Prosthetics > Treatment/Care

Amputee clinics are run by a number of larger public hospitals. A Rehabilitation Consultant attends these clinics and is able to provide treatment for medical issues related to amputation, for example, phantom pain.

If your prosthesis is government funded it is usually a requirement of the program that you attend an Amputee Clinic to be proscribed a prosthesis. See funding

Like anything which is used a lot, your prosthesis will suffer wear and tear. Repairs and adjustments are an unavoidable part of an amputee's life. These can usually be arranged directly with your prosthetist. Do NOT attempt your own adjustments. You can easily make the problem worse. Funders and Clinics are usually very understanding about routine and accidental damage. However, if you damage your prosthesis negligently you may be billed for the cost.

Try to avoid exposing your prosthesis to sand, salt, water or extreme heat. These can all cause your prosthesis to fail. If you are going to use your prosthesis in these conditions discuss it when your limb is being made. It may be possible to alter the choice of components to better suit these conditions.

If you inadvertently do get saltwater or similar on your prosthesis (unplanned romantic walk on the beach, for example. Well you never know) rinse it off with plenty of freshwater as soon as you can and dry it off. If you can't remove the cover to do this then take it to your prosthetist as soon as possible. Certain components such as torque absorbers or locks for pin suspension are particularly vulnerable to sand and salt damage so be especially careful if you have these.

Also remember that your prosthesis will be made with a particular weight limit in mind. If you are going to do heavy lifting or much more vigorous activity than normal, check that your prosthesis will be able to handle it.