Prosthetics and Pain: How the Right Fit Enhances Mobility
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Limb Prosthetics and Discomfort: Why a Perfect Fit Matters
Limb prosthetics are an essential treatment for individuals who experience the loss of a limb, whether due to diabetes, traumatic injury, or another cause. An artificial limb, known as a prosthesis, is a remarkable advancement in medical technology, blending engineering expertise with cutting-edge research. However, the challenge lies in creating a prosthetic that seamlessly integrates with the body. Each limb is unique, and achieving a prosthesis that fits perfectly, ensuring comfort and natural movement, is no easy task. Finding the right fit is crucial for keeping the residual limb stable, reducing pain, and ultimately improving both physical and mental health.
How Can You Get A Prosthetic?
When facing an amputation, your healthcare provider will likely refer you to a prosthetist—a specialist in prosthetic limbs. At Ospina Medical, we ensure that every patient receives comprehensive evaluations when it comes to prosthetic referrals. Once complete, you can visit a prosthetist, where a plaster impression is typically used to capture an accurate measurement of your limb’s size and volume. This step is critical for customizing the prosthetic to your individual needs. After wearing an initial “preparatory” prosthesis for a period of time, adjustments are made, and you can progress to the “definitive” or permanent prosthetic, which supports more extensive movement goals.
Why the Perfect Fit Matters
A properly fitting prosthetic is vital for several reasons:
- Stability: A well-fitted prosthetic limb provides stability to the residual limb, preventing excessive movement that can cause discomfort, skin irritation, or sores. Stability reduces the risk of shifting during activity, lowering the chance of injury.
- Reduced Pain: Long-term discomfort from an ill-fitting prosthetic can contribute to pain, potentially leading to complications like nerve damage or skin breakdown over time.
- Natural Movement: A prosthesis that fits well allows for more natural movement patterns, which enhances mobility and reduces the strain on other parts of the body.
- Improved Quality of Life: A comfortable prosthetic greatly improves an individual's overall quality of life. Discomfort or pain from a poor fit can negatively affect mental well-being and lead to feelings of frustration or hopelessness.
- Preventing Complications: A poorly fitting prosthetic may cause long-term health issues, including joint problems, muscle atrophy, or changes in posture.
Next Steps If You Are Experiencing Pain
Experiencing pain, whether residual or phantom, is common among individuals with prosthetics. Residual pain is felt around the area where the prosthetic attaches to the residual limb and is often caused by limb shrinkage, which is a normal occurrence after amputation. Over time, this shrinkage can cause changes in how the prosthesis fits, leading to discomfort. Phantom pain, a different type of pain, typically presents in the months following surgery and is described as a tingling or throbbing sensation in the limb that was amputated. If you believe your pain is related to your prosthesis, it is important to contact your healthcare provider to begin discussing potential solutions.
Conclusion
A perfect prosthetic fit can make all the difference in your comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort with your current prosthesis, Dr. Matthew Kohler and our team at Ospina Medical are here to offer personalized evaluations, targeted referrals, and the highest level of care. Book your initial consultation today and start your journey to a more comfortable and functional prosthetic experience.
Written By: Sudheshna Thirunahari
Edited By: Camden Rowe
Medically Reviewed By: Matthew Kohler, MD