Patient Information

This page is designed to answer frequently asked questions a patient may have about the prosthetic service.

If you need to get in touch with our Head Office, call: 01235 552828, or email: info@opcare.co.uk

Opcare Prosthesis

What does opcare do?

We work with the NHS to provide patients with artificial limbs. There is a large team of people involved in the provision of this service. The NHS usually employ the Doctors, Nurses, Occupational therapists and Physios, and opcare employs the prosthetists, workshop and operations management, clinical support technicians, prosthetic technicians, stores people and sometimes the administrators.

If I am a patient using NHS prosthetic and orthotic services, will opcare be providing my services?

It is possible! There are four private sector prosthetics companies in the UK. Ask in your centre if you are not sure. Our staff will have an opcare logo on their uniform.

Where do opcare provide clinics?

You can find all our NHS clinic locations and details in our NHS Services page.

What Patient Groups are there to support me?

There are a number of charities in the UK that support patients. Click on one of the headers below to visit the site:

The Douglas Bader Foundation

The Douglas Bader Foundation was formed in honour of Sir Douglas Bader in 1982 by family and friends – many of whom had flown side by side with Douglas during World War 2.

Douglas was honoured in 1976 with a Knighthood for his contribution and work on behalf of the disabled. The mission of the foundation at it’s inception and today, is to continue Douglas’ work in conjunction with and on behalf of individuals with a disability.

The Limbless Association

The Limbless Association provides information, advice and support for people of all ages who are without one or more limbs. It has a nationwide network of volunteer visitors (within the UK) who are all amputees themselves, offering support and encouragement to prospective amputees, carers and those already trying to come to terms with limb loss or deficiency.

Blesma

BLESMA is a National Charity, Registered Charity Number 1084189 for Limbless and Ex-Service Men and Women, their dependants and Widows. The objectives of the Association are to promote the welfare of all those of either sex who have lost a limb or limbs, or one or both eyes, or the use of limbs as a result of service in any branch of Her Majesty's Forces or Auxiliary Forces and to assist needy dependants of such service limbless.

Peggy & Friends

Peggy and Friends is a UK registered charity providing advice and support to limbless and limb deficient children, young people and their families.

Steps

Steps give support and information to empower everyone affected by all lower limb conditions. They don't take walking for granted!

Reach

Reach has a number of branches in various parts of the country which provide the opportunity for families to meet locally. Reach publishes a newsletter 'Within Reach'. This provides a regular means of communication to all members families. The newsletters contain a wide range of information and articles on individual families experiences, new developments, details of Branch activities, fund raising efforts, etc.

Who is the rehabilitation team?

It is the entire team of specialists that will assist in your rehabilitation. At minimum it would consist of a Consultant or Doctor, Prosthetist or Orthotist, a Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist (OT). Many other specialists might be included depending on your needs: a counsellor, a nurse or a representative from the hospital administration are just a few of the specialists who might be involved.

Is wearing a prosthesis painful?

We weren't designed to wear artificial limbs so you can expect some discomfort, especially as you adapt to your prosthesis. However, it should not hurt or cause damage to you. Your prosthetist and physiotherapist will suggest a break-in schedule so that you can become accustomed to your prosthesis. If your prosthesis hurts, call your limb centre for an appointment.

How soon after my amputation will I be able to walk?

That depends on how quickly you heal. A healthy person with good circulation and no post-operative complications might be ready to use a prosthesis 4 or 5 weeks after surgery, although your rehabilitation with specialised physiotherapy will start sooner.

When will I be ready to receive my definitive prosthesis?

Your definitive prosthesis is prescribed as soon as possible but as your limb volume will take up to 18 months to stabilize you may require new sockets in the intervening period. You may be given a more basic limb to begin with. This gives you the best opportunity to get active again. If you do well you may find different components are included to aid your lifestyle. Another factor is how you have progressed in your gait training. Generally you are ready for a definitive prosthesis in the second year post amputation.

I can still feel my toes/ fingers even though my leg/ arm has been amputated. Is this normal?

Yes, it is. This is called phantom sensation, and most amputees experience it to some degree. If it is uncomfortable, speak to your physician about treatment options.

What kind of shoes can I wear with my prosthesis?

Almost any shoe can be used with your prosthesis, but for control and security it is best to have a shoe which encases the foot as much as possible - be sure to bring the shoes you wear most often when you are fitted for your limb. Most foot components work properly with shoes of only one heel height, though there are some prosthetic feet that provide adjustment so that shoes of different heel heights can be worn. Athletic type shoes are often recommended - they are light in weight and usually have soles that prevent slipping. It helps if your shoe has a flat profile across the sole.

How will my prosthesis stay on?

There are many different suspension methods - you should discuss the ones that suit your needs with your prosthetist or prescribing limb doctor. Some limbs are suspended using suction, sometimes assisted by a suspension sleeve. Suspension can be obtained from a pin mechanism attached to a roll-on liner, and some prostheses are attached using straps or extensions of the socket.

How often should I see my prosthetist or orthotist after my device is delivered?

This depends on you, your level of activity and the type of limb you are wearing. Some components have specific maintenance requirements which will be discussed at the time of delivery.

What is an orthotist?

Orthotists provide a range of splints, braces and special footwear to aid movement, correct deformity and relieve discomfort. An orthotist is an 'Allied Healthcare Professional'. This means they are educated to degree level, and form part of the rehabilitation team.

What is an orthosis?

The orthosis is what the orthotist has prescribed to help you with your medical problem. Orthoses used to be called appliances.

Return to top of page