Prosthesis Summer Guide and Tips: How to Manage Heat & Sweat

Why Is Myrtle Beach Summer Weather Challenging for Amputees?

Myrtle Beach’s warm, humid climate presents unique challenges for prosthetic and orthotic users. As temperatures climb and humidity levels soar along the Grand Strand, many amputees wonder: “Can I still enjoy beach activities with my prosthetic leg?” The answer is: Absolutely, yes! — with the right preparation. 

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This comprehensive guide addresses the most common questions about wearing prosthetics, such as: Wondering if you can walk on sand with a prosthetic leg? Are prosthetics truly waterproof? Or, how to manage sweating in your socket? Well, wonder no more; through our comprehensive guide you’ll find actionable summer tips for amputees, such as: sand walking techniques, waterproof options, and heat management strategies for artificial limbs.

We wrote this guide to help amputees navigate Myrtle Beach summers with confidence, and enjoy all that our coastal paradise has to offer.

How Can I Manage Excessive Sweating in My Prosthetic Socket?

Prosthesis Summer Tip: Remember to consult with your prosthetist or orthotist before applying any products directly to your residual limb or device, as some ingredients may damage certain materials.

How to Prevent Summer Skin Problems with Your Prosthesis

The combination of heat, moisture, and increased activity often creates perfect conditions for skin complications; remember, protecting your skin should be a top priority when enjoying summer with prosthetics. Follow these essential summer tips for amputees, they are aimed at maintaining healthy skin throughout the hot season and apply whether you’re using an artificial limb or orthotic device.

By implementing these summer tips for amputees outlined in this guide, you’ll be sure to better enjoy the peaceful shores of our coastal region. Your summer adventure awaits at Pawleys Island, Garden City, Surfside Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Little River, and beyond!

Can I Go to Myrtle Beach with a Prosthetic Leg?

Myrtle Beach offers 60 miles of beautiful coastline, but sand and salt water require special attention for prosthetic users. Successfully managing summertime with prosthetics at the beach involves careful preparation and the right equipment choices. For those using orthotic devices, quality orthotic services can also provide specialized beach equipment; at Lyons Prosthetics and Orthotics our staff can offer extra help for those needing additional support devices.

How to Prevent Your Prosthetic from Overheating

Excessive heat can affect both comfort and component performance when wearing prosthetics in the heat. The following proactive cooling strategies can make a significant difference in your summer prosthetic experience.

When Should I Schedule Outdoor Activities with a Prosthetic in Myrtle Beach?

Strategic planning can help you avoid the most challenging weather conditions when managing summertime with prosthetics. These practical summer tips for amputees focus on smart scheduling to maximize comfort.

How to Manage Socket Fit Changes in Summer

Are Prosthetics Waterproof? Beach-Ready Options Explained

How to Travel to Myrtle Beach with a Prosthesis

If you’re visiting our beautiful coastal area, special preparation will go a long way in ensuring a smooth experience while wearing prosthetics in the heat. These essential summer tips for amputees focus on travel-specific considerations. Note that in addition to these, many travelers find it helpful to research available prosthetic services and orthotic services at their destination before departure.

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Where Can I Find Prosthetic Help in Myrtle Beach?

What Are the Best National Prosthetic Resources and Organizations?

What New Prosthetic Technologies Help with Summer Heat?

The field of prosthetics is continually evolving, with several promising developments specifically addressing summer challenges for those managing summertime with prosthetics.

Reliable Prosthesis and Orthosis Care in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

I am facing an amputation. What should I do first

Call our office at 440-988- for a pre-surgical consultation free of charge.

How long is the prosthetic process?

The process is unique to each individual patient and the reasons for their amputation. Once the surgeon allows for the prosthetic use about 2-4 weeks after clearance you will be able to take your first steps.

How long should I wear my prosthesis?

• For new amputees, a break in schedule will be given and monitored by the patient, physical therapist, and prosthetist.
• You will slowly work your wear up to being able to wear the prosthesis all day. This normally take several weeks.

When should I wear my shrinker?

• If you are a new amputee, your shrinker should be worn 23 hours a day, except when you are bathing or washing the residual limb.
• If you have been an amputee and now have a prosthesis, you should wear your shrinker only while sleeping at night.

When do I start wearing a shrinker?

You will start wearing a shrinker when the incision line begins to heal and your physician gives you the okay to start the process.

How do I care for my shrinker?

You will be given two shrinkers so you can wash one while wearing the other. They should be washed daily. Wash your shrinker by hand or in a washing machine (in a garment bag/pillow case on the gentle cycle). Use warm water (not hot) and a mild soap. Rinse well. Then, roll in a towel to remove the excess water and lay flat to dry. DO NOT PLACE SHRINKERS IN THE DRYER.

