Knowing When It’s Time for a Prosthesis Replacement

How often should prosthetics be replaced? Typically, you will notice signs when your prosthetics are wearing out. You should pay attention to these signs to avoid further damaging them. Replacing them will help you continue to live your life comfortably, even with a prosthetic.

Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Prosthetics

Do prosthetics wear out? The answer to that question is a definite yes. Here are some clear indicators you should pay attention to:

  • Adjustments in physical condition – If you have noticed recent adjustments in your physical condition, it is time to schedule an appointment with a prosthetist. These changes can be due to changes and fluctuations in your weight, problems with your skin, or changes in the capacity of the excess limb.
  • Addition of activities – If you have recently been participating in new ventures, you could have worn out your prosthetic. You should reach out to your prosthetist to confirm that the activities you are actually participating in are safe to do with your prosthetics.
  • You don’t like how the prosthetic looks – It takes time to adjust to new prosthetics. After a time, you may even find that you begin disliking the way it looks. If you do not like the appearance of your prosthetics any longer, you may want to consult with your prosthetist to see if they can come up with a quick fix to make you happy again.
  • Certain parts stopped working – It is important that you have your prosthetics replaced as soon as you notice that they have begun to stop functioning correctly. This is because it can greatly impact how you get around and participate in your day-to-day tasks.
  • Areas have gotten smaller – Another clear sign that it is time to replace your prosthetics is if you notice that certain areas have started to get smaller or some parts have begun to expand. This can make for an uncomfortable fit and jeopardize your safety if you continue wearing them. You may also start to notice cracking or broken parts of the prosthetic material. Again, continuing to wear them in this type of condition can put your safety in jeopardy.
  • Can’t keep up with hygiene – If your prosthetics do not allow you to sustain your regular hygiene routine, it is time to have your prosthetics checked out.

Final Word

Prosthetics can really help a person continue living their life following an amputation. With prosthetics also comes proper maintenance. But, even then, they can wear out over time. These signs are clear indicators that your prosthetics should be checked out to see if they need to be replaced. Failure to do so can impact your safety and affect your quality of life.