb. If your prosthesis uses a liner, sleeve or straps, be sure to clean them regularly to avoid dirt buildup. Liners provide a protective layer between your skin and the socket, helping reduce friction and pressure points. This also means they are in direct contact with your sweat. For Liners and Sleeves, wash the outside with water and mild, fragrance-free soap. Rinse thoroughly with water, turn them inside out and repeat. Air dry them on a stand or lay them flat on a towel. Make sure the inside is completely dry before using again. Moisture between liner and your skin causes chaffing which can cause skin injury. Suspension systems often require adjustments as you experience changes in body weight, skin condition, or lifestyle. It's essential to adjust the fit regularly to ensure that your prosthesis remains secure and comfortable.
Inspect your liner and sleeve regularly. If you see any tears, pitting or unusual wear, inform your prosthetist as soon as possible.
Knee or Hip: If your prosthesis includes a knee or hip unit, ensure that it functions smoothly. These joints should be checked for proper alignment and any unusual sounds or movements. If your prosthetic knee or hip feels loose, starts making unusual noise or doesn’t move as it should, contact your prosthetist immediately.
Cosmesis: There are various types of cosmesis. Some utilise polyurethane foam covered by a removable stocking. Simply remove the stocking and handwash with mild detergent. Ensure they are dry before donning them back on the prosthesis. PVC covers can be wiped down with a damp cloth. High-definition silicone covers may require special cleaning techniques. Consult your prosthetist for specialised care
Alignment: Proper alignment of your prosthesis is crucial for ensuring that it functions efficiently. Misalignment can lead to discomfort, increased wear, or even joint strain. The way you walk or use your prosthesis may also change with time. If you notice any discomfort or changes in the way your prosthesis fits or moves, inform your prosthetist and have your prosthesis assessed.
Residual Limb: Cleaning your residual limb is crucial to prevent skin infections, irritation, and breakdown because the skin in contact with a prosthetic socket, sock or liner can trap sweat and debris, creating a warm, moist environment ideal for bacteria growth; regular cleaning helps maintain healthy skin and ensures proper fit and function of your prosthesis. Check the skin of your residual limb frequently to ensure there is no pressure sores or skin breakdown. If you experience redness, blisters, or swelling, it could indicate that your socket is not fitting properly. Don't ignore these signs, as untreated skin issues can lead to more severe problems such as ulcers or infection.
When to Visit Your Prosthetist
No matter how carefully you care for your prosthesis, there may come a time when adjustments or repairs are needed. Here are some signs that it’s time to schedule a visit to your prosthetist:
Discomfort or pain: If your prosthesis is causing consistent pain, it could indicate that the fit or alignment needs adjustment.
Visible damage: Cracks or broken parts should be addressed as soon as possible.
Difficulty with movement: If your prosthesis no longer moves as it once did or feels unstable, it may need realignment or parts replaced.
Skin irritation or breakdown: Any redness, swelling, or sores on your residual limb should be checked immediately to avoid serious complications.
Conclusion
Caring for your prosthesis is an essential part of ensuring that you remain comfortable, mobile, and independent. By following a regular maintenance routine, inspecting your prosthesis for damage, and seeking professional help when needed, you can extend the lifespan of your device and improve your quality of life.
Remember, your prosthetist is your partner in this journey. They can provide you with specific guidance on how to care for your prosthesis based on your unique needs and lifestyle. By taking proactive steps to care for your prosthesis, you are investing in your own well-being and ensuring that you can continue to live life to the fullest.
Contact Us
If you're experiencing any issues with your prosthesis or need professional advice, don't hesitate to contact us. Our experts are here to assist you with personalised care and solutions to ensure that your prosthesis continues to meet your needs. We offer regular check-ups, repairs, and adjustments to keep you moving forward.