How does my prosthesis stay on?

• There are different methods of suspension of the prothesis.
• There is anatomical, suction, elevated vacuum, shuttle-lock (pin), and lanyard systems.
• Anatomical suspension utilizes the contour of the boney prominences of the residual limb to hold on.
• Suction system area used with a cushion liner, with or without sealing bands, or direct skin contact of the residual limb. The socket has a one-way valve to expel the air out of the socket, which creates negative pressure in the socket to attain suspension.
• The elevated vacuum system utilizes an external pump to draw the air out of the socket and obtain negative pressure inside of the socket to achieve suspension.
• The shuttle lock system consists of a pin that is threaded to the distal end (bottom) of the liner, which then engages to the locking mechanism attached to the bottom of the socket to achieve suspension.
• The lanyard system is often used with transfemoral (above-knee) prostheses. It consists of wearing a liner, and attached at the distal end of the liner is a Velcro strap or braided string. Then it is fed through the locking mechanism and pulled out of the bottom of the socket to obtain suspension.

How do I learn to use my prosthesis?

Your first steps using the prosthesis will be taken in our office during the fitting process. Upon receipt of the prosthesis, you will participate in a physical therapy gait training program to learn how to walk.

How long does a prosthesis last?

The socket and componentry are expected to last 3-5 years. Either can be replaced before this time due to damage or physical change of the residual limb. It can vary from each patient’s specific needs.

How do you determine the most appropriate prosthesis for me?

• Pre-amputation Lifestyle – Hobbies, vocation, terrain, previous activities
• Objective Testing – Amp Pro, Timed Up and Go
• Patient Interview and Feedback – Education on systems, options, pros/cons of each component

How do I know if my prosthesis is fitting correctly?

Overall comfort, control, confidence, and ability to reach your goals are being met.

Can I get my prosthesis wet and/or what if my prosthesis gets wet?

Most prostheses will not tolerate water immersion. There are prostheses made that are waterproof just for the purpose of showering or swimming. Most prostheses will not be harmed with occasional raindrops or muddy puddle, however they should not be immersed into water, such as showering or swimming unless you know your device was made for that purpose. If the prosthesis does happen to get wet, dry it off as soon as possible. If you use a heating device such as a hair dryer or heat gun, make sure to use a setting that will not melt or damage the prosthesis. If you have concerns as to whether water has/or could damage the prosthesis (especially those with microprocessors and electronics) you should contact your prosthetist immediately.

Is there a difference between fresh and salt water?

Yes, the difference is salt water is more corrosive and damaging on the components of the prosthesis. You should always rinse off a prosthesis with fresh water after it has been used in salt water.

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Can I wear different shoes than the ones I wore during my clinical fitting of my prosthesis?

• Your prosthesis was aligned according to your specific gait, and with the shoes you wore to the fittings. If you choose to wear shoes that were different than those worn at the fitting it may result in a noticeable discomfort when walking, or worse create conditions that could make you stumble or fall.
• The most noticeable difference in shoes is what is termed heel height. To be sure your gait remains the same, you should always wear shoes with the same heel height that were worn at your fittings. If you want to switch shoes or get a new pair and are not sure they will work, you should contact your prosthetist and make an appointment to have them checked (be sure to bring the new pair of shoes).
• Most prosthetic devices can be adjusted to accommodate a slight change in heel height. This will ensure your gait is comfortable and steady using the new shoes. If you find yourself in a position where you are changing shoe styles frequently, there are prosthetic feet manufactured that you can self-adjust depending on the shoes worn. You need to consult your prosthetist on this matter.

I have a prosthesis with locking liner suspension and the pin is stuck or the release button won’t move, and I cannot get the prosthesis off.

• Other then the locking mechanism failing (which rarely happens) the most common problem is your prosthetic sock became stuck and caught between the pin and the mechanism interface. Do not pound, hammer, or try to pry things apart using any tools that may slip and damage your prosthesis, liners, or yourself.
• Trying twisting, pulling, or gently tugging on the prosthesis. If this does not work a solution of water and dish soap, mild hand soap or such may be introduced between the skin of your residual limb and the locking liner. The idea is to break the bond or suction holding the liner on so you can easily pull it off your limb. Once you get the prosthesis off, you will need to bring it to your prosthetist and let them separate the socket and the liner.
• If that does not work, call the office and your prosthetist will remove it for you.

Can I decorate, such as paint, color, draw, or put stickers etc. on my prosthesis?