Howard Orthotics and Prosthetics Newsletter

Health

& Fitness

Check out the BracePlace! DON’T LET PAIN SLOW YOU DOWN

Do you suffer with knee, ankle or hip pain? Doing life’s daily activities can often be a chore with actions as simple as bending down, walking up stairs or having to walk on surfaces such as grass or gravel. For many people, instability in the knee and ankle can be a major problem that leads to painful movement, decreased balance and even accelerated arthritis in the joints. Providing support to relieve pain The knee and ankle have to move

through incredible range of motions, providing stability with strength. With previous injuries, arthritis or surgeries, the ligaments and muscles supporting these joints can become weak and unstable. The right kind of bracing can go a long way in providing support to the joint, restoring more natural movement, relieving pain and allowing you to perform more activities. The right kind of bracing There are a wide variety of braces to support the knee and ankle. It takes the expert eyes of our trained professionals to know what brace will benefit you the most. The more severe your instability, the greater the stability of the brace needs to be. If you are suffering from pain with walking, bending or movement of your knee or ankle, call us today to learn more about the different bracing options available to help you. We evaluate your movement and make recommendations on custom braces to help you live an active, pain free life.

Keep Your Prosthesis in Good Shape

Wearing the Proper Shoes Your prosthesis is specifically designed for your lifestyle, including its design to be worn with certain shoes and a specific heel height. Using a different shoe with a different heel height can cause a number of comfort and safety issues. Please contact us before using a different shoe with another heel height. Sweating Your residual limb is subject to perspiration when it is in the socket of your prosthesis. This can cause odor and skin irritation. To prevent this, keep a supply of prosthetic socks on hand to change more than once a day to get rid of excess perspiration. Call us today to discover how we can help you use your prosthesis to the maximum and maintain it’s longevity.

Your prosthesis takes a lot of daily wear and tear. With good care, it will last you a long time and with periodic visits to us, we can help maintain the longevity of it, until a new one is required. Here are some tips to help you maintain your prosthesis in tip top shape: Daily Cleansing Always keep your residual limb cleansed daily, especially after wearing your prosthesis. Using a mild antibacterial soap and warm water, gently wash your limb, rinse it and dry with a clean towel. Do not soak your limb, shave it or apply creams as it is important to keep the integrity of your skin and the prosthesis. Examining your limb You should examine the surface of your residual limb for red or tender areas, abrasions or blisters every day. This is especially important if you have diabetes or vascular disease. If you see any signs of skin irritation, be sure to contact us for a consultation and possible adjustment right away. Caring for your socket Your socket is as much a part of you as is your residual limb. It needs to be cleaned daily with antibacterial soap and water or rubbing alcohol. It is recommended to do this at the end of the day, allowing the socket to dry overnight. Swelling fluctuations It is normal for your limb to change shape during the course of the day as you use your prosthesis. Therefore it is important that you add or subtract prosthetic socks to account for the change in volume. Usually your limb starts out the largest in the morning and as the day goes on you will need to add a small number of sock ply to maintain a proper fit in the socket.

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Patient Results

I can walk so much better! “I have really appreciated the help with my ankle brace. Sarah has been awesome! With the brace I can walk so much better. My ankles do not hurt, my hip and lower back does not hurt anymore. Wish I was told about this brace 2 years ago!!...” Betty L. The brace has stopped the pain! “Since I put on the brace it has stopped the pain and is helping me walk straight and not with a limp” Hope K.

Come in for a FREE Check-up

Do Your Orthotics Need a Tune Up?

FREE 15 Minute Check-Up • Consult with our experts • Review your problem • Receive recommendations on relieving your pain and improving motion

Roger Howard, CPO, Director

CALL TODAY (315) 786-8973

Offer good for the First 20 people who schedule. Expires 10-29-17.

FALL CROCK POT RECIPE

INGREDIENTS • 1 (64 fluid ounce) bottle apple cider • 3 cinnamon sticks Easy Hot Apple Cider

• 1 teaspoon whole allspice • 1 teaspoon whole cloves • 1/3 cup brown sugar

DIRECTIONS In a slow cooker, combine apple cider and cinnamon sticks. Wrap allspice and cloves in a small piece of cheesecloth, and add to pot. Stir in brown sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat, and keep warm.

SUDOKU PUZZLE

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n° 318548 - Level Hard

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Exercise Essentials

Try this simple exercise to help you feel better... Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing.

STRAIGHT LEG RAISE While lying or sitting, raise up your leg with a straight knee and your toes pointed outward. Do this 5-8 times on each side. Good For Knee Pain

Exercises copyright of

www.simpleset.net

S H A R E P l ease sha r e t hese exercises with friends and family members to help them stay healthy and free from pain. S A V E Save these in a place where you can easily use them as needed. Watch for more exercises in our next issue.

We Listen, We Care, We Get Results CALL TODAY (315) 786-8973