Why do you need an artificial leg?

Deciding on getting a prosthetic or artificial leg requires a lot of thought and consideration. There are a range of available options for you to choose from: crutches, wheelchair, walkers, and ofcourse, prosthetic legs. 

While getting the former 3 options doesn’t require a lot of hassle, they restrict your movement. Wheelchairs won’t allow you to use your good leg, crutches can in turn cause crutch palsy, and walkers won’t allow freedom of movement. While artificial legs not only provide you with freedom of movement but give you a sense of normalcy. Now you are getting a clearer picture of why you need an artificial leg.

Let us elaborate on the process!

• End goal - If you desire to walk normally, attend school/office, run, jump, hike, etc a prosthesis gives you a range of options that will aid your goal. Most importantly, it will help you attain a high quality of life. 

• Getting ready for prosthesis - This process involves bandaging and exercises, as a new amputee you must have someone to guide you through the process. (If you don’t, we’re here to help you every step of the way - contact us)

• Test fitting - This is one of the most essential steps in getting the artificial leg and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. For choosing the right fit, we all deserve a trial. We at Instalimb, make sure you receive a fair and free of cost test fitting to make an effective choice.

• Making adjustments and final fitting - When you choose to opt for a prosthetic leg, you should get a full scale PO support on multiple adjustments until you are satisfied with your device.

Refer to Artificial leg 101 to get a detailed insight on prosthetic devices and also don’t forget to visit the One Stop Guide for Every Amputee! 
If you’re looking for a new device, interested in free test fitting, confused if a new socket will be the right fit, or any other queries accordingly. This is the time to reach out to us and try a test socket free of cost. Step it up with Instalimb – Contact us today!

Skin care Do’s & Don’ts – Post Amputation

Right after amputation there is a big list of things that one must take care of. We’ve mentioned this before, but limb care and skin care are essential for an amputee’s health and mobility. A new stump post amputation is volatile and it is in our hands to prevent the changes that may occur. In the next 3-6 months there’ll be stump fluctuations, prosthetic testing, learning how to walk, run etc. 

Let’s take a concise look at the Do’s and Don’ts you need to follow : 

DO’s 

• DO change your dressings as informed by your nurse
• DO wash your residual limb daily with skin friendly, unscented soap & lukewarm water, once healed
• DO use a soft towel to pat your stump dry
• DO examine your skin every day under a good light and use a mirror for the back and sides.
• DO bandage your stump regularly to ensure the stability in stump volume post amputation
• DO reach out to your surgeon/physician in case of any discomfort 
• DO start looking for artificial legs that are ideal for you

DON’Ts

• DON’T remove scabs by yourself
• DON’T soak your stump in water for a long period of time
• DON’T use a new lotion/cream on your stump without prior consultation
• DON’T shave your skin else it may cause irritation
• DON’T keep your stump inactive i.e. without exercises throughout the day 
• DON’T try to google solutions if any redness/scabs start aggravating 
• DON’T dangle your stump off the bed or couch for long periods of time

Apart from these, do follow our One Stop Guide for Every Amputee, for a detailed insight! 

If you’re looking for a new device, interested in free test fitting, confused if a new socket will be the right fit, or any other queries accordingly. This is the time to reach out to us and try a test socket free of cost. Step it up with Instalimb – Contact us today!

Keep your socket clean and the liner cleaner

We wake up, brush our teeth, wash our face, and take a bath. A general process of keeping our body clean and healthy. As an amputee you have an external device which is now a part of your daily life. To ensure the safety of you and your prosthesis, follow the motto of keeping your socket clean and the liner cleaner!

Mentioned below are a few tips to maintain your hygiene and protect yourself from all kinds of bacteria that could have multiplied due to sweat and friction. 

• Socket care - Make sure to wash it daily with soap and water, Use a damp cloth to wipe it. It’s also important to keep the artificial leg dry. It’s advised to wash it at night to have ample drying time by the next day.
• Maintain liner hygiene - Clean your liner each day after removing it. Use hot water and any time of cleaning soap for 30-40 seconds. Wash it thoroughly to remove the soap. It’s also suggested to have more than one liner in case it takes a lot of time to dry out. 
• Taking care of your Artificial leg - It is extremely important to take care of your prosthesis. 
  • This will not only make it last longer but will also ensure overall cleanliness. 
  • Store it in a dry place.
  • Moreover, lie it flat on the floor, to prevent fall/breakage.
  • Clean it using a damp cloth.
  • Regularly check the parts to catch up in case of any issue.
  • For detailed tips do check this!
• Stump care - Limb care and stump care is essential to an amputee’s health and mobility. Moreover, to read the tips in detail look here!

For further insight, don’t forget to call our certified experts. This is the time to reach out to us and even try a test socket free of cost. Step it up with Instalimb – Contact us today!