Care for your Prosthesis

Upper Limb (UL) users: Your socket should be cleaned weekly. You should regularly clean the hand and/or cosmetic glove.

Transtibial (BK) users: Your socket should be cleaned weekly.

Transfemoral (AK) Users: Your socket should be cleaned daily.

 

How to clean your socket & components

When cleaning your socket, wipe your socket with a damp cloth and a mild detergent and dry it thoroughly before you put it back on. It is not necessary to use an antiseptic to clean your socket.

Tip: Never use Dettol or other solvents to clean your socket or liner.

 

Wet/Dirty Prosthesis: It’s important to clean the components as well as the socket. Tip your prosthesis upside down to empty any water out of the foot shell. Use a shoe horn to lever off the foot shell. Remove, clean and dry the spectra sock (nylon sock between the foot shell and carbon fibre foot). Rinse out and dry the foot shell. Put the spectra sock back over the carbon fibre foot and use a shoe horn to reattach the foot shell.

 

Cosmetic Cover: If you have a cosmetic cover, it is important to keep this clean as well. A hard cover can generally be cleaned in the same manner as your socket. A soft/foam cover with stockings – you can wash the stockings as you would any hosiery/delicates. Wipe the foam with a slightly damp cloth and allow to dry before redonning the stockings.

Tip: Remember, keeping your prosthesis clean and drying after getting wet is crucial for maintaining longevity of the components and preventing rust or damage.