AboutScott Anderson Expertise General to detailed questions regarding prosthetics (fit, function, mechanics, pre-op/post-op care). Specifically below knee prosthetics
Experience ABC Certified Prosthetist 2004
Florida State Licensed Prosthetist
Certificate of Prosthetics Century College 2003
Prosthetic and Orthotic Technician 1997
Clinic Accounts Manager Novacare OandP 1996
Account Rep@HealthSouth Regional Business Office 1995
BSc Health Service Administration 1995
Question My leg was amputated Febuary of this year . In September of this year I started a part time job . In the process of working I started to get blisters the first one then the second one has burst open and is painful it wont heal and when I'm at home I keep the leg off , I worked last night 5hrs and came home and now I have another one this one has not burst I'm trying to keep this one from bursting sofar so good . I would like to know how to get the open ones to heal fast and what to do when I'm at work ,I have noticed that when I'm at work the rubber part that locks the leg on slides down as the work day goes on . Does this mean that I should get a new liner ? Thank you for all of your help .
Answer Unfortunately, the only way to get the bilsters to heal completely is to remain off of the prosthesis. You can continue to apply ointments and other treatments which will help with pain relief but not healing. The stump is in an enclosed environment which is high in moisture, friction and heat (not an ideal climate for wound healing). If you need to continue to use the leg, I will usually recommend wearing a sock (single or multiply)against the skin and locking liner. This method will help to wick away moisture from the bottom the stump and create a slight barrier between the skin and gel.
The issue with the blister sounds as though it could be caused by two situations. First, the liner is getting too loose for you. If you are able to pull the liner off of the stump by pulling from the pin then the liner is too large. This situation can be compared to wearing a rubber sandals that are too large and without socks. The second issue could be that the liner started too small and is in essence forcing the limb upward upon every step.
Has the liner, since day 1, felt like it was comfortable? If it felt as though your limb was burning and tingling, more than likely the liner was too small. Very rare and usually shows up within a day is that the material may not be tolerated by your skin (allergic).
Are you disinfecting your liner and then wasking it with soap and water? Due to the porous nature of silicone and gel, debris can get trapped in the "pores"which then build up to start irritating the skin.
