Tips For Caring For Your New Prosthetic Leg

While your new prosthetic leg will provide you with the mobility that you seek, it is necessary that you take steps to care for your new prosthesis so that it will last for years to come. To this end, here are some tips to help you properly care for your new limb:

Wipe the Surface of Your Prosthetic Leg Each Night

To prevent bacterial growth or soiling of your new prosthesis, you should wipe it down each evening with a damp washcloth. You can wet the cloth with a solution of warm water and mild dish detergent. If you use detergent, then you should remove it by wiping down the prosthesis a second time with a cloth soaked in clean water. Soap left on the limb can cause discoloration and rusting problems.

If you need to remove dirt buildup from smaller areas on your prosthesis, then you can use a soft toothbrush or a cotton swab. If soap is necessary to get the job done, then you can use the same mild dish detergent that you used to wipe down the other parts.

You should never use rubbing alcohol or a residential cleaning solution to clean your prosthetic leg or its liners. The alcohol will damage the plastic parts and cause them to fail prematurely.

If you have leather straps on your prosthetic leg, then you can clean those using saddle soap. You can purchase saddle soap at your local feed and grain store, or anyplace that leather goods are sold.

Inspect Your Prosthetic Limb for Signs of Damage Each Night

Each evening when you remove your prosthetic leg to sleep, take the time to inspect all of its various parts for any signs of damage or wear. If you notice any issues, then you should take your limb into a professional who offers prosthetic services as soon as possible. By servicing your prosthetic limb at the first sign of a problem, you can reduce your repair costs as well as reduce the amount of time that you are without your prosthesis.

Wear Shoes That are the Right Height

Finally, it is vital that you wear shoes that are the right height for your new prosthetic leg. If your shoes are not the right height, then your prosthesis will not have the correct alignment, and this will cause problems with walking and can lead to skin damage. If you have questions about the right shoe height for your individual prosthesis, then you should speak with your prosthetist.