The winter months can be hard for everyone – transportation gets trickier, the sidewalks can get slippery, and if it snows, just forget about it! But when you’re new to limb loss and trying to adjust to your prosthetic device, things can be even more challenging. Check out these winter limb loss tips that will make your life easier!
Challenges Amputees Face in the Winter
Winter can pose a whole new set of challenges for people with limb loss. Newer prostheses are often mostly constructed of metals that are left exposed, and when the weather gets really cold, that chill can creep through the socket into your residual limb.
Another challenge is walking on ice. Typically, when a person walks on an icy surface, they walk almost completely flat footed to compensate for the lack of traction. But when you have a leg prosthesis, your ankle can’t always adapt that way – which means slipping is a very real possibility.
Solutions for These Issues
The best option for keeping your prosthesis and your residual limb warm this winter is insulation. If you’re not sure what that looks like or where to find it, there are all kinds of options, from sleeves to liners and more. Just make sure to bundle up, even if you’re not wearing your prosthesis – your residual limb can get very irritated and start to hurt from the cold weather.
(As a side note, it’s advised that you don’t skip wearing your device in the winter – so do your best to be consistent!)
When it comes to walking on ice, there are bionic ankles that can bend with greater acuity than ever before. But if that’s not something you’re interested in, there’s also a wide variety of shoes with exceptional traction that can help you stay upright on an icy surface.
Want More Winter Limb Loss Tips?
Here at BioTech, we’re experts on winter prosthetic technology and caring for your device. Make sure you’re comfortable and safe this season by contacting us for more information about wearing your prosthesis in the winter!