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Western Reserve Orthotics & Prosthetics

Patient Resource

Prosthetic Wear & Care

A simple guide to breaking in your new prosthesis, managing sock ply, checking your skin, and properly cleaning your liner.

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You have just been delivered your prosthesis and are well on your way to restoring your mobility and independence. It is important to perform routine skin checks in the early stages of wearing your prosthesis and contact your prosthetist with any issues.
Getting Started

Break-In Schedule

1

Day One

1 hour on
1 hour off

2

Day Two

2 hours on
1 hour off

3

Day Three

4 hours on
1 hour off

4

Day Four

8 hours on
1 hour off

5

Day Five

Full-time wear

Important: It is common for the residual limb to experience soreness during this break-in period. Contact your prosthetist if you experience redness lasting longer than 30 minutes.
Maintaining Proper Fit

Sock Ply Management

Your residual limb will fluctuate in size due to a multitude of reasons including diet, changes in weight or medication, fluid dispersion, and atrophy. The purpose of the socks is to maintain a tight and even fit with the prosthesis to accommodate these changes.

Socks come in 1-ply, 3-ply, and 5-ply and are color coded. You can use any combination of these socks to maintain a proper fit.
1-Ply3-Ply5-Ply

When to Add Socks

  • Pressure at the end of limb
  • Socket feels loose and/or rotating on the leg
  • Pin lock clicks in place quickly with little resistance

When to Remove Socks

  • Pin lock does not fully engage — listen to the number of clicks
  • Kneecap is above the trimline
  • Prosthesis feels taller than previous fit
Daily Care

Washing Instructions

Liners should be washed after daily use. Use a mild, fragrance-free lotion soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the liner. 70% isopropyl alcohol can be used periodically to disinfect the liner.

1

Turn the liner inside out so the gel is facing out.

2

Rub the soap over the entirety of the liner.

3

Rinse the liner under warm water until soap is completely removed.

4

Turn the liner right side out so the fabric is facing out.

5

Prop the liner standing or hang from the plunger pin to allow it to air dry overnight.

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