Soon after an amputation, the medical team may prescribe the patient with limb loss to wear something termed a "shrinker." A shrinker is similar to a thin sock and very much like the best pair of Spanx ever worn! Typically, the patient with limb loss will begin to wear the shrinker when the sutures are removed and the suture line is securely closed with no open wounds or skin breakdown in the area. The shrinker provides venous stasis, creating a pressure gradient on the res

When teaching, learning, or understanding how to ambulate with a prosthesis, one must comprehend the “Rule of 5.” The pelvis moves 5 degrees in the frontal, sagittal, and longitudinal planes. In other words, it moves just a little side to side, up and down, as well as rotates. This “little bit” of movement becomes a “big deal” if it is not taught and/or understood by the individual using the prosthesis. Why? Because it will not allow them to use the prosthesis correctly,

"Stump, stubbie, shortie, 'lil one, moose, Oscar." Often, a great deal of time has been utilized to name residual limbs, but not enough time is taken to care for them properly. The skin on the souls of the feet are created to withstand increased loads and weight bearing through space over a long duration of time. The skin on the residual limb was not created for the same reason so it requires special attention and specific care. Below are some tips and suggested methods t

The most common questions I get from patients with limb loss are, "what is this rash, and how quickly can I get rid of it!" Below is a list of the most common skin rashes that I have seen on residual limbs and my recommendations to treat and avoid them. Allergic contact dermatitis - Itchy red spots when new products are introduced to the limb to include new lotions, detergents, liners, etc. Treat by determining the irritant and removing it. Also, using a topical steroid m