Maintaining & Caring for Your Artificial Limb

Clean Your Prosthetic Limb Daily

By keeping your arm prosthetic, artificial leg, or other prosthetic device clean, you help prevent infection-causing dirt and bacteria from building up. Use the following steps to clean your prosthesis:

• Use warm water and a mild detergent to clean the socket of your prosthetic limb. You may need a soft-bristled scrub brush to reach into narrow sockets.
• Wipe the socket with a clean, damp cloth to remove all traces of soap; even small amounts can cause irritation.
• Dry thoroughly.
• In addition to the cleaning, we recommend wiping rubbing alcohol inside the socket and on the exterior of your artificial limb to help further prevent bacterial growth.

Common Maintenance Concerns

Anything with moving parts is subject to wear and tear over time. You should never try to repair your prosthetic yourself. Doing so can cause a malfunction, which can lead to injury. Here are a few things to look for when caring for your prosthetic:

• Loose components, such as screws or bolts.
• New or unusual sounds, including squeaking, clicking, or popping.
• Parts that aren’t moving as fluidly as in the past.
• Visible damage, including cracks of any size or other breakage.
• Places that feel different or uncomfortable.

Store with Care

Caring for your prosthetic properly prolongs its lifespan. When you aren’t using it, it’s important to keep your artificial limb in a spot where it won’t be bumped into or knocked over. Always store it away from direct sunlight and other heat sources, like space heaters, radiators, and ovens.

Additional Ways to Care for Your Artificial Limb

• Avoid using your arm prosthetic in situations where it will be exposed to high levels of impact, chemicals, or water.
• For artificial leg prosthetics, keep your socks and liners clean, and change them once daily—more if they are soiled. We suggest bringing extras if you will be away from home for many hours.
• Replace socks and liners immediately when they are worn out or damaged.
• Never use any lotion, cream, or fragrance on your prosthesis.
• For lower limb prosthetics, always wear shoes designed to fit correctly.
• If your prosthetic has leather pieces, take extra care to keep them dry. When they require cleaning, use saddle soap and a leather brush to avoid damage.

Contact Us

Durrett’s Orthotics & Prosthetics has been offering quality care and the latest technology in equipment since 1958. We are a full-service orthotics and prosthetics provider with modern, comfortable offices.

Most prostheses will last between 2-4 years with proper use and care. If you need your first prosthetic or your current one needs adjusting or replacing, call us at (859) 341-7688. You can also contact us online.

We have two convenient locations in Edgewood, KY, and Lawrenceburg, IN. Durrett’s Orthotics & Prosthetics is happy to serve Erlanger, Florence, Covington, Fort Thomas, Union, Walton, Edgewood, Oakbrook, Taylorsport, Fort Mitchell, Hebron, Beaverlick, Burlington, Belleview, Independence, Newport, Verona, Elsmere, KY, and Cincinnati, OH.