Undergoing amputation is a difficult process. If you recently lost a limb, you will spend some time in a difficult place emotionally, mentally and physically.

However, there is hope, and it does get better. Today, we’re going to talk about how you can adapt to the “new you” as a recent amputee:

Don’t play the blame game.

Even if certain life choices did get you here, beating yourself up is only going to make it harder to move forward. Learn to forgive yourself and accept that you are only human.

It’s okay to be angry.

You will feel a range of emotions, anger among them. You’ll be angry at the situation, and if you lost a limb due to someone else’s negligence, you’ll be angry at them for a while as well. It’s okay to be angry. Allow yourself to feel it. Eventually, the time will come to let that anger go so you can move on with your life.

Learn new habits.

If lifestyle choices led to your amputation, you will need to make major changes to ensure you don’t lose another limb. Start saying, “Old Me did this. New Me doesn’t do this.” It’s easier to stick with new habits if you think in terms of “doesn’t” instead of “can’t.” One is a description of yourself; the other is a description of a restriction.

Know that you will overcome.

Many amputees are able to return to an active lifestyle after their procedure. It takes a lot of hard work, but with the right attitude it can be done.

Learn to accept limits.

By the same token, there will be some things that you may not be able to return to doing. It’s okay to mourn what you have lost. Focusing on what you will achieve from here on out can enable you to go further than you thought possible.

We’re here for you, no matter where you are in your amputee journey. Whether you’re being fitted for your first prosthetist or are buying your tenth, our experts will help you achieve your goals for a more active lifestyle.

Being diagnosed with a new condition can be frightening because of all the unknowns. If you’ve been diagnosed with foot drop syndrome, we’re offering answers to questions you may have.

What is foot drop syndrome?

Foot drop is when the muscles that allow you to flex your ankle and toes begin to weaken. This can cause you to drag the front of your foot when you walk. It can happen in one or both feet.

What are signs of foot drop?

As mentioned above, when someone is dragging the front of their foot, this is a good indicator of the condition. If you try to walk on your heels, and this is too hard for you, foot drop may be at play. It is also possible not to have any foot or leg pain and to only experience the dragging characteristic. Some people have said they have tingling and burning sensations, as well.

Is foot drop a disease?

Although it’s a neuromuscular disorder, it’s not technically a disease. Foot drop is a symptom of different medical problems such as lower back conditions, muscle damage, nerve damage, diabetes, sclerosis, and more.

What other conditions cause it?

• Bone fractures
• Stroke
• Tumor
• Parkinson’s
• Motor neuron disease
• Herniated disc
• Reactions to drugs or alcohol
• Injuries to the foot or lower leg

How do I get rid of foot drop?

Sometimes the condition can resolve on its own in a few weeks, while others may have to have surgery to treat it. The surgery normally focuses on fixing the larger problem that is causing the foot drop to occur. It can also be treated with a custom orthosis. Our expert staff can create one just for you!

We hope that these questions and answers leave you more aware of the disorder. If you are suffering from foot drop syndrome, contact us today. Our knowledgeable, friendly staff can get you back up on your feet again!

As a new amputee, you’ve probably received pamphlets on subjects ranging from phantom limb pain to what kind of prostheses are available to support groups. There are a few things, however, that these pamphlets don’t tell you that can set you up for greater success as an amputee. Here are a few:

• Not everyone is going to be a Paralympian.

There are many inspiring stories about athletes who not only became mobile again after amputation, they were also able to return to the sport they love. If you weren’t an athletic person before amputation, chances are you probably aren’t going to become the next gold medalist.

And you know what? That’s okay. There’s a difference between being active and being athletic. We encourage everyone to be active—especially if you’re an amputee, as this can help with a wide range of issues—but not everyone is athletic.

• Confidence is key.

What we’ve seen is that the amputees who are confident in themselves usually adapt to their prosthesis faster and become mobile again quicker. Being confident can help you push away the worries and doubts you have about your ability to use your prosthesis.

