“Practicing self-awareness is about learning to better understand why you feel what you feel”

To begin with your self awareness journey as an amputee, one of the major questions you should ask yourself is – Do I feel any kind of pain while using the prosthetic device i.e the artificial leg?

Even if you answered ‘No’ to this, there are still a number of questions that you need to ask yourself before you dismiss the apparent pain you might experience.

To answer these questions, take a look below : 

• Does your prosthetic leave pressure marks and bruises on your stump? Yes/No
• Does your prosthetic require multiple socks to stay in place? Yes/No
• Does your prosthetic cause you to have blemishes, redness, scabs, or pigmentation? Yes/No
• Does your prosthetic give you a fear of falling down? Yes/No
• Does your prosthetic make the donning and doffing (removal and wear) of it difficult? Yes/No
• Does your prosthetic make it hard for you to go throughout the day? Yes/No

If you answered ‘Yes’ to even one of the questions, you need to rethink your socket priorities. Socket is the most powerful part of the prosthetic. It is the primary contact between the prosthetic and residual limb i.e the stump along with a sleeve liner or sock in most cases. 

The significance of a socket lies in its fit. The better the fit – the better is the distribution of your body weight allowing the proper ease in your movements. Every socket is custom-made, although only because it was made for you by plaster casting, does not mean that it will guarantee the right fit. 

Moreover, the way even the most high quality shoes can leave your feet blistered if they’re not the right fit, the same way an ill-fitted socket can affect your stump in numerous ways. May it be pain, discomfort, skin damage and so on. 

If you are the one who just got a prosthetic leg – you may face a series of new sensations, issues, and of course, new learnings. We understand that it can be confusing and tiring at times to figure out whom to contact when you have a question or you face any kind of problem. 

Ignoring the warning signs is the biggest mistake you can make as an amputee!

Yes, there are times when your concerns might feel exaggerated or other worldly but you have to know that googling around will just increase your stress and anxiety. The professionals in your reach will not only consider your discomfort or issue as a valid concern but will guide you throughout. 

Never shy away from seeking medical attention or contacting your PO (Prosthetists). Now, the question is when to call whom?

We’ll breakdown the details for you – 

Contacting a medical professional i.e. seeking emergency medical attention:

• If your stump suddenly has red marks that do not disappear even after 15-20 minutes.
• If your stump has discharged blood, fluid or pus.
• If your stump’s temperature feels unusually hot or cold.

Contacting a PO (Prosthetists):

• If your stump socks are getting thinner or worn out.
• There is an unusual need to increase your stump socks that indicates that your socket feels too loose. 
• Your socket liners are split, torn or worn out.
• Your socket feels too tight, it is difficult to adjust your stump inside.
• If your Prosthesis feels too heavy to lift
• If your Prosthesis shows signs of wear and tear.
• If your Prosthesis needs any mechanical alteration. (in case of instability)