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FAQ
What exactly is a gel liner? How do I use one?
A prosthetic gel liner looks like a gel covered sock that you roll onto your residual limb. (Alps liner pictured right.)
It may be made completely of gel, but most of the time it has a fabric covered outside. It is used as an interface to pad your limb and make the prosthesis more comfortable. Many times it also has a pin attached to the end, or a rubber seal around the perimeter which holds the prosthesis onto your limb.
Each day, you should put on a clean, dry gel liner. I recommend having two and alternating them each day to increase their life span. To clean the liner, turn it inside out and wash the gel side every day with warm water and mild soap. Rinse it thoroughly, turn it right side out, and hang or lay flat to dry. Once a week, wipe the gel side of the liner with rubbing alcohol and a clean cloth. You can expect a pair of gel liners to last around 6-12 months. For very active patients they may need to be replaced sooner.
I'm facing an amputation. What should I do first?
Contact our office at 843-347-5800 for a pre-surgical consultation at no charge.
How do I choose a prosthetist and prosthetic facility?
You will be working with your prosthetist more closely than any other health care provider therefore you should ask questions before committing to a prosthetist.
- How many patients with your level of amputation has this prosthetist worked with?
- Ask about their success rate.
- Is the prosthetist you're considering licensed and certified?
- Do you like the prosthetist?
How much will my prosthetic care cost?
The best way to find out about the cost of your prosthetic care is to call our office and talk with a financial counselor. They will talk to you about your insurance coverage and co-pays. If you don't have insurance, they will help you find a pay source.
Does prosthetic care at your facility cost more than others?
No. If we are contracted with your insurance company, we can only bill the contracted rate. If we not contracted, we make every effort to keep costs at a minimum and to negotiate rates with your insurance company.
How long will it take to get my prosthesis?
The average below-knee definitive prosthesis requires 10 appointments for fitting and delivery. An average above-knee definitive prosthesis requires 15 appointments. A temporary prosthesis requires approximately 5 appointments. We never promise that we will complete your prosthesis in less time than this, but we will promise that you will receive the absolute best care possible.
What can I do about phantom pain?
Phantom limb pain or sensation is the feeling that the amputated limb is still present. Virtually all amputees have phantom sensations to some degree; a much smaller percentage has phantom pain. Phantom pain, significant enough to cause a patient to seek medical care, occurs in approximately 5 to 10% of the amputee population. Phantom limb pain appears to be more common in patients who lose a limb at an older age. Phantom limb pain may develop immediately after injury or may develop weeks, months, or even years after the injury.
The pain may vary from a continuous cramping, aching, and burning to an electric shock-like sensation. Stress, anxiety, fear or fatigue will usually increase the patient's discomfort. There are many different types of therapies that have attempted to relieve this pain, ranging from acupuncture to complicated surgical procedures. The best initial treatment is to determine the factors which increase the pain and to eliminate these factors. Psychological and environmental factors can play a major role in the genesis of pain behavior. Therapies such as massage, wearing a shrinker, and looking into mirrors are conservative treatments that often work.
How can I find a support group?
Contact our office at 843-347-5800 for information about local support groups. The Amputee Coalition of America also has a listing of support groups nationwide - www.amputee-coalition.org.
How often should I see my prosthetist?
You should see your prosthetist every six months or if either of the following occurs:
- You've experience weight gain or loss, even if it's 5 lbs. or 2% of your body weight.
- Your activity level has changed.
I've had my prosthesis for several years now. How long is it supposed to last?
The useful lifespan of your prosthesis depends on several factors. Changes in the residual limb volume (size) often necessitate modifying or replacing the socket to maintain a proper and comfortable fit. Changes in activity level, body weight, component fatigue and general wear and tear are all factors that determine the lifespan of the rest of the prosthesis. It is critical that your prosthesis fit properly and be in sound physical condition to withstand the forces placed on it daily. I recommend that prostheses be evaluated and safety-checked at least every 6 months by a certified prosthetist. Often, major problems can be prevented by early detection.
