Amputee in Summer : Skin care tips

We’re approaching a warmer temperature at a fast pace, and within a few weeks we will notice a high rise in heat. As an amputee, it is important to prepare for the upcoming summer beforehand. In addition, your skin is always sensitive around the stump, given it’s prolonged exposure to a prosthetic and being prone to heat and humidity. 

—------------------------------------------What next?-----------------------------------------------

Now comes the utmost important tip that you must keep in mind! 

• Sun protection - As mentioned the skin around your stump is sensitive to heat. When exposed without any artificial leg, it must be layered with high SPF Sunscreen. 

• Cleanliness - Maintaining a regular check and cleaning of your stump with mind soap and water is best. It will help you to keep a good level of hygiene. If you see any disruption in skin texture, itchiness, redness or any abnormality, please contact your doctor / PO immediately.. 

• Well-fitted prosthetic leg is the key! - What's more is if your artificial leg is not the right fit, as an amputee it could pose many problems. Especially, you can duffer from bumps, boils, or redness on your stump due to varying degrees of friction. 

• Regular checks - This needs to be mentioned again, as a caretaker / amputee, you must know that checking of the stump area 2-3 times a day is necessary. Also, if there is any wound left untreated, it may lead to an increase in issues. 

• Maintain ample moisture in the stump - Finally, dry skin is prone to breakdown, moisturizing the friction prone area gives you a step ahead in the process. 

Our Story : How did the world’s first 3D-Printed prosthetics provider begin?

The foundation of Instalimb was laid in early 2014, when Yutaka Tokushima; our CEO, met a helpless diabetic gangrene patient while working as a Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer. A man residing in the remote regions of Philippines, inaccessible to prosthetics and proper medical facilities. He was living under the constant fear of the outcomes that amputation can cause. Especially, on his lifestyle in terms of earning capacity and lack of normalcy led to his untimely demise.

Another realization happened when the lack of any prosthetics clinic in the region was identified. Even when clinics were available, high dependency of the quality went onto the individual skills of prosthetists. This made it difficult for amputees to access good prosthetic legs. This led to be a major motivation in the ideology of creating a world where everyone in need can get a prosthetic. By installing technology that ensures a standardized fabrication without compromising the quality. Furthermore, this was not just a problem in the Philippines, but something that affects lives on a global scale.

Returning to Japan, as a researcher at Keio University, and an entrepreneur, his journey of developing a solution started taking shape. It took almost 3 years to construct a 3D printer and 3D-CAD for artificial legs with significant help from various professionals and we were ready to begin in 2017. This followed a year of developing PoC for 39 users with ISO compliance in the year 2018. Since then, we’ve come a long way – From providing 1000+ prosthetics since June 2019 to 2000+ waiting users (as per the report until October’ 21). Now, we are here in India, aiming to improve the Quality of life of amputees as well as the amputated limb. 

~ A journey for a better tomorrow.

Why 3D Printing is the future of prosthetics?

We understand your dilemma of choosing something that is not something new, quite different from traditional artificial leg technologies. Though it is something new, we guarantee you that is the advancement you are looking for. Shared below are some key factors that make 3D Printing the ideal choice for you and the upcoming future : 

• Customization: 3D printing technology allows for the creation of highly customized prosthetics that are tailored to fit each individual user's unique anatomy and needs.

• Speed and Efficiency: Traditional prosthetics manufacturing methods can take months or even years to complete. 3D printing, on the other hand, can produce a prosthetic in a matter of hours or days.

• Cost-effectiveness: This can significantly reduce the cost of prosthetics production, making it more accessible to those in need.

• Durability and Functionality: 3D printed prosthetics are not only durable, but also have a high degree of functionality that can be adjusted as needed.

• Sustainability: 3D printing uses less materials and energy compared to traditional manufacturing methods, making it a more sustainable option for producing prosthetics.