Prosthetic Wear & Care

DAY TO DAY CONCERNS

Your Residual Limb — As the connecting point for your prosthesis, your residual limb is important. Examine it closely each day, and if you have persistent redness or pain, call your prosthetist. 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 prosthesis socks. If your prosthesis does not utilize socks, set up an appointment for an adjustment.
Heel Height — Your prosthesis was designed to be worn with a specific shoe heel height. Switching to a show with a lower or higher heel can create a range of problems, from discomfort to safety issues, depending on the type of prosthesis. Talk to your prosthetist before you change your heel height. Also, check your shoe each day to make sure it is securely attached to the prosthesis.

PROSTHETIC SOCK & GEL LINER
Your prosthetist may recommend that you wear a prosthetic sock or cushioning gel liner as a protective layer over the residual limb. Prosthetic socks are measured by their thickness or "ply", starting at 1-ply and going up to about 6-ply. As the volume of your residual limb decreased over the course of each day, additional layers or plies of socks can be added to keep the socket fitting snugly. For example, if you are currently wearing a 3-ply sock with a 1-ply sock over it (4-ply total) and the socket is loose, you may either add an additional 1-ply sock or remove all socks and replace with them with one, 5-ply sock. For most individuals, multiple plies of socks may limit their ability to feel the limb inside the socket. If you have concerns, contact your prosthetist to discuss the situation and schedule an appointment for a re-evaluation.

Be sure to write down your sock size and the number of socks at your initial fitting.
Track any changes in the number of sock ply and report these changes to your prosthetist at your next appointment.

PERSONAL HYGIENE & PROSTHETIC CARE

Perspiration — The residual limb can be particular subject to perspiration as it is enclosed in a plastic socket. This can be a source of odor and bacteria, as well as the culprit behind skin problems. Try sprinkling your residual limb with baking soda, or if needed, apply an over-the-counter antiperspirant such as CertainDri. The more consistently you wear your prosthesis, the more the residual limb will adjust to being inside the socket, with perspiration naturally subsiding. However, if you continue to have a problem, consult with your physician or prosthetist. Keep a good supply of prosthetic socks on hand; you may want to change socks more than once a day due to perspiration.
Daily Cleansing — It is essential to clean the residual limb every day after wearing the prosthesis. Use a mild antibacterial soap, rinse thoroughly with clean water, and gently dry with a towel. Do not soak your limb, shave your limb, or apply creams to your limb. Allow your residual limb to air dry completely before donning your prosthesis.
Examination — When bathing, carefully examine the surface of your residual limb for red or tender areas (pressure points) and any type of abrasion or blister. While this practice is important to everyone, it is essential if you have diabetes or vascular disease. Also examine your sound foot for any signs of injury or redness. Contact your prosthetist at the earliest sign of skin damage.
Socket Care — Your socket is a part of your body and as such, needs to be cleansed daily with antibacterial soap and water or rubbing alcohol. Many people like to do this as a part of their nighttime bathing routine, ensuring that the socket and the residual limb have all night to dry. If you wipe out the socket with alcohol, follow that with a wet towel to remove any traces of the alcohol, which can cause dry skin.

If you have any questions or concerns about your prosthetic, please contact your prosthetist.