Try These Tips to Avoid Injuries and Prevent Damage to Your Prosthetic Leg or Arm This Winter
Winter weather presents unique challenges for everyone, but it’s especially difficult if you’re a prosthetics user. Slick surfaces and cold temperature are a dangerous combo responsible for countless slip and falls, seasonal joint pain and discomfort, and mobility issues.
To help you prepare, this guide explores winter weather’s effects on prosthetic users and how you can navigate these challenges. By following these best practices, you can reduce the risk of getting injured or damaging your prosthesis in a fall.
How Does Winter Weather Affect Prosthetic Users?
Regardless of whether you use a prosthetic hand, arm, or leg, winter conditions pose significant physical and mechanical challenges and increased safety risks.
- Mobility challenges: Snow, ice, and slush create slippery and unpredictable surfaces, increasing the risk of falls and accidents. Use extreme caution if you use an above- or below-the-knee prosthetic leg.
- Joint pain and discomfort: Cold weather can cause joint stiffness and pain to flare up, especially if you have an existing musculoskeletal condition like arthritis.
- Residual limb discomfort: The combination of cold temperatures and dry air can cause sensitivity or discomfort in your residual limb. You may also experience temperature-related swelling or shrinkage, causing fitting issues with your prosthetic leg, hand, or arm socket.
- Prosthetic damage: Road salt, moisture, and freezing temperatures can corrode or damage prosthetic components, affecting how they function.
Winter Weather Tips For Prosthetic Users
Follow these best practices and strategies to stay safe and comfortable during inclement winter weather.
Wear Footwear With Adequate Traction
A slip-and-fall accident is not only a risk to your safety, but it can also damage your prosthetic hand, leg, or arm in the process. Invest in high-quality winter footwear with non-slip soles and excellent traction. Use anti-slip traction slip-ons if they’re appropriate for your needs. Wearing the proper shoes or boots when possible reduces the risk of slipping on icy surfaces.
Use a Walking Aid
Even if you’re an experienced prosthetic leg wearer with years of practice, there’s no shame in using a walking aid when dealing with icy or uneven surfaces. Consider using a cane, walker, crutches, or a walking stick for added stability. You can also ask your prosthetist for walking aid recommendations that consider your unique needs and mobility level.
Dress Warmly and Insulate Your Residual Limb
Keeping your residual limb warm will help you stay comfortable and prevent socket-related issues caused by cold temperatures and dry air. Use thermal or moisture-wicking liners to achieve a snug, yet comfortable fit in your prosthetic socket.
Regularly Clean and Care For Your Prosthetic Leg
Although custom prosthetics are made of durable materials, cold temperatures, moisture buildup, and road salt can corrode metal components and degrade the integrity of your prosthetic, particularly legs. You can prevent this by regularly cleaning your prosthetic using a soft cloth and mild cleaning solution. Don’t forget to dry it off after you’re done cleaning it.
If you notice your prosthetic leg or arm isn’t functioning like it should, don’t try to fix it yourself. Contact your prosthetist and let them know what’s going on. They are best equipped to handle weather-related component problems.
Manage Your Risk and Arrange Alternatives
Sometimes with ground conditions like ice or snow, it’s not worth risking your personal safety by going outdoors. Learn to recognize those scenarios and plan alternatives for working around inclement weather conditions.
For example, if there’s snow and ice in the forecast for tomorrow, complete all your grocery shopping and other errands today while it’s safe. It’s also a good idea to have a friend or family member you can count on with a winter-capable vehicle to help you during situations that can’t wait.
Talk to Your Prosthetist About Winter Challenges
Consult your prosthetist to discuss the specific challenges you’re facing during the winter months. They can recommend adjustments to your prosthetic fit, suggest specialized winter liners, and provide guidance tailored to your needs. Think of your prosthetist as your personal adviser for problem-solving the obstacles you face, weather-related or otherwise.
Stay Safe Out There This Winter
Winter weather doesn’t have to disrupt your mobility or comfort when using your prosthetic limb. Now that you’re familiar with winter’s unique challenges and the best practices to overcome them, you can reduce your risk of injury and keep your prosthesis in good condition.
For personalized advice, adjustments, or repairs, reach out to your prosthetist.