As a parent, you always want to be prepared to provide your child with everything they need to live a happy, successful life, so it can seem overwhelming when faced with the idea of having to fit yours with a new prosthetic limb. Luckily, with the technological advances, it’s possible to live a normal life, and the process can go smoothly if you understand how to get one and what to expect afterward.

How to Get a Prosthetic Limb

When a doctor decides that your child should have a prosthetic fitting, there are certain steps that you’ll have to take to find the best option available. It starts with the assessment. This is where the expert takes your child’s measurements and a plaster cast of the limb.

It’s a short procedure that allows them to create the socket for your child. Once they have this, they’ll craft the artificial limb; once it’s ready, you return for the fitting appointment.

This is where the limb is attached, and the provider checks to ensure it fits and isn’t causing any pain. After making any necessary adjustments in length, height, and alignment, they teach your child the basics of how to use it.

What to Expect After Receiving the Artificial Limb

Once the new limb is attached, your child will need to undergo physical therapy to familiarize themselves with using it. Depending on the kind of prosthetic, the specifics of the therapy can change.

The main goal is to use general conditioning and exercises to stretch the muscles around the affected area and strengthen the rest of the body. This includes aspects like stretching, electrical stimulation, joint mobilization, and using heat, ice, and ultrasound to stimulate the muscles.

There is also occupational therapy, which is more specified. It’s designed to teach your child how to perform certain functions that are helpful in day-to-day life while using their new limb.

Depending on how old your child is, there might also be review appointments to attend. This is where the provider adjusts the limb to accommodate for growth. It’s usually scheduled at least once every three months to start, but that number decreases as the child reaches maturity. At a certain point, they may outgrow the device and need a new one.

If your child needs a new prosthetic limb, you can trust the experts at National Prosthetics & Orthotics in Cold Spring, KY. As one of the premier certified prosthetic suppliers in the area, they work with Cincinnati Children’s Hospitals to provide local children with the best prosthetics possible. They’ll fit your child with the perfect fit, so you and your family can live the most rewarding life possible. Schedule a consultation by calling (859) 442-0400 or learn more about their services online.