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Using a Prosthesis from Durrett’s Orthotics and Prosthetics

Durrett’s Orthotics & Prosthetics • March 9, 2022

Once your wound has healed and you are on the road to recovery, the healing process continues onto one that is more about learning. At Durrett’s Orthotics and Prosthetics, one question we are often asked is: “Will learning to use my prosthesis be difficult?” Every patient and medical situation is different, so we can’t provide a simple yes or no answer. We can help you become confident and comfortable using your prosthesis or orthotic device so that you can maintain your quality of life.

Durrett’s Orthotics and Prosthetics Using a prosthesis, success with a prosthetic near Edgewood, Kentucky (KY)

Finding Inspiration

One of the most determining factors in success with a prosthesis is approaching the challenge with an optimistic attitude. Have you ever seen the Paralympic Games? Like the Olympics, the Paralympics feature some of the finest atheletes in the country and around the world—and in the Paralympics, the athletic competitors share one commonality—they have a physical disability. These athletes have experienced their own challenges to become sporting champions. Between your family and friends and our helpful team, you can overcome the obstacles in front of you as well.

What You’ll Learn

In order to be successful with a prosthesis, there are some things you will need to learn.

Caring for your prosthesis is essential to keeping it in good working order for the long-term. You will learn how to clean your prosthetic or orthotic device, how to put it on, and how to remove it correctly.
It’s important to exercise to regain and maintain muscle mass in areas where it may have decreased since having your amputation. You may also need to re-learn some basic living skills. Things such as using the restroom, bathing, and preparing for your day will be different when done with a prosthesis.
Even driving a car can be possible with a prosthesis, but again, it will take you some time to learn to operate a car safely.
Leaving your comfort zone to try a variety of activities is another critical part of living well with a prosthesis. If you ever find yourself in an emergency, it will be important that you are able to either remove yourself from the situation or call for help.

Overcoming Your Fears

Many people are familiar with the phrase “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it.” Knowing that one difficult day does not define your journey is important to helping you maintain a positive frame of mind. It’s important to have goals even if they start off smaller at first and build. Pushing yourself is one way you will move forward with your prognosis. Seek out people who will lift you up and cheer you on even when you feel like quitting. Check out support groups of people who have been in the same place! We will do everything in our power to help you successfully navigate your new experience.

Contact Us

Durrett’s Orthotics and Prosthetics has been family-owned since 1958 and we continue to dedicate ourselves to the health and success of our patients every day. Our facility offers private, comfortable rooms and the most state-of-the-art equipment available. Contact us online or by phone at (859) 341-7688 with any questions or concerns you have about living with your prosthesis. We are in Edgewood, KY, and are pleased 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.