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The time required to learn how to use a prosthesis depends on many factors including your prior level of activity, the level of your amputation, and your goals and motivation. Our staff will work with you every step of the way to help ensure that you reach your goals as quickly as possible and that you resume your life without limitations.
Feet are recommended based on a multitude of factors that are specific to the patient. Considerations include activities the patient pursues on a daily basis, recreational activities, work environment, home environment, value placed on cosmesis, and whether the final prosthesis will be covered or not. Each foot is then specifically categorized based on the weight of the patient and the amount of forces that will be put through the foot according to the above listed factors.
It depends on the type of prosthesis. A Step Ahead Prosthetics can create water legs that are completely submersible in water. Some microprocessor knee units are waterproof, although many are not. Your prosthetist will advise you to the care that should be taken when using your prosthesis around water.
Every insurance policy is different. Our insurance department and prosthetic staff will work with you to ensure that you are informed of all of the details of your prosthetic coverage.
The cost and setup of a prosthesis and prosthetic components can vary depending on each individual patient’s needs. For more information about specific costs and the benefits of different types of prosthetic components, please call our office to speak to us.
All of the prosthetics made at A Step Ahead Prosthetics are customized for each individual patient based on anatomy, needs, functional lifestyle, and cosmetic preferences. In order to provide you with an accurate cost estimate, please contact our office so that we can set up an in-person or phone consultation for you with Erik Schaffer, C.P.
The life expectancy of the silicone skin depends completely upon the person wearing it. With proper care, they are quite durable.
- Gently wash when needed with soap and water or alcohol using a sponge.
- Avoid walking barefoot as a puncture will cut through the silicone and may cause further damage or tearing of the skin later on.
- CAREFULLY use a shoe horn to put shoes on to avoid constant stretching of the ankle.
- Thoroughly wash new jeans before wearing them over your prosthetic – the indigo dye, if not fully washed out, will permanently stain your skin.
- Never use self-tanning lotion on your prothesis – it will permanently stain your skin.
If your prosthesis has acrylic nails, never use nail polish remover with acetone as it will destroy the nails. Always use non-acetone nail polish remover. Play it safe and bring your own non-acetone remover and nail polish to be used on your acrylic nails at nail salons (some salons use acetone to water down their nail polishes).
The skins themselves are waterproof, but the underlying mechanics of the leg may not be. Your prosthetist will be able to advise you on proper care of your prosthesis and skin cover.