How long do you wear a shrinker after amputation?
Shrinkers should last six to twelve months if cared for properly. Weight gain, weight loss or a natural decrease in the size of the residual limb due to muscular changes may mean a smaller or larger sized shrinker is required.
When should I start using a stump shrinker?
You will begin wearing a shrinker when healing of the incision is well underway. They are worn at night time and any time when the prosthesis is not being used. If you are not wearing a prosthesis, the shrinker should be worn both day and night with the exception of two 20 minute breaks, if desired.
What is the purpose of a stump shrinker?
Shrinkers are used to reduce, prevent or control swelling (edema) in the below knee residual limb. They are designed to fit snugly and apply pressure to the soft tissues of the stump.
How long does it take for a shrinker to work?
Shrinker socks gradually give the residual limb a more conical or cylinder shape at the end (depending on the area of amputation). This shaping allows the limb to fit more seamlessly into the prosthetic. After surgery, it can take eight weeks or longer before you can be measured for a prosthesis.
Does a shrinker hurt?
The shrinker will fit very snug, but should not be painful with prolonged use. Ensure there are NO WRINKLES in the shrinker, as these can lead to problems.
How does a shrinker sock work?
Shrinker socks gradually give the residual limb a more conical or cylinder shape at the end (depending on the area of amputation). This shaping allows the limb to fit more seamlessly into the prosthetic. Wearing a shrinker sock during this healing process reduces the time between amputation and wearing a prosthetic.
How do you wear a shrinker?
Take the shrinker off to bathe. You should have two shrinkers to alternate while you’re washing one. Shrinkers can be hand washed or put in the laundry with your other clothes. Once you receive your prosthesis and start wearing it on a regular basis, you don’t have to wear the shrinker as much.
Is there a Juzo stump Shrinker for legs?
Tailor-made Juzo stump shrinkers for arms and legs are available in the compression classes 1 and 2 and in the Juzo Expert and Juzo Expert Silver knit options, the latter with an antibacterial effect, as well as Juzo Expert Cotton with skin-friendly cotton.
Is there a way to shrink a stump?
Shrinker socks or sometimes referred to as amputee stump shrinkers or compression garments now contain fibers to control bacterial growth and temperature. A few prosthetic brands incorporate silicone beads to keep your shrinker in place while you sleep.
Are there any prosthetics that keep stumps in place?
Prosthetic shrinkers for amputees have advanced in recent years. Shrinker socks or sometimes referred to as amputee stump shrinkers or compression garments now contain fibers to control bacterial growth and temperature. A few prosthetic brands incorporate silicone beads to keep your shrinker in place while you sleep.
How does stump Shrinker stockings help with pain?
Stump shrinkers stockings can also improve the flow of fluid that bathes the cells (referred to as lymph) in your limb. Improving the flow of lymph can help reduce tissue swelling. A reduction in swelling will reduce residual limb discomfort and phantom pain by lessening the squeezing affect on surrounding nerves.