FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

If you don't find the answer to one of your questions here, ask your prosthetist, therapist, or doctor. Your rehabilitation team is able to best evaluate your individual situation and can therefore provide you with competent consultation.

1. Why do I have pain in my residual limb? What can I do about it?
   Different types of pain can occur in a residual limb after an amputation. These can include bone pain, wound pain, nerve pain or phantom pain, for example.
   The pain is treated correspondingly depending on the cause (e.g. with medication, heat/cooling, residual limb bandaging). Your contact person is your specialist and/or your pain therapist.
   
   
2. If I touch the skin on the residual limb, it feels "strange" there. What can I do about it?
   After an amputation, sensitivity problems can occur on the residual limb. The reason for this is the separation of the nerves during the operation. These unfamiliar sensations often normalize by themselves after some time. However, you can support this process by subjecting the residual limb to various types of stimulation and, for example, by stroking the skin with a terry towel or a soft brush.
   
   
3. Why can't I get a prosthesis shortly after the amputation?
   The residual limb is still swollen and the skin is sensitive after the operation. Also, the wound should be able to heal "in peace". Ensure that comprehensive therapeutic measures are taken before the prosthetic fitting process is started.
   
   
4. How long will it take before I master the prosthesis completely?
   This question can't be answered in a general way. How long you require in order to tap the full potential of the prosthesis depends on many factors: Reason for the amputation, amputation level, condition of the residual limb, ability on the sound side, and many more.
   Your motivation is also an important factor: If you already start preparing yourself well for the prosthetic fitting shortly after the operation and train frequently and intensively with the prosthesis later on, you contribute to reducing the time required to reach your personal goals.
   
   
5. Can I drive again using the prosthesis?
   Please contact the responsible agency regarding this topic. The ability to drive after an amputation is evaluated differently from one country to the next. In many cases, only the operation of a vehicle with automatic transmission is allowed.
   
   
6. What do I have to consider when riding my bicycle with the prosthesis?
   Your ability to ride your bicycle depends on the amputation level and the type of prosthesis. In all cases, try riding on a stationary bicycle first and only switch to a normal bicycle after a successful experience with the stationary bicycle.
   
   
7. Can I go swimming with my prosthesis?
   Your everyday prosthesis is not suited for swimming or taking a shower. In some cases, producing a swimming prosthesis makes sense. Talk to your prosthetist about this.
   
   
8. Can I go back to work with my prosthesis?
   Depending on your activity, you can go back to work with your prosthesis. If you pursue an activity which is very physically demanding, then you should inform your prosthetist before your prosthesis is made, since the type of loading affects the specification of the socket and the selection of components.
   
   
9. When will I require a new prosthesis?
   This question also can't be answered in a general way. If the socket of your prosthesis fits well and no difficulties arise, then you don't require a new prosthesis.