Learn How Adjustments Support Comfort, Mobility, and Advanced Prosthetic Functionality
Prosthetic limbs, such as prosthetic legs and arms, provide an avenue for you to regain mobility, function, and independence after an amputation. However, the journey doesn’t end after the prosthetic is fitted. Like any complex or mechanical device with moving parts, advanced prosthetics require ongoing maintenance.
Most notably, adjustments are a crucial part of ensuring the long-term comfort, functionality, and mobility of a prosthetic arm or leg. Whether it’s your first day as a prosthetic user or you have years of experience, regular adjustments are necessary to meet your body’s changing needs and promote optimal performance.
What Are Prosthetic Adjustments, and How Are They Done?
Prosthetic adjustments involve fine-tuning the fit, alignment, and functionality of your artificial limb to ensure it works as seamlessly as possible with your body. Licensed prosthetists perform these adjustments. A licensed prosthetist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the design, fabrication, and fitting of prosthetic devices.
During a typical adjustment session, your prosthetist will evaluate your prosthetic leg or arm and its comfort and performance. This evaluation can include checking the socket fit, assessing the alignment, and making modifications to ensure that the device is functioning properly. Common adjustments include:
- Socket adjustments to provide a snug yet comfortable fit around the residual limb.
- Alignment adjustments to modify the angle and positioning of the prosthetic limb to match your natural gait or range of motion.
- Component adjustments to fine-tune the joints, suspension systems, or hydraulic elements to ensure the prosthetic functions as smoothly as possible.
- Pressure relieving adjustments to alleviate excess pressure that’s causing discomfort.
Why Are Adjustments So Important For Prosthetic Users?
Making regular adjustments to a prosthetic arm or leg is essential for several reasons. Let’s explore the seven main benefits of adjustments.
Adjustments Ensure Continued Comfort
Comfort is one of the most critical factors for any prosthetic wearer. Over time, and especially during the first year after amputation, your residual limb changes in size and shape due to weight fluctuations, muscle atrophy, changes in activity level, and other factors.
These changes often cause the prosthetic to fit poorly or create pressure points that lead to pain or skin irritation. Regular adjustments ensure that the prosthetic limb comfortably fits, reducing the risk of sores, blisters, and long-term skin damage.
Adjustments Improve Prosthetic Leg and Arm Functionality
A prosthetic limb must be correctly aligned with your body to optimally function. If the alignment is off, it can affect your balance, gait, or overall mobility.
By extension, this leads to compensatory movements that cause strain on other parts of your body, such as the hips, back, or remaining limbs. Alignment adjustments improve the functionality of the prosthetic, enabling you to walk, grip, and move naturally without discomfort or strain.
Adjustments Enhance Mobility and Independence
Adjustments are vital for maintaining natural walking patterns and maximizing mobility. Even minor misalignments in a prosthetic leg can affect your ability to walk long distances, navigate stairs, or engage in physical activities. Regular adjustments help you regain or maintain your independence, so you can move confidently and comfortably in your daily life.
Adjustments Expand the Lifespan Of Prosthetic Arms and Legs
Advanced prosthetic devices are built to last, but wear and tear will eventually affect their performance. Regular adjustments help identify and address small issues before they become significant problems that require expensive repairs or a complete replacement. By staying on top of adjustments, you can ensure your prosthetic device continues to efficiently function and lasts as long as possible.
Adjustments Prevent Secondary Health Issues
Wearing an ill-fitting prosthetic often leads to a host of secondary health issues. Poorly adjusted prosthetics can cause muscle imbalances, joint pain, or even long-term damage to the spine, hips, and knees due to compensatory movements. Adjustments help evenly distribute weight across your body, reducing the risk of secondary issues and promoting overall health and well-being.
Adjustments Support Lifestyle Changes
As your lifestyle changes, what you need from your device may evolve, too. For example, if you become more active or change to a more physically demanding role at work, your prosthetic will require adjustments to accommodate these new demands.
Adjustments Enhance Confidence and Mental Well-Being
When a prosthetic limb properly fits and functions well, it gives you confidence in your physical capabilities. Conversely, a poorly adjusted prosthetic can cause discomfort, frustration, and embarrassment. Regular prosthetic leg or arm adjustments help maintain a seamless experience, improving your mental well-being and fostering confidence in day-to-day activities.
How to Schedule Prosthetic Adjustments
Prosthetic adjustments are more than just routine maintenance; they are vital for your long-term mobility and comfort. By working with your licensed prosthetist to fine-tune your prosthetic arm or leg, you can enjoy a better quality of life, reduced pain, and improved overall well-being.
If you notice pain, discomfort, or reduced mobility, or it’s been a while since you’ve had an adjustment, contact your prosthetist today to make an appointment. A fresh adjustment can help you get through the rigors of daily life.
