Monday, April 11, 2011

Prosthetics - Diabetes and Amputation - Moving on With Your Life

Have you suffered the loss of a limb?

Do you know someone that could benefit from at least learning more about prosthetics to help them with daily activities?

1.) Amputation

In the United States alone, there are more than 1.5 million people that live their lives with the loss of a limb. It has also been said that 1 in every 200 individuals in the United States has had an amputation. Now this may include many individuals that have lost a toe, but the numbers are still staggering.

2.) Diabetes and Amputation

Taking care of your feet is extremely important when an individual suffers from diabetes. This condition can restrict blood flow to your feet and legs. Diabetes can also cause nerve damage which can be refereed to as neuropathy. Without taking care of your feet, a minor injury can become a larger problem. For example, if you have an open sore (an ulcer) this can be difficult to treat and heal. When an infection sets in and it is not treated or healed extremely well, infection can set in and this can lead to an amputation of a limb.

2.) Prosthetics - Moving on With Your Life

The use of prosthetics can help an individual move on with their lives after an amputation. Most amputations that occur happen in an individuals lower extremities, but the loss of an arm is not unheard of. When naming prostheses for the legs it is important to call them by their right names. There are bk and ak prostheses. These are acronyms that define the prosthesis by the level at which it exists. For example, a "bk" stands for below knee, while "AK" refers to as above knee prosthetics.

3.) A Specialist In Your Area

When it is time for you, or someone you know to be provided with a prosthesis, then it is imperative to work with a local, licensed prosthetist. These individuals are trained in the field of prosthetics and can help people walk again after an amputation. Or, for those individuals that have lost an arm, there are new advances in the field of prosthetics that can help a patient gain function again after their limb has been lost. - Contact your local licensed prosthetist for more information.

*Note: This is health information. Medical advice regarding prosthetics and amputation should be received from your local, licensed prosthetist. These individuals are professionals in the field of prosthetics and can help you gain an even further understanding of the subject.

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