Once you have been fitted with a new prosthetic leg, it’s up to you to take good care of it. Proper care will help it last longer and keep you more comfortable as you go about your life, even on those long days with a lot of walking. Follow the tips below to keep your prosthetic in great condition.

A Care Guide for a Prosthetic Leg

1. Clean & Inspect Daily

The prosthetic comes into contact with your sweat and your skin’s oils every day, which means it needs to be cleaned. This will help it last longer and will protect your skin from irritation.

Wash the liner with warm soapy water and wipe down the main body of the leg. While you do so, inspect the liner and the socket for any signs of breaking or cracks. Even tiny hairline cracks need to be repaired before you should wear it.  

2. Don’t Attempt Adjustments

If the alignment of the socket feels off to you, don’t try to fit it yourself. Tightening a screw that doesn’t need tightening, for example, could damage the socket and leave you with a lot more pain.

You can take it into your prosthetist if it needs an adjustment or if you find any cracks on it. The only changes you should make are the routine tightening of the screws and bolts; your prosthetist can show you which ones you can safely tighten if they loosen during use.

3. Keep It Dry

The liner is designed to absorb your sweat, but it’s not designed to be submerged in water. Do not take your prosthetic swimming or in the shower.

If it does get wet, wipe it down and let it air dry immediately. If you want a prosthetic that you can take swimming, you can have one specially made for this.

National Prosthetics & Orthotics will fit you with a high-quality and comfortable prosthetic leg. They are located in Cold Spring, KY, and serve customers throughout the greater Cincinnati area. They have built a reputation for the best prosthetics from top brands such as Cascade®, Ottobock®, Donjoy®, and Ossur®. Learn more on their website and call (859) 442-0400 for a consultation.