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Recent Advances in Prosthetics

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 18:20:31 GMT

Unfortunately, people who require prosthetic limbs have long been marginalized due to stigmas associated with their artificial body parts. Thanks to the advances in technology and society, prosthetics have become more accepted and more natural. Huse Artificial Limb & Brace has helped South Florida residents find prosthetics since 1992. Our doctors and staff have kept up with the advances to make sure you find the best artificial limb for yourself.

New Materials

Many of the advancements throughout the years have been in finding new materials for prosthetics. Be it advancing from wood to carbon fiber in prosthetic feet, or plastics and metals for legs and arms, materials are becoming lighter and stronger.

Bluetooth

Of the newer technologies, Bluetooth has revolutionized prosthetics. First used for a double leg amputee, this technology can help people walk or perform daily tasks with their prosthetic limb.

Sockets

The connection between the biological body and the prosthetic limb is a vital component. Sockets, that make this connection, have developed in terms of both material and interaction with the body.

Make sure you receive the best care, fit and technology in your prostheses by visiting Huse Artificial Limb & Brace. Call us at 954-432-0355 for more information!

Knee Prosthesis: What You Should Know

Wed, 06 Dec 2017 18:11:54 GMT

Your doctor may recommend knee prosthesis if you have severe destruction to your knee and/or the upper or lower leg bones that connect to your knee. Following surgery, you'll need to adjust to life with prosthetic material. Here's what you need to know.

Knee Prosthesis Systems

Knee prosthesis has come a long way over the years. The type of knee prosthesis your surgeon will use depends on a number of factors. For example, if the upper or lower part of your leg is removed, you'll need a three-component knee prosthesis to regain mobility.

Other factors that play a role in the type of knee prosthesis your doctor selects include your weight, age, health status and desired activity level. Communicate your needs to your surgeon to help choose the best type of knee prosthesis to fit your needs.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is part of recovering from knee replacement and is necessary for you to get used to your prosthetic knee. It will help you heal, regain mobility, improve strength and return to your regular daily activities. Your physical therapist will guide you through safely performing the exercises, which typically include leg raises and supported knee bends.

Your doctor may also recommend that you walk for 20 to 30 minutes and perform certain exercises at home on your own.

Aches, Pains and Stiffness

Now that you have a prosthetic knee, you'll notice that your muscles and joints feel different. They need time to strengthen and adjust to the prosthesis. You may feel as if your muscles are tight and stiff. They may also feel weak.

Over the course of the first year, you can expect the stiffness and aches to subside. However, you shouldn't experience severe soreness. If you do, make sure to contact your doctor to rule out any serious underlying conditions.

Changes in Sensation

With part of your knee removed, changes in sensation are inevitable. Most commonly, you may experience numbness or a sensation of pins and needles. Know that this is normal and not anything to worry about.

You may also find that the skin around the prosthetic knee feels warm to the touch. This too is normal and to be expected. Changes in sensation often subside over the course of several months.

However, some knee prosthesis patients report changes in sensation lasting for several years, typically after rigorous physical activity. Stretching well and warming up prior to exercise may help reduce these sensations. You may also want to consider taking an ice pack with you to the gym and icing your knee after you exercise.

Weight Fluctuation

Knee prosthesis patients are often surprised to find that they gain weight following total knee replacement. Weight gain is a common side effect due to reduced activity levels. The average knee prosthesis patient gains about 15 pounds within the first two years.

You can minimize weight gain by staying active, even during the initial recovery period. Follow your doctor and physical therapist's advice to prevent injury. You should know that gaining weight places additional stress on the prosthesis, so minimizing extra pounds is important to the performance of your prosthetic knee.

Sounds

When you walk, you may notice that your prosthetic knee makes sounds as you move. These are commonly described as popping or clicking sounds. These sounds aren't usually loud and are typically normal for your prosthetic device. Contact your doctor if the sounds are loud or unusual, to make sure your prosthesis is working as intended.

There's no manual for total knee replacement. It will take time and patience to adjust to your prosthetic knee, but knowing what to expect will better prepare you for what's ahead. Contact Huse Artificial Limb & Brace if you have questions about prosthetic knees.

3 Myths Associated with Amputees and Prosthetic Products

Thu, 05 Oct 2017 18:00:43 GMT

Whether through an accident, tragic injury or underlying medical condition, losing a limb can be physically and emotionally overwhelming. Unfortunately, nearly 2 million people in the United States suffer from the loss of a limb.

Most people feel like they know about amputations and the use of artificial limbs, but this understanding is usually false. Due to the commonality of this issue, understanding amputations and the application and utilization of prosthetic devices is wise. With this guide, you will learn the truth behind a few common myths associated with amputees and prosthetic products.

1. Losing a Limb Might as Well Be a Death Sentence

One of the most common misconceptions is that your life will stop after an amputation. Most people feel the loss of a limb will prevent them from completing simple everyday tasks. Also, many of these patients will lose all hope of reaching personal and professional goals. Thankfully, the loss of a hand, arm, foot or leg is not a death sentence.

With the use of a customized prosthetic and physical therapy, you can live a normal life even though you have lost a limb. While you may face numerous challenges over your lifetime, you can continue learning, working and playing after losing a limb. After your amputation, remain positive and continue working towards your goals. Your life does not stop after losing a limb.

2. One Size Fits All

Prosthetic devices allow amputees to restore their physical appearance and ability after losing a limb. Unfortunately, many amputees believe that all prosthetics fit the same. However, if you are considering a prosthetic, it is important to understand that one size does not fit all.

