Effective Cleaning Tips for Wet or Dirty Prostheses

Turn the prosthesis upside down to empty any water or dirt out of the socket and the foot shell.

If there is mud or dirt within the foot, use a metal shoehorn to remove the foot shell. Remove the spectra/nylon sock for cleaning and drying. Rinse and dry the foot shell. Once everything is dried, put the spectra/nylon sock back over the foot and use the shoe horn to re-insert the foot back in the foot shell

Step 1:

Check that the inside of the liner is clean and dry.

Step 2:

Roll your liner insider out and place the liner flat at the end of the residual limb. The goal is to have the liner as close to the far end of the rediual limb to avoid tapping air.

Step 3:

Push the liner carefully over the end of the residual limb. Using your palms, roll the liner completely upwards onto your residual limb.

Step 4:

Check that there are NO wrinkles or creases along the liner. If there are, please unroll the liner and repeat the donning process.

When using a knee sleeve suspension

If using a knee sleeve and valve suspension, fold over the top end of the liner, before rolling up the knee sleeve. This ensures a good vacuum seal.

Step 1:

Turn the liner inside out, so that the gel or silicone layer is facing outwards.

Step 2:

Wash the gel/silicone with a mild soap and rinse off the soap entirely with water.

Step 3:

Dry the liner inside and out with a clean towel or cloth.

Step 4:

Turn the liner back the right way round, and let it dry overnight on a stand. Do NOT put the liner near a heater or in direct sunlight.

Step 1:

Wash your redidual limb daily with mild soap.

Step 2:

Apply moisurising lotion at night after washing to protect the limb from drying out.

Managing Residual Limb Rashes:

• Wash liner and skin daily. Ensure soap residue is properly washed off.
• Apply lotion for skin rashes when not wearing liner.
• Apply vaseline while wearing liner.

Combatting Irritation and Blisters at Liner Edge:

• Apply vaseline to affected areo to reduce friction.
• Fold over top edge of liner to reduce irritation.

Tackling Blisters at the Bottom of the Residual Limb:

• Apply vaseline to affected area.
• Ensure that liner is donned properly with no air trapped at the bottom of the residual limb.

Managing Excessive Perspiration:

• Give your limb time to adapt to wearing a liner.
• Apply an anti-perspirant to the limb overnight. Do not wash off the anti-perspirant before donning liner in the morning.
• Consult your prosthetist about alternative options such as a “liquid to powder” solution

Responding to Infection Signs in Prosthetic Care

• If you have any signs of infection including redness and heat that does not subside after 15 minutes or excessive swelling, please speak directly with your GP or prosthetist.