Guide to Frequently Asked Questions on Prosthetics Part 5| Solve the problem of artificial limbs in the four seasons
In the spring and autumn, the northern region is dry and rainless, so dryness and cracking are more likely to occur at the scars at the broken ends and under the knees. After washing and soaking every night, you can apply some moisturizing oil on these areas to prevent pain caused by dryness and cracking.
In addition, sometimes you will suddenly feel itchy somewhere in the residual limb, but there is no abnormality visible on the surface. Generally speaking, this is because the skin is too dry. Don't scratch it, just clean it in time and apply some oily skin care products to relieve the itching quickly.
The weather is hot in summer, which is the most difficult period of the year for people who wear prosthetics. Due to the intense heat, the human body perspires a lot, and the breathability of the prosthetic limbs is extremely poor. Therefore, the thinner the socks on the inner and outer layers of the prosthesis, the better.
The issue that still needs attention in summer should be "cleaning". Not only do you need to bathe every day to keep your limbs clean and hygienic, but you also need to brush the "inner sleeve" frequently to make it clean and odor-free.
The key point in winter is to keep warm. Residual limbs are particularly afraid of cold, especially the coldness and numbness on the severed ends, which is as unbearable as if they are about to freeze off. I believe everyone with residual limbs feels the same way. Due to poor blood circulation in the residual limb and the severe cold, the stump is particularly sensitive to external cold and heat. Therefore, how the limbs keep out the cold cannot be ignored. I believe that after you adopt the following protective measures, you will no longer be so afraid of the cold in winter.
Solution:
First of all, around November, when you put on warm winter socks, you can find some cotton, cotton ends and the like as fillers to fill the bottom of the limb tube so as not to touch the painful end and affect walking (similarly, prosthetic hands can also follow the same example).
Then, it’s time to add a “cold-proof layer” to the outside of the prosthesis.
Materials: Light and warm felt sheets, space cotton (better with a layer of metal film), or cotton wadding, etc.
Steps: A. First use a newspaper to compare the shape of the prosthetic limb and take a suitable pattern from the upper end of the limb tube to the top of the ankle.
B. Cut the materials according to the size of the paper pattern.
C. Wrap the thermal insulation material tightly around the prosthesis directly, and then sew it up with large stitches.
D. Finally put on the prosthetic socks.
Special reminder:
Due to the influence of thermal expansion and cold contraction, limbs are mostly in a state of cold contraction in winter. Therefore, the inner socks worn on the residual limb in winter should be thicker. It is best to have a high cotton content, good warmth retention, breathability and moisture absorption. This will not only help keep you warm and cold, but also prevent the prosthetic limb from becoming loose and unfitting due to cold limb contraction.
Furthermore, the greater the temperature difference between the body and the external environment in winter and summer, the greater the moisture in the prosthetic tube, and moisture may form. Therefore, there is often water at the bottom of the prosthetic tube. In winter, you should take out the "bottom" thermal insulation material to dry every three or two days. If it is dirty, you can also wash it with water and dry it before use. In this way, it will not only dry and keep warm, but also maintain internal hygiene and avoid odor.
Practice is the only criterion for testing truth. You might as well give it a try. But it should vary from person to person and don't just apply it rigidly. The main thing is to rely on yourself to explore and find the method that suits you best through personal experience. Let us better utilize the compensatory function of prosthetics while caring for and communicating with each other, and live our own wonderful lives.
Tips for self-healing
Materials:
Commonly used semi-old rubber bands, also known as elastic cords, are about 8 inches long. Note: Don’t make the rubber band too elastic.
Specific method:
l·Fold the rubber band in half, use the middle end to tie a knot on the pen holder, about 1 inch away from the pen tip, and wrap it around once or twice.
2. Use a double-folded rubber band to tie a knot at the upper end of the pen holder. It does not need to be too tight, so that everyone can adjust the tightness up and down as appropriate. The distance between the two knots made by the rubber band is about 2.5 inches.
3. It can be put on the broken forearm to practice writing. It can be worn on the sleeves in spring and autumn. In winter, it can be used as an arm guard to keep warm. It will not affect writing even if the pen holder is covered.
Special reminder:
The elasticity of the rubber band can be adjusted during the trial according to personal feeling. It should not be too tight. If it is too tight on the forearm, it will affect blood circulation; but if the rubber band is too loose, it will affect writing efficiency. As long as the refill has a smooth flow of water, a ballpoint pen will do, but not a pencil.
In addition, bring a small piece of lightweight cardboard (either plastic or a small thin board), and use a stationery clip to clamp the paper or notebook to the board to fix it, which will make writing more convenient (finished products are also sold in stationery stores). It is convenient to write whether sitting or standing, or even lying on the bed. Give it a try!
As for whether the rubber band covers the forearm is single or double, you can choose whether the writing surface is flat or slightly tilted.