After an amputation or loss of a limb, the residual limb will heal differently from another person's. The socket, or interface that connects the prosthetic device to the residual limb, will also be different than another patient's socket. Due to the difference in patientsâ€™ sizes, shapes and needs, amputees must have a custom-fitted prosthetic.

During your prosthetic consultation, specific measurements will be taken of your residual limb. These measurements are then used to customize a prosthetic suited to your size, shape and comfort level. Once the prosthetic device is created, multiple fittings will also be necessary to make adjustmentsâ€”ensuring the device if both functional and comfortable.

The process of designing and fitting a prosthetic device is time-consuming, but it is essential to restoring your appearance and limb function.

3. One Prosthetic Lasts a Lifetime

Another common misconception is that your new prosthetic limb will last your entire lifetime. Again, this is a myth that must be addressed.

Your prosthetic will be a large investment in both time and money, but it will not last a lifetime. As you age, your body will change. You may gain or lose weight. Or, your muscle or bone mass may decrease or increase. These slight changes can alter the way your prosthetic fits in big ways.

Over time, the interface of the prosthetic will need to be adjusted to accommodate your changing body. In addition, the size of the interface and the actual prosthetic may not fit as easily to the residual limb. This will require new sizing, manufacturing and fitting of the prosthetic.

The overall size and fit of the prosthetic is not the only factor that will limit its lifespan. Basic wear and tear play a big role in how long your prosthetic lasts. Even the best-quality, most expensive prosthetic will need to be replaced periodically over the years.

If you have lost a limb, consider a prosthetic device to improve your physical and emotional well-being. To learn more about prosthetics, contact Huse Artificial Limb & Brace today.

Amputees in Action: 4 Amazing People With Prosthetic Limbs

Thu, 03 Aug 2017 17:36:20 GMT

If you recently became an amputee, you naturally have many fears and worries about your future. You might struggle to adjust to your new level of mobility. You may worry that your life will never be the same again.

While your life may be different now, it can be incredibly rewarding. Consider the stories of these four amazing people who have learned how to thrive with prosthetic limbs.

1. Jeremy Campbell

Due to fibular hemimelia, Campbell had his leg amputated when he was just a year old. But he has never let that get him down. Despite living with a prosthetic leg, he participated in sports his entire life. He even played quarterback on his high school football team.

Campbell began competing in pentathlon and discus in 2003. He excelled at discus throwing and won three gold medals at the Paralympic Games. He even broke a record and threw a discus more than 60 meters. He recently achieved fourth place at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

2. Jessica Long

Like Campbell, Jessica Long was born with fibular hemimelia. She has been walking with prostheses since she was 18 months old. She was involved in many different sports as a child but eventually decided to focus on competitive swimming.

At age twelve, Long was the youngest swimmer in the 2004 Paralympics—yet she still won three gold medals. Long has won an amazing amount of Paralympic medals, 23 total, during her swimming career. She recently won six medals at the recent Rio games.

3. Melissa Stockwell

Melissa Stockwell lost a limb while serving in the Iraq War when she was struck by a bomb in 2004. She received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. She also worked for the Wounded Warrior Project to support other injured veterans.

Stockwell had a difficult recovery from her injuries. But, she never stopped working hard to achieve her dreams. She was the first Iraq veteran to compete in the Paralympics when she swam in three events. She then began competing in triathlons, and she's won the world championship in her class for three years straight. She also won a bronze medal in a triathlon at the 2016 Paralympics.

Stockwell helped found Dare2Tri, a triathlon club for disabled athletes.

4. Matt Stutzman

Known as the "Armless Archer," Matt Stutzman performs archery with his feet. He was born without arms and learned to adapt to daily living. Not only did he adapt, but he thrived. His archery skills won him the silver medal in the 2012 Paralympics.

Stutzman credits much of his drive to his parents, who raised him under the motto that "impossible is a state of mind." He was fitted with prosthetic arms at 13 months old and learned how to use them in just two days. However, Stutzman uses only his legs, feet, and mouth to shoot arrows.

Stutzman's goal is to be the best archer in the world. He is well on his way: he achieved a world record for the longest accurate archery shot in history.

You don't need to become a world-renowned athlete to be a champion. As these amazing people show, losing a limb doesn't mean you can't achieve your dreams. With the help of your new prosthetic limbs, you can re-learn how to walk, run and perform daily tasks. You can even enjoy all your favorite hobbies and sports.

Use these peoples' stories as inspiration as you create your own life story. If you've lost a limb and you're in need of prosthetics services, turn to Huse Artificial Limb & Brace . Their experienced professionals manufacture prosthetics in their own laboratory. Their laboratory allows them to provide customized work. They'll make sure you're comfortable with your new device. Call them today at 954-432-0355 .

How to Get the Most Out of Your Prosthetic

Wed, 08 Mar 2017 17:24:56 GMT

Very few life changes can compare to what one goes through when adjusting to a new limb. Aside from the physical accommodations, people with prosthetics have to overcome huge mental hurdles in order to live their lives to the fullest. While it takes a good deal of time to get used to this alteration, there are a few things that should be dealt with at the outset to help you get the most out of your new prosthetic.

Appropriate Fit

People often worry too much about the extremities at the end of a new limb, when the most important part might be the fit of the prosthetic in the socket. This is where your body will have to do the most adjusting as it adopts and adapts to this new appendage. The proper fit will affect such things as:

Movement within the socket

Control of the limb

Coordination

Proper Alignment

In addition to being properly connected to your body, a prosthetic has to be aligned correctly within its own structure. A good prosthetist can ensure your mechanism is aligned as it should be.

When these issues are taken care of in the right way, living with a prosthetic limb can be entirely manageable. To learn more about prostheses, call Huse Artificial Limb & Brace in Hollywood, Florida.