Part of building confidence means embracing whatever level you’re at with your device. Yes, you may still have a limp, but if it’s not a big issue to you, that will actually help you get to the next level faster. It seems counterintuitive, but it works!

• Your relationship with your prosthetist is important.

Prosthetists are here to help, and the good ones will listen to you and try new things to help you succeed. If your prosthetist isn’t giving you the time of day that you deserve, they can end up becoming more of a hindrance than a help!

We pride ourselves on being the kinds of prosthetists who will listen and help you work through your problems. If you’re a new amputee or you need to find a new prosthetist, set up an appointment with us today! We would love to see you and show you more ways to succeed.

Getting used to your new appearance as an amputee can be a long, difficult process. It doesn’t help when your prosthetic limb draws the stares of complete strangers. Today, we’d like to offer some tips on how to deal with that sort of attention from strangers:

• Don’t take it personally.

Most people probably aren’t staring because they think you’re some kind of freakishly deformed monster. Rather, it’s human nature to gaze at something that is unusual or out of the ordinary from what they normally see.

• You are in control of yourself.

We’re all familiar with the prayer about learning to change what we can and accept what we cannot. The same goes when it comes to other peoples’ behavior. You cannot control their staring, but you can control your reaction to it, as well as whether or not you allow it to bother you.

• Have a response ready.

If the staring is obvious or invasive enough, you can deflect it by having a ready response. For example, you could acknowledge the stare with a “Yeah, 2015 was a rough year.” This lets them know that you know they’re staring, and can help shut down an unwanted gaze. Another strategy is to use humor, “I’m still waiting for it to grow back. I suspect that I may not be part gecko after all!”

• Stare back.

If engaging someone in conversation is too uncomfortable, you can always give them a smaller acknowledgment by locking eyes and giving them a friendly smile. They may not realize they’re being rude, and drawing attention to their behavior could be enough for them to break the gaze.

• Do nothing.

You’re not obligated to cater to someone’s curiosity or lack of manners. It’s perfectly acceptable to pretend that you don’t see their stares and continue about your business.

Getting used to your prosthesis is going to take some time, and coping with attention from strangers is a part of that. Fortunately, you are not alone. There are peer networks of amputees that can help you navigate this new world. Our prosthetists are also here for you every step of the way. Why not make an appointment with us today?

If you were on a sports team prior to your amputation, chances are you’re looking for a way to be involved with one again. Hockey in particular offers a couple different options for amputees to participate in. There are two types that you can enjoy—sledge hockey and standing hockey.

Sledge Hockey.

Officially knowns as para ice hockey, this sport allows lower-limb amputees to navigate the ice on a sledge. This sledge is made up of two skate blades on a metal frame, which allows the player to maintain a maneuverable sitting position.

This sport is officially recognized and governed by the International Paralympic Committee. A number of cities throughout the United States have sledge hockey teams, so this can also be a great way to meet fellow amputees in your area.

Standing Hockey.

This version of the sport is played more like regular hockey. Players are upright and wear ice skates at the bottom of their prostheses. Some incorporate their equipment into their prosthesis, such as affixing the stick the end of an upper-limb prosthesis or a skate at the bottom of a lower-limb prosthesis. If you have a microprocessor knee, we may even be able to adjust it for you so that it locks out at certain angles.

Getting involved.                                                                                    

If you’re looking to become involved in a local amputee hockey team, don’t hesitate to ask your friendly prosthetists at Floyd Brace! We can help you contact the team closest to you.

Another great resource is the Find a Club section of the U.S. Paralympics website. By typing in the name of the sport you wish to join, it will bring up the team closest to you.

Here at Floyd Brace, we know that once a hockey player, always a hockey player! If you’re planning to join an adaptive sport this winter, make an appointment  with us today. We want to ensure that your prosthesis is in tip-top shape before you hit the ice!

There are some days when you wake up and it’s just miserable to put on your prosthesis. It doesn’t want to fit right or it’s itchy or it pinches horribly.

