How To Take Care Of Your Prosthetic Limbs And Yourself

Artificial limbs Port St. Lucie

Many amputees find some semblance of normalcy with the help of artificial limbs in Port St. Lucie. They should ideally last for years but improper care can damage them causing more discomfort to the wearer. It’s important to keep the artificial limbs dry and store them properly to prevent damaging them. You also need to take proper care of your hygiene to prevent infection and discomfort. While you should always consult a prosthetist to make adjustments to your limbs, you can make minor adjustments with proper guidance.

Caring For Artificial Limbs

Clean Prosthetic Limbs

Your prostheses collect dust, germs, etc. throughout the day. Clean them daily with soap and water. Pay special attention to sockets, liners and other parts that come in contact with your skin. Be careful when cleaning limbs with electronic parts.

Dry Limbs

Moisture can damage the metallic parts of prosthetic limbs in Port St. Lucie by allowing rust or mold to grow. You can prevent this by drying your prosthesis after cleaning them. You should avoid bathing or swimming with them on. You can also use baking soda on your stump to prevent sweat from damaging the limbs.

Store Prosthesis Carefully

You should store your prostheses properly when you aren’t using them. Place them against the wall or flat on a horizontal surface such that people can see them and avoid knocking them off. Keep it away from sunlight and hot places like radiators or ovens.

Check Prosthesis

Artificial limbs tend to wear out over time. Some parts may come loose, may creak when you use them and may develop cracks, rust, etc. over the surface. Check them for any damages when you remove them in the evening before storing them.

Consult Prosthetist For Adjustment

You must not make major adjustments to your limb yourself, you should consult a prosthetist to adjust your artificial limbs in Post St. Lucie. You can also consult them to know how to make minor adjustments and proper steps to put them on. You should also consult the prosthetist if your prostheses are damaged or if it’s affecting your stump.

Caring For Yourself

Moisturize Dry Skin

Dry skin cracks easily. This can cause the residual limb to ache due to its sensitivity. You need to keep your skin moist with the help of a moisturizer. Consult a doctor to find a good moisturizer that you aren’t allergic to.

Check Your Stump

It’s important to monitor your stump regularly for signs of irritation or infection. You can use a mirror to monitor spots you can’t see with your eyes. Some symptoms that you should take note of include irritation, red spots, broken skin, cracked skin, abrasions, ulcers, ingrown hair, increased swelling or pus. Consult your doctor and prosthetist immediately if you notice these symptoms.

Stay Warm

Winter and rain can be uncomfortable due to the sudden drop in temperature that causes chills to creep up the stump through the metal parts. You should wear warm clothes and set the HVAC to a comfortable temperature. Also, cover the metal parts to prevent them from becoming cold.

Avoid Wet Surfaces

Stepping on a wet surface doesn’t just put the limbs at risk of moisture damage, it may also cause you to slip and hurt yourself. Wet surfaces are especially common during rain and snowfall. You should pay attention to the ground and avoid wet surfaces as much as possible. If you have to walk over wet surfaces, then walk slowly with small steps to maintain your center of gravity.

Bathe At Evening

Your stump may swell due to warm water or the position your bathe in, especially if you lost your limb recently. This can affect your limbs’ fitting when you put them on. It’s best to take a bath in the evening or at night when you aren’t using your prosthetic limbs in Port St. Lucie. Also, wash yourself with mild soap and dry yourself with a soft towel.