Very Important Care Tips For People With Prosthetic Leg During Summer

Posted by Michael Griffin on September 26th, 2019

Summer reminds most people of beaches and swimming pools but it also comes with more sweating and itching. This is mainly due to the intense heat of the sun and dryness or humidity of the air. Such weather conditions can be especially detrimental to people with a prosthetic leg in Port St. Lucie, causing them a lot of discomforts and even sickness. If one is careless, one might even damage their prosthesis in which case they might have to spend days without the artificial limb. In some cases, the warranty on the artificial part may become void. This is why it is important to take the following precautions to maintain one’s health and keep the prosthesis functioning:

Personal Hygiene

With summer’s heat and humidity comes increased sweating, skin irritation, and infections. There is also the added risk from dust and sand from beaches and dust storms which become more frequent during summers. While sweating is unavoidable, its effects can be reduced by maintaining personal hygiene. One should bathe regularly with mild soap and wipe themselves dry before putting their prosthesis on. Also, use fresh socks regularly as they build bacteria and sweat daily. One can also use antiperspirants to reduce sweating after consulting with doctors about options that won’t cause allergies.

Moisturize Skin

Humidity can sap away the essential oils naturally produced by the human skin turning it dry and irritable. Same can happen during spells of dry hot winds. This can be especially detrimental for the residual limb which is especially sensitive and can develop cracks. This can be avoided with the use of skin moisturizers. One should consult their doctor to find the option which does not cause allergy and also when the residual limb develops cracks.

Clean Prosthesis

Prosthetic parts build up sweat and dirt with use. The sockets are especially susceptible because they are in constant contact with the extreme end of the residual limb. This can result in the growth of germs and skin infection if allowed to fester. The prosthetic limb should be cleaned with soap and water, the socket must be cleaned thoroughly. Once washed, the limb should be dried to prevent damage immediately. The socks should also be washed regularly as they absorb sweat and dirt from the residual limb. The prosthesis may need to be dried multiple times throughout the day due to excessive sweating.

Don’t Use Prosthetic Limb At Beach

A normal artificial limb has metal parts which are susceptible to water damage and should be kept away from the beach and the pool. The sand from the beach may also enter and damage the part. Even functional spare limbs should not be used because if the limb stops working at the wrong moment it could lead to serious injuries. Besides, swimming without prostheses is simpler as there is no added weight dragging the swimmer down which also relaxes the residual limb. This will naturally prolong the life of the artificial limb.

Use Waterproof Prosthetic Leg

It is also possible to find a waterproof prosthetic leg in Port St. Lucie. This is not the same as the water-resistant variety. While water-resistant limbs can resist damage from rains and sprays, drenching it in a pool will damage its parts and void the warranty. This is why it is important to ensure that the limb is waterproof and not just water-resistant. Varieties with detachable flippers are also available for paralympic swimmers.

Cover Artificial Limb

If one prefers having their prosthesis with them all the time but cannot afford or find a waterproof limb, a cheaper alternative may be to cover the limb with a waterproof cover. With this, an extra limb need not be bought and the limb gets protection from water and other elements. However, these options are limited below the knee.

These are just some precautions that need to be taken to maintain one’s health and prosthetics during the summer. In case of any doubts or discomfort, one should consult their prosthetist or doctor.