Prosthetic Care Instructions
Taking proper care of your prosthesis helps to ensure it functions well and optimises its longevity.
THE LINER
A prosthetic liner should be washed on a daily basis. Use a damp cloth with a mild detergent to wipe it out and then dry it with a towel and leave it overnight to dry completely. DO NOT leave your liner for extended periods turned inside out or put your liner in a washing machine or clothes dryer, as it may damage or even destroy it.
THE SOCKET
Trans-Tibial users (below the knee): Your socket should be cleaned weekly. Simply wipe it with a damp cloth and a mild detergent and dry it thoroughly before you put it back on. Shuttle locks and expulsion valves need to be serviced when not functioning optimally. Speak to your prosthetist about service intervals.
Trans-Femoral Users (above the Knee): Your socket should be cleaned daily. Wipe your socket with a damp cloth and a mild detergent, making sure you dry it thoroughly before putting it back on. Isopropyl wipes can be used to clean and disinfect all sockets. It is not necessary to use an antiseptic to clean your prosthesis. DO NOT use Dettol or other solvents to clean your socket or liner.
PROSTHETIC COMPONENTS
Most prosthetic components just need to be wiped clean using a damp cloth. If the prosthetic foot gets sand in it, make an appointment for it to be cleaned and serviced by your prosthetist. In many cases, your prosthetist can give you a tool and train you to do it yourself.
CLEANING THE STUMP SOCKS
The two main reasons for wearing stump socks are: (1) to protect the residual limb from excessive rubbing against the socket; and (2) to allow the prosthesis to fit better as your residual limb changes in volume. You may find that you wear only one sock in the morning but have to add a second one as the day progresses. It is very important to keep your stump socks in a clean and hygienic state. They should be changed and cleaned daily.
DO’s and DON’Ts for cleaning prosthetic stump socks:
- Only use an approved wool detergent to wash your prosthetic stump socks, preferably by hand.
- Using hot water might cause your prosthetic stump socks to shrink.
- Squeeze suds gently through the prosthetic stump socks and rinse with clear warm water.
- Avoid twisting and rubbing wet socks as this may cause the socks to lose their shape.
- DO NOT wring the prosthetic stump socks out. Roll them in a towel to blot out the extra water.
- Stump socks can be hung to dry.
- DO NOT use a clothes dryer to dry prosthetic stump socks.
Prosthetic Care FAQs