Month: January 2020

In the same way that you would find with a cardiologist, ophthalmologist, and orthodontist, finding the right prosthetist for your needs is an effort that entails quite a bit of research because of the various factors involved. 

From asking around for recommendations to incessantly calling different offices to get all the needed information, getting the right prosthetist can be quite laborious. With the prices of custom prosthetics on the rise, it’s only right that you settle with an option that suits your preferences. Fortunately, settling on the right choice for your investment and finding the best prosthetist to suit your needs doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might expect. 

To make the process of finding the perfect prosthesis much easier, here’s a quick checklist that you can use to find the best prosthetist as easily as possible: 

1. A proper background or list of credentials

Generally speaking, the key sign that a prosthetist is more than capable of servicing your needs lies in their list of credentials—namely, their degree, certifications, and list of satisfied clients. A potential prosthetist’s list of credentials is usually displayed on their official website or social media pages. If there aren’t any online references for a professional’s list of credentials, however, then you can always ask the prosthetist themselves for a copy of the record. 

2. Within a close distance from your home or office

Throughout the prosthesis process, you’ll need to shuttle back and forth a few times or several trips because of all the consultations, fittings, and updates to your prosthesis. Before settling on a particular professional, make sure that their office location is close to your home or office so that the entire process can be done efficiently and hassle-free.

3. Great reviews

Another telltale sign that a prosthetist can serve your needs as best as possible is if they have quite the list of reviews and testimonials to back up their claims of quality and service.

A quick search online will lead you to a few dozen detailed reviews about how the final product worked, how helpful the prosthetist was, and whether or not the investment was worth it. Such reviews give insight as to whether or not they’re worth contacting. Aside from the Internet, however, you can also contact the Amputee Coalition for reviews on any prosthetist in your area and ask for any recommendations for a more thorough search! 

4. A willingness and ability to answer every question that is asked

Once you narrow down your options and get in touch with your set of prospective prosthetists, the next factor to watch out for is their ability to answer every question that you may have. Before you call the office or set a meeting with a prosthetist, make sure to come prepared by gathering all the questions that you have in mind so that you can feel more confident in your decision. 

When it comes to asking questions, hold nothing back because the only way to gauge whether or not a prosthetist’s service is worth investing in is if they can ask any question you might have about the treatment itself. 

Finding the best prosthetist to work with for your treatment is integral to having a desirable experience that will carry over long after you’ve fully paid for your prosthesis. Throughout your entire search process, make sure to take these factors into mind so that you can easily understand whether or not a prosthetist’s services are worth shelling out your hard-earned money on! 

If you’re looking for a prosthetic foot, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

Going through the experience of being a new amputee is never going to be easy as you’d like it to be. This is especially true if you used to live a fairly active life filled with hobbies and manual work. Thankfully, life doesn’t have to stop or completely change if you get an amputation because getting a prosthesis can get your overall function back to normal and perform just as well as you used to! 

If you’re fairly new to the idea of having a prosthesis and are keen on maximizing its potential and improving your experience in the long run, then there’s no need to worry because there are a few key tips that you can apply right away. To jump back into your regular routine as quickly as possible, here are six tips that you use to improve and enhance the use of your new prosthesis:

1. Always follow what your prosthetist says

One of the easiest and most effective ways to ensure an easygoing and comfortable experience is always to follow your prosthetist’s orders for work. Dutifully following any recommendations and pieces of advice that a prosthetist gives will help with making all the necessary adjustments and guarantee a comfortable experience in no more than a few months! 

2. Keep your prosthesis as clean as possible

Another effective way to cut down the adjustment period with your prosthesis is to keep every corner of your new limb as clean as possible at all times. Practising a few simple routines, such as wearing prosthetic socks regularly, putting on a shrinker overnight, and keeping the insides of your liners clean can make a huge difference in the overall experience with your prosthesis.

3. Call your prosthetist right away if you’re having any issues

When it comes to living every day with your new prosthesis, it’s important to act on any slight issue with comfort, fit, or skin issues right away because small issues can easily grow into bigger ones if they aren’t treated. After you get your final fitting done, make sure to stay in touch with your prosthetist regularly and don’t forget to ask questions!

