The easiest way to a healthier stump – for a Below Knee Amputee

A mistake Amputees should stay far away from!

Has your stump decreased to half its size and is going further? Does your prosthetic leg become looser day by day? This may be due to the lack of proper bandaging - a common mistake amputees do.

In fact, various studies have shown that stumps can decrease in size by upto 30% in the first few months after surgery and your stump can undergo a great deal of changes either in the girth or the shape in general. 

This happens because your residual limb use has become far less than it used to be before surgery. In more technical terms, a reduction in stump size or shrinkage occurs due to postoperative muscle atrophy, that is your muscle becomes inactive and reduces in size overall.

One more prominent reason for stump size changes is post-operative oedema. It develops as a swelling that results from excess fluid in the stump’s soft tissues. 

Although, this decrease should stabilise almost entirely within 6-8 months after amputation, these size changes can act as a hurdle in terms of rehabilitation and prosthetic socket fitting.This will not only decrease your comfort while wearing a prosthetic but it may even result in the need of a new prosthetic in about 6 months. (i.e. worst case scenario)

Thus, it is significantly important for new amputees to control edema right after amputation and be prepared to get a prosthetic leg. Many amputees are suggested - compression socks, shrinkers, or bandaging for their stump. 

So what exactly you should do?  Don’t worry, we’re here to assist you throughout.

Are you taking care of your amputated limb?

Limb care and skin care are essential for an amputee's health and mobility. Prosthetic sockets usually trap sweat and prevent air from circulating to your stump which can make bacterias find a hub to prosper. Here are some ways to maintain the betterment of the same from a new prosthetic user perspective :

• Wash your limb with mild soap and water every day.

• Check your limb for red pressure patches, skin breakdown, and marks every day.

• In case of reduced or no sensation in your stump (residual limb), do regular checks and avoid putting it in hot water or sun exposure as it will lead to burns and blisters.

• Don't sleep with a pillow below your knee as this might lead to a contracture.

• As a new amputee, use a shrinker as prescribed. Try to take a bath at night as your leg might swell with hot water, making it difficult to put your prosthetic on.

• Don't hang your leg down for longer hours, it might lead to swelling as well.

• It is important that you take an active role in your rehabilitation. 

• Stretching - Stretching of your limbs (both lower extremities) is extremely important to maintain mobility and health of your joints and muscles. It will also help in preventing any further injury.

• Strengthening - Maintaining muscular strength helps does not only to maintain the muscular form of the residual limb. Although, more importantly it provides ample strength to withstand the prosthetic wear and aid in daily activities. It also provides ease in walking and helps in achieving a normal gait.