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This page is
designed to answer
frequently asked
questions a patient
may have about the
prosthetic service.
Click on the
question and the
answer will appear
below. |
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Who is the rehabilitation team? |
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Is wearing a prosthesis painful? |
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How soon after my amputation will I be able to walk? |
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When will I be ready to receive my definitive prosthesis? |
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I can still feel my toes/ fingers even though my leg/ arm has been amputated. Is this normal? |
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What kind of shoes can I wear with my prosthesis? |
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How will my prosthesis stay on? |
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How often should I see my prosthetist or orthotist after my device is delivered? |
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What is an orthotist? |
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What is an orthosis? |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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opcare, Ortho House, Nuffield Way, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 1RL. Tel: +44(0)1235 552828 email: info@opcare.co.uk |
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