4. Wear your prosthesis every day

Admittedly, it can be quite tempting to take your prosthesis off every chance you get because of how uncomfortable the entire experience can get. It is important, however, to wear your new prosthesis at all times because it will only get comfortable with daily use as your body accustoms to the feeling much faster.

5. Watch your weight

Know that your weight plays a significant role in how your prosthesis feels since your body’s composition can change when you gain weight, essentially leading to various forms of discomfort. The first few weeks after the amputation period, in particular, can either make or break the entire experience as the sudden inactivity can lead to increased fat, so make sure to keep your weight under control! 

6. Set goals for wearing your prosthesis

Holding yourself accountable by setting goals and doing everything you can to achieve them will make the entire experience of using a prosthesis much more comfortable in the long run. Certain goals, such as exercising more, walking farther, and adding more challenges to use your prosthesis, are great ways to speed up the acclimation period! 

Having a prosthesis is a life-changing experience for anyone to go through. By applying the right tips, you can live normally again as you did before the amputation! By following the tips mentioned in this article, you won’t have to feel any more discomfort or pain with using your prosthesis after a few short months! 

If you are looking for foot prosthesis solutions after getting foot amputation, get in touch with us today! We’re happy to help.

The first step towards improving your balance requires you to strengthen your core. This doesn’t mean that you will only work on your abs. Instead, core work will take on a holistic approach of strengthening your abs, lower back, and even hip muscles. After a few months of working on your balance, you will notice that every step you take with your prosthetic leg will be much stronger and more deliberate. 

In this article, we will talk more about exercises that will help strengthen your core and other moves that will also improve your balance. 

1. Prosthetic leg balance

This move allows you to balance on your prosthetic leg. If you’re a beginner, make sure to have something to hold on to, such as a stable chair or a handrail within arm’s reach.

Then, with your feet together, lift your sound side foot with the knee facing forward or to the side. Hold the position with eyes open (and fixed on one spot to maintain your balance). Next, hold the same position with eyes closed. Switch feet and repeat 4 times on each foot.

If any move feels wrong or unsafe for you, stop and check with your prosthetist or physician. Depending on your health and physical condition, know that some exercises may not be recommended.

2. Leg swings

This move is excellent for warming up and stretching your hip muscles and joints. First, stand on your right leg and raise the left leg at least 3-6 inches off the floor. Keep your arms at your sides while you swing your left leg forward and backward, touching the floor for balance. While doing so, make sure that you keep your torso erect throughout the movement.

Next, increase the level of difficulty by repeating the move but without allowing your foot to touch the ground. Then, switch legs and repeat.

3. Prosthetic leg clock with arms

To perform this move, have an image of a clock in your mind. First, balance on your prosthetic leg. In doing so, keep your torso straight, head up, and hands on your hips. Point your arm straight overhead to 12 o’clock, then to the side at 3 o’clock, and then circle low and around to 9 o’clock without losing your balance. 

Increase the level of difficulty by having someone else call out the different times to you and even switching it up. After you’re done with your prosthetic leg, switch to the opposite arm and leg and repeat.

4. The clock on an unstable surface

Once you’re confident that you can balance on a stable surface, make it harder by trying the exercise on an unstable surface, such as a BOSU (Ballast Ball) platform. 

If you’re a beginner, it’s best to stand near a wall for safety. Start in the middle of the board on 2 feet. When you feel comfortable, carefully execute the moves that are similar to the Prosthetic Leg Clock exercise. Keep in mind that this exercise will be much harder than it seems.

5. One-legged squat

The one-legged squat is famous for developing great balance, leg strength, and flexibility, as well as coordination. First, stand with your feet hip-width apart. Point your left foot out front, make sure your toes are just barely touching the floor, and push your hips back and down into a one-legged squat position. 

Your right knee should be bent, your chest upright, eyes in front of you, and your arms out front. Then, slowly push your right leg up into the starting position. Make sure to keep your knee relaxed and your back flat throughout the movement. Switch legs, and repeat the movements.

An improved balance will create a stronger version of yourself, even possibly freeing you from lower back pain, which lessens the chance of serious injury in case of a fall. Within months, you’ll notice a dramatic improvement in your overall walking. Perform these ten exercises regularly and witness improvement in your prosthetic balance.

If you are looking for prosthetic foot solutions, Lindhe Xtend is your best option. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.