FAQs

Prosthetics

When should I add socks?

Socks are needed when your residual limb changes volume. Here are some signs that indicated socks are needed:

  • Socket feels loose
  • Pain on bottom of residual limb
  • Socket spins when walking

How do I care for my liner? How do I keep them from smelling?

Gel liners need to be cleaned after each use. Luke warm water with a mild soap is recommended. Allow the liner to air dry. Putting the liner in the dryer will damage it. It is also recommended that once a week you wipe down the inside of the liner with rubbing alcohol. Sticking to a daily cleaning routine will cut down the amount of odor from your liner. Please see this link for additional information and tips.


Can I wear my prostheses in the shower?

Most prostheses, uncovered, should not be worn in the shower. The water will rust the metal components and screws. There are special prosthesis which can be made for showering and swimming purposes.


How long will this prosthesis last? How long will my liners last?

A prosthesis can last for several years. The length of time depends on the amount of time the patient wears the prosthesis and what type of activities it is used for. Prostheses are designed to be very strong and durable. However, it is a good idea to have your prosthesis checked out every 12 months to make sure it is in good working order. Liners will usually start to wear out in about 6 months. But they can last up to 12 months or longer. Just like the prosthesis, the longevity of the liner depends on amount of usage.


Can I wear my leg to bed?Can I wear my leg to bed?

It is not recommended that you wear your prosthesis to bed. Wearing the prosthesis for an excessive amount of time will most likely cause harm to your residual limb.


What do I do if I get stuck in my leg?

Remain calm and contact the office or your Prosthetist immediately.


What do I do if I get a sore on my residual limb?

Discontinue use of your prosthesis immediately or limit the amount of time you wear it drastically. Contact the office or your Prosthetist as soon as possible.


How long will it take to get my Prosthesis?

The manufacturing and fitting of your prosthesis will take a few weeks. It takes an average of 3 or 4 visits with your Prosthetist to get the right fit. We understand that you are anxious to return to activities of daily living on your new prosthesis, so we do our best to deliver your prosthesis in a timely fashion.


What will my Prosthesis look like?

Every prosthesis is custom molded to every individual. There is a socket that fits on your residual limb. The componentry, i.e the knee and/or foot, are connect to the bottom of the socket. There is the option of cosmetically covering the prosthesis after the fitting process is completed. The cosmetic cover will cover all of the metal componentry, making the prosthesis look more like your other leg.


When can I be fit with a prosthesis?

The fitting process can begin after your stitches or staples have been removed and you are fully healed. It is also recommended that some of the swelling has decreased before you are cast for your first socket.


Will I be able to do the things I did before I got the amputation?

The majority of people with amputations are able to return to the activities they were doing before the amputation. During your initial evaluation, your prosthetist will ask for your personal goals so they can make a prosthesis to help you achieve them.


How do I learn to use my prosthesis?

Once you are fit with your prosthesis, we provide training in our world class gait room. We will work with you on how to use your prosthesis as well as learn to walk with it.


What happens after I am fit with my final prosthesis?

Your prosthetist will continue to follow-up with you every 3-6 months to see how you are doing or if you need any new supplies. If at any point you have any questions or concerns you are encouraged to call us at +9180 41696324.


How much will my lower limb prosthesis weigh?

The weight of your prosthetic leg will depend on the type of prosthesis it is and its components. An average below knee prosthesis will weigh around 4 pounds and an average above knee prosthesis will weigh around 8-10 pounds. Your prosthetic leg often weigh less than what your anatomical leg did.

Orthotics

How do I clean my brace?

  • Prefabricated products will have cleaning instructions printed on a tag attached to the brace.
  • For a custom fabricated brace, our clinician will instruct you on caring for the brace.

How long am I supposed to wear my device?

Your physician will determine when you are to wear your brace, for how long, and what activities you should or should not do while wearing your brace. The physician will also determine when you can discontinue wearing your brace.


Why did my doctor order this device in the first place?

Doctors prescribe devices to treat your condition: to protect, immobilize, support, increase comfort and/or promote healing to maximize your ultimate outcome.

Foot Care

How long will my foot orthotics last?

