Losing a leg can be an incredibly traumatic experience. Whether you acquired a severe injury, infection, or even extensive tissue damage, the thought of not having one of your limbs can take a toll on you. Currently, though, you are not limited to the use of one leg. Your orthopedist will most likely recommend having a prosthetic outfitted to replace your lost leg and this can help you acclimatize to your new reality. Modern-day prosthetic limbs are not only highly functional but they are appealing, too, with some devices completely mimicking the appearance of a natural leg. One thing to note, though, is that getting a prosthesis does not automatically mean that you will immediately take to your new limb. Instead, some people have a tough time because they did not know what to anticipate. To make sure that you do not reject your new limb, here is what you need to know about managing your expectations when receiving a prosthetic leg.

You will likely experience some after effects

As stated earlier, modern-day prosthetic devices are designed to look and act like your lost limb. However, this does not mean that you will automatically take to the new prosthesis. A considerable number of amputee patients tend to complain of after-effects in the first few days and weeks of using their prosthetic leg. Generally, you should expect to experience phantom limb syndrome, which is characterized by pain in the area your leg was in before. Furthermore, you may also experience itchiness, despite not having a limb to scratch. It is also worth noting that it may take you some time to learn how to balance your body on your new prosthetic leg. Rather than persevering through these after-effects, it is in your best interests to reach out to your orthopedist so that they can provide you with treatments and exercise that will help you become accustomed to the new limb.

Your first prosthetic will probably not be your last

The second presumption that some amputees make once they are fitted for a prosthetic leg is that they will use the same device for the rest of their lives, but this is not necessarily true. Admittedly, some individuals may never need to change their prosthetic device since their lifestyle will never undergo drastic changes. But if you choose, for example, to start becoming more active and get into either running or swimming, you should see your orthopedist so they can fit you with a new prosthesis that will be capable of providing you with the additional support that you may require. Alternately, if you are to gain or lose a substantial amount of weight, the orthopedist will have to fit you with a new prosthetic limb to match these body changes.

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