There are a few things you can do to prevent an uncomfortable prosthesis fit, including:

• Good Hygiene.

Certain socket designs can increase the likelihood that you’ll sweat in your prosthesis. If you’re not wiping it down on a daily basis, you run the risk of a fungus outbreak. Make sure you’re using PH-friendly soaps and all-natural lotion. If you do use an antiperspirant, avoid the scented kind.

• Maintain a steady weight.

Changes in weight are one of the top reasons why prostheses stop fitting as they should. Remember, you prosthesis doesn’t change shape just because you do. Make sure you’re eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

• Stay compliant with physical therapy.

Getting physical therapy early on can ensure that you’re catching any issues quickly. Make sure that you continue to practice the stretches and exercises your physical therapist showed you at the beginning of your prosthesis journey. Otherwise, you could lapse into bad habits that lead to a poor prosthesis fit.

• Switching out your socks at the right time.

There’s no one formula for when you should add or take away socks throughout the day. Each person is different, and each day is different. Make sure you carry extra socks with you throughout the day to make sure it continues to fit comfortably.

• Talk to your prosthetist.

You should see your prosthetist once every six months, even if you don’t think you need to. Small adjustments to your prosthesis can make a big difference in your comfort level. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t try and fix it on your own.

We pride ourselves on providing the most comfortable solutions to all our amputees. If your prosthesis isn’t fitting correctly, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us today. We can help you detect what may be causing the discomfort and work with you to resolve it.

While there are plenty of places where you can buy an off-the-shelf brace, there are certain conditions that require a specific customization in order for you to fully recover. Here are a few of the more common ones that we tend to treat:

• Foot Drop.

This is when you have difficulty lifting your foot, to the point that you can’t move forward on it. There are a number of different medical reasons for why foot drop can develop, including stroke, multiple sclerosis, diabetes and a range of different nerve disorders.

To treat foot drop, we usually craft what’s known as an ankle foot orthosis, or AFO for short. This consists of placing a supporting piece on the bottom of the foot and then connecting straps around the ankle, allowing the user to walk in a normal position.

It’s estimated that three percent of the population will develop this condition. It causes the spine to be bent or curved in a bad direction. If it’s especially severe or not caught early enough, some people have to go through surgery.

Luckily, an orthosis can usually correct the issue, especially if it’s worn early enough. There are three main types of scoliosis braces, and which one you have is dependent on the type of curvature you have. The Boston and Milwaukee braces are worn around the clock (except when bathing), while the Charleston is just worn at night. Each one consists of a rigid plastic exterior customized to your frame.

• Bone Fracture.

If you’ve broken a bone, chances are, you may need to protect the area for a while after the cast is removed. Excessive motion could cause the bone to fracture all over again.

What kind of fracture brace you get depends on the shape of your body, which bone you broke and where you broke it. Generally, we will craft something custom for you out of graphite, metal or even fabric straps so you can remove and adjust is as needed.

This is just a sample of the custom orthoses that we do here. There are many other conditions we can treat, including torticollis, plagiocephaly, cerebral palsy, Legg Perthes and more. If your bones, nerves, ligaments and muscles need that extra help, contact us today for an appointment!

Undergoing an amputation represents a major change in life. There’s a lot that you will need to prep for both before and after. We’re here to help you before and after the amputation happens. Here are some things to make sure you take care of ahead of time:

• Ask as many questions as possible

You deserve to go into this life-altering situation with as much peace of mind as possible. Don’t hesitate to ask questions of all the healthcare professionals involved—from your physician to your surgeon to your prosthetist. Don’t be afraid to seek out a second opinion, and don’t be afraid to ask what to expect at each interval in the process.

• Take care of finances

There are many expenses associated with amputation. Make sure you know what your insurance covers and what you will be expected to pay. Take care of as much paperwork as possible so that it doesn’t consume your attention while you’re trying to recover.

• Gain a second option

Find out what your care will be like at different facilities, and make sure you are comfortable working with the personnel there before you commit to undergo surgery. Find out what your options are—from the surgeon to the prosthesis you will use afterwards.