There are many variables that come into play with regard to a device’s useful life. Factors such as patient weight, activity level and the style of foot orthotic must be considered. Generally, the more rigid the device the longer it will last. A rigid plastic device may last 2-3 years although the top-cover material may not. A soft device, such as one made for a diabetic patient, may last one to two years depending on the usage.


What will my foot orthotics do for me?

  • Your physician will prescribe a foot orthotic for you based on your diagnosis. Depending upon your condition, one of several styles of foot orthotics can be provided for you.
  • If the foot orthotics are called “functional,” that means they are intended to control or limit unwanted motion in the foot or ankle and improve alignment of the skeletal structures of the foot.
  • An “accommodative” foot orthotic is designed to redistribute weight throughout the foot to reduce pressure areas. It will also provide excellent cushioning and shock absorption.

What is different about your shoes than what I can buy at the store?

Our shoes meet the stringent standards set forth in Medicare’s Diabetic Shoe Bill (in U.S.A) . They have extra depth to accommodate special inserts, come in full and half sizes and in a variety of widths. We custom-fit each patient with a style that is best suited to their type of foot.

For more information regarding Therapeutic Shoes visit the Pedorthic Footwear Association website.


Do I have to follow the Break In Schedule for my new foot orthotics?

  • Yes, your body needs time to adapt to the device and the corrections they are imposing on your feet. You are breaking in your feet to the orthotics, not the orthotics to your feet.
  • Initial overuse may aggravate your current symptoms or cause new aches or pains.

Why don’t you have a larger selection of shoes?

  • The shoes we carry work best for the foot types we encounter and the application of foot orthotics for treatment. Not all shoe styles can do this.
  • The shoes we sell must meet our high standards of quality and function properly for your care. Unfortunately, “style” cannot be our primary concern.

How do I clean my foot orthotics?

  • Foot orthotics should be wiped off with a damp cloth that has a mixture of mild detergent and water.
  • Do not submerse the orthotics in water or put in any type of washing machine.
  • Lay them out to air dry; do not use any type of heat source. Do not keep under direct sunlight

Pediatric


How will I know when my child out grows their brace?

Some allowance for growth is built into the brace from day one. You will notice a small space between the end of the brace and toes. When your childs toes extend over that area it's time for a new one. Occasionally growth will be in the form of a wider foot rather than length. In this case, you would notice a significant amount of redness and indentation in the foot from the sides and top of the brace if this occurs.


Will my child have to wear these the rest of his life?

Obviously your child’s diagnosis and the specifics of his/her condition are critical to answering this question. The best person to answer this type of question would be your child's physician. They would have the information needed to answer completely.


When my child is breaking in their braces, does it count if he is is sitting and not active at that time?

For the initial break in period activity is not a factor. However once your child becomes active it's important to check every hour to ensure blisters are not developing.

General Questions


Where can I get shoes to fit over the brace?

Shoes are available to fit over the brace. Often you will have to go up one shoe size from the original size your child was wearing. However if your child has a wide or chubby foot the following shoes have proven to be effective: Hatch Back Shoes or Keeping Pace Shoes. They have been designed to accommodate braces. You can find them at Hatch Backs Footwear or Keeping Pace.


Will my insurance cover this device?

The answer to this question depends upon your insurance plan, the device needed and your diagnosis. Depending upon your insurance, you may have a deductible, copay or a percentage of the total cost that you will be responsible for paying. The receptionists at our clinical offices should be able to inform you of the probability of coverage. Insurance coverage is NOT a guarantee of full payment.


How long will it take for me to receive my device?

  • Custom devices and special orders take approximately 1-2 weeks depending on the design and components selected.
  • Off the shelf, prefabricated devices may be delivered the same day if we have them in stock.

How much does the device cost?

Once you are evaluated and the full scope of the device is determined by the clinician, we will have a clearer picture of the price. We are very competitive in our pricing and assure you the best price for a quality product.


What kind of training do you have?

  • Clinicians have various levels of training including college and graduate degrees, technical, residences, and certificate programs.
  • All clinicians are required to maintain Continuing Education Credits to maintain their certifications.