Howard: Safety During The Holidays

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SAFETY DURING THE HOLIDAYS

The holidays can be an extremely busy and hectic time. No matter how busy you are, staying safe and keeping comfortable while using your prosthetic or orthotic should be a priority. It’s especially important to keep your device in good working order during this time so you can fully enjoy the holidays. Call our office to find out how we can help you stay safe and comfortable with your prosthetic during the upcoming season. Staying Safe. It’s always important to make safety a priority when you’re wearing a prosthetic or orthotic. There are specific issues to keep in mind during the holiday season. Ice and Snow. Walking on icy surfaces can be difficult and even dangerous if you have an orthotic or prosthetic. It’s important to invest in a quality pair of shoes or boots that have good traction. Flat shoes are ideal, especially those with a rubber sole. A cane or crutch may also be helpful when walking in icy or snowy conditions. This may be especially true for someone who has recently received a prosthetic device

and hasn’t had any experience walking in winter weather. Co l d Tempe ra t u r es . Co l de r temperatures can affect your devices, making it important to keep them covered and warm as you would the rest of your body. It’s a good idea to always have extra socks and liners during cold weather. Colder weather means less blood flow and shrinking blood vessels throughout your body. This can affect how well your device fits. When seasons change you should have your device evaluated by a professional to make sure it’s fitting correctly. Busy Schedules. Busy schedules means more time on your feet and time spent walking. This could lead to soreness and chafing where your limb rubs against your prosthetic. A hectic schedule can also involve rushing and moving more quickly than usual. You may be engaging in new activities and going places you’ve never been to before during the holidays. This means planning out your schedule ahead of time and knowing what types of surfaces you’ll be walking on.

Staying comfortable can be just as important as staying safe. Skin can become drier in the winter, causing friction between the skin on your residual limb and your prosthetic. Unscented lotion that can be purchased at the drugstore will often solve the problem. You’ll want to consult with your physician or therapist if the skin becomes dry enough that it cracks. Whether it’s an orthotic insert or any other type of device, it’s crucial to keep it dry at all times. Many devices may not fit well when wet. Finally, never put orthotics in the dryer since they may lose their shape. Visit a Professional When it comes to keeping your orthotic or prosthetic in a safe and comfortable condition, it’s necessary to consult with a professional. Do-it-yourself techniques may be fine in an emergency situation, but when it comes to making sure your device is in top working condition you need to see someone with proven experience and expertise. Howard Orthotics and Prosthetics provides an on-site laboratory and a wide range of services. They offer pre and post-operative evaluations and fittings, upper and lower orthotics and prosthetics, and outpatient care. They can evaluate and help get your orthotic or prosthetic in excellent condition in time for the holidays. Call Howard Orthotics and Prosthetics today to schedule an appointment. KEEPING COMFORTABLE

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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.

QUAD SET While lying or sitting with a small towel rolled under your ankle, tighten your top thigh muscle to press the back of your knee downward towards the ground.

Exercises copyright of

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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.

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