• Take care of your emotional health

Amputation represents a major loss in life, and you will grieve. Seek out a counselor who can help you sort through the feelings you will experience afterwards.

• Take care of your loved ones

Don’t hesitate to reach out to those who are closest to you during this ordeal. They will want to know how you are doing, what you are going through and if there is anything they can do to help.

We understand how difficult it is to face the prospect of amputation. That is why our caring staff is here for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us with any questions or concerns.

Approximately one out of every eight women will develop invasive breast cancer during her life. While there is no way to completely eliminate your chances of getting cancer, there are some things women can do to decrease their risk:

We’ve all heard that “breast is best” for baby, but it has added benefits for mom as well. By breastfeeding your infant, you also decrease your risk for cancer.

• Cut back on alcohol intake.

The American Cancer Society states that women who have two to five drink a day have 1.5 times the risk of developing breast cancer than women who don’t drink at all. Drinking can increase your chances of developing other cancers as well.

• Increase your physical activity.

Evidence shows that regular, moderate exercise can decrease a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer by up to 18 percent.

• Keep a healthy weight after menopause.

Prior to menopause, most of women’s estrogen comes from their ovaries, while a small amount comes from fat tissue. That ratio flips after menopause, enabling a higher concentration of fatty tissue to increase estrogen levels, further raising the risk of breast cancer. Being overweight can also add to insulin levels, which is linked to a higher risk of cancer.

• Don’t smoke.

There’s now evidence that smoking increases the risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women.

• Limit hormone therapy.

It’s common for women to receive hormone therapy in order to control the symptoms of menopause. However, higher doses over long periods of time can increase the risk of breast cancer. The Mayo Clinic recommends that women take the lowest dose possible and ask their doctor to monitor the length of time they are on hormone supplements.

• Avoid radiation.

Computerized tomography and other medical-imaging methods use a large amount of radiation. There are some cases where it is vital to have these tests done, but if a woman is already at a high risk of developing breast cancer, she might want to ask her doctor about alternatives.

• Eat a Mediterranean diet.

Healthy eating is good for you in general, and some of the foods found in Mediterranean diets are associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. These include extra-virgin olive oil, fish and nuts.

While there is no sure-fire way to completely eliminate your risk, following these steps can possibly reduce your chances of developing this condition. At Floyd Brace Company, we are here for you and all your prosthetic needs.

Maintaining good liner and socket hygiene is essential to extending the life of your prosthetic device. Since your prosthesis is now an extension of your body, you’ll want to ensure its upkeep on a daily basis. Floyd Brace Company is here with some tips on how take care of the liner and socket:

• Clean it daily.

You wash your hands every day. Likewise, the parts of your liner that come into contact with your skin need to be cleaned daily. Use warm, soapy water to wash away any skin oils, sweat or dead skin that build up over time. Not only will this extend the life of your liner, it will also keep the skin on your residual limb from breaking down. Remember not to use any alcohol-based cleaners, as these can extensively damage your liner.

• Don’t make adjustments to your socket.

If your socket feels “off” it may be tempting to try and adjust it yourself. However, you may do more harm than you realize. Tightening the wrong screw could damage your socket, putting you in danger of a malfunction. Be sure to call us right away if you think your prosthesis needs an adjustment.

• Don’t swim with your prosthesis

While the liner can absorb sweat just fine, most prostheses were not meant to be fully submerged in water. This is especially true if you are using myoelectric technology. Floyd Brace Company can craft a prosthesis for you specifically for swimming, so give us a call if you’re interested in having one.

• Give it a quick once over each day.

Examine your liner and socket for any cracks or signs of breakage. Don’t hesitate to make an appointment if you see potential problems. When it comes to prostheses, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

At Floyd Brace Company, we understand there’s a learning curve when it comes to using a prosthesis. Our team is prepared to answer any of your concerns, and can help you continue the activities you enjoy. Make an appointment with us today, and see how we can help you live the life you’ve always dreamed.