Residual Limb
After amputation, the residual limb is highly sensitive and often the subject to irritation and injury. It is, therefore, extremely important that you follow these procedures to take care of your residual limb.
WASH YOUR RESIDUAL LIMB DAILY
- This should be done in the evening, as the residual limb should always be dry when putting on your prosthesis. Although you may not be wearing prosthesis yet, this is a good habit to start early.
- If dressings are still necessary, keep them changed and clean according to doctor's instruction. If there are open wounds still present requiring dressings, you should first check with your physician on washing your stump.
USE A MILD SOAP WHEN WASHING YOUR RESIDUAL LIMB
- fter washing your residual limb with a mild soap, rinse it with warm water and pat it dry with a towel.
DESENSITIZING
- Several times a day, gently massage your residual limb. Massaging your residual limb usually decreases discomfort and increases circulation.
MOISTURIZING
Skin moisturizers can help the overall health of your skin condition.
- If moisturizers are used, they should be free of fragrance.
- Apply prior to bedtime.
- Avoid using before donning your prosthesis.
ALWAYS WEAR A STUMP SHRINKER OR ACE WRAP ON THE RESIDUAL LIMB.
- Whether you should be wearing a stump shrinker or Ace wrap is a decision that your physician will make based on the overall condition of the residual limb. Both items, if used correctly, will aid in shaping your residual limb and will control or reduce swelling. Even after you have been cast and fit with a new prosthesis, it is very important to continue wrapping or wearing the stump shrinker, as swelling can still occur. The shrinker can be taken off several times a day for massaging and other desensitizing activities.
KEEP YOUR PROSTHESIS CLEAN
- Once wearing your prosthesis, it too must be kept clean. Sockets may be wiped clean with alcohol and cotton. Never use heat or hot water on your prosthesis unless instructed to do so by your Prosthetist.
These basic procedures are designed to increase the overall health of your residual limb and to decrease residual limb discomfort when you first begin wearing prosthesis.
Follow-up visits should be scheduled with your Prosthetist every six months for inspection of your residual limb and your prosthesis to make sure your fit and function are correct.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding these procedures, please contact your Prosthetist. Your health and comfort are very important to us
