A prosthetic limb is a complex piece of equipment that needs proper care to ensure that it lasts, and stays comfortable for the person using it. You’ll get advice on how to properly care for your prosthetic from your prosthetist, so it’s important to follow it to avoid injury or damage to your artificial limb.
Maintaining Your Prosthetic
We recommend inspecting your prosthetic regularly for issues like loose parts, bolts, screws, and anything else. If you spot an issue, however, it’s best not to adjust it on your own, as you may cause misalignment or even damage to it. It’s best to take your prosthetic to your prosthetist for repair or if you are concerned about anything.
Noticeable Signs to Look Out For
- If your prosthesis is starting to make strange noises that it wasn’t making before, it probably needs a check-up done by your prosthetist.
- These noises may include clicking, grinding, or squeaking
- Keep an eye out for any cracks or breaks that appear on your prosthesis.
- Daily wear and tear is bound to happen, especially if you have had your prosthetic for a few years. However, cracks and tears should be dealt with quickly to ensure that they don’t become a more serious issue.
Clean Your Prosthetic Sock
Your prosthetic liner will be in constant contact with your skin, so it’s important that you keep it clean, like you would your other clothing. A clean prosthetic liner will stop your prosthetic from moving out of place and changing how your prosthetic fits. If worn incorrectly, your prosthetic may start changing shape and eventually become warped or damaged.
- You should change your sock daily
- Keep a spare set of socks with you in case your sock gets wet, or dirty
- Wash your prosthetic socks in detergent to ensure that they remain hygienic and fresh
For more advice on prosthetics, as well as prosthetic fillings, get in touch with our experts!