A prosthetic sheath is a thin garment that goes directly over the residual limb to assist with easier donning. Its purpose is to eliminate friction between the skin and liner, or skin and sock. It was purely designed for the purpose of absorbing the shock caused in these areas. It is also worth noting that prosthetic sheaths should also be used to limit skin irritations.
A prosthetic is fitted on residual limbs with the help of a prosthetic sheath, liner, and/or sock. The act of putting on a prosthetic arm or leg is called donning. Donning can produce complications for two reasons: either the prosthetic is difficult to don or doesn't fit tightly enough. The friction present between the skin and the prosthesis can make it hard to fit. For this reason, a prosthetic sheath can be used to make donning easier. A prosthetic arm or leg is intended to fit snug to ensure maximum efficiency. If the prosthetic fits loosely, an amputee may require an additional liner or prosthetic socks.
If you are new to wearing a prosthetic arm or leg, you may only use it for an hour or two daily. As your body is adjusting, you may experience discomfort, redness and swelling, as well as sweating while the prosthesis is attached. As you adjust, the sweating and irritation will begin to subside.
The options available to amputees are plentiful, and you may not be sure where to start when selecting accessories to wear with your prosthetic. In order to ensure that this long and arduous process succeeds, there are many processes to follow. The first step is understanding the difference between prosthetic sheaths, liners, and socks.
A prosthetic liner is worn over the prosthetic sheath. They are usually made out of a flexible silicone-type material. Prosthetic liners ensure that the prosthetic fits well and functions as it should. The type of prosthetic liner you choose will depend on the type of prosthetic you are using. There are multiple types of prosthesis. The two most common are the suction and the pin/lock. The suction and pin/lock prostheses are both commonly used. Neither carries a better overall value, and preference will usually vary from person to person. You should know which type you have before you begin shopping for a prosthetic liner.
Liners for a Suction Prosthetic
This liner is characterized by a ring and rigid round bottom that promotes suction. When the user steps into the prosthetic, the rounded bottom pushes air through the prosthetic and the ring creates a suction that holds it in place. There is usually a release button or valve to assist in removing the prosthetic.
Liners for a Pin/Lock Prosthetic
This liner has an umbrella shaped bottom, with a screw in the middle which measures about two inches long. The screw is what attaches to the prosthetic arm or leg. When attached, the user should hear about three clicks. This ensures that the prosthesis is securely connected.
A prosthetic sock is worn either directly over the prosthetic sheath or over the prosthetic liner. Prosthetic socks are sometimes used to provide additional comfort to amputees, especially those who haven't been using a prosthetic for long. They are more commonly used to add thickness. The size of an amputee's residual limb may fluctuate often in size. Socks are used to ensure the limb fits tightly into the socket of the prosthetic arm or leg. Prosthetic socks are measured by thickness, also referred to as 'ply'. Socks start at 1-ply and going up to 6-ply, increasing in thickness as the numbers increase. Some brands may only carry select ply options. A prosthetic sock can be purchased alone or in packs of two or more. Because you may perspire throughout the day, it is a great idea to have at least one extra on hand. There are many different types of prosthetic socks available. Many of them look the same, but provide different types of support. The options can quickly become confusing.
Prosthetic Socks (general)
Prosthetic socks are generally made from cotton or nylon, but sometimes contain special blends marketed by companies. Prosthetic socks range from 1-ply to 6-ply and they are often layered to ensure maximum support.
Prosthetic Gel Socks
Prosthetic gel socks often come infused with lubrication to prevent skin irritation. They may be preferred by amputees who experience discomfort using their prosthetic, as they can often provide additional cushion.
Prosthetic Fleece Socks
Prosthetic fleece socks have a thicker lining and may be preferred by those who experience increased perspiration. The fleece interior detract moisture from the skin, adding comfort and dryness. The fleece material may also add an additional layer of comfort in cold weather conditions.
Prosthetic Socks for Phantom Pain
Prosthetic socks can be purchased to battle the phenomenon known as phantom pain. Phantom pain is a sensation where amputees feel pain in the limb that is no longer present. These socks are often intended to be worn overnight and should not be used with a prosthetic. The active material is infused with electromagnetic properties, allowing the prosthetic sock to either relieve or eliminate phantom pain.
Amputees often suffer from edema, or fluid at the bottom of the residual limb. Prosthetic shrinkers can be used to guide edema away from the residual limb using reverse pressure technology. Excess buildup of edema can cause complications that slow healing of the residual limb. Be sure to follow instructions carefully if you are using a prosthetic shrinker as research has it that reckless usage often resulted in worsening the pan at the expense of alleviating it.
Other Things to Consider
Perspiration is a common annoyance to amputee victims. Many suggest sprinkling baking soda or an over the counter anti-antiperspirant between the prosthetic sheath and sock to prevent moisture. The prosthetic sheath, liner, sock, and the prosthetic itself should be cleaned daily. Most prosthetic sheaths and liners can be safely cleaned using warm water and mild soap. Be sure to monitor your residual limb daily and discuss any abnormal changes in size, appearance, or texture with your doctor.