Recommendations for New Amputees

Getting used to a new prosthesis takes time and patience. The weight-bearing areas of your limb will need to be conditioned over a period of several weeks, possibly even months, depending on your specific circumstances. It is important to watch these weight-bearing areas for blisters and sores and to report any such problems to your physician or prosthetist. For below knee amputees, the areas to watch are under the knee cap, inside of the knee, and behind the knee. For above knee amputees the tailbone and the groin area are the main weight-bearing zones.

We recommend wearing your prosthesis for short durations, increasing gradually over time. Your physical therapist will help you develop a schedule that is personalized for your situation. Below is a sample schedule that you may wish to follow when you first receive your prosthesis.

• 9:00 AM- 12:00PM: Put on your prosthesis. Walk 10 to 15 minutes each hour, dividing the time into 3-5 minute intervals. Remove your prosthesis each hour and check for sore areas before continuing.
• 12:00 PM- 2:00 PM: Remove the prosthesis and check for sore areas. If there are no visible sore areas, put on your shrinker and rest your limb.
• 2:00 PM-5:00 PM: Re-apply your prosthesis. As before, walk 10 to 15 minutes each hour, dividing the time into 3-5 minute intervals. Remember to remove your prosthesis each hour and check for sore areas before continuing.
• 5:00 PM- 7:00 PM: Remove the prosthesis and check for sore areas. If there are no visible sore areas, re-apply your shrinker and rest your limb.
• 7:00 PM- ? : If you want to wear the prosthesis in the evening, continue as earlier in the day, walking in short intervals, checking your weight-bearing areas every hour.